Destination & Hotel Ideas for LGBT Family Vacations
LGBTQ2S+ parents and their children have the same hopes and dreams for their families. For many, that includes travel. Traveling with babies and small children can be trying for all new parents. However, LGBTQ2S+ parents and children have additional considerations. Relaxing and fun LGBT family vacations need friendly, welcoming, and SAFE destinations and accommodations.
I put out a query looking for information on welcoming and inclusive destinations and accommodations for LGBTQ2S+ family vacations. I’m delighted to say that my inbox was flooded with recommendations. In particular, I wanted to be able to link to a destination’s or accommodations’ inclusivity policy. Where possible, I have linked to them in the lists below.
This page will be continually updated as I receive new recommendations for LGBT family vacations. If you have a particular favourite, please let me know in the comments below and I will add it!
Best Gay-Friendly Destinations for LGBT Family Vacations
Image courtesy Visit Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Bloomington, Indiana (I know, right?!) was ranked the fourth-gayest city in the U.S. by The Advocate. This is not bad for a town with less than 100,000 people. And Bloomington earned a perfect, 100-point score on the Human Rights Commission’s Municipal Equality Index for six straight years.
I must admit, I was a little surprised to see the representative from Houston pop up in my inbox. Texas is not exactly the first place I would envision for LGBT family vacations. However, in this case I am delighted to be proven wrong.
Visit Houston’s level of dedication to the LGBTQ traveler goes well beyond the Pride festival. It’s one of the first tourism boards to have a dedicated effort serving this community for over a decade with MyGayHouston.com. It is the first major city with a (2 term) LGBTQ mayor. And Houston hosts one of the largest pride events in the South.
A number of Houston hotels have become Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) Approved . This means they agree not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in their employment practices. They also actively outreach to the gay and lesbian community and strive to create a gay-friendly experience for their guests. Houston has more TAG Approved hotels than any other Texas city. Some family-friendly options include the fancy JW Marriott Houston Downtown, and the iconic Whitehall Houston.
Image courtesy Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Miami Beach, Florida
I suppose Miami Beach is not really a surpriseLGBT-friendly destination. I knew during previous visits there (sans-kids) that my daughter would love the drag shows. But I wasn’t so certain I’d want her hearing the supersalty language! There’s so much more to Miami with kids than just the beach, but the beach is a total draw nonetheless.
Miami Hotels for LGBT Family Vacations
Image courtesy Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Blue Moon Hotel South Beach
Collins Avenue is full of fun and fabulous South Beach hotels. However, you may be looking for someplace a little more low key if you’ll be staying with kids. The Blue Moon Hotel South Beachhas a wonderful chill vibe, while still offering a central location and a cool Art Deco look! And although they don’t have any kid-specific amenities or activities, the entire property is smoke-free, making it ideal for families.
Image courtesy Stiles Hotel by Clevelander
Stiles Hotel by Clevelander
The Stiles Hotel by Clevelander is another low-key Collins Ave. hotel with loads of Miami’s famous, Art-Deco vibe. The guestrooms here have a bit more space for families. Their suites provide extra room and have large terraces with great views for relaxing after the kids have gone down.
Image courtesy Loews Hotels
Loews Hotel Miami Beach
The iconic Loews Miami Beach Hotel has been recently redesigned, with an enhanced poolscape, private cabanas, and a Kids Club. Children from 4-12 can participate in the SOBE Kids Club, with outdoor adventures, scavenger hunts, crafts, and much more.
Image courtesy Acqualina Resort & Spa
Acqualina Resort & Spa
The glamorous Acqualina Resort and Spa welcomes everyone to step into a world of luxury. The best part of it all is their kids’ program, AcquaMarine. Here guests aged 5-12 can take part in marine biology-inspired activities. And guests of all ages can enjoy an oceanfront soccer field, dual basketball hoop, as well as a variety of outdoor pool and beach games.
Image courtesy Saugatuck/Douglas Area CVB
Saugatuck, Michigan
For decades, Saugatuck’s residents have welcomed LGTBQ visitors with open arms. Saugatuck and Douglas are the most gay-friendly small towns in Michigan. There’s over 140 gay-owned and LGBTQ-friendly businesses and lodging, and one of the country’s largest LGBTQ resorts. Saugatuck/Douglas proves that small coastal towns can be full of charm as well as inclusive and welcoming.
If you want scenic natural beauty, a thriving arts scene, or disco balls and drag queens, you can find it in Saugatuck.
Charter a boat to sail around the coast, take a coastal tour or a sand dune tour, shop on Main Street, or hike one of the many beautiful beach trails. Or just enjoy a lazy day on one of Saugatuck’s gorgeous beaches.
Gay-Friendly Resorts & Hotels for LGBT Family Vacations
Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula is in the southwestern-most corner of Washington state. There’s an incredible, 28-mile long stretch of beach as well as a number of parks and trails. And there are a number of small to midsize lodging options, camping, RV parks, and family-friendly restaurants.
Image courtesy Adrift Hospitality
Adrift Hotel
The main draw here is Adrift Hospitality‘s collection of family-friendly and inclusive properties, where their values play a key role in their business ventures. The Adrift Hotel‘s simple and functional yet totally chic rooms are perfect for families. And the extra space and kitchenette facilities in their Bunk Suites accommodate up to five people.
Image courtesy Adrift Hospitality
Boardwalk Cottages
The Boardwalk Cottages are 12 self-contained cottages, each with their own unique character and amenities, located within walking distance from the Boardwalk and Discovery Trail. Enjoy fresh pastries from Cottage Bakery delivered to your door every morning. And all Boardwalk Cottage guests are welcome to use the facilities (pool, sauna, etc.) at the Adrift Hotel.
The town of Galena is 150 miles west of Chicago. It is a small, picturesque, LGBTQ-friendly place known for its antiques, eclectic shopping, great food, wineries, and rich history. It sounds idyllic surrounded by scenic vistas, rolling hills, state parks, small towns, and historic landmarks.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is located within a 6,800-acre recreational, residential, and resort community six miles southeast of Galena. The resort’s grounds include 63 holes on four award-winning golf courses. The accommodations range from quaint inn rooms to more than 250 villas and distinctive homes. Plus, there’s a full-service spa, restaurants, and a store.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa‘s outdoor activities include miles of skiing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. There’s also tennis, hot air balloon rides, boating, and fishing on the picturesque 225-acre Lake Galena. Lastly, they offer a number of seasonal and year-round family activities.
The Grand Velas Los Cabos is a beachfront property with 307 large ocean-view suites with private terraces. Some have personal plunge pools. There are seven seven gourmet restaurants, three swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art gym. And they also offer pool and beach concierge service, separate Teens’ and Kids’ Club facilities, Baby Concierge, as well as 24-hour personal, in-suite concierge service.
The Maidstone Hotel is loaded with old world charm but with modern amenities. Kids and dogs are always welcome. Take advantage of the free vintage bikes or yoga in the morning. Enjoy the beach and private terrace for true relaxation. And don’t miss the beautiful pride flag that hangs out front year ’round.
The YMCA of the Rockies has properties in Colorado, Estes Park Center, and Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby. What a great location for an LGBT family vacation! Here is the link to their inclusion policy–> Outreach & Inclusion Policy. And popular activities that are offered at no or low cost for overnight guests include:
Miniature golf and disc golf
Tennis
Outdoor volleyball
Hiking and biking trails
Horseback riding
Fishing
Dog park
Roller skating
Playgrounds
Archery
Escape Room
Swimming Pool
Zipline
Canoeing
To-go kits from the craft center and craft classes (with size limitations)
This is such a great roundup with a lot of helpful information! You always do such a great job of pulling together the most important details to know about a destination!
Wow this is a pretty great list, and yes, it had some surprises! I don’t know how you found all these places but you did a great job. Thank you for sharing; this is full of helpful information! -Linzey @thefamilyfuntour
This is such a great roundup with a lot of helpful information! You always do such a great job of pulling together the most important details to know about a destination!
Wow this is a pretty great list, and yes, it had some surprises! I don’t know how you found all these places but you did a great job. Thank you for sharing; this is full of helpful information! -Linzey @thefamilyfuntour