Looking for the best LGBT destinations in Miami? Virgin Holidays have picked their favourite spots
A digital designer at Virgin Holidays has compiled a list of the best LGBT friendly locations
By Steve Brown
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It probably goes without saying that Virgin Holidays staff have a passion for travel so who best to give the lowdown to the world’s best LGBT destinations than our own!? This month Chris, a digital designer, shares his favourite spots in Miami…
I love Miami. For me, it provides the perfect mix of do-it-all and do-nothing-at-all. It’s got a liberal vibe and a slower pace, and that makes it hard to compare to anywhere else in the States.
Many of my recommendations are a short walk apart, and nothing in Miami feels more than a bus ride away. Add in the year-round sun and you’ve got the perfect holiday spot for even the shortest visit.
I’d recommend Miami to anyone. But for LGBT visitors, the city’s amazing beaches, bars and overall live-and-let-live vibe make it one of the best holidays in the USA.
My top picks for a Miami holiday:
Famous for its frequent drag performances, which often spill out onto the street and literally stop traffic. What’s not to love?
The venue has recently moved up the strip to a larger location, but it’s managed to keep its welcoming vibe. The large outside seating area is perfect for soaking up the heat.
Every Sunday at 1pm, Señor Frogs hosts a drag show with bottomless brunch. It’s not the cheapest ticket in town, but if you like your food and drink you can easily justify the cost. Do it.
Twist has seven bars and three different dance floors, so it’s great for a bar night or a club night (or a bar night that turns into a club night). Labelled ‘the hottest and longest running gay club in Miami’, it’s no wonder it’s on the must-see list for lots of LGBT travellers.
What, the name’s not enough to tempt you? Wet Willies also makes a cool spot for a bit of daytime drinking, with a wide and eccentric range of vibrant alcoholic slushies.
It can’t all be about drinking. So why not take in the sights of Miami from a different perspective on the Thriller boat.
This 45-minute tour takes you to all the must-see spots, including an up-close look at Star Island. The boat hits some serious speeds, and its open roof should at least help to clear your hangover.
For culture, head to the super-trendy area of Wynwood to see some spectacular graffiti at the Wynwood Walls.
Graffiti artists come from far and wide to decorate the walls, so the landscape is always changing. Entrance is free. And apart from the art, Wynwood is also home to a lot of cool pop-up food stalls and bars, so you can really fill an afternoon here.
South Beach
Beautiful sand and beautiful people – that’s South Beach. Go for one view, stay for the other.
Miami can hit some serious temperatures, so the beach is a must for anyone looking to catch a tan or cool down in the water. (Top tip: bring your own towel, as towel rental and sun-lounger rental can be outrageously expensive.)
If you’re a bit more adventurous, check out the various activities available, including paddle-boarding and jet-skiing.
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Book your dream holiday to Miami with Virgin Holidays at www.virginholidays.co.uk/destinations/florida/miami-holidays or find out more by visiting your local store and speaking to one of our holiday experts.