Gay Orlando – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Activities (Updated 2024)

Welcome to Gay Orlando, a city that offers so much more than its famous theme parks. With a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, diverse activities, and a welcoming environment, it has become one of the most vibrant gay-friendly destinations in the world.

In this travel guide, we’ll explore the best gay-friendly activities, attractions, hotels, dining options, and nightlife in Gay Orlando.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, get ready for an unforgettable experience in this dynamic city.

Gay Orlando is, without a doubt, a magnificent destination. It isn’t just because it is where Cinderella’s castle is located at Walt Disney World.

The city offers a diverse range of exciting activities that appeal to a wide range of vacationers, including LGBTQ+ travellers, baby boomers, foodies, outdoor adventurers, luxury shoppers, and international tourists.

While Gay Orlando is best known for its theme parks, the city’s attractions have expanded to include world-renowned restaurants, high-end outlet shopping areas, theatrical performances, and incredible concert and sporting event facilities.

These are the reasons why Gay Orlando has become one of the most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities in the world.

Some of the highlights of Gay Orlando are Disney Gay Days and the yearly Come Out With Pride festivals, but there is also lots of modern dining, live music, and gay activities.

When you consider the iconic theme parks and inexpensive travel options, it’s easy to see why Gay Orlando is the number one tourist destination in the United States, as well as a rising gay destination for weekend getaways.

If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.

Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.

Gay Scene in Gay Orlando

Gay Orlando has been a popular destination for LGBTQ+ vacationers, and Disney city offers a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs.

The famous Parliament House complex, which is located on the North Orange Blossom Trail, offers a wide range of entertainment and allows travelers to enjoy bars, dancing, and entertaining drag shows.

There are no specific gay neighborhoods in Gay Orlando, and the majority of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments are dispersed around the city.

Despite the lack of a central gay scene, the city has a lot to offer LGBTQ+ individuals because it is an open and welcoming environment regardless of who or what you are. The city’s gay scene is dynamic, vibrant, and enthusiastic.

Many of Gay Orlando’s gay clubs and bars are greatly influenced by Latin culture, music, and style, thanks to the city’s significant South American community presence.

Gay Orlando’s LGBTQ+ population is robust, resilient, and passionate, and the city is regarded for being one of the most gay-friendly in the world.

Is Gay Orlando Safe? 

You must be wondering how safe Gay Orlando is when you plan your trip.

Gay Orlando is, for the most part, a safe city to visit, however, as with any large American city, some areas are likely to be dangerous for tourists, but if you avoid these areas, you should be fine.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can be a risk to theme parks and surrounding tourist attractions, but small crime has been on the decline for several years. Even so, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings whether using public transportation, visiting crowded amusement parks, or riding the subway.

You must also be wondering if it’s a safe area for LGBTQ+ people because you’re traveling as a gay couple or as an individual. All LGBTQ+ citizens and travelers are guaranteed a safe environment by the City of Orlando and the Gay Orlando Police Department.

The OPD Safe Place Initiative’s mission is to provide the LGBTQ+ community with conveniently accessible safety information and safe places to go if they are victims of crime throughout the city. 

Best Time to Visit Gay Orlando

The months of March to May are ideal for visiting Gay Orlando. That’s when you’ll find the most pleasant weather and the most reasonable travel and accommodation rates.

Similarly, September to mid-November offers pleasant temperatures and low ticket and hotel costs, although the months of autumn are the most active in Florida’s hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Summer is the worst time to visit the area because the state’s heat and humidity are almost unbearable, and hotels also take advantage of this to raise their accommodation rates as it is also the time for school breaks. 

Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Gay Orlando

Here are some Gay-Friendly Hotels to try during your visit to Gay Orlando:

Aloft Orlando Downtown

Discover the heart of Orlando at Aloft Orlando Downtown, where guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi.


This hotel is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from the Amway Center, a popular arena for sports and concerts.


Inside each room, guests will find a cable TV, a small refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities, along with a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer. Take in scenic views of the pool or lake from the comfort of your own room.

Activities	Business Center Restaurant Pool Fitness Center
Price	$$$
Location	Aloft Orlando Downtown 500 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Contact	Call +1 407-380-3500 No Email
Website	Downtown Orlando Hotels | Aloft Orlando Downtown (marriott.com)

The Delaney Hotel

Orlando’s premier boutique hotel boasts innovative designs, state-of-the-art technology, and top-notch amenities. Oversized rooms with walk-in showers, room service, and 55″ TVs offer guests a comfortable stay.


Advanced technology like in-room tablets, digital concierge, mobile keys, and room automation provide convenience and ease of use.


Additionally, the hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness center and business center for guests to stay on top of their health and work while traveling.

Activities	Restaurant Fitness Center Bar
Price	$$$
Location	THE DELANEY HOTEL 1315 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806
Contact	Call (407) 337-7345 info@staydh.com
Website	The Best Boutique Hotel in Downtown Orlando, FL | The Delaney Hotel (staydh.com)

Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown

Located in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive, this hotel is an official Disney Good Neighbor Hotel.


Guests can easily access the popular attractions of Universal Orlando® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, and Orange County Convention Center within a short drive.


The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool, complimentary evening reception, and made-to-order breakfast. Guests can also purchase Disney theme park tickets in the lobby.

Activities	Indoor Pool and Outdoor Pool Restaurant Fitness Center Business Center
Price	$$$
Location	Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown 8978 International Drive Orlando, FL
Contact	Call +1-800-EMBASSY No Email
Website	Embassy Suites Downtown Orlando Hotel (hilton.com)

Recommended:

Gay Massage Orlando

Gay-Friendly Dining in Gay Orlando

More than a hundred culinary establishments of diverse styles and cuisines await visitors in Gay Orlando. Numerous magnificent luxury restaurants in the city serve delectable snacks and delicacies.

As a result, deciding where to eat in Gay Orlando will not be difficult.

Here are several listings of gay-friendly restaurants in Gay Orlando that you might want to visit during your stay:

1. Hamburger Mary’s Orlando

Hamburger Mary’s is a downtown restaurant with fantastic meals and a full bar that is open practically every night of the week. You may enjoy a particularly flamboyant dining experience here, with drag queens performing cabarets and comedy plays as live entertainment.

Types of Food	Burgers, Fries, Tacos & Tex-Mex, Sandwiches & Wraps, Salad, Desserts
Price	$$
Location	110 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
More Information	www.hamburgermarys.com

2. Ethos Vegan Kitchen

Ethos Vegan Kitchen is a full-service vegan restaurant in Winter Park, just north of Orlando. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available seven days a week.

Their cuisine is entirely vegan and consists of substantial, homestyle dishes.

Types of Food	Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Pizza, Desserts
Price	$$
Location	601-B S New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
More Information	Ethos Vegan Kitchen – Home Page – Welcome!

3. Ember Restaurant & Bar

Ember, downtown Orlando’s top outdoor terrace restaurant, is inspired by the laid-back social pubs seen throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.

Ember is a well-kept place where you may meet up for an evening and lose yourself in the moment.

Types of Food	Salads & Soups, Flatbreads, Sandwiches, Meat, Seafood
Price	$-$$
Location	42 W Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
More Information	Ember: The Best Downtown Orlando Restaurant & Bar (emberorlando.com)

4. The Stubborn Mule

Handcrafted mule cocktails, artisan cocktails, draft beers, wines, and a fun new American cuisine menu are all available at The Stubborn Mule. Their food menu is sourced locally.

Their fun food and cocktail menus are created in collaboration with local farmers, fisheries, and small businesses.

Types of Food	Meats, Seafood, Salad & Soups, Flatbreads, Sandwiches, Burgers
Price	$-$$
Location	100 S Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801
More Information	New American Restaurant | The Stubborn Mule | United States (thestubbornmuleorlando.com)

Orlando is one the

Top 10 Best Gay Saunas in the USA

Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Orlando

In Orlando, you never know where the night will take you. The city’s vibrant nightlife includes live music, high-energy dance clubs, stylish lounges, side-splitting comedy, and more options.

Regardless of where you stay in Orlando, you’ll be close to a lively, walkable entertainment centre.

Here are some gay-friendly bars and clubs to visit and spend the night out during your visit to the city:

1. Savoy Orlando

Savoy Orlando, located in the Ivanhoe Village neighbourhood of downtown Orlando, is one of the city’s most well-known and well-visited gay clubs.

Savoy is a lively gay nightclub with dancers, billiards, televisions, and an outdoor patio.

Price	$-$$
Food and Drinks	Both Offered
Location	1913 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
Contact	+1 407-270-4685
Website	SAVOY Orlando – Gay Bar in Orlando

2. Barcodes Orlando

This gay bar is widely recognized for its lodge-like appearance on the outside. Barcodes radiate a peaceful and laid-back vibe, complete with a koi pond and outdoor deck space.

If you want to grab a few drinks with friends, this gay-friendly club in Orlando is ideal. A billiards room is located next to a novelty shop that sells adult toys and movies. Barcodes’ Thursday Latin nights are by far the most popular.

The bar is also known for its biweekly “underwear nights,” where anyone wearing anything over their underpants is not allowed in.

Price	$-$$
Food and Drinks	Both Offered
Location	4453 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
Contact	+1 407-412-6917
Website	No Website

3. Whitewolf Café & Bar

White Wolf Café & Bar is a gay-friendly restaurant and nightlife destination in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village District, a vibrant bohemian neighbourhood. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at this award-winning bistro, which is known for its locally sourced crab cake eggs benedict.

White Wolf’s weekend brunch, which features specially priced dishes and mimosas, is a huge draw.

Price	$-$$
Food and Drinks	Both Offered
Location	1829 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
Contact	+1 407-895-9911
Website	White Wolf | American Restaurant in Orlando, FL (whitewolfcafe.com)

4. Southern Nights

Southern Nights, one of Orlando’s oldest LGBTQ+ clubs, has been attracting partygoers for over 35 years.

Southern Nights Club is recognized for holding live events and welcoming popular local DJs. On weekdays, you can enjoy a variety of drag shows.

Happy hour is from 4 to 9 p.m., and there is no cover before 11 p.m.

Price	$-$$
Food and Drinks	Both Offered
Location	375 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Contact	+1 407-412-5039
Website	No Website

5. Hank’s Bar

This popular gay bar in Orlando has been around for over 30 years and is known for hosting pool tournaments and trivia evenings. Hank’s has a welcoming ambiance thanks to an antique jukebox and a huge private terrace behind the bar.

Despite its understated appearance, Hank’s is well-known among locals for its excellent drink promotions. Beers are cost-effective.

Price	$-$$
Food and Drinks	Drinks Only
Location	5026 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32810
Contact	+1 407-291-2399
Website	Home (hanksbarorlando.com)

Gay-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Gay Orlando

Ziplining, airboat rides, animal encounters, and much more are just a few of the outdoor activities available in and around Gay Orlando.

There is a wide range of things to see and do in Gay Orlando. The city offers a wide range of activities, from roller coasters to sunbathing.

When arranging your trip, decide if you want to spend the day at the theme parks, the beach, or explore the various trails and wetlands that Gay Orlando has to offer.

Here are some of the lists of gay-friendly activities and attractions that you might want to try during your stay in the city:

1. ICON Park

ICON Park is a 20-acre, gate-free, open-air entertainment attraction. The ideal location for riding, dining, drinking, and exploring.

ICON Park, located at the centre of Orlando’s International Drive, is home to more than 40 incredible restaurants, trendy bars, boutique stores, and must-see activities, all of which are anchored by The Wheel, a jaw-dropping observation wheel that towers 400 feet (40 stories) in the air.

Activities	Riding, Dining, Drinking, Sightseeing
Location	8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Price	$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	ICON Park™ Entertainment Destination in Orlando, FL (iconparkorlando.com)

2. Helicopter Night Tour Over Orlando’s Theme Parks

Take a 15 to 40-minute night or sunset helicopter trip above Orlando, with commentary from your pilot on theme parks including Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios Orlando.

For a stunning night experience, take a ride on the Orlando Eye or watch the Disney Fireworks. Flights are available at all hours of the day, allowing you to fit your Florida trip into your schedule.

Activities	Riding, Sightseeing
Location	12651 International Dr. S, Orlando, FL 32821
Price	$$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Orlando Heli-Tours – Helicopter Sightseeing Tours (orlandohelitours.com)

3. Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando with Dolphin Encounter Cruise

On a full-day cruise to Clearwater Beach, prepare yourself and enjoy the sunshine.

The west Florida coast is accessible with this comfortable transportation, which takes you away from the crowds of Orlando. It’s time for the dolphin-watching trip after some free time on the white sand beaches.

Keep your camera ready for the bottlenose dolphin pods that will be swimming beside the boat. After that, spend some more time alone on the beach before heading back to the city.

Activities	Riding, Sightseeing, Dolphin-watching
Location	Clearwater Beach, Orlando
Price	$$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Clearwater Beach Dolphin Encounter Tour from Orlando – From $99 (orlandotravelcompany.com)

4. Wekiva Island Paddleboard Adventure

Stand up and paddle down Central Florida’s most scenic river. You’ll paddle from Wekiva Island to the Wekiva River’s headwaters and mainspring.

You’ll experience a wild and picturesque aspect of Florida in its most natural state along the way. When you arrive at the springs, you have the option of swimming in the spring, taking a short hike, or simply hanging out and relaxing for a few minutes while taking in the beauty of Wekiva State Park.

You’ll be loaded back onto your board after you explore the spring and park. You’ll be able to return to Wekiva Island thanks to the calm current.

Activities	Sightseeing, Paddleboarding
Location	1014 Miami Springs Dr, Longwood, FL 32779
Price	$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Home – Wekiva Island

5. Universal’s Island of Adventure

Prepare for a world filled with superheroes, animals, and magical creatures. You’ve arrived in a world where everything is true.

Discover the location of a hidden school of witchcraft and wizardry. Soar high above the city streets with the help of a well-known web-slinger. Hide from ravenous dinosaurs in the hopes of not being their next meal.

You can also fight the largest, most massive ape that has ever walked the globe. Let the journey begin.

Activities	Thrill Rides, Sightseeing
Location	6300 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Price	$$$
Availability	All Year Round
More Information	Universal Islands of Adventure Theme Park | Universal Orlando™

Top 10 Things to Do in Orlando

• Walt Disney World – Without a doubt, this is one of the happiest places on earth. It is normally at the top of the list for any visitor to Orlando.
  
  
• SeaWorld Orlando – SeaWorld Orlando is well-known for its massive aquariums, dolphin and whale shows, touch pools, and thrilling rides.
  
  
• Universal Orlando Resort – There are two theme parks based on popular movies at this site. A water park, a nightlife zone, many hotels, and the Epic Universe park are all available.
  
  According to many visitors, the most popular attraction here is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is located in the Islands of Adventure Park.
  
  
• Gatorland – Thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and other creatures call Gatorland home. Some of the reptiles have been trained to perform daily shows and demonstrations.
  
  
• Discovery Cove -Swim with bottlenose dolphins, snorkel with rays and tropical fish, and feed exotic birds like parrots and toucans on this idyllic island paradise.
  
  
• Harry P. Leu Gardens -Take a break from the theme parks and explore the Harry P. Leu Gardens. This is one of Orlando’s most attractive tourist attractions.
  
  
• Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex – The Kennedy Space Center, located on Florida’s east coast, allows visitors to learn about the past, present, and future of space exploration.
  
  You will be able to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis as well as the Saturn V moon rocket. Other extraterrestrial artefacts are also on show.
  
  
• LEGOLAND Florida  – Theme parks abound in Orlando. One that should not be overlooked is LEGOLAND. The park is well-known for its LEGO characters, as implied by its name.
  
  
• Orlando Science Centre – This is yet another exciting activity in Orlando. There are various activities available here that will pique the curiosity of anyone interested in science and history.
  
  Some of the exhibits will transport you to Roman Pompeii.
  
  

How to get to Orlando?

From Canada

Orlando’s surroundings are a testament to nature’s ingenuity; catching sight of beautiful seas in Orlando is something we should all experience.

If you live in Canada and want to visit Orlando this summer, all you have to do is book a trip from Ottawa to Charleston with AirCanada. Since it will be a short excursion, be prepared to enjoy the breathtaking beauty in Orlando.

From the United Kingdom

Orlando’s surroundings are a monument to nature’s inventiveness; seeing magnificent waters in Orlando is something we should everyone try.

If you live in the United Kingdom and want to visit Orlando this summer, all you have to do is book a flight from London to Charleston with London Heathrow. Since it is a long journey, you can rest while flying for 13 hours and 20 minutes.

From the United States

Orlando’s settings are proof of nature’s ability; seeing spectacular waterways in Orlando is something everyone should do.

If you live in the United States and wish to visit Orlando this summer, simply book a ticket from Oklahoma City to Charleston with Will Rogers Airport. This flight would take 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

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