The best U.S. cities for a gay getaway this fall

It’s not Pride season anymore and we’ve still got a few months until it’s time to ski, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay home.

Some of our favorite stateside gay destinations are the perfect size for 48 hours of exploration, and the fall provides a perfect opportunity for a quick weekend getaway.

Thankfully, the good folks at Babeland dived into the data and ranked them on four major travel factors: LGBTQ+ inclusivity, affordability, entertainment and weather.

The runners up included Miami, Las Vegas, Chicago, Denver, and Austin, which all received high marks for their reputations of acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community, as well as their number of queer-friendly establishments.

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And it seems these types of factors are becoming more of a priority.

As Lisa Finn of Babeland said in a statement, “LGBTQ+ travel accounts for 7 to 10% of the total market and around 13% of global spending,” and finally, and “tourist destinations are starting to listen to these numbers.”

But when it came to their top 5, the data was markedly in favor of one coast.

Below, the best cities for a queer weekend getaway this fall, according to Babeland.

1. Los Angeles

The warm temperatures aren’t the only draw in sunny Los Angeles — but they certainly help! According to the numbers, 48 hours in the City of Angels is a surefire good time, with more than 200 inclusive hotels, which average $250 a night, as well as high-quality LGBTQ+ nightlife, from Santa Monica, to downtown LA, to, naturally, West Hollywood.

2. New York City

OK, New York City is a bit chillier (and pricier) than the No. 1 spot, but you can’t beat its nightlife options. Between its five boroughs, there’s more than 160 inclusive bars — and some of our favorites in neighborhoods like Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen — as well as more than 240 hotels, which average out to around $435 a night in Manhattan.

Between Broadway and the boys, you can surely find a way to fill a weekend, but you won’t come close to seeing everything!

3. San Francisco

San Francisco scored a spot in the top 3 based on its uber friendliness to the LGBTQ+ community, especially with more than 100 LGBTQ+ restaurants and bars, as well as over 240 inclusive hotels, which average out to $218 a night.

Between iconic spots like The Castro Theatre, The De Young Museum, Dolores Park, and Golden Gate Park, it’s easy to pack a weekend-long itinerary, and meet some cuties along the way.

4. Oakland

Don’t write off the East Bay! Oakland nabbed its place in the top 5 due to its chill autumnal weather, similar to SF, which is perfect suited for strolling through the city’s plentiful selection of museums, LGBTQ+ bars, and restaurants. According to Babeland, an inclusive hotel room averages out to $267 a night, though the city offers just enough dining and delights to fill out a quick weekend getaway.

5. San Diego

We know what you’re thinking: Another California city?! Still, you can’t deny San Diego‘s rightful spot as an autumnal weekend destination, with nearly 200 inclusive hotel options, more than 50 LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants, a thriving queer community, dazzling beaches, and easy itinerary stops like the San Diego Zoo and the Gaslamp Quarter. Just don’t forget a jacket!

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