This October, celebrate LGBT History Month in one of the world’s most gay-friendly destinations: Miami Beach. From the beaches to the parties and the iconic, Instagram-friendly architecture, Miami Beach has been a popular gay getaway for nearly a century. Here’s what to do and see this October.

Gay-Friendly Beaches

All of the beaches in Miami are friendly for LGBTQ crowds. But the 12th Street Beach, in the heart of the Art Deco Historic District, is the most popular gay beach on the island.

LGBTQ Parties

If you missed the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival, don’t worry. While the three-day annual event is not to be missed, there are plenty of parties that take place year-round. Check out clubs like Twist and the Palace for gay-friendly events every day of the week.

Villa Casa Casuarina at the Former Versace Mansion

After the White House and Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presely, the Versace Mansion is the third-most photographed home in America. Once the home of gay fashion designer Gianni Versace, the stunning villa was the scene of the Italian impresarios untimely murder in the 1990s. Today, you can dine in the restaurant or host a private event.

Art Deco Architecture

Built between 1923 and 1943, there are more than 800 Art Deco buildings on Miami Beach. The fact they still remain can be credited to Leonard Horowitz, the gay co-founder of the Miami Design Preservation League. From 5th Street to 23rd Street along Ocean Drive, you’ll find hundreds of the perfectly-preserved beauties with their sleek design and neon facades.

Wilton Manors

North of Miami, located in an enclave of Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors is, as of the 2010 Census, the second-gayest city in America. Since the city elected its first openly gay commissioner in 1988, the destination has built it’s reputation as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly communities in the world.

Ready to celebrate LGBT History Month in Miami?

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