Higgs Beach & Fort Zach
Higgs Beach is a relaxed, LGBTQ+-popular stretch of sand on the Atlantic. Fort Zachary Taylor offers clear water and the island's best shore snorkeling.
One Human Family
Gay Key West
Drag queens at sunset, tea dance by the pool and a Pride parade down Duval Street. Welcome to one of America's most joyful LGBTQ+ islands — and a houseboat where everyone belongs.
Proud since the 1970s
An island that celebrates you
Since 2000, “One Human Family” has been Key West's official philosophy — and the island lives it every day.
Artists and writers — Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Bishop among them — found freedom here long before it was fashionable. In the 1970s a vibrant gay community helped restore Old Town's historic homes, founded the Key West Business Guild, one of the country's first LGBTQ+ business groups, and later elected one of the nation's first openly gay mayors.
In 2003 the island unfurled a 1.25-mile rainbow flag from the Gulf to the Atlantic along Duval Street, designed by rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker. Today LGBTQ+ travelers feel at home in every corner — from beach bars to fine dining to the marina docks.
Why Casa Azul
- Inclusive, welcoming hostsLGBTQ+ couples, friends and solo travelers are warmly welcome
- Private and peacefulYour own floating retreat — no shared walls, no hotel hallways
- 15 minutes to Duval StreetHotel shuttle, rideshare, or a golf cart for the night
- Recover in resort stylePool days at The Perry after late nights in Old Town
- Romantic rooftop deckSunset cocktails and stargazing for two
After dark
Gay bars & drag shows
Key West's LGBTQ+ nightlife is concentrated on the upper blocks of Duval Street — walk from one legendary bar to the next.
801 Duval St
801 Bourbon Bar
Home of the famous “801 Girls” drag cabaret every night of the year. Sharp, hilarious and a Key West institution.
724 Duval St
Bourbon St. Pub
Lively video bar up front and a tropical garden bar with a pool out back. Home of the New Year's Eve drag queen shoe drop.
711 Duval St
Aqua Nightclub
A multi-level club with karaoke, DJs, dancing and the “Aquanettes” drag revue.
1125 Duval St
La Te Da
Old-world Key West glamour: cabaret in the Crystal Room, a poolside bar and the beloved Sunday Tea Dance.
1129 Fleming St
Island House
Key West's classic men's resort, with a clothing-optional pool, café and bar. Ask about day passes.
Old Town
The Duval crawl
Start with sunset cocktails, catch a 9pm drag show, dance at Aqua and finish in the garden at Bourbon St. Pub.
Venues, show times and policies change — check each venue before you go.
By day
Sun, sea & culture
LGBTQ+ sunset sails
Blu Q Gay Sailing Adventures and other local crews run LGBTQ+ sunset cruises and snorkel trips with music, drinks and new friends. Ask us and we will point you to the right boat.
AIDS Memorial & literary Key West
Pause at the Key West AIDS Memorial at the foot of White Street Pier, then explore the island that inspired Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Bishop.
LGBTQ+ calendar
Pride, parties & festivals
Plan your trip around the island's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations — and reserve Casa Azul early, as these weeks book quickly.
April Bears
- Key West Woof WeekLate April · bear community parties and pool events
June Pride
- Key West PrideEarly June · pool parties, drag, street fair and the Duval Street parade
August Men
- Tropical HeatMid-August · men's festival with pool parties and nightlife
September Women
- WomenfestEarly September · one of the largest celebrations for queer women in the U.S.
October Costume
- Fantasy FestOct 16 – 25, 2026 · masquerades, the Pretty Contest and the Saturday parade
Late Oct Bears
- Key West Bear WeekendFall bear gathering
Sundays Weekly
- Tea DanceA long-running Sunday afternoon tradition at La Te Da
Dec 31 New Year
- The drag queen shoe dropMidnight descent in a giant red high heel at Bourbon St. Pub
Dates change every year — confirm with official organizers. 4-night minimum at Casa Azul during Fantasy Fest.
Resources
Plan with the community
- Key West Business Guild · Gay Key Westgaykeywestfl.com
- Official Florida Keys LGBTQ+ travelvisitfloridakeys.com
- Fantasy Festfantasyfest.com
Questions
Is Key West gay friendly?
Yes. Key West is one of the most LGBTQ+ welcoming destinations in the United States. The city's motto is “One Human Family,” it has had a thriving gay community since the 1970s, and LGBTQ+ travelers are welcome across the whole island, not just in one neighborhood.
Where are the gay bars in Key West?
Most gay bars and drag venues are on or near Duval Street in Old Town, including 801 Bourbon Bar, Bourbon St. Pub, Aqua Nightclub and La Te Da — all within walking distance of one another.
When is Key West Pride?
Key West Pride takes place in early June each year, with a week of parties, pool events and a parade down Duval Street. Womenfest is held in early September and Tropical Heat in mid-August.
How do I get from Casa Azul to Duval Street at night?
Duval Street is about 15 minutes away. Use The Perry Hotel shuttle (currently until about 11pm), a rideshare (around $15 each way) or a rented golf cart — please never drink and drive.
Is Casa Azul LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely. Casa Azul welcomes LGBTQ+ couples, friends and solo travelers, with a quiet, private marina to come home to after a night out.
Everyone welcome aboard
Your rainbow hideaway
Dance on Duval, then drift back to the peace of the marina.
Book Casa Azul