Beaches can be some of the most affordable sources of joy out there. If you pack your equipment and come here, you can easily be having a great day without spending a dime. Seriously, gay beaches are incredible, and everybody will have to have one competent head to without worry.
When you’re gay and looking for that perfect beach escape, let me introduce you to a curated list of some of the best gay beaches around the world—each one chosen to match your vibe and vacation goals.
Many of these beaches are clothing-optional, some are party hotspots, and others are chill, scenic getaways—but all of them promise sun, sand, and unforgettable fun. So the next time you’re planning a vacation and feel the urge to soak up the sun, check if you’re near one of the places on this list. You might just be able to cross “relax at a gay beach” off your bucket list—and have a blast doing it.
1.Black’s Beach: (La Jolla, California)
Don’t let the name fool you—Black’s Beach may sound ominous, but it’s actually known for its stunning white sand and welcoming vibes. Often referred to as San Diego’s only true gay beach, it lives up to the hype. At almost any time of day, you’ll find it filled with attractive gay men, vibrant energy, and a sense of community that rivals any pride event.
This beach is not just a local favorite—it’s an icon among gay beaches in California. It’s also a legendary surf spot and a great place to meet new people, make friends, or simply soak in the sun. The north end of the beach is where the LGBTQ+ crowd tends to gather, and it’s the hub of social activity, including some cruising.
Getting to Black’s Beach requires some effort. You’ll need to trek down a steep trail from the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which can be tiring—but the views and the beach vibes are more than worth it. After cooling off for a bit, you can dive into the waves or relax in the sun with like-minded beachgoers.
If you’re flying into San Diego for a coastal escape, consider booking with Frontier, a good airline for a budget-friendly trip. Black’s Beach also makes for a great starting point if you’re planning a broader Overseas Adventure Travel itinerary along the Pacific Coast or beyond.
If you’re visiting during San Diego Pride, don’t miss the epic Pride Sunday beach gathering—an annual celebration filled with music, dancing, and unforgettable memories. The only downside? The hike back up. But let’s be honest—after a day at one of the best gay beaches in California, it’s a small price to pay.
2.Elia Seashore: (Mykonos, Greece)
Greece is actually a dream destination, and it’s only quite natural the gays too have a place indeed there too. Elia beach, including Super haven and Panormos coastlines, are beaches on fantastically queer piece of Mykonos, renowned for attracting biggest crowds of homosexuals.
Of the three, Elia Beach still is the place is homosexual people, since even Super haven is crowded due to the straights. Gay men flock from all corners on the planet to sunbathe at the obvious, comfortable oceans. There are also beach taverns that turn into lively clubs on summer nighttime. Find gay-friendly areas throughout the region, so that your journey doesn’t always mean that it must end when you depart the coastline.
3.Playitas Beach :(Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica)
You’ll discover true gems in some of the most under-the-radar places, and Playitas Beach is one of them. This tiny, unspoiled stretch of sand just north of Espadilla Beach has earned a reputation as the go-to hangout for gays and lesbians visiting Manuel Antonio. Playa Espadilla is the main beach along Principal Calles, but just across the cove lies the more secluded and intimate Playitas Beach—making it a perfect escape for LGBTQ+ travelers.
It was once a fully nude beach, and although you now have to wear clothing, the relaxed atmosphere remains. You can still rent a surfboard and even hire local guides to help you ride the swells if you’re not already experienced. The area is quiet, scenic, and laid-back. While some straight beachgoers do visit, everyone tends to mind their own business, adding to the beach’s peaceful and inclusive feel.
If you’re craving even more tropical serenity after this, you might want to visit a Hawaiian island for a similarly magical beach experience, filled with vibrant landscapes and LGBTQ+-friendly spots. And if you’re still feeling bold, nearby Macha Beach is clothing-optional and known for its freedom-loving vibe.
4.Hippie Hollow: (Austin, Texas)
We are sure you had comprehended our resistance to add this inside our number, but it’s a gay coastline inside the center of Colorado. It is too-good the opportunity to shun. Hippie Hollow is a legally clothing-optional place that is situated west of Austin, in the rugged sloped of Lake Travis.
Memorial Day, Labor Day holidays and a holiday recognized Splash Day essentially some days on which gay individuals go to the beach in boats as well as on foot. It is not a very accessible place, particularly if you would like to walk, but there are a good number of things to do, such as fishing, windsurfing and scuba. There is a bar there, though it’s more of an A-list club, so that it’ll of times be a bit of a sleep. Skip it and lounge on coastline alternatively. You have to be careful not to ever get too much; it is still Tx, likely.
5.Ipanema Beach: (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Odds are you’ve probably heard of this coastline, yet had no idea it absolutely was where gays were concerned. Good news: it’s true! This white, sandy stretch of paradise lies in-between two upper-class neighborhoods in Rio De Janeiro, and you see how affluent gays enjoy an affair.
Unlike some other beaches, Ipanema Beach does not lack places to go, if you’re in Brazil thus like your coastline to have a whole itinerary, visit Ipanema Beach. From Cafeina to via Farme to Bar Bofoetida, literally a near-endless range of restaurants, bars and dancing the blues away. There is swimming if you’re talented (enjoy the swells!) and Frescobol if you don’t want take a chance making use of liquid.
If you are wanting to create rich, gay friends who spend money think its great’s last day, you will discover them on Ipanema beach, and when you don’t, at least you will get a fun experience out of it. “Copacabana beach” flickr photo by alobos existence shared under an creative Commons (BY-NC) license.
6: Playa de Las Balmins: (Sitges, Spain)
This spectacular coastline is simply a few momemts from heart of gay-friendly location of Sitges, to enjoy from the coastline right after which retire to a town in which you’re certain you’ll be treated with esteem, unchanged, Playa de Las Balmins merely a short while off the legendary
Its technically a naked beach, but you find that some people prefer to use swimsuits. It’s patrolled by lifeguards, for those who encounter a bit of trouble, there will also be showers. There are plenty of great rock coves, if you want some privacy.
Conclusion
We have given plenty of options that you can explore for the gay beaches. Next time you are on holiday, trying one of these options will be a good idea.
