Grab a Late Summer Break in LGBTQ-Friendly New York State
There’s a reason that for years New York has been the most popular destination in the world for LGBTQ travelers and for 2025 was named the most LGBTQ travel friendly state in the nation by the trusted Spartacus Gay Travel Index. From iconic beach communities to inclusive small towns and cultural hubs, New York State offers LGBTQ travelers a range of welcoming summer getaways that they still have the opportunity to book. Whether you’re looking to dance in Fire Island, relax along lakefront wine trails or explore art-filled valleys and vibrant cities, each region offers safe, affirming spaces rich in history, beauty and community.
Here are five ideas for diverse LGBTQ travel getaways:
Long Island & Fire Island
Just a short ride from New York City, Long Island offers LGBTQ travelers a summer getaway that blends beachside relaxation, cultural heritage and inclusive charm. Fire Island’s Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines have long served as welcoming havens for the LGBTQ community, offering vibrant energy, sandy shores and a celebratory spirit. The island is famously car-free, with visitors parking on the mainland before taking a ferry over; once there, people get around by foot, bike, golf cart or wagon. Fire Island Pines is known for its expansive boardwalks, legendary beach parties and modernist architecture, while nearby Cherry Grove offers a more bohemian vibe rooted in drag shows, artistic expression and queer history. Here, The Grove Hotel is a renowned lodging destination for LGBTQ travelers. This adults-only hotel allows travelers to unwind by the pool or enjoy a night of dancing at the iconic Ice Palace 23 nightclub, the longest continually running LGBTQ club in the world. Beyond the beaches, a new luxury hotel, The Tryst is expected in The Pines later this year. Long Island invites exploration through its rich history and scenic landscapes. Visitors can climb the Montauk Point Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views, shop The Hamptons or tour the Gold Coast Mansions for a taste of Gilded Age grandeur. Whether travelers seek community, culture or coastal serenity, Long Island delivers a dynamic summer retreat.
Finger Lakes
With a mix of cultural depth and welcoming spirit, the small towns and communities of the Finger Lakes are standout summer destinations for LGBTQ travelers. Ithaca, long recognized as one of the top cities in the country for LGBTQ inclusivity, offers a rich blend of dining, arts, shopping and nightlife. Visitors can stay at La Tourelle Hotel, a cozy boutique property featuring an on-site bistro, nightly local wine tastings and a tranquil spa offering treatments made with herbs and flowers grown right on the grounds. Nearby, Ithaca Commons serves as the city’s social heart, home to over 100 locally owned shops, galleries and eateries. After a day of exploring, travelers can catch a show at Deep Dive, a beloved venue known for its diverse calendar of entertainment, from queer dance nights to themed concerts. Beyond Ithaca, the region is rich with history tied to the women’s rights movement, with meaningful stops including the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls and the Susan B. Anthony House in nearby Rochester.
Greater Niagara
Natural wonders, architectural treasures and urban charm make the Greater Niagara region an ideal summer retreat for travelers. Coined “The Queen City,” Buffalo is home to over a dozen thriving LGBTQ-owned businesses and a year-round culture of inclusivity, with neighborhoods like Elmwood Village offering a walkable, welcoming hub for travelers. Visitors can base their stay at InnBuffalo, a restored boutique hotel tucked into the bustling district and just steps from the city’s downtown arts and dining scene. Nearby, the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens invite exploration through lush, glass-enclosed conservatories filled with exotic plant life. Architecture lovers can tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Graycliff Estate and the intricately designed Martin House. Nature takes center stage at Letchworth State Park, where dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls and scenic trails earn it the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.” The legendary Niagara Falls offers breathtaking views and unforgettable photo ops. LGBTQ travelers can soak up adventure with a thrilling Whirlpool Boat Tour through the Niagara River’s rapids, get up close to regional wildlife at the Aquarium of Niagara’s new Great Lakes 360 exhibit or take in unforgettable aerial views of the area with Rainbow Air Inc. Helicopter Tours. For a more laid-back afternoon, the Niagara Wine Trail features relaxed tastings at local vineyards set amid rolling countryside. Whether discovering cultural landmarks or soaking in the beauty of Western New York’s great outdoors, Greater Niagara delivers a refreshing and memorable summer experience.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
Tucked along the scenic southern shores of Lake Erie, the Chautauqua-Allegheny region offers a laid-back yet culturally rich escape perfect for a summer getaway. History and entertainment come together at the beautifully restored 1891 Fredonia Opera House, where visitors can enjoy live performances, film screenings and community events in a charming downtown setting. The Chautauqua Institution buzzes with energy all season long, hosting thought-provoking lectures, concerts and recreational programs across its picturesque lakeside campus, with a stay at the historic on-site Athenaeum Hotel putting you in the heart of the action. Travelers can dive deeper into the area’s creative legacy at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the nearby National Comedy Center, both celebrating the power of laughter with personal artifacts and high-tech interactive exhibits. For those looking to unwind, Lake Erie Wine Country stretches over 40 miles of rolling vineyards and lakeside towns, offering opportunities to sample locally crafted wines while enjoying scenic drives. Outdoor lovers can set sail on Chautauqua Lake, explore the shoreline from the historic Dunkirk Lighthouse or stroll through Griffis Sculpture Park, where larger-than-life art installations blend seamlessly with meadows and forested hills. Travelers should consider Peek’n Peak Resort, providing the perfect place to recharge, complete with a luxury spa, golf course and multiple dining options.
Hudson Valley
Set against the backdrop of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River, the Hudson Valley is a haven for culture, cuisine and natural beauty. At Storm King Art Center, a $53 million expansion completed this spring welcomes art-lovers with brand-new pavilions and thoughtful updates that enrich the 500-acre sculpture park experience. For foodies, the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park offers world-class dining at student-run restaurants, serving as a cornerstone of the Hudson Valley’s renowned food scene. After lunch, travelers can stop by the nearby Dassai Blue Sake Brewery, newly opened and already drawing attention for its sleek, design-forward space and traditional Japanese techniques. The region’s rich agricultural heritage continues to shine along the Shawangunk and Dutchess Wine Trails, where scenic vineyards and charming tasting rooms offer a relaxing way to sample local flavors. Beyond its culinary appeal, history comes to life in the Hudson Valley at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site—the first and only U.S. National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady. Visitors can explore Val-Kill, where Eleanor championed human rights and social reform, and then head to the neighboring Vanderbilt Mansion to experience Gilded Age grandeur, all within one historic stretch. For an unforgettable stay, Mohonk Mountain House invites guests to unwind in a Victorian castle resort nestled on a glacier lake, surrounded by 40,000 acres of protected forest. With year-round outdoor activities, a tranquil spa and a deep sense of history, it’s the perfect base for exploring all that the Hudson Valley has to offer.
