10 LGBT-Friendly Destinations Where You Can Ditch Your Car This Summer

One of my fondest (and funniest) memories is the day my partner revealed his little secret: despite his love for road trips, he didn’t have a driver's license. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin, he confessed, and it’s been a running joke ever since. But who needs a car when we have our trusty bikes? Living in Amsterdam, our love for cycling fits perfectly into our daily lives. My partner and I share a passion for cycling, though he loves it a bit more than I do. On rainy days, you’ll find him braving the elements on his bike while I opt for the cozy confines of public transportation.

This quirky twist inspired us to seek out destinations where we could ditch the car and fully embrace our love for two-wheeled travel. In this post, I’ll share ten fabulous LGBT-friendly spots where you can do just that. Plus, I’ll include tips on where to find bike rentals in these cities and recommendations for LGBT-friendly hotels to make your stay even more enjoyable.

Let's pedal our way to some incredible adventures!

Provincetown, Massachusetts

Nestled at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. Known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful coastal views, this town is best explored by bike or on foot. The town's Commercial Street is lined with charming shops, galleries, and cafes, making every stroll or bike ride an adventure. The beaches, such as Herring Cove and Race Point, are perfect spots to unwind and soak in the sun.

Where to Stay:

Check out the charming and welcoming guesthouses like The Brass Key Guesthouse and The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel's, both renowned for their LGBT-friendly atmosphere. Other great options include Cape Colony Inn, Breakwater Hotel, and the Crowne Pointe Historic Inn, an adults-only retreat.

Where to Rent Bikes:

The Ptown Bikes shop offers a great selection of rentals and is conveniently located in the heart of Provincetown.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a desert paradise with a rich LGBTQ+ history. The city's compact downtown area is highly walkable, featuring mid-century modern architecture, trendy shops, and excellent dining options. Biking through the scenic desert landscape is a must-do, and the numerous resorts offer a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Don’t miss the annual Palm Springs Pride Festival, which brings the community together in celebration.

Where to Stay:
Stay at iconic resorts like Movie Colony Hotel - Adults Only and Santiago Resort - Palm Springs Premier Gay Men’s Resort. Other excellent options include Jazz Hotel Palm Springs, Los Arboles Hotel, and ARRIVE Palm Springs - Adults Only.

Where to Rent Bikes:
Bike Palm Springs Rentals has a variety of bikes to choose from and provides easy access to the city’s bike paths.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is famous for its open-minded and inclusive culture. The city’s extensive network of canals and bike paths makes it incredibly easy to get around without a car. Rent a bike and explore the historic neighborhoods, vibrant markets, and iconic museums. The LGBTQ+ scene is lively, with numerous bars, clubs, and events such as the Amsterdam Gay Pride, which takes place on the picturesque canals.

Where to Stay:
Hotels like the Pulitzer Amsterdam and The Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren offer stylish accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere. Other fantastic options include W Amsterdam, The Hoxton, Amsterdam, Volkshotel, and Conservatorium Hotel.

Where to Rent Bikes:
Check out BikesBooking, a bike rental site I've personally used while on holiday. BikesBooking.com is an online booking service for motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles all over the world. They compare the prices of 950 rental companies from over 40 countries, offering 50,000 vehicles for booking in more than 2,000 locations. BikesBooking provides a fantastic alternative to car rentals and is a key player in the online booking market for motorcycle and bicycle transport.

BikesBooking

Sitges, Spain

Located just a short train ride from Barcelona, Sitges is a charming seaside town known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning beaches. The town's narrow streets are lined with white-washed buildings, creating a picturesque setting perfect for walking or cycling. The local LGBTQ+ community is active and visible, with many gay-friendly bars, clubs, and events like the Sitges Gay Carnival and Sitges Pride.

Where to Stay:
Stay at places like Hotel Medium Sitges Park and Platjador Hotel for a comfortable and welcoming stay. Other excellent options include Divino Hotel Boutique, Hotel El Xalet, Sabàtic Sitges Hotel, Autograph Collection, and Hotel Casa Vilella 4* Sup.

Where to Rent Bikes:

BikesBooking

Brighton, UK

Brighton is often referred to as the LGBTQ+ capital of the UK. This vibrant coastal city boasts a diverse and inclusive community. The Brighton Pier, Royal Pavilion, and North Laine area are all within walking or biking distance. The city’s Pride Festival is one of the largest and most famous in the UK, drawing visitors from all over the world. Brighton's pebble beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.

Where to Stay:
Legends Hotel and Drakes of Brighton are excellent options right by the seafront. Other great choices include The Charm Brighton Boutique Hotel & Spa, Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels, and Snooze.

Where to Rent Bikes:
Brighton Beach Bikes and BTN BikeShare provide easy and affordable bike rentals for touring the city. 

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a city with a rich and complex history, including a long-standing LGBTQ+ scene. The city's neighborhoods, such as Schöneberg, are renowned for their inclusive culture and vibrant nightlife. Berlin’s extensive public transportation and bike-friendly infrastructure make it easy to explore without a car. Must-visit sites include the Berlin Wall, Museum Island, and the various LGBTQ+ bars and clubs scattered throughout the city.

Where to Stay:

Axel TWO Hotel Berlin and Mercure Hotel Berlin Wittenbergplatz are top choices for accommodations. Other excellent options include Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte, RIU Plaza Berlin, and Scandic Berlin Kurfürstendamm.

Where to Rent Bikes:
Berlin on Bike and Rent a Bike 44 are great options for renting bikes to explore Berlin’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a tropical paradise known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ community. The Zona Romántica neighborhood is the heart of the gay scene, filled with vibrant bars, clubs, and restaurants. The city’s Malecon boardwalk and beautiful beaches are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Annual events like Vallarta Pride make this destination even more appealing for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to celebrate in a warm and inviting setting.

Where to Stay:
Casa Cupula Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel and Almar Resort are popular hotels offering fantastic amenities and stunning views. Other great options include BellView Hotel Boutique, Maxwell Collection at SOHO, and The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta.

Where to Rent Bikes:
Electric Bikes Per Day Company provides excellent service and a variety of bikes for exploring Puerto Vallarta.

Key West, Florida

Key West is an island city with a laid-back vibe and a rich LGBTQ+ history. The compact, walkable downtown area is filled with colorful buildings, lively bars, and historic sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home. Renting a bike is a popular way to explore the island, including the scenic routes along the coast. Key West Pride and Fantasy Fest are two major events that highlight the city’s inclusive spirit.

Where to Stay:
Island City House and Alexander's Gay Lesbian Guesthouse (Adult Only 21+) are top choices offering a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Other excellent options include Santa Maria Suites Resort, The Capitana Key West, and Eden House.

Where to Rent Bikes:

Key West Bike Rentals and We Cycle provide convenient rental options to explore this charming island city.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is synonymous with LGBTQ+ culture and history. The Castro District is the epicenter of the city’s gay community, with iconic landmarks such as the Castro Theatre and Harvey Milk Plaza. The city’s hilly streets and extensive bike lanes make it an ideal destination for cyclists. Don’t miss the San Francisco Pride Parade, one of the largest and most famous in the world, celebrating diversity and inclusion.

Where to Stay:
The Parker Guest House and Beck’s Motor Lodge are fantastic options in the heart of the city. Other excellent choices include Omni San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, and Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

Where to Rent Bikes:
For bike rentals, check out BikesBooking. They offer a variety of rental options and provide a convenient alternative to car rentals in San Francisco.

BikesBooking

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is known for its progressive attitude and bike-friendly streets. The city’s extensive network of bike lanes makes it easy to explore its historic sites, trendy neighborhoods, and beautiful waterfronts. The LGBTQ+ scene is active and inclusive, with events like Copenhagen Pride drawing visitors from around the world. The Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn harbor, and the Little Mermaid statue are just a few of the must-see attractions in this charming city.

Where to Stay:
Axel Guldsmeden and Andersen Boutique Hotel are known for their unique charm and stylish accommodations. Other great options include Grand Joanne, Kanalhuset, and Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers.

Where to Rent Bikes:
Copenhagen bike rentals offer convenient bike rentals to enjoy the city’s extensive bike lanes.

These ten destinations offer the perfect blend of culture, natural beauty, and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ travelers. Whether you’re exploring the canals of Amsterdam, the beaches of Sitges, or the vibrant streets of San Francisco, you can leave the car behind and embrace the joy of cycling or walking. So pack your bags, grab your bike, and set off on an unforgettable adventure with your partner. After all, the best journeys are the ones where you can truly connect with the world around you.