Gay Atlanta is the entertainment hub of the South, with world-class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, professional sports teams, and a variety of attractions and events. Georgia’s capital is a vast metropolis with a distinct culture and history.
Receiving the sole U.S. listing on the National Geographic ‘Best of the World 2022’ list, and Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel for 2022’ list, has seen Gay Atlanta given the title of the ‘Gay Capital of the South’.
Its vibrant, yet laid back, LGBTQ+ scene is home to festivities, trendy neighborhoods and a truly diverse culture that continues throughout the city’s various theatres, museums, and art galleries.
Although the LGBT+ community is welcome and safe in areas such as the East Atlanta Village and Decatur, Grant Park, and Cabbagetown, Buckhead, and Ansley Mall/Cheshire Bridge, Midtown is considered the central hub of the gay community.
We truly care about your safety and hope you have a hassle free time on all of your vacations. Please use our Gay Travel Guide as a starting point.
Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.
Gay Scene in Atlanta
Gay Atlanta is a liberal city with the third-largest LGBTQ+ population in the United States. All travellers are treated with the same respect, dignity, and compassion.
The city always has an LGBTQ+ event going on.
Blake’s on the Park, which features world-renowned DJs, live dancers, and drag shows is definitely worth a look, or you may choose a night at WOOFS, a more low-key bar for visitors and locals alike.
The Atlanta Pride Committee is responsible for organizing the annual Pride festival in Piedmont Park, a year-round program of events, and Atlanta Black Pride.
The addition of this very important August Pride makes Atlanta the central hub for African-American gay communities.
Gay Atlanta – Is It Safe?
Gay Atlanta is generally safe but does have some areas you should avoid. Just like most parts of the world, petty crimes like pickpocketing may occur.
Stay attentive and cautious.
When to Visit Gay Atlanta?
Gay Atlanta is a year-round destination due to its world-class attractions, various parks, restaurants, and famous shopping districts.
While the weather in Gay Atlanta is pleasant throughout the whole year, the spring season of March to May is ideal to visit. The spring festival is in full swing and the unbearable heat and humidity of summer has yet to arrive.
Visiting Gay Atlanta between September and November though, will avoid the usual crowds and cost much less.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta
W Midtown
Atlanta’s W Midtown hotel offers a cool and sophisticated atmosphere in a more toned-down design compared to other W properties in the city.
It still offers luxurious amenities though, including large guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows to let in natural light.
| Activities | Spa Hot Tub Swimming Pool Golf |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | W Midtown 45 IVAN ALLEN JR. BOULEVARD, ATLANTA |
| Contact | Call +1 404-582-5800 No Email |
| Website | W ATLANTA MIDTOWN ATLANTA: LOW RATES, SAVE ON YOUR STAY (hotels-atlanta.net) |
Moxy Midtown
The quirky features of this boutique hotel include checking in at the bar with a complimentary cocktail in hand.
Relax by the poolside rooftop bar or hang out in the hotel’s unique social spaces. With its fun decor and unique atmosphere, the Moxy Midtown is sure to be a hit with gay travelers looking for something different in Gay Atlanta.
| Activities | Bar Fitness Center Swimming Pool |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Moxy Midtown 48 13th St NE, Atlanta |
| Contact | Call 1 404-249-9446 No Email |
| Website | Hotels in Midtown Atlanta GA | Moxy Atlanta Midtown (marriott.com) |
Loews Atlanta
Loews Atlanta is a great choice for gay travelers looking for a stylish and convenient place to stay. Its location in the central Midtown neighborhood puts guests close to the city’s top attractions, including many of the popular gay bars and clubs.
The hotel has a modern design: spacious rooms; floor-to-ceiling windows; a spacious spa; a gym; a restaurant; and a (conditional) complimentary chauffeur service.
| Activities | Spa Fitness Center Bar Restaurant |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Loews Atlanta 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta |
| Contact | Call 404-745-5000 No Email |
| Website | Hotel in Midtown Atlanta, GA | Loews Atlanta Hotel (loewshotels.com) |
Hotel Indigo
Just across the street from the iconic Fox Theater in Atlanta’s vibrant Midtown, you will find Hotel Indigo.
Despite it being built in 1923, the hotel has been beautifully renovated, with contemporary rooms, wooden floors, stylish furnishings, and themed murals behind the beds.
| Activities | Pool Fitness Center Restaurant Bar 24-hour gym 3 meeting/event rooms |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Hotel Indigo 683 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 |
| Contact | Call 1800-1110-2295 No Email |
| Website | Boutique Hotel in Atlanta | Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown (ihg.com) |
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Gay Massage in Atlanta
Gay-Friendly Dining in Gay Atlanta
Gay Atlanta is the largest city in the southern United States, but not known for its cuisine.
Gay Atlanta doesn’t have its own culinary culture, but it does provide a diverse range of international cuisines as the city’s restaurants are globally influenced.
Here is a list of gay-friendly dining for you to check out when next in Gay Atlanta:
1. Flying Biscuit Café – Midtown
Located in Midtown Gay Atlanta, the Flying Biscuit Cafe is a gay-friendly restaurant specializing in Southern cuisine and offering one of Atlanta’s greatest breakfast menus.
| Types of Food | Biscuits, Bacon and Eggs, Pancake, Chicken, and Waffles |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 1001 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta |
| More Information | Flying Biscuit Café | Serving Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch |
2. Ray’s in the City
Ray’s Restaurants have been an integral part of Atlanta’s dining landscape for decades, earning numerous culinary accolades. They have the freshest daily seafood and top-quality prime steaks to a renowned wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator.
| Types of Food | Seafood, Steaks |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Location | 240 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta |
| More Information | Award Winning Steak & Seafood Fine Dining Experience | Ray’s Restaurants (raysrestaurants.com) |
3. The Nook On Piedmont Park
The Nook was established in 2009, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, serving a combination of American and Southern food.
The Nook is best known for its loaded tater tots.
| Types of Food | Totchos, Steak, Biscuits, Bacon, Burger, Sandwich |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 1144 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta |
| More Information | The Nook on Piedmont Park – Midtown’s true neighborhood tavern (thenookatlanta.com) |
4. Apres Diem
Located in the heart of Midtown and beside Landmark Arts Cinema, Apres Diem is a relaxed yet stylish restaurant.
An international restaurant with delicious food, espresso drinks, coffee, rotating desserts, and a full bar with cocktails from all over the world.
| Types of Food | Salad, Sandwiches, Mediterranean Platter |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 931 Monroe Dr. St C-103 Atlanta |
| More Information | Apres Diem | Atlanta| Socially distanced tables outdoors and indoors : Apres Diem |
5. The Colonnade
You will find The Colonnade on Atlanta’s infamous Cheshire Bridge Road. It is conveniently surrounded by gay nightclubs, a weekly gay strip club, bathhouses, and sex toy shops.
It is one of Atlanta’s finest restaurants offering exceptional service, Southern fried chicken, fresh fish, and fresh country vegetables.
| Types of Food | Fried Chicken, Fish, Roasted Turkey, Seafood |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Atlanta |
| More Information | The Colonnade Atlanta |
6. Hankook (Taqueria)
If you want to try arguably the best fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine, Hankook is a must-visit gay-friendly dining spot.
| Types of Food | Chicken, Korean, and Mexican Foods |
| Price | $-$$ |
| Location | 1341 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 |
| More Information | Takorea (mytakorea.com) |
Gay-Friendly Bars & Clubs In Atlanta
The gay scene in Gay Atlanta is second to none. Blake’s on the Park, Atlanta Eagle, and Heretic Atlanta draw large crowds, but the scene is evolving, providing visitors and locals alike a huge list from which to choose.
With our Gay Atlanta nightlife guide below, you can experience nightlife the way locals do.
1. Bulldogs
Bulldogs is in the heart of Gay Atlanta, playing nonstop hip-hop music.
Regardless of race, color, background, or place of origin, everyone is welcome at Bulldogs. Make sure you’re over 21 and have a valid ID on you though.
| Price | $$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 893 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta |
| Contact | (404) 872-3025 |
| Website | No Website |
2. Mary’s
In East Atlanta’s heart, this bar welcomes anyone, and it is open Wednesday through Saturday.
| Price | $$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 1287 Glenwood Av SE, Suite B Atlanta |
| Contact | 404 624-4411 |
| Website | Mary’s East Atlanta (marysatlanta.com) |
3. WOOFS
WOOFS is in the northern part of Gay Atlanta and is the city’s only gay sports bar.
Featuring 27 TVs, a complete menu, a welcoming, non-judgemental attitude and atmosphere, and a reasonably priced restaurant.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 494 Plasters Ave. NE Suite 200 Atlanta, GA |
| Contact | 404 869-9422 |
| Website | WOOFS ATLANTA | ATLANTA’S GAY SPORTS BAR |
4. My Sister’s Room
My Sister’s Room is a lesbian bar in north Gay Atlanta. From wings to tacos, this bar provides all of your favorite bar foods, plus nightly drag shows, strippers, karaoke, and a variety of other events.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 1104 Crescent Ave NE Atlanta |
| Contact | 678-705-458 |
| Website | LGBTQ Friendly | My Sister’s Room | United States (mysistersroom.com) |
5. Blake’s On The Park
Blake’s on the Park is a video and dance bar featuring DJs, dancers, and drag shows.
In Atlanta’s Midtown Gayborhood, it’s open 7 nights a week with a different special each night.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 227 10th St NE, Atlanta |
| Contact | +1 404-892-5786 |
| Website | Blake’s on the Park | Atlanta’s Neighborhood Gay Bar (blakesontheparkatlanta.com) |
6. The Heretic
One of Atlanta’s most popular gay clubs, the Heretic features a spacious dance floor, billiards, poker with the legendary Atlanta drag queens, and a lot more inside or out on the deck.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA |
| Contact | (404) 325-3061 |
| Website | Welcome to the Heretic! (hereticatlanta.com) |
7. BJ Roosters
On Cheshire Bridge Road since 1995, BJ Roosters is one of Atlanta’s best LGBTQ+ clubs.
Men of all ages, shapes, color,s and sexualities are welcome at this strip bar on Cheshire Bridge Road.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA |
| Contact | +1 404-634-5895 |
| Website | No Website |
8. Mixx Atlanta
Mixx Atlanta is a popular LGBTQ+ video lounge, bar and club in the heart of Midtown. It is divided into several parts, including a dance floor and a popular outside smoking lounge on the patio.
The upscale lounge-like Chill area of the club hosts a variety of themed events.
In addition to an extensive martini menu, nachos, burgers, and BBQ pulled pork tacos are among the restaurant’s delectable bar fare.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Suite B. Atlanta |
| Contact | (404) 228-4355 |
| Website | Mixxatlanta |
9. The Hideaway
You may have to put in a little work discovering this cozy LGBTQ+ neighborhood hangout – tucked in the back of Midtown’s Ansley Mall.
The Hideaway is a great neighborhood bar with great bartenders, reasonable drink rates, and a very diverse bunch of regulars.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | 1544 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta |
| Contact | 404 874-8247 |
| Website | TheHideawayAtlanta – Gay Bar – Atlanta, Georgia |
Top 10 Things To Do in Atlanta
Atlanta’s Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is more than just a theatre; it’s also one of the city’s most recognizable monuments. Fortunately, you don’t need tickets to a show to enjoy the magnificent interior.
The design of the theatre was inspired by the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor, Egypt, and the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It was originally designed by Atlanta’s Shriners group.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Official Page of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta | Fox Theatre |
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre area of ground across the street from the College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta, has lush grass, artwork, pools, and fountains.
The park was developed for the 1996 Olympic Games and served as the centrepiece of the festivities. It is currently one of the city’s most popular destinations.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | 265 Park Avenue West NW, Atlanta |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Visit Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta – Discover Atlanta |
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
At the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, you can learn about prehistoric and modern natural environments. Dinosaur fossils, Georgia wildlife, traditional clothing, and more are among the exhibits.
The museum’s Giant Screen Theatre offers movie screenings, while Fernbank Café allows visitors to have some light fare.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Movie Screenings |
| Location | 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Home | Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest, houses around 100,000 animals from 500 different species in seven separate galleries.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Georgia Aquarium Visit Today | Georgia Aquarium in Downtown Atlanta |
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta BeltLine is a citywide network over 22 miles of streetcar rails, 33 miles of walking, biking, and other trails, 5,600 units of affordable housing, and more than 1,000 acres of green space.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Walking, Biking |
| Location | 100 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Atlanta BeltLine // Where Atlanta Comes Together. |
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Take a journey through Martin Luther King Jr.’s life as the Civil Rights Movement’s leader. Begin with a guided tour of his birthplace, then visit the old Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Civil Rights Theatre, where guests can see films.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) |
Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most visited attraction. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, the ropes course, a movie projected onto the mountain, and the stunning evening laser display while hiking, biking, or running.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Hiking, Biking, Running, Golfing |
| Location | 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Stone Mountain Park |
World of Coca-Cola
Take in plenty of Coca-Cola collectibles and stop by the tasting area to sample more than 60 different Coca-Cola types from across the world.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Coca-cola sample tasting |
| Location | 121 Baker St. NW, Atlanta |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Atlanta Attraction, Museum, & Venue | World of Coca-Cola |
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is the most important art museum in the Southeast.
The High, in the heart of Atlanta’s Arts District, houses several permanent collections as well as high-profile temporary exhibitions.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Welcome to the High Museum – High Museum of Art |
Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center, which houses the Southeast’s greatest collection of Civil War relics, takes you on a journey through Atlanta’s rise and collapse as an international city.
After touring the gardens, go for a run on the basketball court from Atlanta’s 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | 130 W Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Home | Atlanta History Center |
How to Get to Atlanta?
From Canada
You just have to take the bus or train, maybe get in a car. The trip from Toronto, Canada to Atlanta, Georgia takes 14 hours and 32 minutes.
Going to Atlanta by plane takes 5-10 hours and if you’re taking a bus and train the expected time of arrival will be 22 hours and 10 minutes.
From the United Kingdom
Book a flight from London to Atlanta through Heathrow Airport. This voyage will take 9 hours and 10 minutes.
From the United States
If you live near Florida, you can fly to Atlanta from Orlando. The flight time from Orlando, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
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