This article was published on December 5th, 2019

The only thing sexier than a hot, ripped, corn-fed hunk with a Southern accent is the capital of the American South. Atlanta, Georgia is not only the largest city in the state and area, it’s also a queer Mecca. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is the world’s busiest for 10 years running, and with just one visit, you’ll see why millions and millions of people are flocking to Atlanta. For one of the best places for LGBT travel you haven’t yet discovered, the next ticket you purchase should be to Atlanta.

For a queer person, it’s common to head to a large city for the melting pot culture and acceptance of people. Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco and Las Vegas tend to be the firsts on queer travel lists for North America, but Atlanta is a massive city waiting to show its gay visitors that Atlanta should be on the list of best places in the United States for queer people. While Atlanta Pride is the largest in the American southeast and is always a popular draw for many, Atlanta has a great vibe for the LGBT community year-round. From restaurants and bars, accommodation to activities, Atlanta is not-stop-fun, all the time. These are some suggestions of places to go, see, and explore when visiting the capital of the South:

First things first: grab an Atlanta CityPASS to explore the attractions. Atlanta has amazing sites to see, like the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, Botanical Gardens, World of Coca-Cola Museum, Piedmont Park, MLK, Jr. Memorial, and more. A important and one-of-a-kind attraction that is part of the CityPass program is the Center for Civil and Human Rights. As the birthplace of the civil rights movement, Atlanta has progressed as a welcoming destination boasting attractions with both historic and cultural significance.  The National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ theatrical and high-tech exhibits use motion, sights and sounds to immerse visitors in the American civil rights movement. Touch screen video panels bring visitors face-to-face with human rights activists from around the world.

Atlanta’s gay hub of Midtown still has several LGBT establishments, including Blake’s on The Park, TEN, and Midtown Moon. However, throughout the city there are pockets of gay bars. Off Edgewood Avenue, just a few minutes away from the heart of Midtown, there is Sister Louisa’s, Joystick Game Bar, and Sound Table. In Midtown, there are the staple gay establishments.

More favorites LGBT places are throughout Atlanta. They include: South City Kitchen Midtown, HENRY’S Midtown Tavern, Zocalo, Ria’s Bluebird, 10th and Piedmont, and Homegrown. You’ll be able to get a drink, flirt with a local, and have a hot time in Hotlanta at any of the aforementioned bars and establishments. Other historically queer Atlanta destinations include the Ponce City Market and Five Points Neighborhood. 

Always support gay-owned businesses! For LGBT-friendly dining, check out Guac and Margys on Auburn Ave NE. A go-to for many when it comes to margaritas and guacamole, Guac and Margys is located on the Atlanta Beltine, one of best places to take an afternoon or evening stroll to enjoy the cityscapes, public art displays, retail shopping, and the local eateries. Gay owned and operated, Guac and Margys has been dubbed as “Atlanta’s Margarita Bar”. All their margaritas are made with in-house syrups and fresh-squeezed juices, and their guacamole is incredible.

Atlanta’s gorgeously remodelled gem of a hotel, The W Atlanta – Midtown, hosts weekly drag bingo nights and caters to LGBT clients all the time. A warm, friendly staff and stunningly organic and artistic hotel, the W Atlanta – Midtown boasts plenty of fabulous amenities, including their world-class day spa, perfect for pedicures, manicures, massages, and facials – you’ll feel alive in no-time, hunny. Located in the heart of Atlanta’s first gayborhood and center of the city, make yourself feel right at home, away from home, at the gay-friendly W Atlanta – Midtown.

Whether you’re coming for Pride, for the sites, or for a cultural city steeped in history, Atlanta is an open, welcoming city with a thriving queer population. You’ll have no problem at all taking in as much of the southern charm this world city has to offer. For all your travel needs and for planning your upcoming visit, go to www.atlanta.net. You’ll find everything you need to make your first trip to Atlanta fabulous.

When you’re in Atlanta, pick-up the 2019/2020 Destination Gay Atlanta – Atlanta’s official LGBTQ travel guide. It will help you navigate the city to find even more gay-friendly experiences, accommodations, eateries, bars, and more!