Our Favorite Gay Beaches in the World-Exclusive to Purple Light by Travel Writer Tonya Denmark

With cold weather descending upon most of the country (thankfully not here in Southern California!), we put together our favorite list of Gay Beaches in time for booking warm weather getaways.

Fort Lauderdale

While SoBe (South Beach) may be the go to gay destination, Sebastian Street Beach in Fort Lauderdale is just as popular. Conveniently located near most of the gay resorts and gay-friendly shopping, you’ll never have reason to leave the warm aqua waters.

Ibiza, Spain

The small island off the coast of Spain is known for its carefree anything goes party atmosphere. However, low-key crowds and calm seas are found at the town beach, Figueretes. Gay couples will enjoy Port Des Torrent and Es Cavallet is the main nude and gay beach offering plenty to do on this Spanish getaway.

Sitges, Spain

Close to Barcelona (one of our favorite cities), Sitges is even gayer than Ibiza. Its Platja de la Bassa Rodona is the top gay beach in town and close to the tree-lined promenade and all the great nightlife spots that Sitges offers

Provincetown, MA

We love Provincetown and head there any chance we get. The seaside resort community is quintessential New England with the famous Herring Cove Beach only a bike ride away. Provincetown is an exceptionally gay friendly town and celebrates pride with flair.

Mykonos, Greece

Greece, and Mykonos in particular, have long been LGBT friendly. Elia Beach in Mykonos is the current top gay beach. It has a nice mixed crowd, plenty of sand and sunbeds with umbrellas and food and drink service is available. The old favorite beach Superparadis still has its fans as well.

Rehoboth, DE

For an old fashioned, classic New England style boardwalk, head to Poodle Beach in Rehoboth, Delaware. Differing from Provincetown, Poodle Beach is still a popular LGBT tourist town that feels more turn of the 20^th century when strolling hand in hand down the boardwalk was the place to be. Members of the gay community own plenty of classic diners, shops and bars in Poodle Beach.

Costa Rica

The Manuel Antonio area is known for its abundant wildlife and dense rainforest jungles. The beaches here are crystal clear, and the water is warm year round. Playita Beach inside of Manual Antonio National Park is a semi-private beach popular with gay and lesbian travelers.

San Diego

Saving our favorite for last, Sand Diego and its beaches have been home to Purple Light for many years. We love the friendly atmosphere where everyone feels like a neighbor. San Diego is home to many beaches and with an active gay community, any one of them are a fantastic place to hangout. However, Black’s Beach is typically lauded as the iconic hangout thanks to its unregulated clothing optional and secluded location.

What do you think? Where is your favorite beach to catch some sun n’ fun?