Best of GayCities 2025 winners announced
Get ready for the big reveal! Your 2025 Best of GayCities winners are here.
Mark
Get ready for the reveal! Over the past month, you’ve voted for your favorite bars, dream destinations, immersive experiences, and LGBTQ+ hot spots, and now we can finally share the results of 2025’s Best of Gay Cities travel awards.
Over the past year, we’ve been able to see queer travel in a new light, as these turbulent times have made information about safe and inclusive cities, restaurants, bars, and travel options more important than ever.
Looking into 2026, we’re eager to see how LGBTQ+ travelers and locals alike continue to rally behind their spots and show up for the community — and to add the cities, bars, and hotels you voted for to our must-see list.
Below, the winners for this year’s Best of GayCities. Can we get a drumroll!?
Immersive Experience: The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
Las Vegas‘ most friend-of-Dorothy-friendly attraction also happens to be the current can’t-miss event in Sin City. As far as immersive experiences go, this four-dimensional presentation of the groundbreaking 1939 film, projected on a massive 160,000 square-foot screen, transports ticket buyers to the fantastic world of Oz in a way no other screening could. Of course, it’s helped that it’s arrived in a year of peak Wicked mania.
Gold Winner: The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
Silver: Verse Immersive, Palm Springs
Bronze: Masquerade, New York City
Best Women’s Bar: RIKKI’S
The patrons of RIKKI’s, the first bar devoted to women’s sports in San Francisco, channeled their love of competition to come out on top in this new Best of GayCities category. Named after Rikki Streicher, the lesbian co-founder of the International Gay Games, the Castro spot has quickly become a neighborhood favorite among the robust local (and national) women’s sports community.
Gold Winner: RIKKI’s, San Francisco
Silver: Boycott Bar, Phoenix
Bronze: Henrietta Hudson, New York City
Related
December 21 is ‘Carol Day’: how a Cate Blanchett classic became a queer movie holiday
Just like October 3rd is Mean Girls Day and April 25th is Miss Congeniality Day, December also has a movie holiday: December 21st is Carol Day
Best Comeback Bar: The Stud
When this legendary San Francisco gay bar rose from the ashes, it came back — quite literally — bigger than ever. Now back on Folsom Street, blocks from where its historic run started, The Stud and its staunch “All Welcome” vibe and lineup have been a bright spot for the community in otherwise challenging times.
Gold Winner: The Stud, San Francisco
Silver: H.G. Roosters, West Palm Beach
Bronze: g Lounge, New York City
Best Beach: Fire Island Pines
Those well acquainted with Fire Island know that there’s no beach quite like the Pines. On the safety of our own island and surrounded by our own community, the sandy spot becomes a queer nirvana every summer. Let this be a reminder to get your June bookings done now!
Gold Winner: Fire Island Pines, New York
Silver: Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown
Bronze: Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca
Travel Obsession: Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide
Reading is fundamental, which is likely why this first-of-its-kind National Geographic travel guide, written by Amy B. Scher and Mark Jason Williams, won this new Best of GayCities category. With guides to more than 100 inclusive destinations — including some surprises, like Eureka Springs — we’ve never loved literacy more.
Gold Winner: Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More Than 100 Destinations Around the World
Silver: Apple AirPods Pro 3
Bronze: Charlie Vacation Short
Travel-worthy Performance: Dolly Parton
The gays’ rightful queen, Dolly Parton, looks to be the hottest ticket on the Las Vegas strip in 2026. After rescheduling a residency planned for December, the country legend will bring down the house at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for six herstoric nights in September.
Gold Winner: Dolly Parton in Las Vegas
Silver: Jane Krakowski, Oh, Mary! in New York
Bronze: Sam Smith, To Be Free Residency in San Francisco
Tour Operator: Oscar Wilde Tours
Professor Andrew Lear’s global tours, which range from countries like England, Japan, and even the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, combine art, queer history, and community for mind-blowing lessons in our LGBTQ+ ancestors. Look out for their Call Me By Your Name tour this fall!
Gold Winner: Oscar Wilde Tours
Silver: Gays of National Parks
Bronze: LGBTour Amsterdam
Emerging Hood: Cathedral City
This desert resort neighborhood in Palm Springs is as fast-growing as it is gorgeous. With scenic views, dry and hot temps, and a bustling LGBTQ+ scene, one well-intentioned visit might just have you thinking, “OMG, should I move here!?”
Gold Winner: Cathedral City, Palm Springs
Silver: The Village, Montreal
Bronze: La Condesa, Mexico City
Dream Destination: Mykonos
Just one Google Images search of the gays’ go-to spot in Greece, and you’ll get why Mykonos is indeed a dream destination. With its clothing-optional beaches, LGBTQ+ bars, and stunning resorts, it’s a guaranteed good time.
Gold Winner: Mykonos
Silver: Sitges
Bronze: Bali
Wander Luxe: The Tryst Puerto Vallarta
This luxurious resort in Puerto Vallarta prides itself on being a “gay hotel.” With drag brunches on Sundays, go-go boys on the roof, and close proximity to the gayborhood, Zona Romantica, it’s the premier spot for those looking to have a little tryst in PV themselves.
Gold Winner: The Tryst Puerto Vallarta
Silver: Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, Hawaii
Bronze: Cinq & Sept Gay Resort, Nice, France\
Local Queen We Love: Juanita MORE!, San Francisco
San Francisco drag performer Juanita MORE! is queen of the city’s nightlife. And after throwing her last epic bash at the Phoenix Hotel this past New Year’s Eve, the future has never been more hers!
Gold Winner: Juanita MORE!
Silver: Varla Jean Merman, Provincetown
Bronze: Miss Toto, Chicago
Travel Influencers: Will & James
You might recognize this adorable couple from their winning run on Amazing Race Season 32. On social media, Will and James have captivated us with their humorous and scenic travel content, personal stories, and their love.
Gold Winner: @itswillandjames
Silver: Karl & Daan, @coupleofmen
Bronze: Chris & Alex, @itschrisandalex
Related
January LGBTQ+ event round-up
What more could we desire than reigning in the first month of 2026 with a slew of exciting LGBTQ+ events?
