The LGBTQ Guide to the United States

My love of road trips started early. As a teenager growing up in a suburb of Boston, I discovered Jack Kerouac’s classic road trip novel On the Road. The book opened a door to queer history and to places where offbeat weirdos like me could find their fit.

I wrote my college thesis on road trips, and driving myself to (and from) a summer semester at UC Berkeley as research. I guess I should have known back then that I would end up writing about travel for a living!

Two tall bluffs on either side of a highway, with trucks passing through — Driving through Wyoming with Matthew Shepard on my mind

I’ve taken two cross-country road trips – one during college, and one when I moved to California.

I’ve also taken shorter road trips: New York to Florida, New York to Atlanta by way of Kentucky (state #44) and Tennessee, and New York to Michigan (state #43).

I spent a month living in a ghost town in Alaska for a writer’s retreat, and stayed on for an extra two weeks to explore the state with my partner, who flew out to Juneau to meet me.

Closer to home, I loving taking weekend trips to cities and towns in the Hudson Valley, where I live.

I love the US – even if I don’t always like my country’s laws and policies.

I eventually did turn my love of travel into a job, by the way. So whether it’s dishing up the best hotels along the East Coast, putting together a big queer road trip map of the best LGBTQ things to do in every state, or discussing the latest travel trends, I’m an expert in inclusive travel.

Want to keep up with the latest changes in LGBTQ rights in the US? Sign up for our twice monthly email news roundup.

LGBTQ Rights in the US

How Are Trump’s Policies Affecting LGBTQ Rights?

LGBTQ rights in the US are being rolled back at the state and federal level. While some states are still very safe and welcoming, the federal climate is difficult.

Transgender and nonbinary travelers are the most affected by the legal changes; I would encourage trans and nonbinary travelers thinking of coming to the US from overseas to exercise caution.

These posts explore the latest threats to LGBTQ rights in the US:

If you have a specific question about US travel if you’re LGBTQ, feel free to contact me and I’ll see if I can help!

Is there an LGBTQ US Travel Advisory?

As travelers to the US have been detained by ICE, many countries are taking the unprecedented step of issuing a warning to their citizens to avoid US travel unless strictly necessary.

This includes some of America’s strongest allies, like Canada and the UK.

Find an updated list of US travel advisories in this post.

Which states have anti-LGBTQ laws?

If you’re just looking for the worst states to visit if you’re LGBTQ, it’s Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Texas.

Texas and Florida are especially unsafe for trans Americans.

This guide to the best and worst states for LGBTQ travelers goes into more detail – check it out to plan your next US vacation. It’s fully updated as of March 2025, and I’ll make periodic updates as the situations change.

What are the best US gay travel destinations?

While many states are making it harder to be LGBTQ, these states are adding more LGBTQ protections!

I’m a believer in giving my travel dollars to states that believe in my right to exist, and stand by me with social support and legal protections.

Even in 2025, many places within the US welcome queer travelers. Cities in LGBTQ-friendly states are among the top gay travel destinations, but some rural communities make the list, too.

Top US gay travel spots include:

Fire Island, New York
New York City, New York
Northampton, Massachusetts
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Honolulu, Hawaii
Los Angeles, California
Palm Springs, California
San Francisco, California

New Orleans, Louisiana
Atlanta, Georgia
Seattle, Washington
Portland, Oregon
Austin, Texas
Burlington, Vermont
Chicago, Illinois
Traverse City, Michigan

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, US gay travel capital

What is the LGBTQ capital of US?

San Francisco takes the crown as the unofficial LGBTQ capital of the US. The city hosts an epic Pride parade in June. That same weekend, they also have a Dyke March and a Trans March.

I have happy memories of SF Pride from my time living in the Bay Area. I’ve also seen how affirming the experience can be for travelers from around the globe. San Francisco Pride is an incredible experience that belongs on your travel bucket list.

A white man wearing a chunky rainbow beaded necklace during San Francisco Pride

US Gay Travel Guides

Hudson Valley, New York

Growing up in Boston, I have travelled extensively in New England and New York. I love sending travelers to lesser-known but still amazing things to do in the Northeast, whether it’s sharing my favorite Hudson Valley hiking spots to curating the perfect one day in Boston itinerary.

A white person in a purple sweatshirt sitting near a lake, surrounded by trees turning red in fall

A white person in tan pants posing in front of a waterfall

Read all my LGBTQ Hudson Valley guides:

California

After graduate school, I moved to San Francisco. I fell in love with Northern California through weekend trips to Mendocino and Sonoma county. When friends came to visit, we road tripped south to Big Sur. When my best gay friend moved to Los Angeles, I got to know Southern California’s charms.

While I moved back east, I return to California every few years. I love discovering new adventures in a state that still feels like home!

I’ve put my love of California into work creating lesbian and gay travel guides to the state’s best outdoor adventures. Whether you’re planning a road trip down the coast or looking for day trips from Los Angeles, I’ve got you covered!