Gay Key West Guide
Gay Key West delivers everything you could want in a holiday destination! Turquoise waters, a rich history and a fun vibe! Pool party anyone?
Nothing is completely “straight” in Key West!
You will find Gay Key West, “at the end of the road”, just 90 miles north of Cuba and 160 miles south of Miami. Known by locals as the Conch Republic, Key West has long been a home for different thinkers. It was the first city in North America to have an openly gay mayor and the city’s motto is “One Human Family”.
The pace of Island life is relaxed. Key West has a funky charm, mixing sophisticated art and dinning with salsa and showtunes. The Island has a tropical climate that positively encourages visitors to take their clothes off.
Key West has it all; drag shows, water excursions, late night parties, beaches, nudist resorts and the only gay and lesbian historic trolley tour in America. Forever in vacation-mode, get ready to party in Gay Fort Lauderdale, 365 days a year.
Key West Hotels and Resorts
Key West is home to some of the top gay guest houses in the USA with adult only and clothing optional options! Something to suit everywone.
A “hetro-friendly” guest house located in a restored mansion from the 1800’s. The guest house has an clothing-optional pool area and a fun bar known as “The Pink Monkey”. This charming guesthouse is a conch style home with large rooms offering air-con and comfortable king size beds.
This Adults only hotel is located just a block from the gay scene but offers a relaxing and tranquil escape. Complete with a large wine cellar, The Gardens, as its name would suggest, is surrounded in lush green gardens and a lovely pool. Choose one of their 5 unique cottages with private pool and Jacuzzi!
The Parrot Key West is a gay friendly resort with beautiful pools, hammocks and cocktails, close to the famous Smarthers beach. Parrot Key is nestled along the Florida Bay, a short drive from historic Old Town Key West, Florida,
An adult-only venue with a great restaurant, cabaret theatre and great bar, this intimate hotel is located on Duval Street just a short walk from the bars. With just 15 rooms this is as boutique as you can get with marble baths, faulted ceilings an hardwood flooring.
Not only does the resort boast the distinction of being able to claim Zero Duval Street as it’s address, it’s also home to the iconic Sunset Pier with its daily sunset celebration. Adjacent to Mallory Square in historic Old Town Key West, this property puts you in the center of the entertainment and action
The Southernmost Beach Resort is set over six acres in two historic buildings with ocean views right by the beach. The resort has 260 rooms, suites and private guesthouses with three different swimming pools and adults-only zone. Best of all the resort has a private beach and tanning pier.
Gay Map of Key West
526, Angela Street, Key West, Monroe County, Florida, 33040
This adult-only hotel offers two outdoor pools. Duval Street is a 1-minute walk away, and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is 3 minutes’ drive from the hotel. A private balcony or patio with property views is provided in all rooms at The Gardens Hotel Key West. A flat-screen cable TV, ironing facilities, and a refrigerator
Douglas House, 419, Amelia Street, Key West, Monroe County, Florida, 33040
Located just 2 minutes’ walk from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, this adult-only inn features free parking and a shared outdoor swimming pool. Free Wi-Fi is also available. A microwave, refrigerator and coffee-making facilities come standard in each room
819 Simonton StreetKey West, FL 33040
Paradise Inn - Adult Exclusive is located in Key West and features landscaped grounds with brick paths and a lotus pond with koi and tropical turtles. A complimentary continental breakfast is served in the lobby.
611 Truman AveKey West, FL 33040
This trendy Key West boutique hotel features an outdoor pool and modern rooms equipped with iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs. South Beach - Key West is 0.8 km away from the property.
1 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, 3 bedrooms, a TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 4 bathrooms with a shower.
Key West, Florida 33040
This Air conditioned holiday home includes a living room with a TV with satellite channels, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, as well as a coffee machine and a washing machine. A Swimming pool & Free WiFi
Key West, Florida 33040
This Air conditioned holiday home has a living room with satellite TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom with shower. A swimming pool and a Barbecue. Free WiFi
Key West, Florida 33040
The holiday home includes a Living room with TV, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine. There is a bathroom with a shower and hairdryer. A Private swimming pool and a barbecue. Free WiFi
724 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040
The Bourbon St. Pub has been known world over for its Hot Men and Boys. And you can catch them each and every night on top of the bar for your viewing pleasure, starting at 10 PM.
The hottest men and boys come from all over the world to perform for you. Many of these hot guys want to come to the island for a vacation and while here make some extra money!
801 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040
Gay Cabaret bar, Drag shows & karaoke very popular and always busy
711 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040
Gay Night club and bar with Drag shows
801 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040Gay
Gay Male Leather & Levi Bar -with a Back Room. Everyone is welcome!
1125 Duval Street Key West, FL 330403
La Te Da, a Key West landmark with a piano bar, terrace bar, and cabaret. The best live entertainment on the island!
900 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040Fun
Happy Hour noon till 8pm daily. Karaoke nightly from 9:30 with pool table
Key West Gay Bars
Key West Gay Scene
Most of the gay bars are located a few blocks from Duval Street in Old Town., (between Petronia Street and Angela Street.) in an area known as the Pink Triangle. Just keep an eye out for the permanent rainbow-crossing.
This quaint village boasts bougainvillea, royal poinciana and hibiscus blossoms in a rainbow flag of colors. Canopied streets are lined with lovingly restored Victorian homes.
This neighbourhood is home to the majority of Key West’s gay-owned businesses. Duvall Street stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Truman Avenue is also a popular party destination.
The gay scene is spread out across 3 large complexes; 801 Bourbon Bar, the Bourbon Street Pub and Aqua. Within these you will find several bars and a club, each with their own vibe, different performances and drag acts as well as some handsome gogo dancers! Weekends are busy and the live shows featuring local legends Miss Sushi and Randy Roberts are very entertaining.
Key West Gay Bars
Whether you want to catch a high energy drag show, sip on a classy cocktail or take in some sunset views on a rooftop, Palm Springs has a bar for you.
- 801 Bourbon Bar – Part of the new Orleans House complex with “Not your momma’s bingo”, and cabaret drag performances. You can’t miss this bar, its right by the rainbow crossing. Sunday Drag Karaoke with the 801 girls is fierce as everyone awaits for Chief Drag Quee, Miss Sushi! Upstairs, the club plays the cheesiest pop anthems and Latin hits.
- Aqua – On Duval Street featuring the nightly Aquanettes, drag shows and live entertainment. Catch one of the three seated drag queen shows from 7pm to midnight on Saturdays. Get your tickets in advance.
- Those looking for something a little more tranquil should visit the quaint Back Bar, a hidden local haunt serving a great range of beers and specialty liquor.
- Side Bar – part of the adjoining Aqua Nightclub is great for and dancing.
- Bobby’s Monkey Bar – open from noon to 4am daily, Bobby’s is a popular local bars with lots of special events. Owner Bobby is the life and soul of the bar. Karaoke night is also fun.
- Bourbon Street Pub – popular all day and night (10am to 4am) with male dancers, garden and pool bar. The Stripper Battle (amateur strip competition) is very popular as is the Drag Queen Jukebox. Home to Mr Nude Key West competition and the famous New Year High Heel drop. Look out for the speedo clad Bourbon Boys with their sexy attitude and welcome flyers! Party nights get busy from 11pm until 4am. The Bare it all foam nights are legendary!
- Saloon One – a leather-levi-fetish cruise bar home to the Bone Island Bears complete with the popular Friday Cockshock! Gear Night on Saturday is hot!
- Island House Café and Bar – popular clothing optional poolside bar. The restaurant is also worth a visit. Island House hosts two weekly pool parties, Wed (5pm to 8pm) and Sun (12 to 4pm). The Sunday pool party is the busiest with drag shows and sexy guys.
- La Te Da – a great piano bar and cabaret entertainment and a full restaurant offering breakfast lunch and dinner. The Crystal Room at La Te Da hosts the famous Randy Roberts drag show. Book your tickets in advance.
- Finally, visit your hetro friends at The Roost for Stoli Elite Martinis and a daily happy hour from 3pm to 6pm where you can experience exceptional craft cocktails made to your taste!
Pool Parties
- The Sunday “Tea Dance” pool party is low key compared to Island House, but is still fun with a relaxed vibe. Most guys brunch early at the Island House pool party and visit La Te Da later on in the afternoon.
Key West Events
The Island is home to some of America’s most-famous gay events including the gay spring break, Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, The Bear Weekend, Fantasy Fest and the Headdress Ball.
Conch Republic Celebration and Drag Race Key West
Key West Gay Pride
Bone Island Bear it All Weekend
Tropical Heat Key West
Key West - Fantasy Fest
Key West Bear Weekend
The Key West Annual Headdress Ball
Gay Friendly Restaurants in Key West
Dining out in Key West
Key West’s dining scene is quite dynamic with everything from delicious street food to haute cuisine. Many restaurants artfully prepare authentic island delicacies – succulent Key West pink shrimp, conch, fresh-off-the-dock fish and luscious Key Lime Pie – with their own unique flair
Among Key West’s landmark restaurants are Azur, featuring Mediterranean specialties and wonderful brunches on a shaded terrace or in an intimate dining room; and The Flaming Buoy Filet Co., a blend of retro supper club and sassy corner bistro. Both are gay-owned and -operated, providing top-rated cuisine and warmly personal service.
- La Te Da is home to a great restaurant with warm and welcoming staff and a great head chef! Our favourite spot for brunch.
- Lattitude – located on Sunset Key, a short boat trip from Key West, Latitudes is an outdoor restaurant on the sands serving delicious seafood and their famous Key Lie Pie.
- Café Marquesa – Part of the luxurious hotel chain, located in Old Key West offering seasonal dishes and contemporary American cuisine. Great for Martinis and a cosy but luxurious dinner.
- Pierre’s – Located in an old-style colonial house, Pierre’s offers fine dining with a range of dishes, from local seafood to Australian lamb and Norwegian Salmon.
- Pay a visit to the Santiagos Bodega, the perfect stop after a visit to Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, offering dozens of tapas dihes to choose from, paired with the best Spanish wines.
- Nine One Five – Step into a Victorian mansion from the 1850s on Duval Street, offering a fusion menu in a delightful white-beamed historic setting. Dishes include delicious braised pork tacos and whole yellowtail snapper.
- Hot Tin Roof – Charming seaside eatery with open-air patios serving up a menu of Latin American-style small plates, complete with a a Southernmost Mixology Class, and a wooden deck, perfect for sunset cocktails.
Coffee and pie!
- For a superb coffee or a quick breakfast pay a visit to Cuban Coffee Queen, Serving freshly roasted Cuban coffee, breakfast, lunch and fresh fruit smoothies all day.
- Head straight to Desert at Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe offering everything from Key lime salsas to ice cream!
Top things to See and do!
For a small town, Key West is big on gay history and culture. With more than 2,500 historic buildings, Key West is also an architectural wonder. Its famous “Carpenter Gothic” gingerbread houses have hosted gay novelists, playwrights, painters and poets.
Key West offers an eclectic range of things to do from parasailing and shipwreck diving for the adventurous to great shipping and galleries for those seeking a low-key holiday.
Historic Tours and Museums
- Check out the Sunset celebration at Mallory Square, the perfect place to watch the sunset and check out the arts exhibitions, food carts and street performers.
- Explore the old town and soak up the Spanish, Bahamian and Cuban influences at every turn.
- Visit the Higgs beach Aids Memorial, a poignant stop.
- Stroll through paradise at the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
- Get your insta moment at the Southernmost Point of continental USA. Follow up by heading to Mile 0 and claim your “I was here” photo.
- Escape to the Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens a living outdoor museum.
- Pay a visit to the Ernest Hemmingway house and Museum and explore the rooms and gardens of the Nobel prize-winner. Separate fact from fiction with a guided tour and take your photo with descendants of his six-toed cat Snowball.
- Stop by the Tennessee Williams Museum, located at 513 Truman Ave., memorializes the iconic playwright who called Key West home from the late 1940s until his death in 1983. Williams lived in Key West as an openly gay man with his partner Frank Merlo and had a pivotal influence on the island’s literary culture.
- Discover the Harry St Truman Little White House, home to 11 of Truman’s working-holidays and the only presidential museum in Florida.
- Take a drink at the Tiki Bar at the Postcard Inn Beach Resort, home of the Rum Runner Cocktail.
- Culture vultures should visit The Studios of Key West where you’ll find a rotating gallery of exhibits across three floors.
Guided Tours
- Delight in the culinary local fare on a Key West food tour, yum!
- An encounter with a famous ghost? The Ghosts & Gravestones tour, the best way to learn about the haunted Key West and its history.
- Take the Conch Tour Train, a great way to see the island and to learn about its history.
On the water
- Head to the turquoise waters that surround the tiny island and explore amazing sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and sunset adventures. (Opt for the sunset sailing aboard the Schooner America for a memorable and romantic experience. Enjoy spectacular views on a huge teak deck surrounded by mahogany with a towering canvas sail that stretches over 3,600 feet).
- Take in the very best Key West has to offer aboard a 90 minute tour! Tickets last for two days and you can hop on and hop off at any of the 12 stops along the way.
- Hire a boat to Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park across the 70 miles of open water from Key West to the Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the sea turtles that give the park its name.
- Paddle a kayak through mangrove creeks and shallow water on a Key West kayaking tour that offers an up-close look at mother nature and a unique experience!
Beyond Key West
- Adventure beyond the Island and visit Islamorada – a collection of islands that includes Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key, and Plantation Key.
Gay Beaches in Key West
Gay Beaches in Key West
Key West has no “official gay beach”, however there are some well-known spots where gay boys like to hang out and tan! So enjoy the tropical setting, and get ready for a rum-soaked vacation by the beach.
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Higgs Beach
Higgs is where you will find most of the gay boys in Key West. This sleepy beach town is where you will find conch coloured cottages and palm tree lined boardwalks. Water is shallow, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Higgs beach is bordered on both ends by a fishing pier, known as the unfinished road to Cuba. (Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami) Head to the south side of the beach for a romantic sun set, best enjoyed with a cocktail or two.The beach is located between Reynolds and White Street fishing pier on Atlantic Boulevard.
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Smathers Beach
Smathers is a long sandy beach also with shallow waters and is located at the southern end of Key west, close to the airport, off Roosevelt Boulevard. Stay at the Southernmost Beach resort if you want to be close to this beach! Smathers is great for those looking to try paddle boarding of parasailing. Local food trucks provide some great snacks.
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Fort Zachary Taylor Beach
The only “natural” beach on the island, Fort Zachary Taylor is named after Elizabeth Taylor who visited Key West several times to visit her friend Tennessee Williams in the 50’s. The sand here is made of coral and the sea is Caribbean blue!
Getting Around Key West
Getting to Gay Key West
Key West is only about seven-and-a-quarter square miles big. Even though it’s so small, Key West International Airport, about ten minutes away from downtown, brings in commercial flights from many of the biggest airlines with daily flights from Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and many southern cities.
Taxis
- A taxi from the airport to Duval Street should cost under $10. The Blue and Green Routes operated by Key West Transit (305-809-3910) shuttle between the airport and locations around the city.
- Uber and Lyft also operate and are the cheapest and most convenient way to get to downtown.
Miami Airport
- Most international visitors arrive via Miami International Airport, which is roughly 150 miles to the north. Rent a car and drive south via the Overseas Highway.
Shuttle Bus
- The Keys Shuttle makes daily trips between the airports at Fort Lauderdale and Miami to destinations throughout the Keys. Greyhound also offers two daily trips between Miami and Key West – a trip of four and a half hours with an airport stop.
Getting around Key West is easy.
- Key West Transit operates buses across the island and the lower keys.
- Mopeds and bicycles can be rented and are a popular way to explore the island.
- Old Town Trolly tours offer a 90 minute hop-on, hop-off tour with more than 100 points of interest to visit.
- Pedicabs are popular on Duval Street and Mallory Square. The handsome boys make for a nice view!
Key West – When to visit?
The island has a tropical climate and you can expect year-round warm weather. High season is from December to March.
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