Beach Buns

The 10 Best Gay Beaches in The World—Have You Been?

 Sydney’s North Bondi Beach

 Pride season came and went; the 4th of July fireworks show is but a haze; and Labor Day is just a couple of weeks away. Can summer 2011 really be coming to a close? Say it ain’t so!

Farmer’s tan be damned—there’s plenty of time to head to the nearest body of water, strip down to your skimpy swimsuit and soak up the sun. (and let’s not forget catching some glimpses of topless hotties.)

GayCities has compiled a list of the 10 best beaches for gays and lesbians to mingle and soak up some rays. (Whatever else you do there is your business.)

Have we omitted your favorite sandy oasis? Let us know in the comments.

UP FIRST: Pines Beach in Fire Island

Fire Island, NY: Pines Beach

The words “Fire Island” have a certain connotation, one that’s fully realized in the Pines, home to some of the summer’s hottest tea dances and one-off parties. The beach, an extension of the area’s party mentality, is packed with eye candy, particularly those walking Adonises you see strolling down Chelsea’s Eighth Avenue. Nudity is allowed on the shore, but is more prevalent on the island’s Bohemian enclave, Cherry Grove.

NEXT: Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Playa Los Muertos

The gay beach is at the south end of the Playa Los Muertos and is usually referred to as the “blue chairs” for the seating put out by the gay resort of the same name. Many a lad has had the back end of his Speedo glued to these chairs for the better part of a sunny day, soaking in the sun, booze and intensely homoerotic vibes. The flirty interplay between the mostly Mexican locals and gay visitors from around the globe is fun to watch.

NEXT: Sebastian Street Gay Beach in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL: Sebastian Street Gay Beach

Located near most of the gay resorts, Sebastian Street is Ft. Lauderdale’s most popular beach destination for gay tourists. Mostly filled with men, this beach is see-and-be-seen environment in that low-key Lauderdale way. It’s a great destination for bears and anyone who doesn’t usually consider themselves a beach bum.

NEXT: Farme de Amoedo in Rio de Jainero

Rio, Brazil: Farme de Amoedo

“Barbies” is the local name for Rio’s muscle men. And Farme de Amoedo beach is where you’ll find them—slathering themselves with tanning oil, challenging each other to a friendly game of volleyball or just lounging on the beach as sand creeps up their thick thighs and tiny Speedos. Farme de Amoedo is also known, for good reason, as “Farme Gay.” Thanks GayCities user chilipepper for the hot pic!

NEXT: Hilton Beach in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Israel: Hilton Beach

Gay life in Tel Aviv is by far the most vibrant and eclectic in the Middle East. So it’s no surprise that a gay beach thrives here. And Hilton Beach is not just any gay beach, but a hotspot packed with sunbathers both olive-skinned locals and the visitors from all over the world looking to experience the city’s flavor and get rid of their tan lines. The beach can be found just north of the Hilton Hotel under the eagle statue.

NEXT: Poodle Beach in Rehoboth

Rehoboth, DE: Poodle Beach

Poodle Beach is located just south of the boardwalk and, despite Rehobeth being a popular gay hotspot, the guys here are unpretentious and friendly. It can get crowded during the season, but there’s a scene for everyone: young, old, energetic or laid back. Althought lesbians are welcomed, they tend to prefer North Shores Beach.

NEXT: Playita in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Playita

Once popular with nudists, the recent opening of a luxury hotel has chased all but the bravest nudists away (Note: public nudity is technically illegal in Costa Rica). Still it remains a popular gay beach, and some of the swimwear here leaves little for the imagination anyway. Cruising is at the north end, but beware police cracking down on nudity. Make sure you check the tides chart or you will be stranded there until low tide, maybe even in your birthday suit.

NEXT: Clifton 3rd in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa: Clifton 3rd

Clifton 3rd is completely protected from the sea breezes that sweeps most of Cape Town. It faces west so the sunsets are stunning, setting around 8 p.m. in summer. Take care to “hide” alcoholic drinks, as drinking in public is forbidden and strictly monitored. Sip one under a beach towel with your new friend as the sun sets on this gay paradise. Thanks patelsmith for the great pic!

NEXT: North Bondi Beach in Sydney

Sydney, Australia: North Bondi Beach

Lifeguards in budgie smugglers (Speedos), sunbathing on white sand under endless sun. No, that’s not heaven. That’s Bondi Beach, just outside Sydney. The gay section is on the North end, and the further north you get the gayer (and fleshier) it gets. Gay men and lesbians have traditionally hung out at a workout area North Bondi Surf Club, and have made it their own. This is a place where you can get everything, from ice cream to bangers to a date. Everything but alcohol, that is, which is prohibited outdoors the beach. Not to worry: The beach is lined by pubs, where revelers from across the world line up for tropical drinks.

Photo by karlblackwell 

NEXT: Playa Delfines in Cancun

Cancun, Mexico: Playa Delfines

Though the water is generally too treacherous to swim, Playa Delfines (also known as Playa del Rey) is popular with gay tourists. The white sands are perfect for sunning, the water is many shades of blue and the view is incredible. This beach is also popular for surfing, and a great place for taking lessons.

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