You know about gay pride, right? The month commemorates the riots that took place in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, a New York gay bar that had been raided by police. Dining here is quite the experience: The restaurant gets packed with local fishermen, politicians and pundits, and drag queens and tourists.If it’s June, then it must be Pride month somewhere. Harpoon Harry’s is a true 1950s diner located across the Historic Seaport on Caroline Street, and owners Robert and Ron will greet you with a “Bloody Harry.” In their diner you can try fish tacos, blue-plate specials and half-pound burgers. Expect everything from fresh Key West pink shrimp to chorizo-stuffed Berkshire pork. Chef Doug Shook’s cuisine brings international culinary influences into terrific dishes, served on the restaurant’s multilevel oceanfront deck. Since 1971, Louie’s Backyard has offered oceanfront dining and a Caribbean-American menu for those who want fresh seafood and cool cocktails.
On a budget but still want to get your hands on the divine dishes? Specially priced appetizers are available during happy hour. Portions exceed expectations and chef Stuart Kemp has been twice invited to serve his cuisine for the members of New York’s prestigious James Beard Foundation. So, theoretically, you can get to bed at a reasonable hour (or not!).Ī favorite for both locals and visitors alike, Nine One Five (located at 915 Duval in a historic Victorian house) offers fine dining (in a typical Key West casual atmosphere, of course) with Mediterranean-New American cuisine. But it’s the notorious Sunday Tea Dance that has locals and visitors mingling, dancing and socializing, starting at 4 p.m. The “By George” piano bar has nightly entertainment, the Crystal Bar showcases Vegas-style illusionists Christopher Peterson and Randy Roberts, and the staff knows locals by name. Iconic in Key West for its tea dance parties, La Te Da Hotel has been a meeting spot for more than 30 years. They are located 2 blocks from Duval Street on the corner of Truman Avenue and Simonton Street. Their rates are competitive, and they offer some of the newest equipment of any of the local operators. Established in 1979, the Moped Hospital is the oldest scooter and bicycle rental company in Key West.
Want to truly feel like a local? Rent a bike. It’s one of the best excursions on the island! Lunch and beverages are served during each trip, and sunset trips are also offered for those memorable moments. Snorkel, kayak and relax on the boat or a tropical island/sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Its highly touted Jala Spa is among the top resort spas on the island with a popular Cuban Coffee Body Glow signature treatment.Ĭaptain Steve and his crew have been offering gay water adventures for more than 16 years. The recently renovated hotel offers great views of the Gulf of Mexico and Key West’s sunsets. More “family-friendly,” Hyatt Key West is still a favorite for the gay community, thanks to its cozy rooms, myriad amenities and stellar staff. Best of all, many amenities are included in the rate, including afternoon happy hour, 800 calls, Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and parking.
#When is gay pride in key west full#
With an ideal location in historic Old Town Key West, guests enjoy poolside dining 24 hours a day, full bar, a gym, sauna, pool, Jacuzzis and sundecks accompanied by a friendly and capable all-male staff. With high marks from Travel Channel UK and Passport Magazine, this male-only, clothing-optional resort has been revered as the best gay resort in the world, and with good reason. The awards keep racking up at Island House. For guests requiring amped-up amenities to woo their lovers, several rooms are equipped with cool features like wet bars, high cathedral ceilings and 2-man whirlpool bathtubs that bring on the romance. Most visitors prefer to unwind to the fullest - which includes hanging out at the clothing-optional pool deck. This popular resort exclusively for men is in the heart of the “gay” district on historic Fleming Street. The swimming pool becomes a gay-friendly scene with happy hour cocktails, and the well-appointed guestrooms are comfortably chic with room rates that don’t break the bank. Just a few blocks from the famous Duval Street, the gay-owned Alexander’s Guesthouse is a historic, restored mansion surrounded by lush, tropical gardens.