Lesbian-Friendly Travel for Summer

With the economy inching back toward life, a summer trip or even several trips may not be out of the question. And there are lesbian-friendly destinations in cities, large and small, across the US and around the world. This list is by no means all inclusive but here are some of the most popular lesbian-friendly destinations.

Provincetown

P’town. the quintessential lesbian vacation destination, is located at the tip of Cape Cod, Mass. Lesbians holding hands in this small beach town hardly draw a look. Women flock to the island for Single Women’s Weekend in May, Women of Color & Friends Weekend in June, Girl Spash, July 22-26 and Women’s Week, October 9-18. You can easily get by without a car and many visitors use bikes to get around. There are a number of gay-owned eateries and night clubs in town and you can find a lesbian-friendly place to stay by contacting the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown. 

NYC

If you have never been there, make sure to check out some of the popular tourist stops – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building. Take a walking and food tour of Greenwich Village and you’ll get to sample lots of local food and see the historic buildings including the Stonewall bar, site of the Stonewall riots 40 years ago. You can get a tour of the Lesbian Herstory Archives, the largest collection of materials by and about lesbians. And then there is the theater… lots and lots of theater… and some of the greatest restaurants around. If you stay in the theater district, the area around Times Square, you can walk to the theater and restaurants and take the subway or a cab to SoHo, the Village and Central Park. There are plenty of mainly lesbian bars.

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Philadelphia

In recent years the City of Brotherly Love has worked hard to entice gays and lesbians to visit. Downtown Philly is home to many gay-owned and friendly businesses including bars and hotels and you can find a good list of bars and restaurants here.  The Gayborhood, a nine block area marked by rainbow flags on the street signs. The July Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is the largest on the East coast. And of course there is Independence Hall, the Libery Bell, Betsy Ross House, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If food is your thing, don’t miss soft pretzels and a Philly cheesesteak. You can find more info at the Gay & Lesbian Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

Asheville, NC

Downtown Asheville has a sizeable lesbian community including some bars, B&Bs and gay-owned cabins.  You’ll find Asheville much more laid back than some big cities and the weather is pleasant. There are lots of golf courses in the area as well as hiking trails and other outdoor activities. Arts and crafts also are big here, along with a fantastic music scene. Be sure to catch one of Nikki Talley's gigs while you're there (she will be playing at Bele Chere this year) for some great music and a great crowd. July 24-26 is Bele Chere - the best music and arts festival around, and its free!

Atlanta

The south may not be best known as a gay-friendly destination but Atlanta has an active lesbian scene. Downtown and Midtown are where gays go to party  and you’ll find lesbians in Decatur and Candler Park. In addition to the party scene you can check out the George Aquarium (the world’s largest), the CNN center, the High Museum of Art.

Key West

Key West is one of the most gay-friendly places around… many of the businesses are gay-owned/friendly and the architecture and year-round warm temperatures make it a popular destination. Surrounded by water, even the summer is not as hot as destinations further north. You can fly into Key West or it will take three to four hours to make a very scenic drive from Miami on the Overseas Highway. Pearl’s Rainbow is a clothing optional,  full-service resort for lesbians and gay-friendly straight women and is located two blocks from the southernmost point in the continental US. In September, lesbians flock to the island for Womenfest, a long weekend of parties, dances, water excursions, music and comedy.

Chicago

This major city has a large lesbian population particularly in Andersonville. Chicago is known for museums including the Art Institute and Field Museum of Natural History and is home to theater in Steppenwolf and Second City, the test tube for many of today’s comedic talents. Stop by the local tourism office for a tour of the gay areas. There is a LGBT community center, some bars, lots of restaurants. You can find gay-owned/friendly  businesses at the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Austin

As strange as it may seem, Austin, Texas, is a friendly lesbian destination and you’ll find bars, live music  and restaurants all over town, not just in a gayborhood.  Be sure to check out the bats under the Congress Ave. Bridge at sunset when they head out to feed.

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Las Vegas

Vegas offers a lot – A-list entertainment, good restaurants and, of course, casinos. A little bit of this town goes a long way so it’s probably better suited to a long weekend than a week-long trip… and your gambling money may only last that long anyway! Don’t forget to check out the Border Grill at Mandalay Bay with lesbian chef Susan Feniger, who along with Mary Sue Milliken are the Two Hot Tamales on the Food Network. You’ll also find Girl Bar every Saturday at Krave.

Los Angeles

OK so LA is not like in The L Word but it certainly is a premier lesbian travel destination. Get a car and see the sights from surf and sand to Hollywood to shopping. West Hollywood is the major gayborhood. The Abbey Bar and Restaurant is one of the better known lesbian gathering places but there are others, too including several lesbian nights like Truckstop at Here Lounge, Girl Bar and L.U.S.H at East / West Lounge.

San Francisco

The City by the Bay has scores of lesbian and gay-owned and friendly shops, restaurants, businesses and events. If you have never been, check out the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Ghirardellichocolate, trolleys and the well known Castro gay area. The city offers a full range of gay-connected lodging and dining options for just about any price.

Portland

Portland is green and lesbian friendly. Often overlooked, this northwest city set against spectacular Mount Hood, has an active music and arts scene and has lots of hiking trails. And who could not love a city that has more breweries that any other city in the world.

Seattle

Home to Microsoft, Starbucks and sex-toy business Babeland, Seattle has gotten a reputation for its rainy weather but summertime can be sunny and pleasant. On a clear day you can see the 14,000-foot Mount Rainier and the city features views of the mountains and Puget Sound. Attractions include the Space Needle and Pike’s Market. Seattle is actively courting lesbian travel.

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City travel destinations not your thing? Check out the Windover Resort in Owendale, Mich., or Campout, Kents Store, Va. Both are private, women only resorts. You have to pay a minimal membership fee but for that you get to use their tent, popup and RV sites.  Close to Windover you’ll find golf, boating, fishing and water sports. Lesbian comedians Vickie Shaw and Sabrina Matthews will headline the Comedy Weekend at Windover August 29.  Campout is located on 96 wooded acres that includes Lake Towanda, an athletic field, sand volleyball, hiking trails.

If you are looking for a longer trip, and have a passport, these international destinations also cater to lesbian travelers.

Vancouver

The cosmopolitan Vancouver combines spectacular views of the mountains and bustling downtown with restaurants, shops, bars and pubs. The drive up the coast toward Whistler provides some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see. You can get married in Vancouver without residency. The streets of Davie and Denman are gay central and feature varied dining options.

Puerto Vallarta

Part of the Gay Riviera, Puerto Vallarta first attracted gay guys but the number of lesbians visiting the area has seen recent increases. Zonz Romantica features gay shops, restaurants and bars and is near a popular gay beach.

Berlin

The German city has a gay mayor and an active lesbian community. You will find lots of gay nightclubs, restaurants and hotels.

London

There is a lot to do in London both tourist and lesbian -- from the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey to the London Bridge.  But London also is lesbian friendly and not just at gay-owned businesses. Also visit www.visitlondon.com/rainbow.

Paris

Like just about every other destination in the world, the gay scene in Paris is dominated by gay men but, it is still a lesbian friendly place. The LeMarais area has gay hotels, bars and restaurants but you’ll find lesbian nightlife all across the city.