Work, Play, Stay All Day: The Best of LGBTQ Miami

Beaches, world-class cuisine, a diverse LGBTQ community, as well as historical and cultural treasures make Miami one of our top vacation picks for 2021. Whether you want to digitally detox with sand or sun or venture to many of the unique neighborhoods, Greater Miami's plentiful offerings will tantalize all of your senses.

Our Miami LGBTQ guide is just the beginning: Explore one of the U.S.'s most celebrated cities, discovering everything from the best Cuban coffee and Art Deco architecture to live music when the sun sets. And when you return home with an Instagram feed that's the envy of all your loved ones, we won't mind admitting, "we told you so."

Arrive Safely and in Style

Miami International Airport is a destination unto itself, filled with public art. But you'll only need to linger if you want to. Named the 2020 TSA Airport of the Year, travelers can efficiently check in and check out with real-time security checkpoint updates via the airport's mobile app and retrieve luggage in a snap with a new state-of-the-art baggage handling system.

New and expanded direct service routes include JetBlue Mint premium service to Los Angeles, Southwest service to Baltimore-Washington International, Chicago Midway and Houston Hobby, and Frontier's expanded routes to Las Vegas, just to name a few. Miami International Airport also serves as an American Airlines hub, offering dozens of direct flights per week from New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and beyond.

Tech Takes Control

Easy-to-use apps make exploring Miami easier than ever for independent travelers wanting to practice safety protocols and still explore the city to its fullest. Take a look at what you can discover in the palm of your hand:

Miami Map and Walks – Whether you've dedicated the morning to discover a neighborhood by foot or just getting from one activity to the next, this app will identify exciting landmarks and historical sites in some of Miami's most culture- and history-rich neighborhoods from Miami's Design District to Coconut Grove

Wynwood Tour Guide – One of the country's most celebrated neighborhoods for public art, Wynwood bursts at the seams with stunning large-scale murals, independent retailers, and crave-worthy cuisine. This apps is like having a private docent on hand to help you discover these incredible works and the artists who created them.

Experience Miami Beach – A hub for LGBTQ socializing and nightlife, Miami Beach is so much of a good thing you might not know where to start. This neighborhood app provides a comprehensive business directory of all the great shops on Lincoln Road and surrounding areas, beach information, exclusive deals, and so much more.

Stroll Through History

There's history; then there's Miami history. There's nothing stuffy about the entrepreneurs who helped make Miami what it is today, the stunning architecture that embodies innovation and design, and our LGBTQ legacy permeating throughout the city.

Versace Mansion – One of the most famous Italian fashion designers of the 20th century chose to call Miami home from 1992 until his untimely death in 1997. Versace loved the Greek references of the Mediterranean Revival-style home, originally built by Alden Freeman in 1930. Now officially called The Villa Casa Casuarina, the luxurious home operates as a boutique hotel with all the glitz and glamour you'd expect from its previous owner.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – Industrialist James Deering collaborated with design partner Paul Chalfin to build this Renaissance-inspired estate. Ever the bachelor, some historians believed them to be a couple. It took more than 1,000 works to realize their vision, including more than 70 rooms, Chinese ceramics, fresco ceilings and more.

Miami Design Preservation League – The Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive is a one-stop-shop for those interested in Miami architecture. They also offer a Gay and Lesbian Walking Tour, highlighting the LGBTQ community's contribution to Miami's legacy.

Bring Your Appetite

Whether you're looking for a quick grab 'n go or a blow-out meal under the stars, Miami's restaurant scene brims with possibilities. Our shortlist of favorites just scratches the surface:

R House – Encompassing everything we love about Miami, R House is a restaurant, art gallery and live music venue all in one. The Latin-inspired menu is packed with sharable bites like empanadas, arepas, tostones and croquetas. Book in advance and arrive early to make the most of R House's weekend drag brunch hosted by Miss Ultimate Miami Drag Queen winner Athena Dion.

Juvia Miami – Head to this rooftop bar and restaurant to take in Miami's glowing skyline while enjoying international fare from chef Sunny Oh (formerly of Nobu). At $45/per person, the sunset pre-fixe dinner is one of our favorite dining deals in town, along with craft cocktails such as SOBE Pornstar, made with Haku Japanese bamboo charcoal-purified vodka, passion fruit purée, agave and prosecco.

La Sandwicherie – Headed to the beach? Look no further than this favorite sandwich shop, which has been feeding Miamians since 1988. We recommend the signature Tropical, loaded with avocado, mozzarella, veggies, papaya, mango and pineapple on a freshly baked French baguette.

Palace –Whether your appetite is for dinner or drag divas, there's no better place than the legendary Palace, Miami Beach's legendary drag bar and restaurant. The Ocean Drive location is just steps from the beach and the ideal spot to appreciate chef Alex Guardiola's comfort food menu of tacos, flatbreads and sandwiches. Nearly 20 queens are on rotation for round-the-clock entertainment.

Stay a While — Great Deals to "Work" from Miami

Who says you can't work and play at the same time? Many of Miami's hotels offer cost-saving deals for extended stays so you can clock in and check out with all of Miami's sun-kissed attractions at your doorstep. These LGBTQ-friendly hotels are ready to welcome you.

Kimpton Surfcomber – Located in Miami Beach, Kimpton's WFH (Work From Hotel) package also welcomes your furry friend, along with complimentary happy hour, waived resort fees and a poolside cabana for the day. (Book by February 28, 2021. Valid through April 30, 2021.)

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami – Hyatt says "Break the Routine" with a memorable working vacation where you can take advantage of abundant outdoor spaces, a daily $30 food and beverage credit at Caña Restaurant & Lounge and discounts on laundry service, pet fees and valet parking. (Valid through March 31, 2021.)

JW Marriott Miami – Enjoy a late check-out in a deluxe room or suite, $10 daily food and beverage credit and a private workspace with Marriott's Stay Pass Work Remote package. (Valid through June 6, 2021.)

The Betsy – You could work and play, but you might just do the latter at this prime South Beach location, which is offering up to a 30% discount on week-long stays. Complimentary rooftop yoga, beach amenities and private chef classes are just some of the perks after logging a few hours of work. (Valid through May 31, 2021.)

Out and Proud
When the time is right, Miami's robust calendar of LGBTQ events will return bigger and better than ever. From signature events like Winter Party, Pride and Aqua Girl to emerging events like Hialeah Pride, Art Gaysel and Celebrate Orgullo, Miami's LGBTQ community is like none other.

Travel responsibly. Here are the latest health safety guidelines for visiting Miami.