Every June, I find myself looking forward to Pride Month. As a longtime ally, it’s a time to celebrate the people I love and the community that has enriched my life in so many ways. My brother and his husband are part of the LGBTQ+ community, as are several of my cousins and many of my closest friends. Pride has never felt like something happening around me. It feels personal because the people I care about most are part of its story.
Last year, I attended Pride in Boston, standing along the parade route cheering in the rain alongside thousands of others. Nobody seemed to care about the weather. There was too much joy, too much energy, and too much love filling the streets. Watching families, couples, friends, and allies come together was a beautiful reminder of what Pride is really about: celebrating authenticity, community, resilience, and the freedom to be exactly who you are.
Of course, Pride Month is also rooted in history. The modern LGBTQ+ rights movement traces its origins to the Stonewall Riots, which began on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village. After years of discrimination and harassment, members of the LGBTQ+ community stood up and fought back during a police raid at the popular gathering place. Their courage sparked a movement that continues to inspire generations around the world. Pride Month honors those trailblazers while celebrating the progress that has been made and recognizing the work that still remains.
Today, Pride is celebrated far beyond parade routes. It’s found in welcoming destinations, inclusive communities, and unforgettable travel experiences where everyone can feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally looking to support and celebrate alongside loved ones, these Pride-friendly destinations offer the perfect excuse to pack a bag and make some memories this summer.
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W Punta de Mita
Just 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, one of the world’s most beloved LGBTQ+ destinations, W Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit offers a vibrant and stylish escape along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Regarded as one of Mexico’s most Instagrammable hotels, the Queer Destinations-certified resort draws inspiration from Huichol and Wixarica culture, creating an immersive setting where art, luxury, and authenticity come together.
Guests can elevate their stay in renovated beachfront private plunge pool suites while enjoying special Pride programming throughout the season, including pop-up drag queen performances that bring extra sparkle to the beachfront celebration.
The resort’s limited-time Pride & Joy Couples Package invites guests to celebrate their most authentic selves with daily breakfast for two, a hydrotherapy ritual at AWAY Spa, a welcome bottle of wine, and a hands-on mixology class. Available for booking with promotional code 4LG, the offer can be redeemed for stays through November 15, 2026.
Bellevue, Washington
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Lake Washington, Bellevue has earned recognition from the Human Rights Campaign as one of the nation’s most LGBTQIA+ inclusive cities. The Pacific Northwest’s long summer days provide a beautiful backdrop for Pride celebrations that blend community, nature, and fun.
Festivities begin with Paws & Pride at Bellevue Downtown Park on June 6. The beloved event features a festive dog walk benefiting Seattle Humane and Youth Eastside Services, along with a mimosa and beer garden, live DJ entertainment, drag performances, and the crowd-favorite RuPaw’s Dawg Costume Contest.
Travelers looking to expand their Pride experience can easily hop aboard the new East Link Light Rail to connect with neighboring Seattle’s larger Pride celebrations before returning to Bellevue’s scenic parks, vibrant restaurants, and laid-back atmosphere.
Curaçao
In the southern Caribbean, Curaçao continues to shine as one of the region’s most welcoming LGBTQ+ destinations. Known for its culture of openness and acceptance, the island offers a Pride experience that combines celebration with romance and adventure.
Each year, Willemstad comes alive during Pride as rainbow flags line the historic waterfront and visitors join locals in a joyful show of solidarity. Beyond the festivities, couples can explore the colorful streets of the UNESCO World Heritage city center, relax on secluded beaches, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Playa Lagun.
Evenings bring opportunities for candlelit seaside dining, boutique resorts that warmly welcome same-sex couples, and spectacular sunsets over the Caribbean Sea. With its vibrant architecture, welcoming atmosphere, and strong sense of community, Curaçao offers a Pride getaway where every traveler can feel celebrated.
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Pride meets the spirit of aloha at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, where June is filled with festivities honoring love, diversity, and inclusion.
As a main sponsor of the annual Kauai Pride Parade on June 6, the resort proudly hosts the official Kauai Pride After Party Show, bringing together visitors and locals for an evening of music, entertainment, and celebration. Throughout the month, guests can toast Pride with specially crafted cocktails at Crooked Surf while enjoying oceanfront views and the laid-back beauty of Kauai.
Whether visiting for parade weekend or planning a longer Hawaiian escape, the resort serves as a welcoming home base for celebrating authenticity in one of the world’s most breathtaking island settings.
Related Content: A Guide To The Garden Island – Kaua’i for Baby Boomers
Beach House Fort Lauderdale
Along the sun-drenched shores of South Florida, Beach House Fort Lauderdale offers LGBTQ+ travelers a sophisticated beach retreat in one of America’s most inclusive destinations.
Located just minutes from Wilton Manors, a vibrant community known for its thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife, queer-owned businesses, and year-round Pride spirit, the hotel places guests at the heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s welcoming culture.
Throughout Pride Month, the area comes alive with rainbow-filled events and celebrations, while the hotel provides a tranquil escape steps from the beach. Guests can spend their days enjoying sunrise and sunset swims in the oceanfront pool before heading to S3 Restaurant (FYI, this is one of my favorite restaurants on A1A and I’ve been many times) for intimate beachfront dining accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.
Combining coastal luxury with easy access to one of the country’s most dynamic LGBTQ+ communities, Beach House Fort Lauderdale creates an atmosphere where celebration and relaxation go hand in hand.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Few destinations are as synonymous with LGBTQ+ travel as Puerto Vallarta, and Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa places guests at the center of the action while offering a luxurious retreat along the shores of Banderas Bay.
Just minutes from the famous Zona Romántica, home to many of Puerto Vallarta’s most beloved LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the resort combines romance, relaxation, and celebration in equal measure.
The resort’s Pride & Joy Couples Package includes daily breakfast, a Vallarta Tour Bus night tour, side-by-side hydrotherapy experiences at Ohtli Spa, and 10 percent savings on select spa services. Available with promotional code 4LG, the package is valid for stays through September 2, 2026.
Guests can unwind in newly renovated swim-up suites, lounge beside Puerto Vallarta’s largest oceanfront infinity pool, and enjoy cocktails at the adults-only swim-up bar. For those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, guided tequila tastings led by the resort’s in-house tequila sommelier offer a memorable way to raise a glass to Pride, love, and meaningful connections.
Pride Around the World
From the beaches of Mexico and Hawaii to the mountains of Washington and the colorful streets of Curaçao, Pride Month offers countless opportunities to celebrate community, equality, and self-expression. Whether you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or embarking on a solo adventure, these welcoming destinations provide the perfect setting to honor the spirit of Pride while creating unforgettable memories.
Wishing you all a happy Pride month.
