Memorial Day Weekend may be the official start of summer for most Americans, but for the queer community, it’s Pride Month. In between the concerts, parades, and dance parties—and long after they’re gone—the refreshing coastal breeze and cool waters beckon. But not just any beach will do; it’s gotta be gay. What actually defines a gay beach is the ability to worship the sun with no inhibition and discover the surrounding community as one’s authentic self.
Like a quintessential gay bar, a gay beach at its core is an inclusive space to gather and feel free. And you get to do it all with as little clothing as possible—or none at all. From the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Maine, these are the beaches around America to escape to this summer.
Visit the rising-in-the ranks beach you can’t quit in Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is usually overshadowed by Provincetown’s prominence as the preeminent New England gaycation, but this heavenly slice of Maine coastline is rising up the ranks. Nestled off scenic Route 1 just past the New Hampshire border, Ogunquit boasts one of the country’s top-rated beaches: a 3.5-mile-long stretch of powdery white sand bookended by scenic cliffs and Victorian mansions. Enter from the parking lot area—where families set up camp—and walk 10 minutes up the beach for prime Speedo spotting in the unofficial gay section. Wind down or turn up in Ogunquit’s town center, which is framed with shops, galleries, and restaurants adorned with rainbow flags, including tavern The Crooked Pine, piano lounge The Front Porch, and multi-level watering hole Maine Street.
