Puerto Rico is a beautiful island in the Caribbean that offers a rich culture, stunning scenery, and diverse experiences for travelers of all kinds. But what makes Puerto Rico especially attractive for LGBTQ+ travelers is its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, as well as its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
Puerto Rico is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the Caribbean, with many legal and social protections for the community. Puerto Rico recognizes same-sex marriage, adoption, and anti-discrimination laws, and has several LGBTQ+ organizations and events throughout the year. Puerto Rico also celebrates two annual pride parades, one in San Juan in June and one in Cabo Rojo in July.
But where are the best places to visit in Puerto Rico if you are looking for LGBTQ+-friendly attractions, accommodations, and nightlife? Here are some of the most accepting areas in Puerto Rico for LGBTQ+ travelers:
San Juan
San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, and the center of history, culture, and entertainment. San Juan is also the most popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, as it offers a variety of gay-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and hotels. Some of the most popular LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in San Juan are Condado, Santurce, and Old San Juan.
Condado is the tourist district of San Juan, where you can find upscale hotels, resorts, casinos, and beaches. Condado is also where Pride Puerto Rico is held in June, attracting thousands of visitors and locals to celebrate diversity and equality. Some of the best LGBTQ+ venues in Condado are Oceano, a chic restaurant and bar with ocean views, Circo, a lively nightclub with drag shows and DJs, and Oasis, a cozy and casual bar with karaoke and trivia nights.
Santurce is the cultural and artistic hub of San Juan, where you can find colorful murals, museums, galleries, and theaters. Santurce is also home to La Placita, a popular market and nightlife spot that transforms into a street party every weekend. Some of the best LGBTQ+ venues in Santurce are El Cojo, a friendly and fun bar with pool tables and darts, A Pedir de Boca, a trendy and tasty restaurant with live music and comedy, and La Esquina de Polo, a cozy and charming bar with a patio and a jukebox.
Old San Juan is the historic and colonial part of San Juan, where you can find impressive fortresses, castles, and churches that are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Old San Juan is also a great place to explore the local cuisine, crafts, and architecture. Some of the best LGBTQ+ venues in Old San Juan are El Patio de Lila, a romantic and elegant restaurant with a courtyard and a fountain, The Bear Tavern, a friendly and laid-back bar with a bear theme and a pool table, and Tía María Liquor Store, a quirky and fun bar with a liquor store and a dance floor.
Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo is a town on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico, known for its breathtaking views and pristine beaches. Cabo Rojo is also one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly towns in Puerto Rico, with many LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses and a strong sense of community. Cabo Rojo is where the second pride parade in Puerto Rico is held in July, drawing hundreds of people to celebrate love and acceptance.
One of the main attractions in Cabo Rojo is La Playuela, also known as Playa Sucia, a secluded and stunning beach with white sand and turquoise water. La Playuela is a favorite spot for LGBTQ+ travelers, as it offers a relaxing and scenic escape from the crowds. La Playuela is also close to the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, a historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the coast.
Another attraction in Cabo Rojo is Boquerón, a fishing village and beach resort that has a lively and festive atmosphere. Boquerón is where you can find many LGBTQ+ friendly bars, restaurants, and hotels, as well as a public beach that is popular among the LGBTQ+ community. Some of the best LGBTQ+ venues in Boquerón are Pika Pika, a colorful and cheerful bar with a tropical vibe and a dance floor, Zal Si Puedes Minibar, a cozy and classy bar with a sophisticated menu and a fireplace, and La Sombrilla Rosa, a cute and comfy guesthouse with a pool and a garden.
Vieques
Vieques is a small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. Vieques is also a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, as it offers a secluded and serene getaway with friendly locals and charming accommodations. Vieques is also home to one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world, the bioluminescent bay.
The bioluminescent bay, also known as Mosquito Bay, is a lagoon that glows in the dark due to the presence of microscopic organisms that produce light when disturbed. The bioluminescent bay is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Vieques, as it offers a magical and unforgettable experience. The best way to see the bioluminescent bay is by taking a guided kayak or boat tour at night, when the water sparkles like a starry sky.
Another attraction in Vieques is Flamenco Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Flamenco Beach is a long and wide stretch of sand with clear and calm water, surrounded by green hills and palm trees. Flamenco Beach is a perfect place to relax, swim, snorkel, or sunbathe, and enjoy the scenery. Flamenco Beach is also where you can find an old tank that was left behind by the US Navy, which is now covered in graffiti and art.
Some of the best LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations in Vieques are Hacienda Tamarindo, a cozy and rustic hotel with a pool and a terrace, Esperanza Inn, a charming and affordable guesthouse with a garden and a hot tub, and Malecón House, a stylish and modern hotel with a pool and a balcony.
I hope this blog post helps you plan your trip to Puerto Rico. Have a wonderful time! 😊
(1) LGBTQ Travel Guide to Puerto Rico | Discover Puerto Rico. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/lgbtq-travel-guide-to-puerto-rico.
(2) LGBTQ Travel | Gay-Friendly Travel Guide | Discover Puerto Rico. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/things-to-do/lgbtq-travel.
(3) Best LGBTQIA+ spots in San Juan - Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-lgbtq-spots-in-san-juan.
(4) LGBT in Puerto Rico - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_in_Puerto_Rico.
(5) Puerto Rico’s Top LGBTQ-Friendly Beaches. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/puerto-ricos-top-lgbtq-friendly-beaches.
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