Small-Town Pride: 40 LGBTQ-Welcoming Destinations Beyond the Big Cities

Across the country, tucked between rolling hills, coastal shores, and wide-open plains, small towns and cities are embracing the LGBTQ community with open arms. While major cities often dominate the conversation around queer travel, these charming destinations prove that acceptance and celebration can thrive on a smaller scale. From vibrant festivals to queer-owned businesses and inclusive local traditions, each town offers its own unique blend of hospitality and pride, making them perfect escapes for travelers seeking both community and charm.

Alexandria, Virginia

Just minutes from Washington, D.C. on the Potomac River waterfront, historic Alexandria, Virginia, welcomes LGBTQ+ couples, families and friends to stay in and explore the city. Given a perfect score for LGBTQ+ equality by the Human Rights Campaign Municipality Equality Index for five years in a row, Alexandria is a welcoming homebase and great place to extend your stay. Connecting to Washington, D.C. is easy via Metro, water taxi, rideshare, bikeshare and more. Enjoy dining, art history and boat cruises along the Old Town Alexandria waterfront and hundreds of independent shops and restaurants plus historic sites along the King Street mile and in neighborhoods throughout the city. 

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor, a trailblazing city in LGBTQ Rights, has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ equality.  In fact, Ann Arbor regularly scores 100% on the Human Rights Municipality Index Report.  From the overall welcoming vibes you’ll feel while visiting, to inviting and inclusive spaces created for community members and allies, Ann Arbor is a welcoming destination for everyone. While you’re here, we encourage you to visit neighboring destination, Ypsilanti, for even more queer-focused events and things to do.

Athens, Georgia

Athens, Georgia embraces inclusivity as part of its everyday culture, blending creative expression, independent spirit and a vibrant LGBTQ+ presence year-round. Home to legendary queer icons like The B-52s and Michael Stipe, the city continues to champion its LGBTQ+ community through grassroots activism, glittering drag shows and the work of organizations like the UGA Pride Center, GLOBES and the Boybutante AIDS Foundation. Signature events include the Athens Pride & Queer Collective’s annual Pridefest—complete with parade, live music, local food and family activities—and the high-energy Boybutante Ball, which has raised over $1.2 million for HIV/AIDS services. Visitors can enjoy queer-friendly nightlife at Sister Louisa’s Church Bar and Little Kings Shuffle Club, catch a show from the Athens Showgirl Cabaret, or stay at welcoming accommodations like the TAG-approved Hotel Indigo Athens and the design-forward Athenian. Learn more at VisitAthensGA.com. 

Bellevue, Washington

Just 15 minutes outside of Seattle, Bellevue is located in one of the top three metro areas with the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the United States, behind Boston and San Francisco. Across Lake Washington, Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood is a thriving gayborhood with rainbow-painted crosswalks and many ways to celebrate love and identity. To offer an additional layer of support, Bellevue Police launched a Safe Place Program, which designates businesses and places as safe zones for those who feel they have been or are a victim of anti-LGBTQ crimes, including harassment. In 2024, Bellevue revealed a public art piece to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride between Downtown Bellevue Park and Carmine's. The Love Between is a decorative pavement treatment from local Latinx/LGBTQ+ artist Esmeralda Vasquez (she/they). In Bellevue, all are welcome, and Grindr has taken notice. They've awarded the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area as one of the Top Gay Cities in the U.S. in 2024.

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham, Washington is a warm and welcoming community situated in the northwest corner of Washington State, between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC. Visitors will find incredible access to outdoor recreation—from hiking in the alpine at Mt. Baker to mountain biking at Galbraith to kayaking in the Salish Sea at sunset—along with world-class entertainment and dining. Bellingham takes great pride in protecting and celebrating its LGBTQ community members and visitors, offering queer-friendly spaces, pride celebrations, and an overall atmosphere of welcoming hospitality. At a government level, the city passed a resolution in 2025 to officially reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights of individuals regardless of their identity. Each summer, the city comes together to celebrate Pride in Bellingham, a multi-day event featuring a parade, family picnic, dance party, and more. Visitors can also support queer-friendly businesses and events like Bellingham SeaFeast, Bellingham Ghost Tours, El Sueñito Brewing Company, Village Books, L&L Libations, and Bellinghistory Tours with the Good Time Girls, to name a few local favorites. Learn more at bellingham.org 

Beloit, Wisconsin

Beloit, Wisconsin, is a charming city with a revitalized downtown, a flourishing arts scene, lively nightlife, a wide variety of dining options, and so much more. This welcoming destination is home to a growing LGBTQ+ community, inclusive businesses, and year-round events that celebrate diversity.  Each summer, Beloit has a special event called Rock the Pride, organized by the Yellow Brick Road organization at Edwards Ice Arena in Telfer Park. The all-day event on Saturday, August 16, from 12-6 p.m. features live music, speakers, local vendors, drag bingo, storytime, food trucks, and more. This year’s event adds a playful beach theme and a rainbow dance after-party at 5BAR, one of Beloit’s queer-friendly spaces. Owned by the imaginative Levi Anderson, 5BAR offers a retro-inspired experience with a rotating cocktail menu themed around the five senses. The bar features LGBTQ+ programming, including drag bingo, live music, Pride Month specials, and so many more events, creating a safe, inclusive, and vibrant space for all. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a fun night out with friends, Beloit offers a place that feels like home. 

Binghamton, New York

Binghamton, New York is a place that’s different. It’s also a place LGBTQ+ travelers MUST have on their radar! The gay scene is very open in Binghamton with the LGBTQ community well-integrated in the culture of our community. Whether taking in a Broadway-caliber show, visiting a gallery on Artists Row or grabbing a bite, you will feel welcomed and comfortable just about anywhere. Binghamton is a foodie lover’s dream with over 250 restaurants in our community. Many are locally owned and offer taste variations that will amaze you. Farm-to-table is a staple around here and foods are often sourced locally for the true flavor of our unique area. After dining on delicious morsels, be sure to visit one of the local craft beverage establishments.  Explore outdoor adventure from canoe and kayak rides along our rivers to endless biking and walking trails. Immerse yourself in an ethnic festival and learn about the cultures that have come together to create the diverse destination Binghamton is today. We challenge you to take your own journey, make your own discoveries and write your own chapter. We invite you to Be Part of Our Story.

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

New Hope has earned a reputation for being LGBTQ+ friendly for several reasons. The community here embraces diversity and inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. It has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights and culture, dating back to the early 20th century when it became a haven for artists and intellectuals seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Being ranked as the #1 U.S. small town for arts and culture by Travel + Leisure, New Hope also hosts various LGBTQ+ events and organizations, contributing to its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The town's small size also fosters a close-knit community where residents and visitors alike feel comfortable expressing themselves freely, becoming a beloved destination for LGBTQ+ travelers and residents.

California’s Tri-Valley 

Located in the heart of the Bay Area (35 miles East of San Francisco and 35 miles North of San Jose), the Tri-Valley region's LGBTQ+ friendliness is deeply intertwined with its proximity to San Francisco, a city renowned as a global epicenter for LGBTQ+ culture and activism. The area benefits from this cultural closeness, as it inherits a progressive and inclusive ethos that has long defined the greater Bay Area.

Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

Champaign-Urbana’s vibrant, expressive, and diverse community makes it one of the Midwest’s most welcoming small cities for LGBTQ folks. Home of the University of Illinois flagship campus, this college town thrives on connection and self-expression. New to town or thinking about relocating here? Experience Champaign-Urbana’s Welcome Crew—where 25% of members identify as LGBTQ—will help you get settled. CU’s art scene—spanning Krannert Center’s global performances to the Boneyard Arts Festival—celebrates every identity year-round, alongside queer-owned and queer-friendly spaces like Art Coop, The Space, and Gallery Art Bar. Pride shines bright, from Anthem’s drag shows to CU Pride Fest, which transforms downtown Urbana into a weeklong rainbow of art, performances, and the largest Pride parade in Illinois outside Chicago. That spirit of inclusion is also reflected in LGBTQ policy: for the second year running, Champaign has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, a nationwide evaluation. In CU, belonging is more than celebrated—it’s part of the community fabric.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a charming coastal destination with a vibrant and growing LGBTQ+ community, making it a standout among small cities in North America. Known for its historic beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and progressive spirit, Charleston offers a wide range of experiences for queer travelers. The city celebrates Pride throughout the year, with standout events including Park Circle Pride, a week-long celebration in North Charleston featuring over 40 inclusive events like drag brunches, youth festivals, poetry slams, panels, art walks, cabaret shows, and more. It’s one of the most robust and diverse Pride schedules in the Southeast. Other highlights include the AFFA Gala, honoring over 25 years of LGBTQ+ advocacy, and the Queer Youth Prom, hosted by We Are Family, one of South Carolina’s leading LGBTQ+ youth organizations. Visitors can also experience the city’s LGBTQ+ history on The Real Rainbow Tour, the first and only LGBTQ-focused walking tour in Charleston. With its blend of Southern charm, year-round LGBTQ-focused events, and a warm, inclusive spirit, Charleston is a destination that embraces and celebrates diversity at every turn.

Covington, Kentucky

Covington, Kentucky, is extremely LGBTQ friendly (as is its larger neighbor to the north and across the Ohio River – Cincinnati).  The second annual Kentucky Queer Bourbon Week takes place October 3-5 with an array of events, including a Grabe the Bar Flight at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, a 5k, live music, art exhibits and more.  

Durham, North Carolina

A proudly progressive city with a rich queer legacy, Durham is home to one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals in the South—OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival, celebrating 30 years this August. The city also hosts Pride: Durham, NC each September, building on a legacy that began with North Carolina’s very first Pride parade. Local queer nightlife thrives thanks to community icons like Naomi Dix, who recently opened Club ERA, Durham’s first gay, queer, and trans nightclub, and Arcana, one of the last remaining lesbian-owned bars in the South. Creative spaces like The Fruit, and The Pinhook, regularly host queer performances, dance parties, and art shows. Durham is also deeply rooted in LGBTQ+ activism. It's the hometown of legal trailblazer Pauli Murray—the first African American woman to be ordained an Episcopal priest in the U.S., a legal trailblazer, and a fierce advocate for civil and gender rights— and home to groups like Equality NC and SONG (Southerners on New Ground. Durham’s blend of Southern grit and inclusivity makes it a standout destination for queer travelers seeking creativity, connection, and celebration.

Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo is a vibrant, welcoming community where LGBTQ+ travelers will find both small-town charm and big-city energy. Pride Week is the largest in the region, filling August with a parade, parties, and events that celebrate love and inclusion. Year-round, the metro’s LGBTQ+-owned and friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques create spaces where everyone feels at home. The city’s arts, culture, and nightlife scenes are alive with creativity from the outdoor concerts and street fairs to craft breweries, eclectic dining, and bustling markets. Whether you’re paddling the Red River, catching a RedHawks game, or dancing downtown, Fargo-Moorhead offers an open, affirming atmosphere where everyone is invited to celebrate and connect.

Fayetteville, Arkansas Often known as the blueberry in the tomato patch due to its left-leaning atmosphere compared to the rest of the state, Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a welcoming destination for queer travelers everywhere. Fayetteville is a hidden Southern gem with a welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re outdoorsy, a foodie, a cyclist, fashion-forward, or a bargain hunter. Overflowing with natural areas and parks, encompassing 4,000 acres of land, 47 parks, 120 miles of paved and natural trails, and 3 lakes, Fayetteville welcomes you whether you're outdoorsy or outsidey. Fayetteville also boasts a stunning cultural landscape, featuring a diverse array of performing arts, live music, unique galleries and shops, and a vibrant food scene with over 350 restaurants. Fayetteville is also home to the largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in Arkansas every June, the Grit MTB Festival, a 3-day community-building event for trans men and women, cis women, and non-binary folks of all abilities & backgrounds, and is the host of many events throughout the year like the Lambkin Queer Market highlighting local queer artists and businesses, local trivia nights, drag bingo, pride poetry readings, and much more.

Fire Island, New York

Just off the southern coast of Long Island lives Fire Island, a 32-mile lobg, car-free barrier island known for the beaches, boardwalks, views and good times. Cherry Grove is artsy, historic and known as oneo f the country’s first LGBTQ beach towns. Its eastern neighbor, The Pines, is a more upscale, party-forward vibe. Both are connected by sandy walkways or water taxi and share the legendary July 4^th tradition since 1976-- The Invasion of the Pines, where boatloads of drag queens sail from Cherry Grove to The Pines.

Frankfort, Kentucky

Frankfort is the capital city of Kentucky located in the bluegrass region and in the heart of bourbon country. Frankfort welcomes ALL people from ALL over the world and is proud to host the Capital Pride Festival each fall. With many LGBTQ owned local businesses, pride flags hanging proudly in downtown store fronts, and friendly locals who love visitors, put Frankfort on your list of places to see!

Galena Country, Illinois

Galena Country is a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers year-round, with a community that embraces inclusivity and celebrates diversity. From locally owned shops and restaurants to accommodations and experiences, many businesses proudly support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. The area's inclusive spirit is especially visible during Pride Month when rainbow flags line the pedestrian bridge and stairs to Grant Park, and the community celebrates Pride Picnic in the park. Outside of Pride Month, that same spirit can be felt in everyday interactions, making Galena Country a place where everyone is invited to feel at home. Start planning your trip at VisitGalena.org.

Greater Wilmington, Delaware

Greater Wilmington, Delaware is proudly LGBTQ‑friendly, with a vibrant mix of inclusive businesses, cultural institutions, and community-driven events that create a welcoming atmosphere. The Queen regularly hosts energetic drag brunches and LGBTQ-focused performances, while Liquid Alchemy Beverages adds to the fun with popular drag queen bingo and trivia nights. The arts scene is also a strong advocate for inclusion, with groups like City Theater Company and Wilmington Drama League frequently showcasing diverse voices and LGBTQ-themed productions. Social events like Our Night Out Wilmington (ONO) bring the community together monthly in rotating venues. Beloved LGBTQ-friendly spots such as Crimson Moon bar and Push Tattoo Studio provide affirming spaces, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses like Huxley & Hiro bookstore and The Merchant Tea Room reflect the area's spirit of entrepreneurship and inclusion. Adding to this momentum is Congresswoman Sarah McBride, a Wilmington native and trailblazing Congresswoman. She is the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House and a powerful symbol of representation and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. For more information on this region, visit www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com.

Guerneville, California

Guerneville in Sonoma County’s Russian River is the West Coast’s favorite LGBTQ+ playground, and one of the most inclusive destinations. Just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Guerneville attracts thousands of LGBTQ+ visitors every year for a wide range of activities and fun for Russian River Pride Parade and Festival and others like two Women Weekend’s in May and August, and midsummer’s Gay Wine Weekend and Lazy Bear Week. See Sonoma Pride for year-round events. Sonoma County Pride reports Sonoma County is the second “gayest” metropolitan area in the nation, with 7.63 same-sex couples per 1,000 households, behind San Francisco with 12.4. Mentioning progressive policies: Jim Obergefell is the lead plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States in 2015. Together with Matt Grove, he founded Guerneville’s boutique winery Equality Vines, which is the world’s first cause wine portfolio dedicated to the rights of women, migrants, and the LGBTQ community. Here are 5 tips to plan your Sonoma County visit.

Hull, Massachusetts

Hull, Massachusetts, has been flexing its muscles and clicking its heels for the LGBTQIA+ community for decades. A charming coastal town on the South Shore of the Mass Bay, the town is situated on a peninsula at the southern edge of Boston Harbor. Hull combines scenic beauty with a tight-knit, notably diverse, yet proudly inclusive community that celebrates the LGBTIA+ community, welcoming visitors from around the globe year-round. The Hull Pride Committee, at HullPride.net, spearheads many of the town's events. Hull’s blend of grassroots activism, visible advocacy, robust legal safeguards, and easy access via ferry or car to Boston, Logan Airport, and greater New England beyond, makes it a standout destination for members of the LGBTQIA+ community seeking both small-town charm and genuine inclusivity.

Hudson Valley, New York

A sparkling gem on the banks of the Hudson River, the small City of Beacon has evolved from its industrial roots into a vibrant, trendy hot-spot with a pulsating arts and culture scene at its core. Only a 90-minute train ride north from New York City and less than a four-hour drive from Boston and Philadelphia, Beacon is a favorite vacation destination in Dutchess County where there is plenty for everyone to see, do and taste. Its walkable Main Street invites visitors to explore art galleries, bookstores, record shops, and performance venues while enjoying a diverse culinary scene that ranges from Nepalese and Thai to Italian and Mexican. Art lovers won’t want to miss Dia Beacon, a massive contemporary art space housed in a former Nabisco box-printing plant, while nightlife seekers can sip cocktails at Estilo Y Vino Wine Bar, catch a drag show, or play retro games at Happy Valley Arcade Bar. Craft beverage fans are spoiled for choice, with four breweries, a distillery, and cocktail-focused spots like Liquid Fables all calling Beacon home. The city also pulses with live music at venues such as the iconic Towne Crier Cafe and the historic Howland Cultural Center. Each November, the Beacon Bonfire Music and Arts Festival brings dozens of artists to town, lighting up Main Street with live performances and glowing bonfires. With the Hudson Highlands as a backdrop, visitors can hike Mount Beacon, cruise to Bannerman Castle, or simply relax and take in the views, making Beacon a destination that blends small-town warmth with world-class experiences.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

The diversity of Kalamazoo, MI is a big part of what makes it a great place to visit! Whether you enjoy hiking and being outdoors, exploring local breweries, museums, and shops, or attending arts festivals, there is something for everyone in Kalamazoo. You'll want to try a craft brew at Bell's Brewery & Eccentric Cafe, make candles at Kalamazoo Candle Company, hike on the beautiful trails at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, and let your mind take flight at the Air Zoo. In addition to a multitude of restaurants, festivals, and shops that support the LGBTQIA+ community, Kalamazoo is home to OutFront Kalamazoo, known to be Michigan's second largest LGBTQIA+ community center! OutFront Kalamazoo hosts Pride every year at the beginning of June and has multiple weekly events for all ages. So, we hope you find the time to explore and experience everything there is to do right here in Kalamazoo! 

Keene, New Hampshire

Keene embraces a vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+ community centered around Keene Pride. Every year in mid‑September, Keene Pride Week culminates in the Keene Pride Festival on Central Square—a major event drawing over 5,000 people, featuring drag performances, live music, circus acts, family-friendly areas, outdoor activities, and around 90–100 vendor booths. Throughout the year, the organization hosts a rich variety of events: monthly Trans Community Support meetings for trans and non‑binary folks, sober socials, queer‑themed educational workshops, hikes, youth hangouts, sex‑ed sessions like “Loving Your Queer Body,” and even a Pride Prom for regional queer adults—many of which accommodate youth aged 11 to 17. There’s also a Keene Pride Youth initiative offering safe spaces, book clubs, YMCA teen nights, and event planning opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth.

Lansing, Michigan

Greater Lansing is an outstanding LGBTQ-friendly destination thanks to its rich history of queer activism, vibrant annual Pride celebrations, and a welcoming, diverse community that scores top marks for inclusivity. East Lansing was the nation's first city to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, and both Lansing and East Lansing consistently receive near-perfect scores on the Municipal Equality Index, reflecting their strong LGBTQIA+ protections and services. Visitors enjoy a dynamic range of LGBTQIA+ events, art exhibits, and affirming businesses, with historic neighborhoods like Old Town and REO Town hosting drag shows, festivals, and inclusive gatherings all year. Lansing’s organizations and community spaces—such as the Salus Center—offer support, camaraderie, and a true sense of belonging, making Greater Lansing a welcoming and joyful place for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

McMinnville, Oregon

McMinnville is the cultural and culinary heart of the Willamette Valley. Only an hour away from Portland, this small town with big energy is quickly becoming a hub for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a wine country experience. While rainbow flags are flown around the town year-round, summer (read: Pride Month + beyond) is when McMinnville blossoms. Each year during Pride McMinnville holds the “Rainbow Quest,” a choose-your-own-adventure experience that involves more than 50 local businesses offering Pride-inspired beverages, food, and retail items to raise money for Wine Country Pride initiatives and events. This year, 2025, was the biggest Pride Month celebration yet! In collaboration with non-profit organization Wine Country Pride, McMinnville hosted events like Lez Brunch, Alt. Prom, and more. To wrap it all up, Queer Wine Fest takes place at the end of June at former McMinnville Mayor Remy Drabkin’s "Remy Wines" in the Dundee Hills, just a 15-minute drive from McMinnville. This is the first of its kind globally, bringing together queer winemakers from up and down the West coast for tastings and reveries in the sun.

Lawrence, Kansas

Located just 40 minutes from Kansas City, Lawrence, Kansas, is a small, welcoming city home to two universities: The University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. Lawrence is happy to be what it is: a city doing things in its own way, with free thinkers not trying to be anyone else. Founded by pioneers driven to create a state where people of all races would be free, Lawrence has continually defined itself as an open, energetic, and welcoming community. Make your way downtown to the iconic Massachusetts “Mass” Street and you’ll find dozens of LGBTQ-friendly businesses, including Raven Book Store, Jungle House, Replay Lounge, and Grounded Coffee/Henry’s Upstairs, which hosts monthly LGBTQ+ events like drag brunches, movie nights, and karaoke. Lawrence’s PRIDE Parade and Street Party, which occurs on the first Saturday of June, has seen exponential growth over recent years, with 6K attendees in 2024 and 7.1K in 2025. Lawrence PRIDE also hosts fun monthly events like Queer Voices Open Mic Night and Queer Bowling. Lawrence has been named #9 of the Top 20 Coolest Towns in the US as well as One of the Quirkiest Cities in the US. Explore our spirit and elevate your own by enjoying all Lawrence has to offer!

Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana welcomes everyone with open arms. We take pride in the people and values that define us: a deep connection to nature, a love for local flavor, a creative spirit, and a strong sense of community. Our community offers a wide variety of weekly LGBTQ+ focused events and gatherings, along with a vibrant network of ally-owned and LGBTQ+ businesses throughout town. At the heart of our city is the University of Montana, bringing a progressive, youthful spirit into a community that values many voices and experiences. We celebrate inclusivity in all its forms and are committed to continuing that work in every aspect throughout our city. We’re home to the state’s largest pride celebration — a week full of parades, concerts, events, and gatherings to honor our friends, family and community members who identify as LGBTQ+.  Missoula earned a 91 out of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index and was named one of Livability’s 5 Surprisingly LGBTQ+ Friendly Small Cities. The city is also home to the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center, which provides support, events, and welcoming spaces for connection, and the Montana Two Spirit Society, which provides support and raises awareness for Indigenous individuals in the Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ communities.  We believe in kindness, authenticity, and respect—and we invite everyone who shares these values to discover what makes Missoula not just a place to visit, but a place to belong.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport Pride is a member of the Meaningful Travel Map by Tourism Cares, an organization dedicated to transforming travel into a force for good. They are a vibrant nonprofit dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. With a year-round Pride Center offering events, resources, advocacy, and educational programs, Newport Pride creates safe spaces and meaningful connections for people of all identities. The organization’s centerpiece is the annual Newport Pride Festival and parade each June, drawing residents and visitors together in celebration, learning, and unity. Through its events, volunteer opportunities, and ongoing support, including mental health and essential resources, Newport Pride works tirelessly to build a community where LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages feel safe, empowered, and able to thrive.

North Conway, New Hampshire

White Mountains Pride is a dedicated group of volunteers from local towns and businesses with a mission of bringing celebration, education, empowerment, acceptance and inclusion to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people, friends, and family in the region. The White Mountains Pride Planning Committee formed in the summer of 2018 with the idea of creating the area's first LGBTQ Pride celebration. The results of a community wide survey demonstrated an enthusiastic support for the creation of a Festival and Pride Week. Since then, the White Mountains Pride Week and Festival has become an annual tradition that grows in size, spirit, and success of mission each year.  

Ogunquit, Maine

The picturesque town of Ogunquit, Maine offers more than stunning coastal views – it’s home to vibrant Pride and LGBTQ+ events.  Many of the town’s restaurants, galleries, hotels and night clubs are gay-owned and operated, making it a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, year-round. Additionally, their annual Pride event is an extensive celebration – In fact, plans for 2026 are already taking shape! Most recently in 2025: The weekend began with a Pride Picnic at The Front Porch, followed by an energetic Kick-Off Party at the West Meadow Pub featuring live music and Pride-themed cocktails that set the tone for the festivities ahead. Saturday’s Flag Raising at Veterans Park was a powerful and unifying moment, leading into the vibrant “Pride in the Park” celebration — complete with food trucks, live entertainment, and LGBTQ+ vendors offering a variety of goods, services, and resources. Throughout the weekend, local businesses hosted events that honored Ogunquit’s deep-rooted LGBTQ+ legacy through music, movies, art, entertainment, and food. It was a beautiful reminder of the love, acceptance, and community spirit that makes Ogunquit so special. 

Paducah, Kentucky

Paducah is proudly welcoming to all, offering a warm embrace to LGBTQIA+ travelers through its vibrant arts culture, inclusive events, and small-town charm with big-hearted hospitality. As a UNESCO Creative City, Paducah thrives on self-expression and celebrates inclusiveness, making it a natural destination for those seeking authenticity and connection. From colorful festivals and art galleries to cozy cafés and community spaces, the city invites visitors to explore many ways of being and belonging. With growing outreach to regional LGBTQ travelers and a focus on inclusive storytelling, Paducah is making its mark as a safe, creative, and open-hearted place for all to feel at home.

Peekskill, New York

Tucked along the Hudson River, Peekskill, NY is a progressive small town that punches far above its weight when it comes to LGBTQ+ visibility, creativity and community pride. Home to the vibrant nonprofit Peekskill Pride, the city hosts the annual Family Pride in the Park—a joyful, all-ages June celebration complete with drag performances and story time, live music, rainbow goats, local vendors and kids’ activities.  Year-round, Peekskill’s LGBTQ+ residents help fuel a thriving local arts scene—from gallery exhibits and spoken word shows to performances at the landmark Paramount Theater. The town’s Saturday Farmers Market (spring through fall) is a beloved gathering spot, where you can grab a gluten-free, vegan doughnut from Sweet and Salty Queens, a queer-owned bakery founded by Terri Driesbach and Leah Guarino. For a caffeine boost and a sense of community, visit Peekskill Coffee House, a longtime ally that regularly supports Peekskill Pride through donations and advocacy. Prefer hops over coffee? River Outpost Brewing Company, located at Charles Point, is part of Westchester County’s new Craft Beverage Trail and offers a lively, inclusive setting with waterfront views.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach Delaware is a vibrant, visible, and inclusive LGBTQ+-friendly beach town in Southern Delaware. Home to many queer-owned businesses, restaurants, bars, venues, and the LGBTQ+ community center CAMP Rehoboth, the City embraces the diversity of the community by painting rainbow crosswalks, sharing a Pride proclamation, and raising the Pride flag during June. Throughout the year, Rehoboth Beach hosts Women's+ FEST, Rehoboth Beach Pride, SUNFESTIVAL, Pride Film Fest, weekly drag performances, and many more events that uplift the LGBTQ+ community. This coastal town is now just as busy in the off-season than the height of summer, thanks in large part to its year-round LGBTQ+ residents.

The San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are a bastion of liberalism where alternative lifestyles are welcomed. No need for special bars or hangouts for LGBTQIA+, because everyone hangs together here. Eastsound, the central village on Orcas Island, is a quirky and bohemian getaway for queer travelers. Otters Pond Bed and Breakfast is nestled in the woods just outside town, owned by chef Amanda Zimlich, and is a birder’s paradise with over 100 species of birds and other wildlife. Also on the property is Amanda’s new studio Owl Hollow Pottery—porcelain and stoneware functional pieces, art vases, bowls and tiles, and decorated with unique glazes that she makes herself. If you’re not too full from one of Amanda’s amazing breakfasts (eggs come from her own hens), grab a treat or two from Brown Bear Baking off of Main Street – a small batch bakery owned by classically French-trained partners Lee Horswill and David Ellertsen. Don’t forget to cap off your day with a drink at The Barnacle – a small, locally-loved craft cocktail bar where service is personal, the cocktails are intentional, and the vibe is unmistakably Orcas. The San Juans are an “Arts Hot Spot” in Washington, and Eastsound has a magical assembly of musicians, sculptors, painters, and more.

Santa Rosa, California

Although more of a smaller city than a town, Santa Rosa (north of the San Francisco Bay Area) is proudly inclusive within the LGBTQ+ space and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for queer travelers. The city hosts the second largest Pride festival outside of San Francisco and a variety of LGBTQ+-friendly events year-round, extending well beyond Pride Month. One highlight is Pride n’ Vino (dates pending for October), a community celebration with tastings from acclaimed regional wineries. Santa Rosa is also home to several standout LGBTQ+-owned businesses. BREW Coffee & Beer, a lesbian-owned taproom and café, offers 10 rotating taps of craft beer and cider alongside great coffee. Nearby, Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar, founded by life partners Ozzy Jimenez and Christian Sullberg, is known for its handcrafted ice creams in creative, seasonal flavors and scratch-made desserts. Their 4th Street location proudly flies the rainbow and transgender pride flags, signaling their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, Sonoma County, home to Santa Rosa, launched its first LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce last year.

Saugatuck/Douglas—The Art Coast® of Michigan

Along the shores of Lake Michigan lies Saugatuck/Douglas—an inclusive and enchanting retreat that has been welcoming the LGBTQ+ community for over a century. Known as the Art Coast of Michigan, this charming destination offers stunning natural beauty, captivating experiences, and a renowned arts and culinary scene. Explore scenic trails and beaches, savor farm-to-table delights, and enjoy the warmth of LGBTQ-owned and friendly businesses in a place that embraces diversity and love with open arms.  With rainbow crosswalks, pride flags flying year-round, and The Dunes Resort—one of the country’s largest LGBTQ resorts—Saugatuck/Douglas isn’t just a getaway; it’s a place to revel, relax, and be yourself. Visit https://saugatuck.com for more info.

Thunder Bay, Canada

Located on the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake and nestled within the vast boreal forest, Thunder Bay sits on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe Peoples of Fort William First Nation. While it may be a small city, Thunder Bay is known for its giant heart! As a diverse and inclusive community, it celebrates everyone, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or sexuality. The city hosts year-round events, including many 2SLGBTQIA+ events such as the annual Pride Parade, dance parties, storytimes, and numerous drag shows, ensuring there is no shortage of fun. Beyond these vibrant events, Thunder Bay offers outdoor adventures, culinary delights, cultural experiences, and a thriving entertainment scene for visitors to enjoy.

Vancouver, Washington

Wish you were here—in Vancouver, WA that is! Just across the river from Portland, OR our vibrant city brings big heart when it comes to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Since 1993, when Vancouver USA Pride hosted its first Saturday in the Park celebration, the city has continued to grow as a welcoming and inclusive destination. From queer-owned business to lively events, fun festivals, and community groups like the Queer Community Network, Vancouver fosters connection, self-expression and joy. Whether you’re visiting a gay bar downtown, catching a drag brunch, or joining a mutual aid fundraiser, you’ll feel seen here. Discover for yourself why Vancouver, WA is a city with a lot of love for everyone!

Walla Walla, Washington

Due in large part to the efforts of Walla Walla Pride, which partners with local community members, businesses, and other organizations to coordinate events like the monthly Queer Cheer during summer months and Walla Walla Pride Festival each June, Walla Walla has earned a reputation for its inclusivity and hospitality toward all. The City of Walla Walla annually proclaims June as Walla Walla Pride Month, and from the language in the proclamation below, it’s clear that this effort is rooted in principle and not merely procedural. The local arts & culture community is an inclusive one - the upcoming screening of the Sabbath Queen documentary (Sept. 10) and cabaret act by Caravan of Glam (Oct. 31) at Gesa Power House Theatre are a good example of the types of LGBTQ+ arts/culture events that the region draws. Walla Walla is home to a variety of lodging options – including the LGBTQ-owned The Wesley, and a number of LGBTQ-owned or managed restaurants, wineries, and activities that await Pride Journeys readers. Among them are Brandi Carlile’s XOBC Cellars; TMACS, a restaurant with a chef-driven menu; TruthTeller Winery, which also supports the Looking Out Foundation; one of Walla Walla’s most popular restaurant spots – Bacon & Eggs; and the 330-acre LGBTQ-founded Jasper Mountain Reserve. 

Worcester, Massachusetts

Worcester is unapologetically proud. As New England’s second-largest city, it punches above its weight with a thriving queer arts scene, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and community-forward organizations like Love Your Labels, which champions visibility through events like Queer AF: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Joy. From inclusive theater at The Hanover to drag brunches at downtown staples, Worcester is layered, creative, and authentically welcoming. This is a city where Pride isn’t just a parade—it’s a practice. Learn more at www.discovercentralma.org.