Boys, babes, sun, surf and drinks that come by the foot. Spring Break recaptures all the passion of our ancestors’ vernal rites, but with a whole lot more skin. In the past, gays and lesbians had trouble finding their place in the sun, and as fun as it is seeing if the old joke about the difference between a straight boy and a gay boy being about six beers is actually true, Spring Break’s finally gone homo in a big way.
Here are the top five spots we wish we had on our calendars every week this month…
The Scene: The biggest national gay Spring Break destination, Key West offers all the booze, boys and morning-after hangovers of regular Spring Break, but with a far greater hook-up potential.
Where to Stay: Dubbed “the best gay men’s resort in the world,” Island House Key West boasts a health club, cafe and a clothing optional policy.
Fun By Day: That’d be the beach, bub.
Fun at Night: Key West’s Duval Street is where the action is. Don’t miss the historic Bourbon Street Pub.
More Info: Gay Key West
The Scene: Spring break in P.S. is a study in contrasts. For the girls, there’s the Dinah Shore Weekend, which draws an older crowd, while Jeffrey Sanker’s 25th White Party will bring out the circuit queens.
Where to Stay: There are a ton of gay resorts in P.S., some randier than others. La Dolce Vita is one of our favorites because it can be either serene or frisky or both. Two pools, spacious grounds, cabanas, fresh squeezed grapefruit cocktails, adorable hosts. What’s not to like?
Alternatively, there are plenty of clothing-optional hotels or you can rent out one of P.S.’s many mid-century homes.
Fun By Day: Hiking Mt. San Jacinto, biking in town, lounging by the pool.
Fun at Night: Toucan’s on Palm Canyon Drive is a local hot-spot. Hit up Hunter’s for a hip crowd and lots of dancing.
More Info: Gay Palm Springs
Tulum, MX
The Scene: A relaxed and affordable alternative to Cancun, Tulum, Mexico, is the famous party destination’s more authentic little sister. If long days by the beach, snorkeling and
New Age spirituality is more your scene than wet t-shirt contests, Tulum is just your style.
Where to Stay: EcoTulum is right on the beach, very gay-friendly and offers everything from sand-floor huts at $40/night to luxurious cabanas at $200+/night.
Fun By Day: Snorkel in the local sinkholes (locally called cenotes), explore the Mayan ruins or soak up the sun.
Fun at Night: Downtown Tulum isn’t much to look at, but its collection of bars are solidly authentic.
More Info: Tulum
The Scene: If you want to party it up in mixed company, P.V. is the best of both worlds: plenty of drunken frat boys and sorority chicks, plus copious gay bars catering to yo
ur needs.
Where to Stay:Want to get your A-Gay on? Hotel Mercurio is a popular gay resort right next to the beach. Hotel Torre De Oro is the largest gay resort in town.
Fun By Day: The gay scene by day centers on Playa Los Muertos, the gay beach. You’ll recognize it by the blue and green chairs– and you know, all the gays you’re surrounded by.
Fun at Night: The colorfully named Zona Romantica is on Vallarta’s south side and home to over a dozen gay bars.
More Info: Gay Puerto Vallarta
The Scene: Who says Spring Break means bikinis and Speedos? Colorado’s skiing mecca offers up great skiing, hot tubs and a variety of apres ski opportunities for homosexual snowbirds.
Where to Stay: Rental opportunities abound, and if you’re looking for some cabin-themed luxury Sky Hotel is where it’s at.
Fun By Day: We thought you might like to ski here.
Fun at Night: While Aspen offers plenty of apres ski joints, like straight folks, gay visitors to Aspen will want to take advantage of the stunning views and warm fires to create their own kind of fun. There are a few posh places to be seen, but this getaway is an excellent alternative for sporty couples.
More Info: Gay Aspen
Joetx
I wonder if gay frat boys are as d-baggy as straight frat boys are.