Great Summer Destinations for Queer, Multigenerational Travel
Multigenerational travel is having a moment—and thankfully, we’ve moved on from endless car rides and questionable roadside motels (but hey, if that’s your thing, we won’t judge).
With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to gather your loved ones of all ages and start planning an unforgettable group getaway. From classic beach hangs and LGBTQ+ hotspots to low-key gems that keep things chill, here are some of our favorite summer destinations that everyone—from energetic toddlers to even more energetic grandmothers—can enjoy together.
Aruba
Aruba is a sun-drenched Caribbean paradise that welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers with genuine warmth and hospitality. Since it’s below the hurricane belt, there’s no need to worry about big storms in the summer months. Base yourselves at the fabulous Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino on the shores of Palm Beach, which has family-friendly and adults-only pools, shaded beach chairs, and multiple on-site restaurants—including Atardi for toes-in-the-sand dining and Mercát for relaxed family meals. If you can tear yourself away, it’s a short beachfront stroll to Palm Beach’s lively bars and restaurants or a quick cab or easy bus ride to Eagle Beach, often named one of the world’s best. Feeling adventurous? Rent a car and snorkel in Baby Beach’s calm waters, explore the caves and rugged trails of Arikok National Park, or head into colorful downtown Oranjestad. Try Que Pasa Restaurant & Winebar, a long-standing favorite known for inventive global cuisine, rotating local art exhibits, and an inviting atmosphere.
Cruising
A cruise is a great way to see different places while letting someone else handle the logistics. While there are many companies to choose from, MSC’s worldwide sailing options and value for the price are hard to beat. Its new megaship, MSC World America, ranks among the world’s ten largest cruise ships—so big it’s divided into seven distinct districts—and caters to all age groups. There are 19 dining venues, including classic buffets and specialty restaurants like Eataly, Hola! Tacos & Cantina, and Kaito Teppanyaki, plus a wide range of bars with varying themes. Sports, martinis, coffee—whatever you like. The ship also features standout shows like Dirty Dancing in Concert and Queen Symphonic—don’t even try to resist singing along—a waterpark, a jaw-dropping slide aptly named the Jaw Drop, and the Cliffhanger, a thrilling swing over the ocean. If all this sounds overwhelming, MSC’s smaller ship, the Meraviglia (departing from New York), is another great option. For added luxury, splurge on the Yacht Club, which offers butler service, a private lounge and dining room, and fewer crowds. Off the ship, Ocean Cay, MSC’s private marine reserve, offers peaceful beaches, crystal-clear water, and dance parties in the sand.
Fort Myers, Florida
With a lively, walkable downtown and endless outdoor opportunities, Fort Myers packs a lot in. Stay in the heart of downtown at the boutique Banyan Hotel or the sleek Luminary Hotel & Co., where rooftop cocktails at Beacon Social Drinkery come with panoramic sunset views. From either hotel, you’re steps from culture hubs like the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, known for bold, inclusive exhibits, and the award-winning Florida Repertory Theatre, housed in a striking art deco arcade. For more local flavor, browse over 100 indie vendors at The Franklin Shops, catch a drag show at The Standard, check out the speakeasy-style Escondido Lounge, and savor authentic old-world Italian dishes at Bruno’s of Brooklyn. For a neighborhood LGBTQ+ bar, head over to Rascal’s. Start your next day with breakfast at CRaVE, Farmers Market Restaurant, or McGregor Café, which all put tasty spins on your favorite dishes, followed by yoga on the river at the historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Afterward, continue unwinding over “English tea with a Southern flair” at the charming Wisteria Tea Room & Café. Nature lovers can kayak (possibly alongside manatees) in Lovers Key State Park or look for the majestic creatures by land at Manatee Park. Or go dolphin spotting on a sunset wildlife cruise through Matanzas Pass. In nearby Bonita Springs, visit rehabbed and rescued animals at Wonder Gardens, try a hand-crafted cocktail at the chic Chartreuse Lounge, and dine at The Bohemian, where herbs are picked just steps from your seat. After all this activity, spend the day on one of the area’s beautiful beaches, such as Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach, and Bowditch Point Park.
Iceland
With endless daylight, cool summer temps, and a commitment to inclusiveness, Iceland is a dream summer destination. Start in Reykjavik, which hosts Pride in August, and offers several standout attractions, including Harpa concert hall (a feast for the eyes and ears), Hallgrimskirkja (a 244-foot-tall architectural marvel with panoramic views), colorful Rainbow Street, and the quirky Icelandic Punk Museum. Grab dinner at Reykjavík Kitchen, Le Kock, or the lively Hlemmur Food Hall, and drinks at Kiki Queer Bar and Gaukurinn. Beyond the city, have a group soak in the iconic Blue Lagoon or the lesser-visited Secret Lagoon, and drive the Golden Circle for sites like the Strokkur geyser, Thingvellir National Park, and Gullfoss waterfall. If you have a few more days, head south toward Vik and admire waterfalls and black sand beaches like Reynisfjara (famed for its basalt columns) and Dyrhólaey (a puffin-viewing hotspot from May to August). Don’t miss the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, located a few hours beyond Vik, where icebergs drift and seals occasionally swim by. Across the road, visit Diamond Beach, where ice shards glisten on volcanic sand.
Long Beach, California
L.A. may have the stars, but laid-back Long Beach wins our hearts. From beautiful beaches to the world-class Aquarium of the Pacific, the city is bursting with activities. Retro Row on 4th Street is a hub for vintage finds, indie bookshops, cafes, and the restored 1920s Art Theatre, while Belmont Shore offers beachy boutiques and top-notch brunch. Other areas include Bixby Knolls, which has creative eats and local galleries, and Shoreline Village for harbor views, seaside snacks, and leisurely bike rides. Long Beach has hosted Pride celebrations since 1984, and its thriving LGBTQ+ scene includes inclusive spots like Hot Java Coffeehouse, The Brit, Hamburger Mary’s, The Silver Fox, and welcoming breweries such as Ambitious Ales and Liberation Brewing. Culture lovers will enjoy Long Beach Museum of Art, Museum of Latin American Art, and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, plus performances at the Long Beach Playhouse and Carpenter Performing Arts Center. For thrills, there’s the high-octane Acura Grand Prix or a spine-tingling ghost tour aboard the Queen Mary, one of the world’s most haunted ships. As a side trip, hop the Catalina Express ferry to nearby Catalina Island, where art deco architecture, dramatic cliffs, and a historic (non-gambling) casino give off serious Mediterranean vibes.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Charming, creative, and a longtime haven for the LGBTQIA+ community, Saugatuck feels like a warm embrace along the shores of Lake Michigan. Relax on the award-winning Oval Beach, or explore Saugatuck Dunes State Park by hiking towering dunes or admiring them from below. For a quirky experience, ride the nation’s last hand-cranked chain ferry across the Kalamazoo River, then climb 302 steps up Mount Baldhead for sweeping lake views. Prefer to take it easy? Board the Star of Saugatuck, a nostalgic paddle boat cruising the lake since the ’70s. If you’re sans kids and in a party mood, head to the legendary Dunes Resort—one of the USA’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ resorts. Lounge by the pool by day, then do drag shows, dance parties, and karaoke by night. Around town, fuel up at Uncommon Coffee Roasters, get fruit pie and wine at Crane’s Pie Pantry, dine al fresco at Phil’s Bar & Grille, sip seasonal brews at Guardian Brewing Company, or explore the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. For a hands-on creative experience, try painting or ceramics at the historic Ox-Bow School of Art.
Valencia, Spain
Paella makes for a perfect family meal, and what better place to enjoy it than its birthplace? After relaxing on Malvarrosa Beach, head across the street to Casa Carmela, a 100-year-old favorite that serves the classically prepared dish. Ciutat Vella (Old Town) is a maze of winding cobblestone streets that are a joy to get lost in. Sample the food stalls at Mercat Central, set inside a tile-clad Art Nouveau building flooded with natural light, and visit Gothic landmarks like the Valencia Cathedral and Llotja de la Seda (the Old Silk Exchange). Rest your feet at Café de las Horas, a queer-friendly spot with funky decor. Elsewhere, the City of Arts and Sciences boasts a science museum, an oceanarium, and a planetarium, all housed in striking modern architecture. Turia Garden, built in a former riverbed, is perfect for a picnic, a bike ride, or a stroll under the palms. For nightlife, head to the buzzing Ruzafa neighborhood. Bonus: Valencia is a quick train ride from Barcelona, where you can visit Gaudí icons like La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera, and bar-hop in the queer-friendly Eixample district. Treat yourself to a stay at ME Barcelona with its chic rooms and amazing rooftop pool.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Home to a large Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community, Vancouver blends city sophistication with beaches and easy access to nature. Stanley Park is a 1,000-acre gem perfect for family time—walk, bike, or rollerblade along the Seawall (the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path), then cool off at Second Beach or Third Beach, which is especially nice during sunset. Also in the park, see totem poles at Brockton Point and smell the blooms in the Rose Garden, or have a peaceful stroll around Lost Lagoon. Around town, spot orcas with Vancouver Whale Watch, see Indigenous art at the Museum of Anthropology, and explore Davie Village, the city’s queer hub. Visit the LGBTQ-owned Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium, grab coffee at Delaney’s, and a frozen treat at the queer-run Dolce Amore Gelato. For a fun half-day trip, take a 15-minute ferry to Granville Island to browse the Public Market and visit Out in the Shelves, the city’s largest 2SLGBTQIA+ community library.
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is a charming, culture-packed destination that’s easy to pair with Philadelphia or Baltimore—but well worth exploring on its own. Get your museum fix with the Delaware Art Museum (housing more than 12,000 works), Delaware Children’s Museum, and Delaware Contemporary, then stretch your legs on the scenic 1.3-mile Riverwalk, with plenty of restaurants and benches to take a break. The area is also famous for its sprawling DuPont estates, including the Versailles-inspired Nemours Estate and Winterthur Museum, Gardens, and Library, featuring a gorgeous mansion with period furnishings and a spectacular 60-acre garden that just screams picnic. Nearby, the Hagley Museum tells the story of American industry on the site of the original DuPont gunpowder works. In downtown, go duckpin bowling and sample New Orleans-style fare at Wilma’s, have drag brunch at the Queen, or try mouth-watering meatballs and pizza at Casa Nonna, part of DE.CO Food Hall inside the historic Hotel Dupont. Save time to browse books at the queer, female-owned Huxley & Hiro. For dinner, have a gourmet meal at the Quoin and drinks at the onsite Simmer Down Bar. Elsewhere in town, bar hop in Trolley Square, feast on red-sauce classics at Mrs. Robino’s in Little Italy, and raise a glass at The Crimson Moon, Wilmington’s beloved LGBTQ+ bar. Thursday karaoke is especially fun!
