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Gay Key West

Set aside from mainland Florida, Key West is an island haven for LGBTQ+ travellers at the far end of the Florida Keys. Its location has always made the gay scene here a little different, incorporating many diverse cultures to create a community that's truly unique. The people of Key West are known for their laid-back and accepting nature, while the area itself is famed for its stunning subtropical beaches and the famous faces who have lived here. The likes of Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and a host of others brought a culture of relaxation and openness to this remote beach destination.

Key West Hotel Deals

Grab a great deal on your trip with GayMapper's hotel partners

4* Alexander's Guesthouse
4* Simonton Court Hotel
3* Ridley House
4* The Saint Hotel Key West

Key West Gay Bars

GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

La Te Da

La Te Da

Gay Friendly, Drag

The Cabaret & Piano Bar at La Te Da, located on the iconic Duval Street, isn't specifically a gay bar but it welcomes everyone to join the fun. This is a more upscale venue, featuring a terrace bar as well where you can sit and enjoy the Florida sun. The Cabaret & Piano Bar has a packed calendar of performances, the venue's kitchen serves up delicious food, and there's always a lively atmosphere.
Bourbon Street Pub

Bourbon Street Pub

Drag, Outdoor Seating, Dancers, Cruising

Key West's original and only video bar brings a New Orleans inspired space to this small-town gay scene. The venue includes a male only garden bar where clothing is optional, and you'll find guys hanging out by the pool or in the jacuzzi. See what's on in the theatre space or head inside for one of the other bars. There are regular themed nights, drag shows, and cute dancers to entertain a mostly male crowd.
Aqua Bar and Nightclub

Aqua Bar and Nightclub

Dancing, Outdoor Seating

Located on the historic Duval Street, Aqua is the life of the Key West gay scene. It hosts drag shows, karaoke, and other live entertainment throughout the week, and you can dance late into the night thanks to the in-house DJs. Great value happy hours and all your favourite bar food keeps the party going, while out back there's a quiet garden bar that's the city's best hidden watering hole.
Garden of Eden

Garden of Eden

Gay Friendly, Outdoor Seating

Hidden away on the rooftop of the Bull and Whistle Bar on Duval Street, Garden of Eden is the clothing-optional bar in the area. You'll find all sorts of clientele here, gay and straight, young and old, all preferring to relax in the nude. It's also the city's only 3rd story rooftop bar, offering fantastic views from the open rooftop, sun chair, and a super laid-back atmosphere. There's a DJ nightly and the crowd is always up for a good time, with or without clothing...
801 Bourbon Bar

801 Bourbon Bar

Drag

Located on historic Duval Street and just a few minutes from Ernest Hemingway's House, 801 Bourbon has been central to Key West culture for years. This multi-story complex hosts cabaret featuring The World Famous Drag shows every night, and there's also live music, karaoke, and bingo nights. The bar serves speciality drinks that change daily, and the space is a well established staple for the local gay community.
Bobby's Monkey Bar

Bobby's Monkey Bar

Cosy

This is a truly local gay bar that's been a meeting place for community for years. As the name suggests, Bobby's Monkey Bar is a themed bar with monkey memorabilia around the bar and throughout the venue, making this a fun place that all gay visitors will want to experience. It's a place to meet locals and really be immersed in the Key West gay scene, with karaoke, daily happy hours, and a super laid-back crowd.
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Gay friendly hotels in Key West

GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!

3* Ridley House

3* Ridley House

Near Gay Nightlife, Boutique

Ridley House, the former Cypress House, is a romantic Key West hotel located in the heart of Old Town. This gay friendly boutique hotel is just 10 minutes' walk from Duval Street and Key West's nightlife and dining options. It offers a daily continental breakfast. Guests can enjoy the on-site outdoor pool. Museums, water-sports and shopping are located within walking distance of the property. The Southernmost Point of the USA is 1.6 km away. Mallory Square and the Key West Aquarium are also less than 7 minutes' walk away.
4* Simonton Court Hotel

4* Simonton Court Hotel

Near Gay Nightlife, Adults Only

Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, the gay friendly Simonton Court Hotel and Inn is a block from Duval Street and 3 blocks from Mallory Square and the historic seaport. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is also a short walk away This Florida adult-only inn offers complimentary, light continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi access. A TV, telephone, and a refrigerator are included in all rooms at Key West's Simonton Court. A balcony or patio is also featured in addition to an en suite bathroom. Guests can enjoy swimming any one of the 4 on-site outdoor pools, use the bicycle hire, or relax in the garden. A concierge service and daily maid service are also available. The Southernmost Point of the continental United States of America is 5 minutes' drive from the inn. Mallory Square is 2 minutes' drive from the property, and Smathers Beach is 4.2 km away.
4* The Gardens Hotel

4* The Gardens Hotel

Near Gay Nightlife, Luxury

Welcome to one of the prettiest hotels in Key West, where elegant guestrooms, cottages, and suites are the perfect choice for visitors seeking the highest level of luxury for an adults only and gay friendly Key West vacation. This hotel offers two outdoor pools and Duval Street with all it's gay nightlife is a 1-minute walk away, and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is 3 minutes' drive from the hotel. A private balcony or patio with property views is provided in all rooms at The Gardens Hotel Key West. A flat-screen cable TV, ironing facilities, and a refrigerator are also featured in each room. Free Wi-Fi is available for guests. Guests can also take advantage of on-site bicycle hires, massage services, and concierge services. Live jazz music is performed in the gardens every Sunday evening as well for guests to enjoy. The Key West Shipwreck Museum, Key West Aquarium, and Conch Tour Train are all located less than 2 km away. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is 500 m away from The Gardens Hotel.
2* New Orleans House

2* New Orleans House

Gay Hotel, Near Gay Nightlife

The New Orleans House is the only gay all-male guest house on Duval Street. It is located in the heart of Old Town Key West, so you will be just steps away from everything Key West offers. Visit the shops and the fine art galleries. Enjoy the exciting nightlife as well as many different kinds of entertainment. Guests start their day with a continental breakfast served on the Grand Balcony overlooking Duval Street. Then, it's time to bask in the sun on the private sun deck overlooking our pool and hot tub (restricted to Men Only*). Our pool-side garden bar is open to the public, as well as clothing-optional and restricted to men only*. Some of our guests stay in rooms located above the Bourbon Street Pub, which is where all of the action takes place! Here, the party goes on until 4:00 AM. Please bear in mind that some of the rooms at the New Orleans House are located above the dance floor. Quieter rooms are available. If you prefer a quieter room, please advise us when making your reservation. The Bourbon Street Pub hosts many different parties with live entertainment throughout the year. This is where you'll find the best male dancers in all of the Florida Keys and so much more. * On Tuesday Nights, starting at 5 PM, it's "Ladies Night" at the garden bar. This weekly event is open to women while the upper sundecks remain men-only. The Friday Tea Dance is also an all-welcome dance pool party from 5 to 8 PM.
4* Alexander's Guesthouse

4* Alexander's Guesthouse

GayMapper Favourite, Gay Hotel

Welcome to Alexander's Guesthouse, an all inclusive gay & lesbian friendly resort catering to the LGBTQ community. Located in Key West FL, Alexander's Guesthouse is a lovingly restored Key West Conch house built in 1902, boasting beautiful, original pine floors and stately windows. Decorated with a tropical elegance, a homey atmosphere is thoughtfully created. Alexander's is a retreat for the soul… comfortable beds with crisp white linens, a pool and jacuzzi to melt cares away, delicious breakfasts to rejuvenate with and a friendly Happy Hour where guests are invited to mix and mingle with complimentary cocktails. Full concierge services available, we will be happy to help you plan activities, assist you in your dining choices and secure your reservations. Together we will create your dream vacation. Please note this is an adult property for guests 21 and over.
3* The Paradise Inn

3* The Paradise Inn

Near Gay Nightlife, Adults Only

The adults only and gay friendly Paradise Inn is the perfect place to daydream and relax in Key West amid its artful collection of quaint cottages and beautiful gardens. It's a place to treat yourself to your own private Key West cottage in a lush setting. Paradise Inn is conveniently located for the gay vibes of Key West and features landscaped grounds with brick paths and a lotus pond with koi and tropical turtles. A complimentary continental breakfast is served in the lobby. The suites at Paradise Inn - Adult Exclusive include a sitting area with cable TV. A microwave, refrigerator, and coffee facilities are furnished in each accommodation. Free WiFi is provided. Enjoy complimentary wine and cheese hour on site at Paradise Inn. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool with a fountain feature and an outdoor hot tub. The hotel is happy to arrange sightseeing tours. Higgs Beach and the Key West Aquarium are 5 minutes' drive from Paradise Inn. The Key West Museum-Art & History is a 15-minute walk away.

Tours & Experiences in Key West

Key West has always had a taste for eccentricity, which is precisely why it works. Visit the Hemingway Home, pose at the Southernmost Point or head out on a sunset cruise, then wander back towards Duval Street and see where the evening takes you.

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