LGBTQ Vacation Destinations in New York State (2024)

There’s no better place to celebrate Pride year-round than in New York State!

Not only is it the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, it also boasts one of the largest LGBTQ populations in the country. You can experience LGBTQ culture and history all throughout the state by visiting landmark sites central to the movement and showing your Pride at events in every corner of the state — not just in June, but all year round. From natural escapes to beach getaways to the best in culinary and cultural arts, here’s how to turn your Pride celebration into a unique Pride adventure in NY. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 6/14/22

New York City

New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement and home to world famous gay friendly neighborhoods from Greenwich Village to Chelsea to the Lower East Side in Manhattan to Brooklyn’s Park Slope. Head to the Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, in Greenwich Village to see where Pride all began. Across the street in Christopher Park stands the Stonewall National Monument (pictured), the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ history. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is slated to open in June2024 at 51 Christopher Street. The educational resource center will feature exhibits, events, and art installations by LGBTQ+ artists. The city will soon also be home to the new American LGBTQ+ Museum. While in the village, stop in at Julius’, the site of another seminal event in the LGBTQ rights movement and the oldest continually operating gay bar in New York City. If you’re looking for a treat, satisfy your sweet tooth with some soft serve at Big Gay Ice Cream.

Venture over to Brooklyn’sMarsha P. Johnson State Park, named in honor of an LGBTQ civil rights pioneer and Stonewall Uprising figure. The 7-acre waterfront park located in Williamsburg offers visitors one of the most stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s also a play area and green space if you’re looking for a day of recreation and relaxation. On weekends from April-October, the park also plays host toSmorgasburgso make sure you come hungry. Themassiveopen-air food market features dozens of vendors selling lobster rolls, barbecue, bao, empanadas, spaghetti donuts, cookies, churros, and so much more.

If you’re in town for Pride month, there will be celebrations happening in each of the five boroughs all through June. Of course, the landmark NYC Pride March which will take place June 30, 2024 along with the PrideFest street festival (pictured).

While there’s no shortage of hotels and accommodations to choose from in NYC, why not head to Governors Island for a unique glampingexperience?Glampersare treated to the best views of theStatue of Libertyand Manhattan skyline without the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Roxbury (Catskills)

The Catskills are a unique natural wonderland where the arts come alive and the food couldn’t be fresher. It’s also home to the buzzworthy Roxbury Motel and its sister property The Roxbury at Stratton Falls, where owners Gregory Henderson and his partner Joe Massa have redefined the meaning of themed rooms with their over-the-top creations. A yellow brick road cuts through a Wizard of Oz-themed suite (pictured) while a giant pumpkin transforms into a golden carriage that houses an upstairs bathroom in the tower cottage known as “Cinderella’s Gown.”

When you manage to tear yourself away from inspecting every minute detail in your room, take a 30-minute drive to see theworld’s largest kaleidoscope(pictured) located at theEmerson Resort & Spa, a contemporary Adirondack-style inn featuring a restaurant with a menu that captures local flavors. TheRoxbury Arts Grouphosts performances at the 200-seat Roxbury Arts Center and more intimate concerts at the Old School Baptist Church nestled in the Denver Vega Valley. Travel to nearby Phoenicia where you can enjoy a side of nostalgia with your classic turkey club sandwich or a Catskills Po’Boy at the landmarkPhoenicia Diner. Grab an Adirondack chair or snag a picnic table and settle in for an afternoon of food and drink atWoodstock Brewing.

Enjoy a unique tour of the Catskill Mountains with Rail Explorers. You’ll pedal your way across long-abandoned railroad tracks alongside Esopus Creek on a 2.5 hour journey. Take the Golden Hour Tour for breathtaking views of the mountain ranges as the sun sets.

The Catskills region is also hosting monthly socials and a Catskill Pride Awards Gala on June 15, 2024.

Buffalo andNiagara Falls (Greater Niagara)

Pride flags hang from homes and businesses year round in New York State’s second-largest city, home to a thriving and vibrant LGBTQ community. The elegant four diamond-rated Mansion on Delaware Avenue will grant easy access to the city’s booming downtown district and Allentown, considered the heart of the city’s LGBTQ community, boasting restaurants, shops, cafes and bars. There are also many LGBTQ-owned businesses to support, from coffee shops to art galleries.

You’ll be just a short walk away fromBabeville, a multi-use facility dedicated to the arts founded by LGBTQ icon and Buffalo native Ani DiFranco. The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and social activist saved the 19th century Gothic-style church to create the cherished performance space inBuffalo’s Theater District. Round out your trip with a visit to theFrank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House,a 2-hour narrated cruise along the Erie Canal, and experience history at theNiagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Buffalo’s revitalized and scenic waterfront comes alive year-round with summertime concerts and festivals atCanalside, where you can also sail, shop, kayak, and try your hand atrock climbingatBuffalo RiverWorks. In the winter, you can ice skate and glide across the ice on anice bike.

Of course, no trip to Buffalo is complete without diving into a plate of spicy deep-fried chicken wings at Anchor Bar, the home of the original Buffalo wing (pictured). Also pop into Schwabl’s, which in 2021 was designated the “Home of the Beef on Weck” and highlighted on the show “No Reservations,” hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain.

The city hosts festivities every June duringBuffalo Pride Week.Niagara Falls, which is just a 30-minute drive from Buffalo, glows in Pride colors for the start of LGBTQ Pride month on June 1, but you can enjoy the majestic beauty of this natural wonder all year long – either up close and personal on aMaid of the Mistboat tour or during a peaceful hike along aNiagara Falls State Parktrail.

Sharon Springs and Cooperstown (Central New York)

LGBTQ entrepreneurs and businesspeople have brought life back to the vibrant village of Sharon Springs, a once-booming spa resort town that attracted the likes of Oscar Wilde and members of the Vanderbilt family in the 19th century. Among the town’s most famous residents are Josh Kilmer-Purcell and husband Brent Ridge, stars of The Fabulous Beekman Boys reality show and Amazing Race winners. You can tour their farm, meet the goats, and view large-scale murals depicting Nigerian Dwarf baby goats or pop by their Main Street shop, Beekman 1802 (pictured) — an LGBTQ staple offering skin care products, artisan goods and demos, along with other exclusive wares. While exploring the pedestrian-friendly Main Street, take a peek inside McGillycuddy’s Naturals and their selection of natural and handcrafted bath products, or treat your taste buds to locally-sourced seasonal dishes at 204 Main Bistro, where the menu is ever-changing.

You can stay at the historicAmerican Hotel, a nine-room inn with a charming porch and patio garden that makes for a perfect breakfast location. The hotel had fallen into disrepair after sitting vacant for three decades and was saved by the late Sharon Springs mayor Doug Plummer and husband Garth Roberts — the New York City transports who are credited with spearheading Sharon Springs’ renaissance after renovating the establishment. You can also embrace the countryside at theCountry Manor Inn and B&B, a renovated mansion built in the early 1800s that sits on four acres of land with breathtaking views of the Mohawk Valley and sprawling Adirondack Mountains.

While in Sharon Springs, take the 30-minute drive over toCooperstownto learn the history of America’s favorite pastime at theNational Baseball Hall of Fame, enjoy summertime performances of The Pirates of Penzance and Elizabeth Cree in a lakeside setting at this year’sGlimmerglass Festival, get a dose of culture at theFenimore Art Museum, which in addition to its extensive art collection hosts lunch tours, workshops and performances at the Lucy B. Hamilton Amphitheater, and tour the award-winningOmmegang Brewerybefore finishing up with a pint and a bite at its tap room. The brewery also hosts summer concerts with big name performers.

Hudson (Hudson Valley)

The charming riverfront city ofHudsonin Columbia County has built up a reputation for being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in the area and, in fact, plays host to a largePride festival, which features a parade, activities, performances, and more. The walkable city is an antique hunter’s dream with treasures from furniture to vintage clothing just waiting to be discovered at dozens of shops on and aroundWarren Street. Those with an eye for architecture will be delighted by the century-old buildings spread across Hudson, from Queen Anne-style mansions to grand Victorians that have been restored to their full glory. The Second Empire-styleHudson-Athens Lighthouse(pictured), built in 1874, is also a sight to behold.

Hudson is also a foodie paradise with many restaurants offering delectable dishes specially-crafted using fresh produce sourced straight from the bountiful Hudson Valley. Indulge at Hudson’s longest-running upscale restaurant,Swoon Kitchenbar, owned by the husband-wife duo also behindLe Perche, a bakery and bar serving up a fresh spin on French classics using local farm goods. Nosh on Latin-inspired tropical comfort food at the 2022 James Beard-nominatedLil’ Deb’s Oasis, down some Island Creek oysters at copper-accentedWM Farmer and Sons, or grab a late-night snack atBackbarspecializing in Asian-inspired street food.

For a fun date or time out with friends, grab a pint at Spotty Dog Books and Ale, a bookstore-slash-bar that’s taken up shop at a former firehouse, or sip on some wine while you create your own candles, diffusers, and perfumes at the Poured Candle Bar. Explore the 250-acre estate of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church at the Olana Historic House, and if you’re up for it, walk across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to check out the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. If you don’t mind a drive, the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Storm King Art Center, and Woodbury Common outlets are about an hour away from Hudson.

Albany (Capital-Saratoga)

Albany is where New York’s LGBTQ laws made it onto the books, cementing the Empire State as a leader in advancing gay rights. Tour the Capitol building (pictured) where the debates and votes took place and see the passage of the state’s marriage equality law prominently and proudly displayed in the timeline at the Hall of Governors. Albany is also home to the longest continually-operating LGBTQ community center in the United States: the Pride Center of the Capital Region. It has been supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ community since its inception in 1970 and is located in Center Square, where cobblestone intersections and historic homes add a dash of old-school charm to the eclectic neighborhood.

Unique shops, galleries, bars, and cafes fill the city’s commercial corridor ofLark Street. Experience arts and culture atThe Eggand theAlbany Institute of History and Art. Stroll through the 84-acreWashington Park. If you’re looking for a fun night out, stop byOH Barfor some karaoke or a game of pool or darts. Also grab a drink atWaterworks Pub, which bills itself as “Albany’s Original Gay Bar.” Keep the historical theme going with dinner atThe Hollow Bar + Kitchen, a restaurant, craft beer bar, and live music venue housed in the historic Brewster Building. Albany is also home toCapital Pride, which will take place on June 9, 2024. Stay in the heart of the city at theMorgan State House Innor at theRenaissance Albany Hoteloverlooking the Capitol building.

While in Albany, make sure to check out the hip suburb ofTroy, just a quick 20 minute drive up and across the Hudson River. There you can explore the Central Troy Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Scope out the city’s hopping brewery scene atBrown’s Brewing CompanyorRare Form Brewing Company. Catch a concert at theTroy Savings Bank Music Hall, which opened in 1875 and is aNational Historic Landmark. Foodies will love a trip to theTroy Waterfront Farmers Market, which is open Saturdays year round. New to town isCafe Euphoria, a trans and gender non-conforming worker-owned and operated restaurant that provides a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. The menu offers largely vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free fare with options ranging from Masman Curry to a Korean BBQ Rice Bowl to salads and sandwiches. The cafe also features a thrift shop and coworking space.

Fire Island (Long Island)

As they have been since before Stonewall, thePines and Cherry Grove neighborhoods of Fire Island remain among the most welcoming and gay-friendly American towns, providing a restful and relaxing refuge for LGBTQ vacationers for decades.
But before you hop on the ferry to your beach escape, explore the cute little town of Sayville, where theLoughlin Vineyardis tucked away on the historic John E. Roosevelt Meadowcroft Estate. Sayville’s walkable downtown features quaint storefronts from clothing boutiques to antique shops and plenty of restaurants to satisfy any craving — Cafe Joelle for international flavors using local ingredients, thePortly VillagerorSouth Shore Divefor pub fare, andThe Shedin West Sayville for the perfectbrunch.

A 20-minute ferry ride ushers you into the downtowns of both Fire Island hamlets, which are full of restaurants, shops and nightlife. Visit two sites in Cherry Grove that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places for their role in LGBTQ history:The Carrington House, where Truman Capote wrote Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and theCherry Grove Community House and Theater, the oldest continually-operating gay summer theater in the United States.

Fire Island comes alive with Pride in the summer months with its famous weekends that include pool parties hosted by various charities and non profits as well as the Invasion of the Pines, held every year on the 4th of July since 1976, when a drag queen who was denied service at a restaurant at the more conservative Pines returned by boat with an army of drag queens for what became the very first “invasion.”

To eat there’s thePines Bistro and Martini BarorTop of the Bayin Cherry Grove.Cherry’s On The Bayis a great spot to sip some co*cktails by the water, grab dinner or Sunday brunch while enjoying some entertainment from drag shows to bingo nights.Island Breezeand the beachsideSand Castleare also great places to feast. If you’re looking to dance the night away,Sip-n-TwirlandPavilionare about as iconic as clubs get.

Where to stay: Fire Island is great for a day trip or overnight, but accommodations can be tricky. The Madison Fire Island Pines is a great option as it’s just a short walk to both the beach and the harbor. This chic boutique hotel features a stylish and modern guest house with a pool, hot tub, and rooftop deck offering stunning panoramic views of the Pines. The Fire Island website is a great resource to view all the varying accommodations across the island.

For an outdoor excursion exploreThe Sunken Forest, climb the historicFire Island Lighthouse(pictured), and take in the sun and the surf at theFire Island National Seashore.

Lake Placid (Adirondacks)

Grab your hiking boots and get ready to escape into the wilds of New York for an outdoor adventure of a lifetime inLake Placid.Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa(pictured), a finalist in the 2020 Gay Travel Awards and the only Lake Placid hotel with a four diamond rating, has a private beach and a tranquil salt room for deep breathing and relaxing. Adventurous types looking for a rustic retreat will revel in a stay atAdirondak Loj, where accommodations range from a private room with a quilt-laden king-size bed to a six-person bunk room. The Loj sits at the gateway to the46 High Peaks, so pick a trailhead and get to walking! The Loj’s living room features astone fireplace that serves as the perfect setting to gather around and recount the day’s hike. Seekinga touch of opulence? Then look no further than theWhiteface Lodge, a striking luxury resort with a rustic timber design offering breathtaking balcony views of the seemingly infinite woods of Adirondack Park.

ExploreLake Placid’s downtown district wherequaint shops dot the dog-friendly Main Street and sports history comes alive at the Lake PlacidOlympic Center and Museum. Skate on the site of the dramatic “Miracle on Ice” game or take flight on aziplineat theOlympic Jumping Complex.If you work up an appetite, you’ll have plenty of options to grab some chow at waterfront restaurants overlooking Mirror Lake from Southern-style barbecue atSmoke Signalsto Italian cuisine atEre’s Pizzato small plates paired with the perfect craft co*cktail atTop of the Park. If you don’t mind venturing beyond Lake Placid, take about a 40-minute drive to Tupper Lake’s115-acreWild Centerwhere a network of bridges and platforms will take you up over the treetops for a rare view of the Adirondacks forest.While Lake Placid is great for hiking and fishing in the summer, it’s also perfect for leaf peeping in the fall, and ice skating andskiingin the winter.

Jamestown(Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Live, love, and, most importantly, laugh in this town dedicated to honoring the art and history of comedy. Celebrate the town’s native daughter and America’s First Couple of Comedy with a visit to theLucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum(pictured) to see costumes, props and recreations of iconic “I Love Lucy” sets, including the Ricardos’ New York City apartment. Then keep the fun going with a trip to theNational Comedy Centerwhere 50 immersive exhibits take you on a journey from vaudeville to viral memes. A short drive away is the waterfrontLucille Ball Memorial Park(pictured) where you can see the infamous “Scary Lucy” statue and the newer “Lovely Lucy” statue. The park also features a lighthouse, boat launch, playground and pavilion.

Stay at the sprawling nine-acreChautauqua Harbor Hotel, featuring 135 deluxe rooms and suites, gorgeous views ofChautauqua Lake, a full service restaurant offering three meals a day, and a bar with a more casual vibe servingbrick oven pizzas and microbrews. Go off-site forcomfort food and seafood at the cozyLandmark Restaurant, or sample some ofSouthern Tier Brewing Company’s finest ales and ciders at its taproom,theEmpty Pint, where you can also snack on some pretzels, tacos, burgers, and other pub staples.

There are plenty of opportunities to connect with nature in Jamestown. Takea peaceful hike through the fields, woods, and wetlands of theAudubon Community Nature Center, navigate the towering 60-foot-high corridors of thePanama Rocks(pictured), or take to the water with a historical tour aboard theChautauqua Bellesteamboat. Of course, if you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss your chance for an enlightening experience at theChautauqua Institution, which over the course of nine summer weeks hosts performances, lectures, and recreational activities to fill the body, mind, and spirit.A pleasant scenic drive west will transport you to theAmish Trail, which stretches from Randolph to Gowanda. You’ll be greeted by 100 farm stands and shops selling hand-crafted home goods, homegrown fruits and vegetables, and more.

Jamestown is also home toits own Pride month celebration, with the festival taking place on June 8, 2024.

Corning (Finger Lakes)

Corning, which hosts an annualfestivalfor Pride Month, was recently ranked as one of the best small LGBTQ-friendly cities in the country. TheHilton Garden Inn Corning Downtown,Corning Staybridge Suites,orRadisson Hotelwill put you right near all the action of the Crystal City. Among Corning’s can’t-miss attractions are theCorning Museum of GlassandThe Rockwell Museum. Along the historic, tree-lined streets of theGaffer District(pictured) you’ll find family-owned galleries, antique shops, clothing boutiques, and gift shops selling everything from hand-blown glass to jewelry.

Also make sure you come hungrycause the Gaffer District has 45 restaurants to choose from.The Cellaroffers an ever-evolving menu with vegan and vegetarian options that’s specially crafted using seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. With 40 wines available by the glass and 500 by the bottle, you can bet you’ll find the perfect drink pairing for your meal. The homeyDonna’s Restaurant, which proudly displays an impressive collection of Pyrex dishes, serves diner favorites for breakfast and lunch, but homemade desserts are the stars of this show, including the famed Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Chocolate Ribbon Pie. Grab a slice at the family-ownedAniello’s Pizzeria, which has been cooking up delicious pizzas and meatball subs for over 40 years.You can satisfy your sweet tooth by venturing out on theGaffer District’s Chocolate Trail(pictured).

In nearby Elmira,take your vacation to new heights and viewthe natural wonders of the Finger Lakes with a flight at theHarris Hill Soaring Centeraboard a motorless glider with a FAA-certified pilot over the Chemung Valley. If you’re curious to learn more about the history of motorless flight, then a stop at theNational Soaring Museumis a must.

While in Elmira, literary buffs can stop by theOctagonal Studywhere Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous works, and visit his final resting place atWoodlawn Cemetery. Family-friendly activities include a ride on an 1890s carousel atEldridge Park, a day of go-karting and mini golfing atHarris Hill Amusem*nt Park, or catch a flick at the 19-acreElmira Drive-In.

Watertown (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

Communities along theSt. Lawrence Riverfrom Cape Vincent to Alexandria Bay also have aPride weekendon tap with sunset cruises, a Tea Dance, piano bar karaoke, and more.

Kickstart your trip with an action-packed whitewater rafting trip along the Black River withBlack River Outfitters,Adirondack River Outfitters, orWhitewater Challengers(pictured). Escape into the expansive 355-acreThompson Park, a creation of the famed Olmsted family. The park is home toZoo New York, an 18-hole golf course, a creative children’s playground, and an outdoor skating area. Watertown’s walkable downtown will satisfy all your shopping needs with a blend of specialty shops, art studios, and the 19th century Paddock Arcade, which holds the title of longest continuously operating indoor mall in the U.S.

With its proximity to the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, it seems only natural to treat yourself to a stay by the water.Harbor House Inn, a boutique hotel, and the luxurious1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, located in Sackets Harbor and Clayton respectively, won’t disappoint.Complete your trip with a tour of the famedSingerandBoldtcastles (pictured), take a speedboat ride through the islands at theAntique Boat Museum, or cruise along theGreat Lakes Seaway Trailto discover lighthouses, wineries, amusem*nt parks, and more.

Dining and imbibing options in Watertown includeGarland City Beer Works, a local LGBTQIA+-owned brewery where you’ll find IPAs, stouts, sours, and more on tap to pair with some intricately-topped hot dogs or juicy burgers.Shuler’s Restaurantspecializes in American comfort food, whileCrystal Restauranthas the designation of being the city’s oldest eatery. AtFairground Innyou can tuck in to original wood booths before diving into some classic Italian and American dishes.

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