Gay & Lesbian

Like no place else on earth, in Key West everyone is free to be who they are. Throughout the island, there are a variety of accommodations, restaurants, attractions, tours and excursions that welcome gay and lesbian guests.

Attractions & Tours

Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West
The only gay and lesbian trolley tour in the United States, Old Town Trolley offers our gay and lesbian guests their own personal view of historic Key West. Onboard our rainbow-decorated trolley Saturday mornings, you’ll see the best of Key West in an entertaining and intriguing 70-minute tour. Our conductors offer an amusing and informative look at the colorful characters that shaped the unique personality of Key West, including Tennessee Williams and Elizabeth Bishop. You’ll see the original site of the Monster (the great gay club) and discover the influence the gay and lesbians have had on Key West, plus tons of fabulous sites, architectural icons and amusing stories about famous and infamous Key West characters.

Harry Truman Little White House
Florida’s only presidential museum, the Harry Truman Little White House holds a special place in the history of the United States. It was here that Harry Truman came to relax and escape the stress of Capitol Hill. During his first stay, the 36th President fell in love with Key West and subsequently stayed for 175 days. His home is now a lasting tribute to his life during those times and is open for all to enjoy and discover. Tours of the Little White House showcase how President Truman ran the country from his island getaway, and highlight the various rooms and belongings that were significant to Truman, his many prestigious visitors and his family.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
An indoor oasis of foliage, cascading waterfalls and magnificent butterflies, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory offers a unique experience to people of all ages. The conservatory is home to hundreds of gorgeous butterflies, with 50 to 60 different species at any given time. Surrounded by exotic plants and flowers, the butterflies flit gracefully throughout their climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat to the delight of every guest. In the gallery, the work of artist Sam Trophia captures the stunning beauty of the butterfly in an array of compositions. Encased in clear, acrylic cases, the original artwork ranges from a single butterfly to a mural of many butterflies suspended in mid-flight. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located at 1316 Duval Street and is a must see while in Key West.

Audubon House
The Audubon’s house and Museum is a lasting tribute to the work of John James Audubon. When he visited Key West and the Dry Tortugas during the 1830’s he drew 18 new birds for his “Birds of America” collection. The house contains many of his masterpieces, including 28 first editions. Knowledgeable guides offer interesting facts about Audubon and the history of the house. Antiques, lush tropical gardens, exotic flowers and foliage add to the serene setting of this Key West treasure.

Restaurants, Bars & Nightclubs

801 Bourbon Street
One of Key West’s most popular bars for more than 30 years, 801 is located on Duval Street in world famous downtown Key West. See legendary drag queens do what they do best in nightly Cabaret performances, enjoy great drinks and the company of friends old and new.

Aqua Nightclub
If you love to dance, drink and be entertained, Key West’s Aqua Nightclub is the place for you. The largest dance club on the island, Aqua has three bars including an outside wet bar. Live entertainment, drag shows featuring the well-known Aquanettes, Karaoke, Dueling Bartenders, Happy Hour and much more are the reason guests keep coming back year after year. Fun, music and friends make it an unforgettable Key West experience.

Bourbon Street Pub
Located at 724 Duval Street in the heart of Old Town Key West; Bourbon Street Pub has earned the reputation at Key West’s Premiere Gay Bar. For 15 years and counting, the Bourbon Street Pub has beckoned visitors with three bars, a dozen video monitors featuring the hottest music videos and the famed “Men of Bourbon” dancing on top of the bar. With a New Orleans flair, the pub also features Key West’s only outside gay pool bar. The Garden Bar boasts a shimmering pool, waterfall, Jacuzzi, several sundecks and is clothing optional.

Hog’s Breath Saloon
An icon in Key West, the Hog’s Breath Saloon is known for its great drinks, homemade bikini contest, fresh seafood and great music performed by local talent. One of Key West’s most famous watering holes, the Hog’s Breath is as laidback and welcoming as the island itself, encouraging people to kick back, eat, drink and enjoy, and of course, pick up an original Hog’s Breath Saloon T-shirt.

KWEST Men
By day KWEST Men is a friendly neighborhood bar offering happy hour specials and a casual atmosphere. But when night falls, this local hot spot becomes even hotter featuring spectacular performances by strippers from 10pm till closing.

Peal’s Patio for Women
Key West’s only bar just for women, Pearl’s patio welcomes women of all ages to relax, meet, mingle or just enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing cocktail. Located two blocks from the Southernmost Point, Pearl’s is warm tropical hideaway where lesbians, gay-friendly ladies and women of all ages can gather and just be women!

Rick’s/Durty Harry’s
Rick’s/Durty Harry’s is actually 12 bars, each with their own distinct personality. Choose Rick’s Downstairs for great entertainment and inexpensive drinks. Head to the Crow’s Nest to enjoy amazing views of the courtyard and VIP treatment. At the Tree Bar, you’ll be served only the best premium drinks and fresh squeezed juices. To dance the night away, choose Rick’s upstairs for today’s newest hits or Durty Harry’s for rock-n-roll. Whether you prefer wine and martinis, daiquiris or sizzling adult entertainment, Rick’s has it all just waiting for you.

Accommodations

Island House for Men
Owned and operated by a gay couple from Key West, the Island House offers endless amenities and comforts in a stunningly tranquil and tropical setting. A private, secure compound, gay men can enjoy delicious food at the café for day and night, a large heated pool, 24-hour Jacuzzis, a state-of-the-art gym and spa and extras like free happy hour, free parking and the personal attention of a dedicated staff. The Island House was voted the Best Gay Men’s Resort in the World by OUT Traveler Magazine and is a clothing optional resort.

Big Ruby’s Guesthouse
Warm and welcoming, Big Ruby’s Guesthouse is a gentle paradise that offers an authentic Key West experience. A private oasis framed by graceful palms, a large sundeck, a treetop walkway and exotic garden, Big Ruby is the ideal spot to escape with someone special or meet someone new. A large lounge with a big screen TV, fully-equipped fitness center, complimentary freshly prepared breakfast and free beer and wine in the evenings by the pool are just a few of the luxuries guests enjoy. Rooms include Cable TV with gay movie channels and a gay film channel, opulent beds and baths, mini-fridge and more.

The Mermaid and The Alligator Bed & Breakfast
Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, The Mermaid and The Alligator is a stately 1904 Victorian. Indulge your palate with a full breakfast before heading out to snorkel, dive or stroll down Duval. Relax in the tropical garden or lounge by the pool while you sip a complimentary glass of wine as the sun begins to set. A gay friendly hotel, the Mermaid and The Alligator, invites each guest to relax and enjoy Key West. Each of the guestrooms has a unique design, from the Audubon Room to the Garden and Sun Rooms and our collection of Conch Cottage Rooms, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

The Oasis
Located at 823 Fleming Street, one of Key West’s most famous gay thoroughfares, the Oasis guesthouse is for men only and is one of the island’s finest all male accommodations. 20 newly renovated guestrooms and suites, a gorgeous pool, hot tub and South Florida’s largest Jacuzzi are just some of the amenities. The Oasis also offers a complimentary continental breakfast buffet, private sundecks and an exclusive cocktail hour every afternoon. Guests of the men-only Oasis also have access to all the amenities in the other two adjacent resorts, the Coconut Grove Guesthouse and the Coral Tree Inn: all are exclusively for men and clothing optional.

Chelsea House Pool & Gardens
Welcoming all guests, the Chelsea House Pool and Gardens is a historic spot that is located just two blocks from Duval Street. The property includes two grand mansions that date back to the late 1800’s. A heated pool, lush tropical gardens and expansive grounds offer the opportunity to enjoy solitude or the company of others. Each of the suites and guestrooms at the Chelsea caters to couples, offering one large bed, a private bathroom, cable TV and more. Complimentary continental breakfast is also included as is convenient parking.