Atlanta Gay Travel
wolfyy’s Atlanta gay travel guide to hotels, things to do, restaurants, gay bars, clubs, saunas & events.
The Gay Travel Experience: Atlanta, Georgia
A liberal haven in a conservative state, Atlanta welcomes gay travelers with open arms. I felt considerably more comfortable being gay here compared to places in neighboring U.S. states. Atlanta is a booming, LGBT-friendly city where you’ll get a taste of the South while feeling free to come as you are.
The city’s openness is largely attributed to its historically resilient queer communities. Shortly after the Stonewall Riots in New York, Atlanta experienced its own liberation movement, an impressive feat for a city in the South.
Queer spaces like drag bars united the LGBTQ community for decades to come, something Atlanta has become known for!
I had the chance to experience gay life in Atlanta with the help of my good friend K.C., a local who was born and raised in this wonderful city. I found everyone in Atlanta to be so friendly!
Waiters, Uber drivers, bartenders—they know how to make you feel welcome. The gay locals I met were all so kind and genuine too, much more than those in New York or Los Angeles.
I also got to witness the enormous changes the city is currently experiencing. New homes, commercial towers, and apartment complexes are being constructed everywhere—and all of this is actually having an impact on Atlanta’s gay scene.
Atlanta’s Gay Scene
Gay life in Atlanta is stronger than ever. Not only does Atlanta have one of the highest densities and overall populations of LGBT-identifying people in the United States, but the city is attracting more from other cities as the local economy booms.
Dozens of local sports teams, a variety of gay bars, and large annual LGBT events all contribute to a thriving gay community.
However, along with the rapid economic growth, Atlanta’s gay scene is slowly becoming fragmented. As the city experiences a real estate boom, it’s losing many historical queer spaces. It’s most noticeable in Midtown, the original Atlanta gay neighborhood.
For example, in 2021, the LGBT-favorite restaurant Einstein’s closed after 30 years as the site was razed for the construction of two brand-new high rises. Popular gay bars in Midtown are at risk right now, as large real estate developments already own the land these establishments sit on.
With real estate prices skyrocketing in desirable areas like Midtown and other central neighborhoods, Atlanta’s gay scene is becoming more decentralized.
LGBTQ individuals live in scattered pockets throughout the city. This isn’t necessarily catastrophic, but it does contribute to the loss of Midtown as Atlanta’s gay neighborhood.
Gay Atlanta: Hotels & Where to Stay
Most gay travelers prefer to stay in Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood, which is the center of the local gay scene. Hotels in Midtown are great for being within walking distance of many gay bars and close to where a lot of gay locals live.
Staying relatively close to Midtown is also convenient since you’ll be a quick car ride away. Many more hotels are located to the north of Midtown, as well as in the Hotel District to the south.
Apartment rentals in Midtown as well as in the Hotel District are typically much cheaper than nearby hotels. They’re perfect for budget travelers, or even for groups of friends who need extra space.
Downtown Atlanta hotels may be better for budget travelers. They tend to be cheaper since the district has more of a commercial feel.
Hyatt Centric
The Hyatt Centric in Midtown Atlanta is without a doubt the most popular place for gay travelers to stay. It’s only steps away from the heart of the city’s gay scene. Several gay bars, the popular LGBT brunch spot, and Piedmont Park are all within a few minutes’ walk.
The hotel’s interiors feature a chic masculine design, and the rooms have fantastic views of the city. You can also enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, bar, lounge, and restaurant.
Rates at the Hyatt Centric tend to be lower than most other hotels around—and even more so when booking further in advance. Be sure to snag a room early if you’ll be visiting during a popular time!
Loews Atlanta Hotel
Loews Atlanta Hotel has a similarly fantastic location in Midtown. With more of a luxury price point, the property has an elevated classic design with plenty of modern features.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel are stunning and let a ton of light into the rooms. Guests also consistently rate Loews Atlanta for comfortable beds, great views, and superior cleanliness.
The Westin Peachtree Plaza
The Westin Peachtree Plaza is the most popular hotel for gay travelers in the Peachtree Center Hotel District of Atlanta. Designed by the famous Atlanta-based architect John C. Portman Jr., the hotel has a beautiful neo-futurist design.
An enormous hotel, The Westin stands out within Atlanta’s skyline. Travelers love the room’s lofty views of the entire city. And up in the rooftop restaurant, they’re even more impressive.
More Atlanta Hotels I Recommend
Below are a few more hotels I recommend for gay travelers that are all reasonably affordable, highly rated, and centrally located.
Atlanta Gay Travel Experiences
The Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring tropical life and cold-water habitat exhibits and a particularly stunning shark exhibit, among others.
I couldn’t possibly forget seeing an impressive tornado-like spiral of fish several stories high that would morph as sharks passed through.
General admission tickets for the Georgia Aquarium cost a bit over 50$ in person, but you can snag them at a discount if you buy them on GetYourGuide.
They also use a timed entry system, so you’ll need to either buy them in advance or grab a snack at the adjacent cafe while you wait after buying them from the ticket machines.
Visiting an aquarium might feel like a basic tourist activity, but I guarantee this place is worth it. Plan to spend at least an hour and a half here—there’s a lot to cover!
Explore Atlanta’s BeltLine
The BeltLine is an enormous stretch of public space that is being redeveloped in phases from its use as an old railroad corridor. In total, it will be a 22-mile trail connecting 45 of the city’s neighborhoods.
A significant portion of the BeltLine is already completed and packed with restaurants, bars, green space, and art, there’s no better place to soak up the vibe of Atlanta. It’s a great place to experience local culture, whether you walk, bike, or take an electric scooter.
Quite a few breweries are located along the belt line, making bar hopping a popular weekend activity. I enjoyed stopping at New Realm Brewing Co. and the adjacent Estrella Rooftop, which are both gay-friendly establishments.
New Realm has more of an industrial and large-scale feel, while Estrella is smaller and more upscale.
Walk Through the Krog Street Tunnel
The Krog Street Tunnel is an incredible place to see local street art. It’s a long, well-lit tunnel that’s completely covered with graffiti.
There are two elevated walkways on either side of the roadway make visiting this tunnel safe and easy. Protected from cars, you’ll often see artists and tourists creating videos.
Visiting the tunnel is especially popular after heavy rain. Since it’s prone to flooding, cars cannot pass through, attracting photographers and drone pilots.
Jackson Street Bridge
Jackson Street Bridge is a famous overpass with a view of the Atlanta skyline. This view was actually featured in the intro to The Walking Dead series. Visitors stop along the road to grab some photos, especially during the summer.
Olympic Centennial Park & Atlanta SkyView
Olympic Centennial Park is a peaceful expanse of open fields in Atlanta’s downtown, an ideal hangout spot as long as the weather is nice. You can relax in the grass, take a walk, or meditate by the beautiful fountains.
The Atlanta SkyView Ferris wheel is adjacent to the park. It’s a fun way to get an epic Instagram-worthy photo of your gay adventure to Atlanta. Grab a refundable private gondola SkyView ticket on GetYourGuide.
Find a Gay Pool Party!
Pool parties are a big part of Atlanta’s gay life during the summertime. With intense heat, and high humidity, the gays turn to the pool to beat the sweltering conditions.
While it may be a bit difficult as a tourist, chatting up some locals on a gay app like Grindr might just get you invited to one. Don’t forget to bring a sexy gay swimsuit!
Related → 30+ Gay Swimwear Brands & Styles
Visit the World of Coca Cola
The World of Coca-Cola is among the most well-known attractions in Atlanta. It’s a museum dedicated to the history and achievements of the Coca-Cola brand. Most of the exhibits are pretty interesting, like the enormous collection of historical advertisements in all different languages.
Everyone loves the tasting experience most of all. You can taste dozens of different Coca-Cola products that are produced in countries all over the world.
I thought the intro presentation and movie were super corny, but I enjoyed the experience once inside the exhibits. If nothing else, it might be worth saving for a rainy day
Admission is only $22, so it’s not such an expensive commitment. You can also grab tickets that include skip-the-line entry on GetYourGuide for the same price.
Popular Activities
Restaurants in Atlanta
Henry’s
Henry’s is well-known as Atlanta’s gay restaurant and brunch spot. It’s a must for every gay traveler! You’ll find locals here year-round, but when the weather is nice, Henry’s really draws a crowd.
They’re popular for an enormous outdoor patio with elevated street-side views (and for the shirtless boys running by in the summer)! Henry’s plays classic upbeat gay hits inside and out, and the staff is as friendly as they come.
Superica
If you love Tex-Mex, you’ve got to try Superica. They’re an upscale Mexican restaurant that maintains a casual vibe. The restaurant is inside a renovated old industrial building, which paired with the traditional Mexican design elements makes for an adorable ambiance.
Portions are generous and they have a ton of options. Superica is on the pricier side when it comes to drinks, but they were delicious enough to justify it!
Antico Italian Pizza
Antico Italian Pizza makes some of the best pizza I’ve ever had outside of Italy. I told a few gay locals I went to this restaurant and their faces lit up as they asked me “did you absolutely love it?”
After you order at the front counter and grab a drink, the staff brings your pizza to your table. With bench-style seating in a cozy cafeteria-type setting, it’s all super casual.
Adjacent to Antico, there are a couple of other small Italian restaurants all operated by the same owner. Gio’s specializes in chicken dishes, and Caffe Antico specializes in Neapolitan and Sicilian-style pizza.
Boxcar
Boxcar serves super delicious comfort food and specialty cocktails. It’s a fantastic spot for lunch or dinner. Located in a large, refurbished warehouse, the restaurant has an industrial feel. And outside there are a few neat pop-up shops inside mini shipping containers.
While I opted for cocktails (which were pleasantly strong), Boxcar prides themselves on their rotating menu of beer and wine.
Atlanta Gay Bars
Blake's On The Park
Blake’s On The Park is Atlanta’s most popular gay bar, a large space attracting a diverse LGBT crowd. Weekend crowds are rowdy here, as everyone packs both levels.
In addition to a full wraparound bar on each level, Blake’s has a huge outdoor patio space that’s open year-round. Check out the one-way mirror in the bathroom, too!
The bar itself marks the center of local gay life, too. It’s located at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, where you’ll find the city’s iconic rainbow crosswalks.
Campagnolo
Campagnolo is Atlanta’s beloved gay piano bar by night and a delicious Italian restaurant by day. The locals that spend time here are all so friendly and open to chatting with travelers, making Campagnolo a great spot for meeting new friends.
Everyone is welcome to sing popular showtimes and other classic singles alongside the piano player. And if you don’t want to perform, you can just sing along!
Mary’s
Mary’s is among the most popular Atlanta gay bars for being an all-around inclusive, queer-friendly space. It’s a smaller venue, but it feels magically cozy.
Everyone raves about the Thursday evening drag shows at Mary’s. They are by far the best drag bar in Atlanta! They also host “Mary-oke” karaoke nights on Wednesdays as well as disco and comedy nights. Upcoming events are listed on Mary’s Facebook Group.
Atlanta Eagle
Atlanta Eagle has been a mainstay Atlanta gay leather and fetish bar for nearly thirty years, but in late 2022 they opened up a brand-new location in Piedmont Heights.
The bar has a unique layout made up of a larger dance area upstairs, a series of smaller rooms on the lower level, and a spacious outdoor patio area. It feels sort of like a sexy playground! You can enjoy the outdoor space all year too, as they have fire heaters set up.
Gear nights are the most popular event at Atlanta Eagle, held on the 4th Saturday of the month starting at 9 PM.
X Midtown (TEN)
X Midtown, or “TEN” is another super-central Midtown Atlanta gay bar. They have traditionally been the host of weekend “Sunday Funday” events that Atlanta gays love.
However, some locals have been avoiding the bar recently after the ownership tried to sabotage a competing popular party in another part of town.
You can still have a good time here though. X Midtown is most popular later in the evenings, especially for their special events, drag shows, and live music.
Bulldogs Bar
Bulldogs is Atlanta’s longstanding gay bar popular with the black community and other people of color. They’ve been in business for over 30 years and are centrally located in Midtown. Bulldogs typically charges a cover, but the price has changed frequently over the years.
Woofs Sports Bar
Woofs is Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, and they’re a true sports bar—not just one of those sports-themed gay bars found in other cities! After the pandemic, Woof’s moved to a new, larger location in the Piedmont Heights area.
In addition to plenty of gatherings to watch games and matches, Woofs also hosts non-sports-related events like Daddy Night, Ginger Appreciation Night, and Union Suit Night.
You’ll often find local gay sports teams hanging out here after games and practices. Woofs sponsors many of them!
T's in Grant Park
T’s in Grant Park is a friendly neighborhood gay bar where you’ll surely find some locals. Sunday nights are great for karaoke. Otherwise, it’s a quiet spot for a beer during the week.
This bar has an interesting history of name changes. T’s used to be called “Model T’s,” but shortened its name after being forced to relocate from a location near Midtown. They took over an existing bar called Cockpit, and now locals jokingly dub the bar “Cock-T’s!”
Sister Louisa's Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium
Sister Louisa’s Church is a must-visit church-themed gay bar for anyone who strongly identifies with the queer community. Gay locals love Sister Louisa’s, which they simply call “Church,” but the bar is especially popular with those who love a campy vibe and showing up in a sickening outfit.
The bar has been featured by dozens of media outlets from USA Today to the Huffington Post for its unusual and sometimes lewd religious décor. Also hosting ping pong tournaments and church organ karaoke, there’s definitely no gay bar quite like Church!
Mixx Atlanta
Mixx Atlanta is known to be the city’s best black gay dance club. It’s a modern establishment with a large bar that definitely gets rowdy, especially on weekends. You’ll be able to hear the bar’s energetic music from the parking lot outside.
Dancing and drag performances are the best part of going to Mixx. They also host weeknight karaoke as well as a Sunday brunch from 12 PM to 4 PM.
BJ Roosters
Watching male dancers is the main event at BJ Roosters, Atlanta’s go-to gay stripper bar! The vibe here is friendly, casual, and sexy all at once.
You can sit by along the industrial-style bar, play darts or a round of pool, or grab something to eat all while watching some sexy guys dance in their underwear. And if you’re looking to see them in less clothing, there’s always a back room for that!
The Hideaway
The Hideaway is a cozy medium-sized gay pub located on the back side of the Ansley Mall complex. It tends to be popular with a middle-aged to an older crowd, depending on the night or event.
With comfortable bar seating, a pool table, sexy bartenders, and plenty of booths, The Hideaway feels as welcoming as a neighborhood gay bar can!
Felix’s
Felix’s is another local-feeling gay bar with a low-key vibe. Expect a largely 30+ and diverse crowd along with friendly bartenders, a colorful interior, and intimate mid-week events.
They’re located across the parking lot from Atlanta Eagle and Mixx, so it might be worth stopping by earlier before heading to other bars!
Oscar’s Bar
Directly next to Felix’s, Oscar’s Bar is Atlanta’s signature martini bar. It’s a decent gay bar hangout for Wednesday night trivia, singing show tunes on Thursdays, or just grabbing a casual mid-afternoon drink on the weekend. They host a lot of “day drinking” events too, usually from 2 PM to 8 PM.
Atlanta Gay Clubs
Future
Future is a massive two-level Atlanta gay club popular for late-night dancing. Locals will tell you—as soon as the traditional gay bars close for the night, those who want to keep partying head here.
The best night to go to Future is typically whichever night the Xion after-hours party is held, which can be either Friday or Saturday. Xion starts at 3 AM and goes until 7 AM. Expect a sexy and intense circuit party vibe. You’ll definitely need to wear your best gay circuit gear!
Future is located within the Underground Atlanta complex, so you’ll need to walk down the steps to Lower Alabama Street to get to the entrance. Don’t accidentally head to the map location on the upper street level.
Heretic
Evenings at Heretic are always a blast. Most locals will tell you that Heretic is the best gay club in Atlanta too, especially for their entertaining themed nights and talented DJs.
With events like DILF, Bear Invasion, and their Harness Party, you can bet on finding the fetish community here along with a sexier, “cruisier” vibe. If you’re looking for a place to show off your sexy harness, Heretic is the place!
Atlanta Gay Events
Chaka Khan Hacienda
Chaka Khan Hacienda summertime parties are some of the most popular gay events in Atlanta. They’re held every 1 to 2 weeks from May through early October and they attract an incredibly diverse crowd.
All different genders, races, LGBTQ sub-communities, and tribes come together as one to let loose. A celebration of openness, self-expression, and positivity, Chaka Khan Hacienda is one of the most inclusive events around.
The parties have typically been held in Pullman Yards but may be moving to Underground Atlanta. Be sure to check specific event info.
Peach Party Atlanta
Peach Party Atlanta has gained significant popularity in recent years, even though it’s been hosted for over a decade!
Produced by GA Boy Events, Peach Party is a 5-day gay circuit festival packed with evening and late-night parties. The events are typically held sometime between mid-May and early June.
The Gaga Ball
The Gaga Ball is an epic LGBTQ event held only a couple of times per year in Atlanta—usually once in the winter and once in the summer. And it’s exactly what it sounds like—an epic night of dancing to all of Lady Gaga’s best songs!
It’s produced by Nonsense ATL and held at The Basement, a nightclub in the trendy East Atlanta Village neighborhood. Wear a lightweight outfit if you’re headed to The Basement during the summer. It can get hot and sweaty here!
Joining Hearts Pool Party
Joining Hearts hosts a fun and carefree gay pool party event each year. It’s one of Atlanta’s smaller annual gay events but it’s just as fun.
The Joining Hearts mission is to support individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. In attending their exciting gay parties, guests are encouraged to keep this mission close to their hearts.
Atlanta Pride
The biggest gay event of the year, Atlanta Pride is one of the few gay pride events in the United States to happen in October. It’s always a fantastic celebration, one that gay locals are more than proud of.
The Atlanta Pride Festival takes place in Piedmont Park directly adjacent to the Midtown gay area. All different types of entertainment and beloved musical artists perform on multiple stages around the park.
In addition to the festival and main pride parade, the Atlanta Pride Committee hosts three other annual pride marches: the Trans March, Bi & Pan March, and Dyke March.
Show your LGBTQ+ support during the festivities with some awesome pride-themed clothing and accessories.
Atlanta Gay Saunas & Cruising
Flex Spas Atlanta
Flex Spas Atlanta is the city’s one and only gay sauna. While it’s part of a popular national chain of gay saunas, the Atlanta location doesn’t exactly have stellar ratings.
I wouldn’t discourage trying your luck at Flex Spas since some travelers have had good experiences, but I wouldn’t set overly high expectations.
Facilities include a jacuzzi, heated pool, sauna, steam room, private rooms, and other play areas.
LA Fitness (Ansley Mall)
A bit of an unconventional mention, but gay locals say that the LA Fitness location in the Ansley Mall is a gay cruising hotspot. Since Atlanta doesn’t have many bathhouse or sauna options, guys seem to do it at the gym!
Wear some sexy workout clothes and maybe even a jockstrap for when you’re in the locker room.
Atlanta Gay Travel Tips
Leave Yourself Extra Time for the Airport
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is huge. It’s also the busiest airport in the world!
Make sure to give yourself ample time to get through security as well as to walk to your gate. The gates seemed to be much more spread apart than at other airports in the U.S.
Atlanta’s Gay Clothing Store
Didn’t pack the right clothing or party outfit? Stop by Boy Next Door Menswear in Midtown for any type of gay clothing you could need. They sell everything from casual clothing and popular gay underwear brands to sexy activewear and loungewear.
Need a Haircut or Trim?
Helmet Hairworkx is the local go-to gay hair salon and barber shop. They’re located in the heart of the Midtown gay area on Piedmont Ave and 10th Street NE. My friend K.C. has gone here for years and always looks sharp!
Summer Heat
Visiting Atlanta during the summer? Prepare to sweat! Not only does it get hot, but the humidity is always through the roof. Bring an insulated water bottle to keep hydrated with cool water, and pack your most breathable, lightweight clothing for your adventures around the city.
See wolfyy’s complete collection of gay travel guides for more gay destination ideas around the world.
