Great Places to Visit in Orlando & LGBT City Guide

Why you should go to Orlando!

Orlando, the Central Florida city synonymous with Walt Disney World, ranks as the #1 tourist destination in the US and world capital of theme parks. Attractions like Disney, Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios and Sea World made it the first US city to draw over 60 million tourists a year. Kennedy Space Center and Atlantic beaches are less than 50 miles (80 km) away.
Theme parks are only part of it. The sprawling metropolitan area covers 4,012 square miles (10,390 km2) and includes cities like Sanford, Kissimmee and Winter Park. A big sports town, it has pro basketball, major league soccer, spring training for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros and minor league and semi-pro teams, including ice hockey. Orlando Pride, a professional women's soccer team, plays in Orlando City Stadium. Shopping mavens will love the outlet malls. Foodies will find an international smorgasbord that includes high-end chains and popular local restaurants.
Orlando - with the 20th highest LGBT percentage in US metro populations, according to Gallup - is longtime gay friendly but has no gayborhood. It is a gay hot spot with extravagant shows, a weeklong Orlando Pride celebration, the long-running Girls in Wonderland, the week-long Gay Days at Disney World and gay family vacations. The horrific Pulse attack in 2016 brought an immediate wave of support for the LGBT community in Orlando and beyond. With an LGBT history going back to the 1970s and icons like the Parliament House resort, Orlando amended its human rights ordinances in 2002 to include sexual orientation, updating it to cover transgender in 2014. As a Parliament House slogan points out, "Orlando has more than one magical kingdom."

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At a glance

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Things to do (33)

Nightlife (12)

Hotels (10)

Restaurants (12)

At a glance

Epcot

Activity

The giant geodesic sphere Spaceship Earth is the landmark for Epcot, the Disney park celebrating international culture and technological advancement. The World Showcase,...

Islands of Adventure

Activity

Harry Potter takes a holiday at Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure, a 110-acre (45 ha) theme park. In addition to Harry's Wizarding World, there's Marvel Super Hero...

Universal Studios

Activity

Universal Studios, a movie-set theme park, has rides, shows and attractions related to film, TV and music productions. Visitors get to go behind the scenes and be the...

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Hamburger Mary's Orlando

Restaurant

Hamburger Mary's, part of the LGBT-themed chain started in San Francisco in 1972, is not all about hamburgers. It also serves black bean burgers 10 different ways and...

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Activity

The Harry P. Leu Gardens covers nearly 50 acres (20 ha) with semi-tropical and tropical landscaping including camellias, ancient oaks and a butterfly garden. The...

Magic Kingdom

Activity

The iconic Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom has welcomed more than 20 million visitors since the park opened in 1971, making it the most visited theme park in the...

The Florida Mall

Shopping

"Big" is the operative word for 250-store Florida Mall, close to Florida International Airport. The biggest mall in Central Florida and one of the biggest indoor malls...

The Mall at Millenia

Shopping

The Mall at Millenia is an upscale indoor mall with 150 stores anchored by Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus. It has major luxury brands on the second level and...

Parliament House

Nightlife

Parliament House, the 10-acre lakefront complex known as the largest, gayest place on earth, is pretty much always open with a bunch of bars, a beach, a theater, pool...

Gatorland

Activity

An old-time Florida attraction, the family-owned Gatorland opened in 1949. Calling itself "The Alligator Capital of the World," it has alligators and crocodiles on view...

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Hank's Bar

Nightlife

A fixture on the gay scene since 1987, Hank's calls itself "The Best Little Bar - With The Worst Reputation". It is a no-frills neighborhood hangout with cheap beer,...

Ember

Nightlife

Popular with lesbians, Ember has four bars and a patio. Good for Sunday all-your-can-eat brunch with unlimited mimosas and the Wednesday wine-down with happy hour...

Blue Martini Lounge

Nightlife

In Pointe Orlando shopping center near the convention center, Blue Martini is a swanky female-friendly lounge with nightly live entertainment, a long list of signature...

Disney Springs (Downtown Disney)

Shopping

The four-section Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, is a lakeside shopping, dining and entertainment center. No theme park ticket is required for entry but many...

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Activity

Disney's Animal Kingdom is where zoo meets theme park. At 580 acres (235 ha), it is the world's largest theme park with Discovery Island at its hub. Favorite rides...

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

Shopping

Lake Buena Vista is an open-air mall, smaller than the premiums outlets but with a good selection of brand-name shops, including high end. Less crowded and with easier...

Orlando International Premium Outlets

Shopping

The popular and packed Orlando International Premium Outlets with over 180 stores attracts visitors from everywhere shopping for bargains. Well-known brands, including...

Seasons 52 Fresh Grill

Restaurant

Inspired by local farmers' markets, Seasons 52 adapts its menu to the season, using brick-oven roasting and open-fire grilling over oak and mesquite to emphasis the...

The Spa

Activity

The Spa, LGBT-owned, offers a full menu of spa services and complimentary wine, champagne, mimosas and juices. It has a sauna, hot tub, monthly specials and spa packages...

4Rivers Smokehouse

Restaurant

4Rivers Smokehouse sells Texas-style BBQ at more than a dozen locations around Florida, including downtown Orlando, Orlando/UCF and Kissimmee, but it all began at the...

B Resort & Spa

Hotel

The official host hotel for Disney's One Magical Weekend during Gay Days, the B Resort & Spa is conveniently located in Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney)....

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BarCodes

Nightlife

BarCodes is a bear bar with a hometown feel and a beer and wine menu. Amusements include pool table, video games, fire pit and cruising patio. It also features themed...

Castle Hotel

Hotel

The spire-topped Castle Hotel pursues a medieval castle theme with an eclectic opulent decor throughout its public spaces and 214 guest rooms, priding itself on making...

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Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Activity

The Morse Museum boasts the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, including his chapel interior from the 1893 World's Columbia Exposition...

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen

Restaurant

Homecomin' Kitchen in Disney Springs is exactly that for Celebrity Chef Art Smith, who worked for two former Florida governors including Jeb and was Oprah's personal...

CityArts Factory

Activity

The hip CityArts Factory is a collective of six separate art galleries showcasing local talent and a second-floor events and performance space. It's part of the Third...

CityWalk's Rising Star

Nightlife

City Walk's Rising Star makes karaoke dreams come true, giving folks a chance to perform in a 440-seat concert venue with a live band and backup singers for a live...

Coca-Cola Orlando Eye

Activity

The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is a 400-foot-high (122 m) Ferris wheel, the highest observation wheel on the east coast of the US. Like the London Eye, it offers breathtaking...

Cocoa Beach

Beach

In and around Cocoa Beach, where the astronauts played during Mission Apollo days, is a stretch of sandy beaches with something for everyone: surfers, sunbathers, nature...

Dandelion Communitea Café

Restaurant

Dandelion Communitea Café is an eye-catching organic restaurant in a bright green 1920s house with a colorful interior displaying local artists. Certified Green by Co-op...

DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Hotel

Set on 28 Balinese-inspired acres, the DoubleTree at SeaWorld is the official hotel for Gay Days with theme park and entertainment attractions within easy reach and...

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Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Activity

Designed by Barton Myers, Dr. Phillips Center opened in 2014 and when completed will cover two city blocks at a cost of $514 million. Its Walt Disney theater, where...

Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar

Restaurant

The funky Drunken Money is a vegan coffeeshop offering distinctive house-roasted coffee and free WiFi. Breakfast and lunch are served all day with home-made gourmet...

East End Market

Shopping

A permanent farmer's market, East End Market is a collection of local produce, artisan vendors, coffee houses, bakeries and succulent plants. Outside the two-story...

Fairvilla Megastore

Shopping

Fairvilla Megastore on multi-levels has vibrators, videos, sex toys, seductive clothing, large-size lingerie and bondage gear. The Orange Blossom Trail store is the...

Forever Florida

Activity

A former cattle and horse ranch, Forever Florida is a 4,700-acre (1,900 ha) wildlife-conservation area which can be explored by open-air vehicle, horseback or zip line....

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Grand Bohemian Hotel

Hotel

The Grand Bohemian makes good use of red, leathers, velvets, Java wood, and black and white print to establish a sumptuous style in downtown Orlando, close to the soccer...

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Hilton Buena Vista Palace

Hotel

The Hilton Buena Vista is surrounded by the Walt Disney theme parks and right across the Pedestrian Skybridge from the shopping, dining and entertainment of Disney...

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Icebar Orlando

Nightlife

Icebar Orlando, proclaimed the world's largest permanent ice bar, is a below-freezing lounge featuring over 70 tons of hand-carved ice and frost bite cocktails. The...

Kennedy Space Center

Activity

The Kennedy Space Center is a day trip from Orlando and living history of the Space Age. Visitors share the exhilaration of the astronauts through a bus tour of launch...

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Lake Eola Park

Activity

In the heart of the city, bordered by Thornton Park, South Eola District and the Central Business District, Lake Eola Park has swan-shaped paddle boats and live swans,...

Legoland Florida

Activity

The world's largest Legoland Park, the Florida location is set on 150 acres (c. 60 ha) on the shores of Lake Eloise. About 45 minutes west of Orlando, the theme and...

Orlando Museum of Art

Activity

In Lock Haven Park, the Museum of Art mounts exhibitions and hosts traveling shows. Highlights are works by Bo Bartlett and its collections of Art of Ancient Americas...

Orlando Pride (Women's Soccer)

Activity

Orlando Pride is a professional team in the National Women's Soccer League affiliated with Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer. It immediately broke league records by...

Orlando Science Center

Activity

The Orlando Science Center offers hands-on scientific inquiry for all ages and two movie theaters, including the giant 300-seat Dr. Phillips Cinedome. The Digital...

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

Shopping

In a Mediterranean-Village setting, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is just minutes from Disney World and offers 150 designer and name-brand outlet stores, including...

Pointe Orlando

Shopping

Pointe Orlando is an upscale, open-air mall and entertainment center with a wide range of restaurants and bars, an improv comedy club, good window-shopping and a...

Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria

Restaurant

Thai-born, Orlando-raised Pom Moongauklang opened Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria, in a small shopping center almost a decade ago after working at Lucky Cheng's, a...

Ritzy Rags Wigs & More

Shopping

Owned by Leigh Shannon, an entertainer who impersonates celebrities like Bette Midler and Elton John, Ritzy Rags specializes in wigs and hair pieces for theatrical...

Rosen Shingle Creek

Hotel

At the headwaters of the Florida Everglades and inspired by Spanish Revival-style architecture of the 1900s, the Rosen Shingle Creek is a 1,501-room convention hotel but...

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Savoy Orlando

Nightlife

Savoy Orlando, gay owned and operated, is an upscale lounge with casual dress and friendly bartenders. The Men of Savoy go-go boys provide live entertainment. There's...

Seasons Florida Resort

Hotel

The Family-owned and managed Seasons Florida Resort is an affordable option and 10-minute drive to Disney World. Its Capone's Dinner and Show is a 1920s-themed...

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Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

Hotel

A host hotel for Girls in Wonderland during Gay Days, the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort is minutes from Disney World and outlet shopping. Two outdoor pools with...

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Southern Nights

Nightlife

Southern Nights, one of the first gay bars in Central Florida, disappeared more than a decade ago, but it just resurfaced at the same address, which is now in the hot,...

Stardust Lounge

Nightlife

Near Lake Eola, Stardust is a Vegas-style lounge with a a retro feel, 50-foot bar and red leather booths. In addition to the martinis - classic and crafted - it has...

Stonewall Bar

Nightlife

Namesake of the Greenwich Village original, Stonewall is a neighborhood bar gone industrial chic with a new Skybar offering views of downtown and the new soccer stadium....

Tako Cheena

Restaurant

The tiny Tako Cheena, not much bigger than a food truck, teams Pan-Asian fillings with tacos, burritos and empanadas. Its signature "takos" are panko-crusted cod,...

The Abbey

Nightlife

The Abbey is a event space with modern gothic decor, stage, full-service bar and outdoor patio. On the ground floor of the Sanctuary high-rise, it presents a wide...

The Blue Heron Beach Resort

Hotel

The Blue Heron Beach Resort is a condominium resort on Lake Bryan with spacious suites that sleep six to eight, full kitchens, washers and dryers. Balconies offer views...

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The Hammered Lamb

Restaurant

With Lake Ivanhoe across the street and train tracks out back, The Hammered Lamb is a friendly gathering spot that adds to the fun by serving free shots every time a...

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando

Hotel

Designed in the style of the grand palazzos of Italy, the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Orlando is palatial in scale to say the least with 582 guest rooms, 11 restaurants, a...

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