Tampa gay bathhouses
This travel guide to gay Tampa presents firsthand recommendations and insights from our recent travels as a gay couple.
Tampa brims with youthful energy and exciting activities…
…filled with enthusiastic college students!
This unassuming Florida city proves a superb destination for gay vacations. Tampa boasts a vibrant and captivating atmosphere, thanks to its substantial student population attending the city's renowned university.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Tampa. A palpable excitement permeates the Tampa Riverwalk during a brisk morning jog, following a fantastic day of thrills and excitement at Busch Gardens. The city's open-mindedness, tolerance, and exceptional diversity resonated deeply with us. Most importantly, Tampa felt genuinely gay-friendly.
Tampa served as one of our many stops on our extensive Florida road trip. The city presents plentiful attractions for LGBTQ+ travelers, including the invigorating Busch Gardens (Universal's popular counterpart) and the vibrant gay scene of Ybor City ("GaYbor"). We had an amazing time, and certainly hope to return again soon!
Our comprehensive guide to gay Tampa provides details on the finest gay-friendly hotels, bars, clubs, events, and other attractions. You can also delve deeper into more recommendations by perusing our dedicated article on the best attractions Tampa has to offer.
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Gay neighborhood of Tampa
The Tampa gay district is primarily centered along 7th Avenue in the historic district known as "Ybor City." An association of local businesses created the "GaYbor" LGBT Chamber of Commerce, also known as Tampa's gay neighborhood.
In the heart of GaYbor, you'll find many of Tampa's leading gay clubs, bars, and bathhouses, as well as attractive boutique shops like "La France." Tampa's nightlife truly comes alive on weekends, as throngs flock to gay establishments such as Bradley's.
GaYbor is also home to exceptional gay events such as the Tampa Pride & Diversity Parade in March and the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in October. Read more about the vibrant gay scene and various events in Tampa.
EXTRA TIP
We enthusiastically recommend the Tampa Bay CityPass, which grants access to diverse attractions including Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and more across nine days for just $107. This pass is an excellent time-saver, cutting down on queue wait times significantly!
Find more details.
Best gay hotels in Tampa
While Tampa does not have exclusively gay resorts like Fort Lauderdale or Key West, numerous gay-owned and queer-friendly hotels welcome same-sex couples without concern. We've compiled our favorite selections below:
Experience the Exhilaration of Busch Gardens
Following our visit to Universal Orlando, we were excited to explore another theme park gem, Busch Gardens Tampa. The park delivers incredible thrills and exhilaration. Alongside electrifying rides, Busch Gardens features a spectacular safari and a fascinating zoo. While fantastic, the park can get extremely crowded; we recommend purchasing your skip-the-line tickets online to save valuable time.
Explore further.
01
Epicurean Hotel
Why we adore it
- A romantic boutique hotel, ideal for gay couples!
- Exquisitely styled, starting with the wine cellar-inspired reception area.
- Indulge in a couples' massage at the luxurious Evangeline Spa.
- Each guest room features an "artisan pantry" filled with gourmet provisions.
Epicurean in style and substance…the hotel's devotion to culinary delights initially captivated our attention. This aesthetic begins in the reception area, designed like a wine cellar, with a collection of charming wooden wine crates. The hotel also features the Food Network on TV screens.
Each guest room includes an "artisan pantry," suggesting gourmet food pairings of prosciutto, cheese, and chocolate with the wines offered. Visit the Evangeline Spa for a relaxing couples' massage; its walls are decorated with wine corks, using fresh fruits, local herbs, and essential oils.
Tampa's discerning foodies must absolutely experience this unique establishment!
Our guest room at the Epicurean hotel was simply magnificent. Spacious, featuring a rain shower, Tassimo coffee maker, and a luxurious king-sized Beautyrest Euro Top mattress, we felt truly pampered, like we were floating on a cloud. The most desirable rooms boast a balcony opening onto the hotel's unique garden patio, which doubles as a beautiful herb garden for the restaurant.
The Epicurean also boasts a small fitness center, a pool, and jogging paths. We enjoyed a brisk morning run around the grounds before breakfast. Their upscale restaurant, Élevage (named after the winemaking process between fermentation and bottling), tantalized our palates with unique dishes, such as sourdough pancakes for breakfast, brioche-crusted halibut for lunch, and sorghum-glazed filet mignon for dinner—simply divine!
Stay with a Tampa Gay Local
Misterb&b provides a secure platform within the LGBTQ+ community, analogous to Airbnb. You can identify hosts as gay, preventing unwanted situations. It also offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with gay locals, revealing the hidden gems of the gay scene. Get £10/ $10 off your first booking.
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02
Aloft Hotel
Why we adore it
- One of Tampa's trendy and welcoming gay-friendly hotels
- Perfectly positioned beside the captivating Tampa Riverwalk.
- The hotel's exclusive pool bar proves a favored destination at sunset.
- Dogs are welcome, making Aloft a welcoming choice for pet owners.
Aloft, a popular Marriott brand, presents a trendy atmosphere for Millennials. This appeal is evident from the cool dark interiors, live DJ in the lobby, and exciting events like silent discos on the pool deck, and the "Wine Down" hosted on the last Wednesday of each month.
Aloft acknowledges our appreciation for our furry companions by offering free accommodation for dogs. Events such as the "Wine and Whiskers," complete with a kitten cuddle zone, further showcase their inclusive nature.
While rooms may be compact, the hotel offers plenty of functionality. Spacious Ultra Savvy Suites provide a private terrace and walk-in closet. Aloft's convenient location near the 2.6-mile (4.2 km) Tampa Riverwalk makes it a fantastic morning run spot. The hotel is also situated near the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the University of Tampa, the Tampa Convention Center, and the Tampa Museum of Art; a short taxi ride will bring you to the vibrant Ybor City gay district.
The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, which may not be the largest, but still provides essential exercise equipment. The pool area includes a trendy pool bar, offering breathtaking views of the west-facing river at sunset. Perfect for Instagrammers! They also provide valet parking for a daily fee of $22.
03
Casa Puente Guesthouse
Why we adore it
- A welcoming gay-owned, clothing-optional guesthouse
- Our recommended budget-friendly option for gay travelers in Tampa
- An intimate experience with only five rooms available
- Convenient location near Busch Gardens
Owned and managed by the charming gay couple, Martin and Eric, Casa Puente provides a warm and inviting experience, feeling like staying with a gay family. The hosts' genuine hospitality makes staying with them a pleasure.
We quickly befriended our fellow guests, and frequently spent time exploring the lively Ybor City area together. Casa Puente's welcoming atmosphere is especially ideal for solo gay travelers seeking new companions.
Casa Puente provides three options: two private ensuite rooms and a spacious 500 sq ft (46 sq m) self-contained studio. Guests share a private pool, spa, and hot tub, all clothing-optional. The owners also own a 39-foot Sea Ray Express Yacht called "Beautiful Seaduction", which is docked in Gulfport, Florida, approximately 35 minutes from Casa Puente. Daytime cruises or sunset/moonlit excursions are available; the yacht can also accommodate overnight stays for four adults. Cruises can be made clothing-optional by prior arrangement.
The property spans over 1.5 acres of land, complete with a natural running stream and a beautiful bridge ("Puente" in Spanish). It borders nature trails and scenic wooded areas, and is approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown Tampa and a short taxi ride to Ybor City's gay scene. The location is also close to Busch Gardens.
Gay bars in Tampa
Ybor City is the heart of Tampa's gay nightlife. This historically rich area offers a vibrant gay scene, particularly lively on weekends. Bradley's is a well-known destination, generally the busiest, with several other bars in the area. City Side Lounge, located outside Ybor City, is noted for its themed events.
Unfortunately, the popular First Chance Last Chance gay bar closed permanently in February 2024.
Bradley’s on 7th
Bradley's is a prime spot for starting the night. It's exceptionally lively every night of the week, especially during the peak tourist season, thanks to the active LGBTQ+ student community in Tampa. For example, there's a 2-for-1 happy hour on all drinks on Mondays, an amateur trivia contest on Thursdays, and drag shows on Fridays.
Bradley's on 7th is situated at 1510 East 7th Avenue and is open nightly until approximately 3 am.
Johnson's Tampa
Johnson's, a popular gay bar, has expanded its presence to Tampa after success in Fort Lauderdale. This Speakeasy-style bar in Old West Tampa (a short taxi ride from the main gay area) features entertaining live performances and features special guests each night. Note: female guests are required to be accompanied by a male.
Johnson's is located at 2606 N. Armenia Ave and is open Thursday through Sunday, from 5 pm to 3 am.
Reservoir
A cozy and relaxed dive bar, Reservoir offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Sunday afternoons are particularly pleasant, with a 2-for-1 happy hour until 7 pm. The establishment is ideal for making new acquaintances over pool games, or lively discussions of various themes—like Monopoly!
Reservoir is located at 1518 East 7th Avenue and remains open nightly until approximately 3 am.
City Side Lounge
City Side, situated outside of Ybor City, is a multi-bar complex with a central stage frequently hosting themed events. Check for weekly drag bingo on Sundays, darts and bingo tournaments on Tuesdays and Thursdays, karaoke on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Friday night's exciting "hot boy" trivia events. Be sure to check their social media (Facebook) for the latest schedules.
City Side is located at 3703 Henderson Boulevard and is open nightly until approximately 3 am.
Gay clubs in Tampa
Many of Tampa's gay clubs are located along 7th Avenue, with Southern Nights being particularly popular, frequently drawing crowds after visiting Bradley's. Other establishments are situated outside the GaYbor area.
Southern Nights
Southern Nights, a prominent establishment in Tampa's vibrant gay scene, consistently attracts notable drag stars. Past performances include well-known names like Manila, Sharon Needles, Thorgy Thor, Alaska, Derrick Berry, and Nina Flowers. The club is known for its lively atmosphere with attractive and entertaining topless dancers, drawing huge crowds after midnight.
Southern Nights is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until approximately 3 am and is located at 1401 East 7th Avenue.
The Castle
The Castle, a renowned Tampa club, draws a diverse crowd, including a significant LGBTQ+ presence, particularly on themed evenings, such as the e-Rotic Ball, the Vampire Ball, VOID in the Dungeon, and Nuclear Night. Its distinctive Gothic exterior sets it apart. The Castle includes a saloon, an outdoor courtyard, and an intriguing dungeon area.
The Castle is located at 2004 N 16th St and is open Friday and Saturday nights until approximately 3 am.
Drag shows in Tampa
Tampa boasts a strong drag scene, notable for the popularity of Miss Vanjie. Famous drag performers frequently appear at area bars, including those listed below:
Southern Nights
Southern Nights has become the city's premier destination for drag shows, offering live performances nightly. The club hosts watch parties for the latest RuPaul's Drag Race episodes and welcomes famous queens. Recent performers include Sharon Needles, Trinity K Bonet, Manila Luzon, Miss Vanjie, and Roxxxy Andrews. Check their social media (Facebook) for details.
Bradley's
Bradley's tagline, "drinks, divas, dance," perfectly captures the energetic drag shows held within their "Diva Dance Room," featuring the "La Cage Aux Folle" performance. Thursdays feature amateur trivia contests occasionally hosted by drag performers, making for entertaining viewing experiences.
City Side
City Side's popularity in Tampa's drag circuit is established due to the annual "Miss City Side" drag competition in March. Another prominent event is the "Just Slay" weekly competition with cash prizes.
Gay saunas in Tampa
Unfortunately, some of Tampa's prominent gay saunas have closed. However, the Tampa Men's Club and the queer-friendly Shangri-La Bath & Sauna remain operational.
Tampa Men's Club
The Tampa Men's Club serves as Tampa's leading gay sauna and provides a fully equipped health club. Featuring gym equipment, group showers, and a steam room, this is an exceptional choice for exercise or relaxation. The establishment's convenience of operation 24/7 allows for flexibility.
Shangri-La Bath & Sauna
This Korean-inspired mixed sauna is open 24/7 and provides Day Passes for relaxation. It features cold tubs, hot tubs, steam saunas, and dry saunas. Treatments, like body scrubs and massages, are available. The Shangri-La is located at 5636 East Hillsborough Avenue.
Gay Pride and Events in Tampa
Tampa hosts various celebrations throughout the year. Beyond gay celebrations, there are various community festivals. Key gay events are Pride and a film festival in October. Gasparilla, a pirate-themed festival, is also a noteworthy event.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival in January
Although not explicitly gay-focused, Gasparilla is often referred to as "Florida's gay Mardi Gras." This pirate-themed celebration in Tampa features an exciting schedule of events, including "Whips and Chains" and "El Gancho Party" with impressive pirate outfits at the Historic Ritz Ybor Theater.
Tampa Pride in March
Tampa Pride, drawing approximately 20,000 participants annually, is a major LGBTQ+ event held in late March. Events include Pride-Zoo-La at ZooTampa, the Mr. & Miss Tampa Pride pageant, and a closing party ("Tampa Pride at Night"). The parade follows a colorful route through Ybor City, starting at the corner of Nuccio Parkway and 7th Avenue.
TIGLFF Queer Film Festival in October
The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has grown significantly since its inception in 1990, now attracting many visitors for nine days in October. It features film screenings, an opening night event, and a closing ceremony with awards.
Where to Eat in Tampa
Tampa is a gourmet haven. We've experienced exceptional dining experiences across various cuisines. We've highlighted our favorites below:
Ulele restaurant
Ulele (pronounced You-lay-lee) combines Florida's culinary bounty, showcasing both land and seafood, and celebrating Native American heritage. This prominent Tampa riverside restaurant is frequently crowded, requiring reservations. Their burgers are exceptional; try the okra chips instead of fries.
Mise En Place restaurant
French for “everything in its place,” this upscale establishment boasts excellent reviews. Locals highly recommend Mise En Place, praising its refined seafood and fresh fish dishes. Try the Sous Vide Lobster, Seared Tuna, Pan Seared Foie Gras, and Sautéed Calamari.
Bella's Italian Cafe
Bella's Italian Cafe boasts the best pizza in Tampa, a claim we wholeheartedly endorse! A short Uber ride southwest from downtown will reward you with exceptional pizza, pasta, and a classic tiramisu. Exceptional service is also a hallmark of this establishment.
Top Tampa Attractions
Busch Gardens remains one of our most cherished memories of Tampa. After Universal, this park stands as our favorite in Florida. Additional attractions include Ybor City, a trip to the Florida Aquarium, featuring an immersive shark encounter. Here's a rundown of our favorite experiences:
Busch Gardens Thrill Ride Adventure
After our Orlando trip, Busch Gardens filled our desire for another theme park adventure. The thrilling rides are comparable to those at Universal. The park also houses an exotic zoo where you can experience safari tours and interact with giraffes. Our personal favorites include SheiKra, Cheeta Hunt, and Kumba. Pro tip: purchase tickets online to skip the queues.
Explore Ybor City's Rich History
Ybor City, Tampa's historic core, was once the "Cigar Capital of the World" in the early 1900s. Named after Vicente Martinez-Ybor, a Spanish entrepreneur, the area was a hub for cigar manufacturers and attracted immigrants. Today, it's a must-see destination, teeming with history, the gay scene, and opportunities for exploring on foot. Take a guided food tour, sampling six unique foods and drinks for a rich local experience.
Florida Aquarium Shark Diving Experience
This is arguably one of the most unique diving experiences we've encountered. While scuba diving takes place in an enclosed tank, you'll experience reef sharks, manta rays, and various tropical fish up close. The experience is both engaging and safe, under the supervision of professional divers. For smoother access, purchase your Florida Aquarium tickets online.
Tampa Riverwalk Strolling & Running
The Tampa Riverwalk is a downtown gem, frequently praised by locals. This 2.4-mile (3.9 km) walkway is lined with excellent restaurants (like Ulele), museums (like the Museum of Art), and other attractions. We enjoyed morning runs along the Riverwalk, and evening strolls to enjoy the beautiful sunsets.
Dolphin Spotting Cruise
About 1.5 hours from Tampa lies a dolphin nursery. Take a guided 90-minute boat tour to witness mothers and calves playing. The boats get very close to the dolphins, allowing stunning interactions and photos. Tours guarantee dolphin sightings. Otherwise, free return options are available.
Plan Your Tampa Gay Vacation
We've compiled helpful tips for planning your gay vacation to Tampa.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is essential! Consider options like Heymondo for comprehensive coverage.
Transportation: Most travelers arrive by flight or car. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is roughly 15 minutes from downtown by taxi; pre-booking airport pickup is recommended. Use ride-sharing services (Uber) or the city's trolleys and buses.
Accommodation: Many great accommodation options in Tampa are available. Start your search with reputable sites like Booking.com.
Activities: Find more activities and tours on sites like GetYourGuide.
Best time to visit: Tampa welcomes visitors all year round. The hurricane season (June-November) is minimal. Fall and early winter offer the best of weather and hotel deals.
Gay Map of Tampa
Utilize our comprehensive gay map of Tampa, featuring bars, clubs, hotels, and attractions for a smooth vacation planning experience.
Explore Our Gay Travel Adventures!
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