Summer’s here, and for most of us, it’s a time for slowing down, getting outside, and getting away for some well-deserved time off. There’s just nothing that feels quite as nice as a good old-fashioned Summer vacation.

Maybe it’s a left-over from all the years we looked forward to getting out of school for the Summer, or maybe it’s just the direct result of the great weather that goes along
with the arrival of Summer. Perhaps it’s a bit of both. But in the end,
no matter what the reason, and no matter who we are, or what we do, we all look forward to Summer, and to those special Summer vacations.

For gay men, Summer is an especially good time to get away and discover some of North America’s most popular gay resort destinations. These destinations, most of which are best known for their warm and inviting Winter weather, tend to slow down a bit in the Summer. And for veteran sunworshippers, smart vacationers, or folks who just want to “check things out,” the slow Summer pace, and the lower Summer rates make them ideal destinations for those long and lazy Summer vacations.

South Florida Fun!

South Florida’s Gay favorites - Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West - are always ready to welcome visitors to their pristine beaches (and swimming pools) during the Summer season.  “The beaches are less crowded in the Summer” says Joe Van Eron, owner of Liberty Suites in Fort Lauderdale. “Especially the nude beach at Haulover. You can always find a place to spread your towel or park your beach chair, no matter what time of the day you arrive.”

Boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing are also popular Summer activities, both off the Fort Lauderdale and Miami coastlines, and off the coast of the Florida Keys and Key West. Gay and gay-friendly charter companies offer mixed as well as male-only cruises (some of which are also clothing optional). Captain Steve Talbott, who operates the Blu Q Catamaran in Key West says “there’s just no better place for men who love the outdoors and the water than Key West in the Summer. It’s tropical during the day with gentle ocean breezes, and the water is clear, warm, and perfect for the snorkeling enthusiast. And of course nothing can compare with watching a colorful Summer sunset while sailing the waters around Key West."