LGBT Travel

Recognized as a safe, culturally diverse and supportive city, Las Vegas is on par with cities such as San Francisco, New York and Miami Beach in welcoming the gay community. Las Vegas was recently ranked the third most popular destination in the United States among gay travelers and with more options than ever before, it's no surprise that gays and lesbians are including Las Vegas in their travel plans. There are many elements that make Las Vegas such an attractive destination to this demographic.

When it comes to accommodations, there are several hotels to choose from. Be swept away in romance at Paris Las Vegas. Revisit the Big Apple with a visit to Las Vegas' New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Check out the newly redesigned Luxor Hotel & Casino or enjoy Brazilian culture at The Rio All-Suite Resort and Casino.  The recently remodeled Blue Moon Resort is a clothing-optional hotel. The city's first all-male gay resort has 45 luxury rooms and suites and a plethora of amenities. The Blue Moon Coffee Shop offers beverages, sandwiches and snacks, and the lagoon-style pool area is surrounded by waterfalls and enables guests to enjoy privacy within blocks of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

For some serious relaxation, enjoy some much-needed pool time. Luxor's LGBT pool party, "Temptation Sundays," returns with captivating themes, cool drink specials, and hot music every Sunday. Located at the South Pool, "Temptation Sundays" is specially tailored for an alternative crowd, but welcomes everyone all summer long through Labor Day weekend.

After dark entertainment options await, beginning with one of the hottest shows on the Strip -Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity" at New York-New York. Celine Dion is performing for a three-year engagement at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas at The Quad is an energetic show starring Frank Marino as comic icon Joan Rivers and an all-star cast of female impersonators.

For nightlife, Krave Massive, located downtown in the Neonopolis on Fremont Street, bills itself as the world's largest gay nightclub. Located just off the Las Vegas Strip, on Paradise Road, is an area dubbed "The Fruit Loop," which boasts numerous alternative hotspots including Suede, a piano bar and restaurant, and Gipsy, the city's original gay dance club. Popular among celebrities, Piranha Nightclub and 8 ½ Ultra Lounge feature a second floor with a beautiful view of the Strip, VIP cabanas and skyboxes and a private bar. You'll also discover Freezone and, as the name implies, there is never a cover at this popular bar and nightclub. A favorite among lesbian visitors, Freezone offers daily drink specials, good times and an ever-friendly staff.

If you want to experience the local gay scene, you'll find plenty of action at a variety of bars and clubs around town. Snick's Place, located in downtown Las Vegas, is the gay equivalent to the famous bar, Cheers, and is one of the best places to go for a sociable drink. Flex Cocktail Lounge offers drinks, strippers, games and more in a quaint neighborhood nightclub setting. Another experience away from the Strip, Escape Lounge, offers customers great specials and a friendly atmosphere.

Customize your night by visiting a themed location such as a cozy country western bar like Badlands Saloon or Charlie's Las Vegas.  Or, try Backdoor Lounge, home of Las Vegas' gay Latino scene. If you're a gamer, you'll enjoy Goodtimes Bar & Nightclub, with its Monday night alcohol/beer bust and liberal video poker machines. The true adventure-seeker will earn free well drinks and beer every Wednesday and Friday at Las Vegas Eagle, but only under one condition: that bar patrons strip down to their boxers or briefs!

Besides being the "Entertainment Capital of the World" and a place where anything goes, Las Vegas is also a city that offers a variety of events and support services for the LGBT demographic. Las Vegas Pride Week is an annual ten-day celebration of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Events include a Pride Night Parade and Festival as well as art shows, picnics and contests--more than 14 events in all. Nevada Gay Rodeo Association is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the western lifestyle and producing gay rodeos with a commitment to raise funds for charitable organizations. Golden Rainbow provides housing and direct financial assistance to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. The annual "Ribbon of Life," "Beaux Arts Ball" and "Naked Hearts" events serve to raise money for this worthy cause. Founded in 1984, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. AFAN provides direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs, and community outreach. The organization hosts an annual AIDS Walk and Black & White Party to generate awareness and raise funds for its services. The Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada is a community-based organization which supports and promotes activities directed at furthering the well being and human rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and its allies in Southern Nevada.

For more information, check out www.LasVegas.com/gaytravel .