LGBTQ+ FAQs
From epic Pride celebrations to shopping that caters to the LGBTQ+ community, St. Pete-Clearwater is a place where the community is not just welcome but celebrated.
If you’re planning a trip here, read on for key insights about this LGBTQ+ friendly destination.
How welcoming is St. Pete-Clearwater to LGBTQ+ travelers?
St. Pete-Clearwater is not just a welcoming place for gay travelers, our destination celebrates its LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. The area is home to numerous neighborhoods where the community is core to the local vibe.
What gay-friendly areas are there in St. Pete-Clearwater?
St. Pete-Clearwater has many gay-friendly areas, particularly the Grand Central District in St. Pete and the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood west of downtown St. Pete. These areas are adjacent to one another and very walkable. The population of the small waterfront town of Gulfport is about 50% LGBTQ+, and small town Dunedin, to the north of Clearwater, is also very gay-friendly.
Learn more about LGBTQ+ travel in St. Pete-Clearwater.
Are there any gay beaches in St. Pete-Clearwater?
While all of our beaches are welcoming, Sunset Beach on the southern end of Treasure Island has been a popular LGBTQ+ beach for decades. It has amenities like bathrooms, parking, and nearby food and drink.
Learn more about the Best LGBTQ-friendly beaches in the area.
What are the best gay bars in St. Pete-Clearwater?
Well-known gay bars, lounges and clubs in St. Pete-Clearwater include Enigma, COCKtail, The Wet Spot, The Ball and The Garage in St. Pete as well as Blur in Dunedin. Check out this list of other fun clubs to get your dance on.
Does St. Pete-Clearwater celebrate PRIDE?
Yes, Pride is huge in St. Pete-Clearwater! A multi-day festival with tons of satellite celebrations over the onth of June, St Pete Pride is the biggest of its kind in Florida and one of the largest Pride events in the country, with a fabulous parade downtown, a street party, family events and much more. Find details at the official St. Pete Pride website.
Gulfport Pride also take place in June, as does Dunedin Pride. St. Pete also celebrates National Coming Out Day every October. There are a number of other Pride and LGBTQ events in the area, check out these top events.
Are there any LGBTQ-owned shops in St. Pete-Clearwater?
Shops and boutiques that are owned by and cater to the community are plentiful! Atlas Body + Home in the EDGE District has quite stylish resort wear and accessories as well as a unique swimwear selection. Just north of downtown, Pageboy St. Pete is a delightful apothecary/vintage boutique that doubles as a salon in case you need a trim. Browse the whimsical, nautically inspired housewares at ZaZoo’d in the Central Arts District. For some quality thrifting for a good cause, head to Out of the Closet in south St. Pete, which benefits the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. In St. Pete, Beach House 5317 is a great spot for coastal décor, crystals, and more.
See more LGBTQ+ businesses.
Are there any LGBTQ-owned restaurants?
You can support LGBTQ+-owned businesses for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snack time in St. Pete-Clearwater. Uptown Eats, a nationally acclaimed brunch spot in the MLK North District, happens to be one. Valhalla Bakery/Valkyrie Donuts will satisfy any sweet tooth with its decadent plant-based pastries and desserts. Stella’s in Gulfport and Salty Nun in the Grand Central District are sister restaurants that are popular spots for brunch and beyond. In Dunedin, The Honu offers Pacific-inspired fare in a tiki-themed setting.
What are some LGBTQ-owned or LGBTQ-friendly accommodations?
While the vast majority of hotels and other accommodations are welcoming, there are several that cater to LGBTQ+ visitors in particular. Casa del Merman at GayStPete House in the Kenwood area has been a go-to B&B for years. Mari Jean Hotel, a boutique spot in the Grand Central District, is walkable to the area’s many shops, restaurants, and bars – and the pool is part of popular gay bar The Wet Spot.
What are the best arts and cultural experiences?
A true arts destination, St. Pete-Clearwater has a ton of live theater, at venues like freeFALL Theatre in west St. Pete and American Stage downtown. LGBTQ+-owned Tombolo Books features events and readings, often with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues. For arts events in Gulfport, check out OUT Arts & Culture, the city agency supporting LGBTQ+ arts. See more theatre and performing arts venues.
