Key West's nightlife has long been notorious. Many of its bars and clubs, like its characters, have become legend. From the earlier days of the Monster and the Copa to unforgettable tea dances, Key West's daily parties are intertwined with its gay and lesbian history. Today's Key West has continued that tradition. During the day, many visitors enjoy the island's clothing optional men and women only pool bars. Each night, a different crowd of gay and lesbian visitors fills hot spots both on and off Duval Street. Today's Key West features more gay and lesbian nightlife options than ever: cabarets, dance clubs, drag shows, piano bars, a leather/levi bar, a gay-friendly country bar, and neighborhood bars. Sunday's themed Tea Dance at La Te Da continues to grow after decades. Every weekend, lounges featuring the latest trends in dance and electronic music attract gay and straight tourists and residents alike. All of Key West's nightspots and restaurants are within walking distance of one another and the island's guesthouses and other accommodations. 

While it is no secret that Key West knows how to throw a party, the island often plays host to gay and lesbian tourists during recently developed and retooled events, attracting thousands. While other destinations actively discourage spring breakers, Key West's Gay Spring Break attracts a large crowd of younger gay men and lesbians who want to enjoy the annual ritual in an environment in which they can safely be themselves. Pridefest (June) is a celebration of Key West's open community. Tropical Heat (August) is a steamy four day event for gay men. Womenfest (September) attracts up to 5,000 women each year and features over a week of events. Bone Island Bare It All Weekends have become South Florida's largest naturist gatherings for gay men. Every October, between 50,000 and 80,000 visitors party in the streets and nightspots of Key West during Fantasyfest. The island also features different pageants for every month, numerous charity events, and several themed weekend events.  New Years rings in with Key West Drag icon Sushi being lowered in a six foot red stiletto carried live internationally on CNN. 

Gay men and women can choose from exclusively gay and lesbian water activities such as snorkeling, fishing, sunset sailing, and dolphin watching; or join other island visitors above, on, or below the sea.  The beaches offer sunning, volleyball, wind surfing, or just relaxing under the trees. 

Nearly a third of Key West’s 28,000 year-round residents are gay or lesbian. A large percentage of businesses proudly fly the rainbow flag. Many gay men and women feel more at ease on this congenial subtropical island than anywhere else in the world. In a recent Harris Poll, Key West was selected as the second-most gay friendly city in the United States, ahead of every other resort destination. The Key West Business Guild, founded in 1978, operates a gay and lesbian visitor center seven days a week and provides information at www.gaykeywestfl.com and www.returntokeywest.com.  

Liberal, civilized, and sophisticated, Key West has a gay police chief and openly gay law enforcement officials who protect the rights of residents and visitors regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation. Even the political arena reflects this easygoing attitude. Key West was the first city in the United States to elect an openly gay mayor; a variety of other high-profile elected and appointed civic positions — from city and county commissioner to chamber of commerce president — have been and are held by gays and lesbians. The rainbow flag stands alongside the American flag in the city commission chambers, and the city’s official motto is One Human Family, proclaiming equality and acceptance for all people. 

For gay and lesbian visitors, Key West is a place to be open and relaxed. It’s a venue to make new friends, to dress up or dress down, or just wear a dress. It’s a place to play from dawn to dusk or luxuriate in laziness. Above all, it’s a prime destination to enjoy carefree days and nights on an irresistible, accepting tropical island unlike any other.