Gay beach miami
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Just make sure you make a reservation!
I visited for lunch, where the menu consists of three courses for just $38 per person, with plenty of choice to suit me. And being open 24/7, it should be pretty easy to schedule a visit on your next trip to Miami!
Address: 2991 Coral Wy, Miami, FL 33145
Gay Events in Miami
Of course Miami is home to a number of huge gay events.
And being on Ocean Drive, the hotel is also within walking distance to the shopping and dining options that Ocean Drive is well-known for.
Address: 350 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Check rates and book!
Kimpton EPIC, Downtown Miami
My most recent visit to Miami came before my annual Atlantis cruise, which is always a crazy and very exhausting week.
Whilst I loved the time I spent in South Beach, I wanted a couple of days immediately prior to sailing to switch off and relax – and Kimpton EPIC was the perfect choice to do that!
I have always loved the Kimpton hotel chain because of how supportive they are of the LGBTQ+ community; both the Kimpton brand and their parent group IHG Hotels have done some incredible work, such as being proud supporters of Trevor Project – so stepping foot in one of their properties, I immediately felt welcomed as a gay traveller!
Kimpton EPIC is a gorgeous 4-star property located in downtown Miami, away from South Beach and all its temptations, which I needed!
The hotel is a luxurious property, with two rooftop pools, two onsite restaurants, a fully equipped gym, and a poolside bar serving delicious craft cocktails.
However, you might feel it is worth the journey because Haulover is a ‘nude’ beach. The view from here is incredible, especially if you head out to the end of the pier. You can see the skyline of Downtown Miami, Port Miami and the cruise ships docked here, as well as the shoreline of South Beach stretching north.
South Pointe Park itself is relatively small but lovely to walk around – there is a small playground, picnic and barbeque facilities, a jungle gym, and if you have come down here to exercise, there are several winding paths throughout the park for running, cycling or roller skating.
There is also direct beach access from South Pointe Park, with chairs and umbrellas available for rental.
Check out Muscle Beach, I mean, Lummus Park
Okay, I had to include this one.
The Eco-luxury hotel has a 900 metre 'living wall' that is home to 11,000 local plant varieties. The energy and atmosphere during the 2-hour show was incredible, exactly what I needed to wake me up after a night exploring the South Beach gay scene!
At the time of writing, the drag brunch is a fixed price, at $55 per person for the brunch menu and 2 hours of bottomless mimosas.
The drag brunch is such a popular activity in South Beach that Palace offers two seatings Friday through Sunday, at 11am and 2pm, and have even added an additional show on Mondays at 12pm.
I strongly recommend booking as far in advance as you can as this does book up – reserve your table here.
Address: 1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Walk Ocean Drive to South Pointe
This was something I did most mornings during my visit, as I found it the perfect way to start my day!
Given that the jetlag coming from the UK is just enough to cause me to wake a couple of hours earlier, I decided I may as well get up and make the most of it.
The hotel is located mid-way between South Beach and Mid-Beach, which is favorable as it offers access to the nightlife of South Beach (Palace Bar and TWIST a 5-minute drive away) and the up and coming eateries of Mid-Beach (under a 15-minute drive away). Keep up to date on their Instagram.
Places to Eat in Miami
It would be absolutely impossible for me to list all the places I have eaten during my various trips to Miami over the years.
But during my most recent visit, I visited the below three dining venues, and absolutely loved them all for different reasons, and so felt that I had to include them as personal recommendations!
Giannis at the Former Versace Mansion
I have already told you about my lunch date visit to Giannis – but this place is seriously too good to miss!
Giannis is predominantly an Italian / Mediterranean restaurant and is open for both lunch and dinner.
I love their motto – ‘’never a cover, always a groove’’ – and this has been the case every time we have visited!
Spread across two floors, with 7 bars and 3 dance floors to choose from, Twist will always have something on to suit everyone. Open 7 nights a week, and with happy hour specials as well as different nightly events, such as drag shows, go-go dancers, Twist is a must visit for gay travellers to Miami.
Address: 1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Nathans Beach Club, South Beach
Nathan’s Beach Club is another of South Beach’s best-known gay bars, with its central location on Washington Avenue, and just a few blocks from Twist.
Nathan’s is a slightly more ‘chill’ venue, the front bar is almost more of a classy lounge, and on weekends there is a speakeasy style back room.
During the week, most nights are themed with a DJ and dancing, so it’s the perfect choice for a midweek night out, and on a weekend is a great place to start your night.
Address: 1216 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Bar Gaythering at Hotel Gaythering, South Beach
Located inside the popular hotel, this lobby bar is a well-known meeting point for many of South Beach’s LGBTQ+ residents, and so for visitors to Miami it is the perfect place to meet locals and dip your toes into the local gay scene.
The bar hosts multiple theme nights during the week, as well as various events – karaoke, trivia nights, and drag bingo to name just a few.
And with a daily happy hour 5pm to 8pm, with 50% off drinks, why wouldn’t you come and check it out!
Address: 1409 Lincoln Rd F1, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Palace Bar and Restaurant, South Beach
I have already introduced you to Palace above in relation to their super popular drag brunch, but Palace is more than just a brunch spot.
This iconic Ocean Drive gay bar is the number one drag bar and restaurant in Miami Beach, so of course you need to swing by whilst checking out the South Beach nightlife offerings.
Palace queens perform every night, between 7pm and 11pm, with shows roughly every 15 minutes.
They also offer all day dining options.
The food here is so good, it is even on the Michelin Guide, winning the Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, but I also loved the location – within a shopping enclave, in an oak tree sheltered courtyard, it really was a hidden gem.
El Turco serves traditional, authentic Turkish food – I loved everything I ate and will definitely be back.
Address: 5026 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Palace South Beach
YYou know a place is worth a visit when you include it in your blog post three times!
Keep up to date on their Instagram.
Palace has been the number 1 drag bar in Miami for over 30 years and I can see why!
The dinner menu is a little more extensive, also introducing more fish and seafood onto the menu.
The setting of the restaurant is definitely unique and adds to the experience – sitting at a table alongside the stunning gold-lined mosaic pool – and the food is absolutely delicious.
I definitely can’t wait to return on my next visit to Miami.
Address: 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
El Turco
This place was absolutely fantastic, and definitely one to visit!
I had never ventured beyond South Beach on my previous trips to Miami, but I am so glad that I did as I had the most delicious lunch at El Turco – and I would definitely leave South Beach again just to eat here!
El Turco brands itself as ‘’the best Turkish food in South Florida’’ – and I can believe it!
Tours & Experiences in Miami