As America’s capital, it should not be surprising that the D.C. area is most welcoming to the gay resident and traveler alike. In fact, the region itself has long been a socially liberal stronghold, so the gay lifestyle is most accepted and embraced throughout. While in the area, you will obviously want to some sightseeing by day, and then spend the night cruising some the hottest gay nightspots. There are certainly plenty to choose from. To start, consider Phase 1, which hosts a famous drag king show to demonstrate the lesbian side of the city. The dance floor there might seem a bit small for some, however, so consider heading over to Town Dance Boutique. This place is out of this world, and event hosts a Friday night Happy Hour for Bears. This place really gets hopping at 10pm on the weekends. With gay boutique hotels and a host of gay friendly venues, there is plenty to do in this city that is surprisingly small geographically, but big on action.

 

Washington, DC is one of the most diverse – and welcoming – cities in the world. At once an international crossroads and an all-American hometown, the District is home to people and preferences from every color of the rainbow. Go on a DC adventure all your own, from the city's exciting neighborhoods to the National Mall.
Washington DC is a vibrant city. Even though it is best known as the home of the federal government, and the capital city of the United States, it has much more to offer tourists interested in exploring the area’s history. Entertainment, shopping, dining, and other recreational opportunities abound; there is certainly something for everyone in the District of Columbia.

Aside from the chance to see the U.S. government at work, the city is full of museums and monuments sure to appeal to the history buff in all of us. The Smithsonian Institute calls Washington DC home and offers individual museums for the exploration of Natural History, Art, Air and Space, and American History. In late 2016, the Smithsonian Institute will open its latest museum, the National Museum of African American History. You can combine education and entertainment, creating a unique vacation that is sure to stick with you.

One of the top destinations in the city is the White House. Families can enjoy the National Zoo, including the baby panda, Bei Bei, who was born in August 2015. Festivals are also commonplace. You can enjoy celebrations ranging from the Chinese New Year events, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

WASHINGTON DC GAY BARS AND LOUNGES

JR’s – With friendly bartenders, campy videos, and great drink specials, this D.C 17th Street icon is located right in the very heart of gay-town. Whether you come to play “pin the tail on the closeted Republican Hill staffers,” or are just looking for a casual place to enjoy a cocktail, this place is packed with potential 7 days a week.

Nellie’s Sports Bar– Not in the middle of the gay scene but definitely worthwhile, Nellie’s offers summers-on-the-roof, poker tournaments, drag luck buffets, drag bingo, trivia night, outdoor patio, and big screen TVs.

Green Lantern – Perfect for your Average Joe, this bar is popular even though it’s a tad off the beaten path. Each 2nd Sunday of the month features Tea Dances. Other attractions include theme parties – like underwear night, Thursday’s 10-11pm shirtless-guys-drink-free, and more.

Number Nine DC – Serving creative cocktails and classics, this plush, new D.C. bar has nightly happy hour specials until 9pm, cocktail masters behind the bar, plenty of plush seating and is housed in the center of Logan Circle in a 2-level, re-purposed, and fully renovated setting.

WASHINGTON DC GAY CLUBS & PARTIES

Cobalt – Whether you’re looking for a wild night in the upstairs dance club, or drinks and conversation in the hip and happening downstairs lounge, you will find the perfect mix of pulsating action and sophistication in this renovated location. The anchor of Gay Street, Cobalt is a 17th Street mainstay.

Bachelor’s Mill – “The Mill on The Hill” offers a little bit of everything – namely, 4 pool tables, big screen TV, video games, 2 roof-top patios, karaoke nights, open mic nights, resident and guest DJs, house music, R&B, hip-hop, and more. All are welcome but ‘The Mill’ is frequented by a mostly African-American crowd.

Town Danceboutique – Nation and Traxx reincarnated! Revelers 21 and over on Saturdays, or 18 and over on Fridays, can park on the street for free or pay $15 in an attached lot. This mega-gay club features 10pm drag shows every Friday and Saturday, wild themed parties, international performers and acts, and a mix of dancing and performance space with a lounge for plush, luxurious… um… lounging.

CRUISING IN WASHINGTON DC & MEN ONLY

Ziegfeld’s / Secrets – A 2-level club setting where the draw is most definitely Secret’s chorus of all-nude male dancers (yes… all nude) and Ziegfeld’s entire cast of female illusionists. This is the rebirth of D.C.s gay entertainment complex.

The Crew Club – reportedly one of the cleanest bathhouses you can find, offering guy on guy cardio and workout equipment, a technogym, hydro-massage bed, tanning, huge lounges, gang showers, a Finnish sauna, Maze steam room, and an utterly fabulous staff.The Famed Crew Club Bathhouse The Crew Club bathhouse on 14th Street has been the favorite gay sex club in the nation's capital for years, and it's centrally located near Logan Circle—a 15-minute walk along P Street from Dupont Circle, the city's historically gay neighborhood.

Back when it opened in 2000 or so, it was considered a bit off the beaten path because Logan Circle had yet to experience the gentrification that has since turned it into one of Washington's hottest neighborhoods, buzzing with trendy restaurants and bars, plus popular and gay-friendly hotels like Kimpton's Hotel Rouge and Hotel Helix.

The Famed Crew Club Bathhouse

The Crew Club bathhouse on 14th Street has been the favorite gay sex club in the nation's capital for years, and it's centrally located near Logan Circle—a 15-minute walk along P Street from Dupont Circle, the city's historically gay neighborhood.

Back when it opened in 2000 or so, it was considered a bit off the beaten path because Logan Circle had yet to experience the gentrification that has since turned it into one of Washington's hottest neighborhoods, buzzing with trendy restaurants and bars, plus popular and gay-friendly hotels like Kimpton's Hotel Rouge and Hotel Helix.


Here are 12 recommendations and tips for a gay traveler visiting Washington D.C. from locals:

Make sure to pay a visit to Dupont Circle, a neighborhood renowned as the lgbtq+Q hub of the city. Explore the gay bars, clubs and restaurants that make this area so lively.

Don't miss out on attending the annual Capital Pride festival in June. It's a celebration featuring a parade, parties and various exciting events.

If you're interested in history take some time to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. They have exhibits dedicated to showcasing the contributions of lgbtq+Q individuals during the civil rights movement.

A leisurely stroll through the National Mall is a must do activity. You'll be able to admire landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument while enjoying its tranquil atmosphere.

Art enthusiasts shouldn't skip visiting the Renwick Gallery at the American Art Museum. They often feature exhibitions by talented lgbtq+Q artists.

For resources and community engagement opportunities for lgbtq+Q individuals consider checking out the DC Center for lgbtq+ Community. They host events. Provide valuable support services.

To unwind with a beverage head over to one of DCs popular gay bars like JRs Bar & Grill or Number Nine. You'll find drinks and an inclusive atmosphere there.

If you have some time consider taking a day trip to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. It boasts a lgbtq+Q scene alongside its beautiful sandy shores.

History buffs might find it intriguing to explore Bayard Rustins home—a significant landmark associated with gay civil rights activism—which has now become a National Historic Landmark.

To delve deeper into DCs lgbtq+Q history arrange for a guided walking tour, through Rainbow History Project. It offers a journey through time exploring significant milestones of this community in our city.
Make sure to visit some of the citys lgbtq+Q bookstores like Lambda Rising or Politics and Prose.

Don't hesitate to reach out to the local lgbtq+Q community for suggestions on the top spots to check out grab a bite to eat and discover. The community is warm and enthusiastic about sharing their insights, with visitors.

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