Ultimate LGBTQ+ Women’s Guide to Puerto Vallarta: Beaches, Bars, and More

If you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway that offers LGBTQ+ inclusivity, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches, Puerto Vallarta is the place to be. This charming city on Mexico’s Pacific coast is known for its old-town charm, welcoming atmosphere, and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene—particularly for queer women. In this guide, we’ll take you through the must-visit beaches, bars, and hotspots that every LGBTQ+ woman should experience in Puerto Vallarta.

Lesbian beach party at Puerto Vallarta Lesbian Pride

Zona Romantica: The Heart of Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ Scene

Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ scene is centered in the iconic Zona Romantica, often referred to as the “gayborhood” of the city. With its narrow cobblestone streets, queer-owned businesses, and buzzing nightlife, Zona Romantica is the heart of LGBTQ+ culture in Puerto Vallarta.

For queer women, this area offers a welcoming, inclusive vibe with plenty of spots to relax, dance, or enjoy a drink. You’ll find a mix of LGBTQ+ friendly cafes, cocktail bars, and beach clubs, such as the Mantamar Beach Club and the Blue Chairs Resort, both popular with queer travelers.

If you’re looking for a lively yet relaxed scene, make Zona Romantica your base. From here, you can explore the surrounding areas and experience all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

One of the biggest draws to Puerto Vallarta is its sun-drenched beaches. The city is home to some of the most LGBTQ+ friendly beaches in Mexico, offering safe and inclusive spaces for queer women to enjoy the ocean and relax.

Los Muertos Beach is a must-visit. Known for its stunning views and welcoming vibe, it’s one of the most popular spots for LGBTQ+ travelers. The beach’s “gay section” is located between Mantamar Beach Club and Sapphire Beach Club. It’s the perfect area to soak up the sun, grab a cocktail, and meet fellow LGBTQ+ women travelers especially at Ritmos Cafe and Sapphire Beach Club.

For something a little more secluded, head to Mixto Beachclub in Quimixto. This beach offers a more tranquil setting, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying a queer-friendly atmosphere.

Night party at Puerto Vallarta Lesbian Pride

Top Bars and Nightlife for Queer Women

Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife is vibrant, colorful, and diverse, with plenty of spots that cater to the queer community. For queer women looking to enjoy a night out, there are several standout venues worth visiting.

Start your night at Elixir Mixology Bar, a lesbian-owned cocktail bar that’s a favorite among queer women. With its creative cocktails and laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to kick off your evening before heading to other nightlife spots.

Another popular choice is La Catrina Cantina, a lively bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and regular LGBTQ+ events. It’s a great place to meet other queer women and dance the night away in a fun, inclusive space.

For those wanting to enjoy a more relaxed evening, check out Café Versalles, a lesbian-owned café located just outside of the Zona Romantica. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or enjoying a light meal, this cozy café offers a welcoming space for queer women to connect and relax.

Queer Women’s Travel Tips: Safety and Fun in Puerto Vallarta

While Puerto Vallarta is known for being one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Mexico, it’s always important to stay mindful of local customs. Zona Romantica is a safe space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, but like any travel destination, it’s best to exercise caution, particularly when venturing outside LGBTQ+ areas.

If you’re new to Puerto Vallarta or traveling alone, consider joining one of the many queer women’s group tours available in the area. These tours offer a great way to meet other LGBTQ+ women and experience the city in a safe, friendly environment.

Ready to Book Your Next Queer Adventure?

Puerto Vallarta is calling! From its LGBTQ+ friendly beaches and buzzing nightlife to its warm, welcoming atmosphere, this city is the perfect destination for queer women looking to relax, explore, and have fun.

Contact us today to book your spot at one of our LGBTQ+ women’s group trips, PV Lesbian Pride Vacation, and experience the best that Puerto Vallarta has to offer!

Embracing Diversity: Top 5 LGBTQ+ Women-Friendly Travel Destinations in 2024

As the world evolves towards inclusivity and acceptance, travel has become an empowering and enriching experience for LGBTQ+ women seeking destinations that celebrate diversity. Whether it's vibrant city life, serene natural landscapes, or culturally rich settings, here are the top five destinations welcoming LGBTQ+ women to explore in 2024.

Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA:

Known as one of America's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, Provincetown, or P-Town, nestled on the tip of Cape Cod, offers a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. This coastal town celebrates diversity with open arms, hosting an array of LGBTQ+ events, art galleries, and women-centric gatherings. From beautiful beaches to colorful streets filled with LGBTQ+ owned businesses, Provincetown is a haven for queer women seeking a relaxed yet lively getaway.

PHOTO CREDIT: LESBIAN NIGHTLIFE

Berlin, Germany:

Berlin has long been recognized as a progressive city, embracing diversity and LGBTQ+ rights. For queer women, Berlin offers a diverse and inclusive atmosphere with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. The city hosts numerous women-focused events, parties, and cultural happenings. With its rich history, avant-garde art, and vibrant nightlife, Berlin provides a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ women to explore and express themselves freely.

Cape Town, South Africa:

Cape Town, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has emerged as a top LGBTQ+ friendly destination in Africa and a Ladies Touch Travel favorite. The city boasts breathtaking scenery, including Table Mountain and beautiful beaches, offering a diverse range of experiences. LGBTQ+ women can immerse themselves in the inclusive atmosphere of Cape Town, enjoying its eclectic culinary scene, diverse nightlife, and embracing the city's queer-friendly spirit. Register to be on the waiting list for our Cape Town February 2025 group trip at https://forms.gle/HjPRHWLXwgEBh9ny6

PHOTO CREDIT: LADIES TOUCH TRAVEL

Montreal, Canada:

Montreal, known for its blend of European charm and North American vibes, is a city that celebrates diversity and LGBTQ+ rights. For queer women, Montreal offers a welcoming environment with an array of LGBTQ+ bars, festivals, and cultural events. The Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood is a hub for LGBTQ+ community gatherings, offering a mix of artsy cafes, boutiques, and a thriving queer nightlife scene.

Buenos Aires, Argentina:

Buenos Aires, often referred to as the "Paris of South America," embraces LGBTQ+ culture and has a vibrant queer scene. The city's openness and diversity make it an ideal destination for LGBTQ+ women. With its tango culture, historic architecture, and inclusive neighborhoods like San Telmo and Palermo, Buenos Aires offers an enriching experience for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a blend of cultural exploration and vibrant nightlife.

PHOTO CREDIT: TANGO QUEER

In conclusion, these five destinations exemplify the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance, providing LGBTQ+ women with spaces to explore, connect, and celebrate their identities freely. Whether it's the cultural richness of Buenos Aires or the seaside charm of Provincetown, each destination offers a unique and welcoming experience for LGBTQ+ women travelers in 2024. Embrace diversity, immerse yourself in new cultures, and create unforgettable memories in these LGBTQ+ women-friendly destinations.

Top 5 Lesbian Friendly Countries to Visit in 2023

Many single and coupled lesbians like to know how lesbian-friendly a country or city is before they travel. Knowing LGBTQ+ laws, how locals feel and if there are welcoming gayborhoods can sometimes be as important as knowing the top tourist attractions or restaurants. Have you been dreaming of countries that will welcome you as a lesbian? There’s never been a better time to grab your partner’s hand and hop on a plane!

Keep reading to find out our picks for the Top 5 Lesbian Countries to Visit in 2023

1. Mexico

Mexico is a vast country with something for every traveler. It has gorgeous beaches, breathtaking sea life, mountains with stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, cenotes, pyramids, magical towns, and more. Mexican culture’s deep religious roots sometimes make it difficult for rural lesbians to be out but larger cities like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and tourist areas offer safe spaces as well as are welcoming toward the LGBTQ+ community.

Lesbian couple showing their love in CDMX’s Pride Parade.

The larger cities like Mexico City have popular gay areas- Zona Rosa (Pink Zone), Condesa, and Roma. These neighborhoods are rich in gastronomy, queer nightlife, and cultural experiences. On the western coast you find Puerto Vallarta which has been known as the lgbtq+ friendliest city in Mexico with stunning beaches, pumping nightlife, gastronomy, and activities. The lesbian community has been growing there and you’ll find various lesbian businesses from a coffee shop, lounge bar, food tour, secret dinners, and more.

2. Taiwan

Many lesbians may be surprised to see Taiwan on our list but Taiwan is one of the very few places in Asia that has anti-discrimination laws based on orientation. Even more, in 2019, on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize gay marriage.

Female president, Tsai Ing-wen tweeted:

Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, is famous for its Japanese heritage and architecture and the quaint streets of the old Danshui fishing village. In the evening, find the wharf to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in Taipei. Ximending is Taipei’s gayborhood, for years lesbians have gravitated to the area around the Shida night market. And since 2018, Wonder Bar and Lounge has been on the quieter side of the Xinyi District. It is almost imperceptibly hidden beneath a sign with only a “W” which subtly seduces lesbians into their women-friendly space. Inside, the all-female bartenders stand amid walls covered with instant photos of women kissing.

3. Iceland

For being such a cold country, Iceland is HOT these days! Singer Björk put Iceland on the map in the 1990s. Now the land of fire and ice is well-known for its openness towards the lesbian and LGBTQ+ community. In Reykjavík, the country’s capital, hundreds of women have flown to its “free church in Reykjavík” (Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík) to be married. In Iceland, being queer is celebrated! Lesbians and those in the LGBTQ+ community can hold hands and express themselves in larger cities and small villages. Today, Iceland attracts lesbian tourists who eagerly bathe in its deep blue lagoons, explore some of its 1000+ waterfalls, and stargaze up at the rainbow swirls of the northern lights. It’s no wonder that alongside the growing lesbian tourism, the local lesbian and LGBTQ+ culture has grown, offering: art, boutique hotels, bars and lesbian and LGBTQ+ guided tours.

Lezseetheworld.com lagoon love in Iceland!

4. Thailand

Similar to Iceland, you’ll have no problem holding hands, cuddling, or kissing on Thailand's streets. In the “land of smiles,” lesbians can genuinely be themselves. Thailand offers history, nightlife and nature from its capital city to its islands.

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is beautiful with its winding waterways and golden temples. And, as a busy city, it can also be dirty and overcrowded. But after a day of sightseeing at Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Lumphini Park, and the many markets, a substantial LQBTQ+ scene awaits you. While most of Bangkok’s gayborhood, Silom, caters to men, women are welcome at most of the gay bars. Since most lesbian bars in Bangkok were closed years ago, local women now host lesbian parties! Checkout the Facebook pages of Go Grrrls and Lesla Party otherwise you can pay a nominal entrance fee at Silom Soi 2 alley and find a mix scene at the bars with lesbians as well.

Two other big cities that are popular in Thailand that is very welcoming to lesbians is Chiang Mai and Phuket. Both locations have nature- beaches, forest, wildlife, gastronomy, lgbtq+ owned businesses keeping you busy and connected to the community. Phuket has a gayborhood called Paradise Complex where you can mix with the lgbtq+ community for a good dance and drag show.

Ladies Touch Travel & Madison the Promoters Phuket Group Trip all smiles!

5. Spain

Spain contains one of the largest and proudest lesbian and LGBTQ+ communities in Europe. Since 1995 Spain has put into place laws to ensure the rights and freedom of all its citizens. This includes laws against hate speech and violence towards lesbians and the LGBTQ+ community. And in 2005, lesbian and LGBTQ+ marriage was legalized.

Spain’s capital, Madrid, is also its lesbian and LGBTQ+ capital, where it hosts epic LGBTQ+ parties, festivals and cultural events. Madrid’s historical gayborhood, Chueca, contains the highest concentration of lesbian bars and is located in one of the most hip areas, with many restaurants, bars and shops displaying Pride flags. Today, Madrid’s gayborhood has expanded into the areas of Malasaña, La Latina, and Lavapies. Lesbian bars in Madrid are central to the lesbian culture. Many open early in the day and stay open until 6 am. In addition to dance parties, they also serve tapas, host sporting events, performances, protests, host cultural events. Try Escape and Club 33.

Chueca the gayborhood in Madrid, flying its pride flag proud!

Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona, may not have bars strictly for women like Madrid but Eixample is in the center and trendiest area with many mixed venues and welcoming to queer women. That said, Carita Bonita promotes queer women events, while Candy Darling Bar has a lgbtq+ mixed crowd.

Lastly, hippie and party island Ibiza, hosts Velvet Ibiza, a lesbian and women-only event every summer. It’s five days of adventures with your new lesbian and women-loving friends and offers kayaking, hiking, yoga, and a dance party every night! Outside of Velvet, Ibiza is a lgbtq+ friendly destination with it’s popular Ibiza Town filled with lgbtq+ venues and activities.

The world has become a more welcoming place for female travelers – especially lesbians. We can hold hands, walk arm in arm and cuddle freely in more and more countries across the globe. Don’t you think it’s time to explore this new world?

Written by Jane Malone

Originally from the Bahamas, Jane now travels often, writing mostly lesbian/wlw blogs and travel blogs for others. She has published a collection of love poetry, i am not lost, and is the creator and host of the Monday morning mindset podcast, Live Curious Die Wild. When she’s not playing with words, she enjoys biking, the beach and exploring. You can find her on Instagram @janemaloneauthor , @livecuriousdiewildpodcast and on all listening platforms.

It’s PRIDE Season!

Haaaaappy Pride! It’s been an amazing few weeks celebrating Pride in different cities and it’s just the beginning with still so many cities that have upcoming Pride celebrations. We kicked things off at Puerto Vallarta Lesbian Pride over Memorial Day Weekend and it was a blast! Puerto Vallarta is one of the most gay friendly cities in Mexico but it’s always been more dominated by gay men. This year we collaborated with the local lgbtq women’s businesses in Vallarta to bring a womxn’s week!

Puerto Vallarta Pride Parade

We started the week with the Pride Parade and the streets were filled with people in the community and supporters! I was impressed with the turnout and expect the parade will grow over the next few years for sure. From that we kicked off with Lesbian Owned Elixir Mixology Bar for the welcome party, then a Taco Tour with Vallarta Local Tours ( I even learned some new things about the food history in Vallarta which was fascinating), lastly our weekend parties. It was beautiful to see many women from all different backgrounds- Mexicans, Americans, Canadians, Europeans, even Asian just enjoying the music and vibe. I watched everyone with delight as I know the importance of having a safe space and that we had all week, it was worth all the work!

Sapphire Beach Club Party

Why is this important? It’s important because as mentioned for years gay men have dominated the Pride celebrations in PV. Don’t get me wrong I love the boys but truthfully it’s just a different energy when there’s more of them than us so we are hopeful to keep growing year after year and have more “L” visibility for Pride in Vallarta. Even the parade only had one float representing womxn so we hope to change that soon. Pride in Vallarta is typically the last week of May so mark your calendar to be in town next year. Vallarta has so much to offer- culture, beaches, nightlife, gastronomy, and more so make sure you don’t miss out next year as it will be a week to remember!

Details to book your Puerto Vallarta Pride Vacation will be available in the next few weeks so stay in TOUCH…

Lesbian Friendly Mykonos

Without a doubt Greece is one of those countries that everyone has on their bucket list. From the beautiful white houses and deep blue sea its no wonder why it is! Ladies Touch Travel had its first lesbian vacation to Greece in 2019 around Memorial Day Weekend and we had an amazing time! We first stopped in Athens and stayed overnight to then make it down to Mykonos. Once we arrived at our destination it was love at first sight! After our week in LGBTQ friendly Mykonos, it’s easy to say what are some of the top lesbian friendly things to do while in town.

#1- Visit Elia Beach- Elia Beach, a quiet beach cove in Mykonos is super gay friendly with pride flags standing tall towards the west side of the beach. On our first group trip we stayed at the beachfront Elia Beach Resort which gave us the convenience of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea right at our footsteps. Elia is a lot calmer than some of your other beaches, but many people appreciate that so if that’s the vibe you want, get a chair, relax, and enjoy!

#2- Spend the day at Jackie O Beach club- Jackie O Beach Club is nestled in the hills of Super Paradise Beach. Super Paradise Beach is another top LGBTQ spot to hang out and very gay friendly. This beach cove is a lot livelier with EDM music loudly playing all across the beach at various venues. There are several beach clubs options, but Jackie O has drag shows and LGBTQ events to keep you entertained. There are also water sports so if you like tubing, jet skiing, etc.

#3- Sail across the Mediterranean with some friends- One of the best experiences in Mykonos is to sail in an authentic Greek sailboat. These sailboats are big, with wood, and beautiful sails and the only way to truly appreciate it is by enjoying the day out in the sea. With all the great beach coves around Mykonos Island, you can spend a full day sailing. Usually, sailing tours have drinks and lunch provided so grab your friends and delight in the experience.

#4- Go shopping in Mykonos Town- Chora/Mykonos Town is the main town in Mykonos that has a lot of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The town is gay friendly and beautiful to walk through. White house’s holding business establishments with blue or red outlining around them, the windmills, and several Catholic churches keep tourists busy in this area. These streets are truly dreamy and full of history which makes it that much more unforgettable. We spent a good amount of time shopping in Chora and had some yummy Greek food afterwards.

#5- Go Gay Club Hopping- Mykonos Town as mentioned is where there are many restaurants and clubs including some fun gay clubs. On our group trip we got to go to 54 Cocktail Bar, Babylon, and Lola Bar. We danced and battled the gay bois, created a soul train line, and danced til we dropped. 54 Cocktail Bar had yummy cocktails, Babylon had a fun drag show, and Lola had a great DJ that kept us on the dancefloor so definitely check out those spots when you are on the island.

Overall, Mykonos is very lesbian friendly, although you may find more boiis on vacation there, it doesn’t mean that there’s no space for us women because there is! We were welcomed everywhere and loved the Greek hospitality! If you have Greece on your bucket list, get out there soon as its not as crowed as it usually is. Typically, Mykonos in the summer is very packed with people visiting from all over the world so it’s best to go in the shoulder season which is right before or after the summer. You’ll also get some deals on pricing as the summer is way more expensive. Ladies Touch Travel has a Baecation in Mykonos at the end of September so if you want to take your special someone for a Mediterranean getaway sign up as we have limited rooms and will sell out. Trip details are available at: https://tri.ps/Mpx7S People always think of Mykonos as the party island which is true in comparison to other Greek Islands, but Mykonos offers so much more so join us to see all the beauties that the island has to offer. See you soon in Mykonos!