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Gay Washington DC
The nation’s capital is home to a vibrant and dynamic LGBTQ+ community, supporting an all-round cross section of the community with people of all identities, interests, and backgrounds. DC is an international crossroad of culture as well a familiar home to many diverse people, with historically important sites scattered across the city and LGBTQ+ events that attract people from across the country. The annual Capital Pride Parade is nationally renowned, but there are also popular events and festivals hosted here throughout the year, and plenty of queer bars and clubs open every night of the week.
Washington DC Hotel Deals
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Washington DC 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.
Trade
Cocktails
Trade is a stylishly quirky spot, boasting tall wood-backed booths, offbeat paintings, and rooster-print wallpaper. Instead of the traditional happy hour, Trade hosts its legendary 'Huge' event where cocktails are served in pint glasses throughout the evening. The oversized and delicious drinks plus a generally festive atmosphere draws a "stand and model" type of crowd that's free of attitude and always up for a good time.
JR's Bar
Drag, Cocktails
JR's Bar is a pillar in DC's LGBTQ+ Community, serving amazing cocktails and popcorn since 1986. Great drink specials, campy videos, and friendly bartenders keep JR's packed with fun seven days a week. If you're looking for a casual place for a drink, JR's is the place to go in the heart of Dupont Circle, complete with show tunes and trivia nights among other events. Sundays are especially popular, mainly because of the super cheap vodka!
Green Lantern
Bear, Dancing, Karaoke, Cruising
Green Lantern is hidden away in an otherwise unassuming alleyway in Downtown. The bar is located in a converted two-story carriage house, and the first floor's lounge vibe is complete with a central and stylish granite bar. You can dance the night away on Green Lantern's multi-level dance floor (complete with disco lights) and chat with the shirtless bartenders. There's even a Shirtless Men Drink Free event on Thursdays, along with karaoke and exotic dancers on other days.
The Fireplace
Cosy, Dancing
A short walk down P Street will bring you to this popular dive bar. The Fireplace is known for its diverse crowd, great drink selection, and of course the fireplace beside the bar. The bar tends to attract regulars who gather and catch up in this cosy space. Upstairs you'll find black lights and DJs, and a space where you can dance until late in perhaps the most unassuming bar in DC.
Nellie's Sports Bar
Sports, Dancing
Nellie's is one of the city's oldest and most popular gay bars. Downstairs in the bar there are sports games playing on the TVs and drag bingo hosted here on Tuesdays always draws a crowd. Nellie's is also famous for its Beat the Clock happy hour, running for most of the evening, when each hour the price of a drink increases by a dollar. Outside the bar, the upstairs patio boasts a DJ and plenty of dancing.
A League Of Her Own
Lesbian, Sports, Outdoor Seating
Right next door to the legendary Pitchers is the equivalent sports bar for lesbians and queer women. It features plenty of room for games as well as two patios where you can sit back and people watch, and in keeping with the surroundings, you can enjoy a sports-themed menu of bar favourites includes stadium dogs, chicken tenders, and burgers. The owners of these neighbouring bars are dedicated to providing safe and friendly, so these bars are understandably popular.
Gay friendly hotels in Washington DC
GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation in 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!
4* Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle
Near Gay Nightlife, Boutique
This Washington, D.C. hotel is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from Dupont Circle and boasts an on-site restaurant and wine bar. The White House is 1 mile away.
Each modern room at the The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle features a flat-screen TV and plush bedding. Select rooms offer a deep soaking spa bath.
A heated pool and sun deck allow guests to relax at The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle. The state-of-the-art fitness centre and business centre are open 24-hours a day.
Certo serves seasonal Italian dishes and offers an extensive wine and cocktail menu.
The Washington National Monument is 2 miles from the hotel. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 5 miles away.
2* Comfort Inn Downtown DC
Great Value, City Centre
This hotel is conveniently located at the corner of 13th Street and M Street, less than 10 minutes' walk from Washington Convention Center and the Verizon Center. It features a fitness centre.
Free Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen TV are included in every room at Comfort Inn Downtown DC/Convention Center. They are also equipped with a refrigerator and coffee-making facilities.
Guests can buy a snack from the snack bar or work in the on-site business centre. The reception is open 24 hours a day and there is a guest launderette on site.
The McPherson Square Metrorail station and the Mt. Vernon Square Metrorail station are less than a kilometer away.
5* Viceroy Washington DC
Near Gay Nightlife, Luxury
Viceroy Washington DC offers pet-friendly accommodation in Washington, 4 minutes' walk from Logan Circle. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Private parking is available on site.
Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom where you will find bath robes, free toiletries and a hair dryer. Select rooms offer a seating area. In-room spa services and a yoga mat are also available for guests.
You will find a 24-hour front desk and 24-hour fitness centre at the property. Guests can enjoy the rooftop poolside bar at the property. Viceroy Washington DC offers custom-designed PUBLIC bikes for riding around town.
White House is 1.1 km from Viceroy Washington DC, while Washington Monument is 1.7 km from the property. Ronald Reagan National Airport is 6 km away.
3* Holiday Inn Central
Near Gay Nightlife, Great Value
The Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House boasts a seasonal rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city and an on-site restaurant. Dupont Circle and the White House are both within 1.1 km.
A gift shop and modern fitness centre are featured at the Central Washington DC Holiday Inn.
A flat-screen cable TV, free WiFi access, and a work desk are provided in every guest room at the Holiday Inn.
With 2 Metro stations only a short stroll away, guests at the Washington-Central/White House Holiday Inn have instant access to all areas of the city. The National Zoo, the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Museums are all easily accessible.
5* Yours Truly DC Hotel
Near Gay Nightlife, Boutique
Find time to unwind - just you, your friends, and Yours Truly (formerly The Wink DC). Reserve one of our new rooms and suites to party, to rest, and to be yourself.
Whether you're traveling for work, for fun, or for both, a room is simply a place to rest your head - but a little quality never hurts. Our eclectic rooms and suites blend modern comfort, intuitive sustainable amenities, and warm colorful styling.
Located just 8.1 km from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, this hotel has a modern gym and several dining options. Each room has a tea/coffee maker.
This Washington, DC hotel is 1.7 km from the White House and within a 4 km radius of the Newseum and the International Spy Museum.
4* The Darcy Hotel
GayMapper Favourite, Near Gay Nightlife
The Darcy Hotel, Washington DC is a 10 minute walk (located 900 m) from the White House and 2 km from The National Mall. The property features 24-hour room service, a fitness center, business services, valet, daily complimentary gin tasting and complimentary bike rental.
The Darcy offers guest rooms and suites with working desks, and 50†Smart TVs. Certain rooms include city views, rain showers, deep soaking tubs, living rooms and dining rooms.
The property is located within walking distance of many nearby attractions, shops and restaurants.
Families traveling can enjoy complimentary access to the Gear Shop with its bikes, strollers and scooters. The hotel also offers a children's backpack program for families to use to explore DC. The hotel also offers a Haberdashery, which is a program for guests to borrow or buy the latest fashion from Read Wall.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 7.4 km from the property.
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