5 LGBTQ+ Winter Sun Destinations Under $150/Night

Let's be real: January is brutal. The holidays are over, the credit card bills are in, and we’re staring down months of gray skies and cold weather. But here's the good news—you don't need a trust fund to escape to somewhere warm and gay-friendly. We've rounded up five sun-soaked destinations where you can find solid accommodations for under $150/night, all with thriving LGBTQ+ scenes and plenty to do beyond the beach.

Why now: Winter is peak season in PV, but you can still find great deals—especially if you book an Airbnb with friends. Temperatures hover around 85°F, and the gay scene is firing on all cylinders with beach clubs, rooftop parties, and some of the friendliest crowds in Mexico.

The gay scene: Zona Romántica is ground zero for queer nightlife. Hit up Mr. Flamingo for drag brunch, dance until dawn at Industry, or grab a margarita at Garbo and watch the sunset. The Blue Chairs Beach Resort area is the unofficial gay beach, complete with cocktail service and eye candy. Plus, Mantamar Beach Club hosts regular pool parties that are absolutely worth the cover.

What to do:

Where to eat & stay: For authentic Mexican, try Fredy's Tucan for insanely good fish tacos ($8-12 per plate) or Cafe des Artistes for a splurge-worthy fine dining experience ($40-60 per person). Stay at the gay-owned Villa David ($120-140/night) in Zona Romántica, or grab an Airbnb with a group—there are gorgeous 3-bedroom places with pools for $150-200/night total. Hotel Mercurio is another solid gay option at around $130/night.

Getting there: Direct flights from major U.S. cities run $250-400 roundtrip. Flight time from LAX: 2.5 hours; from Dallas: 2 hours 45 minutes.

Why now: While Miami gets all the attention (and the prices to match), Fort Lauderdale offers the same gorgeous weather, better beaches, and a more laid-back gay vibe—all for significantly less cash. January through March sees perfect 75-80°F days with minimal humidity.

The gay scene: Sebastian Street Beach is the epicenter of gay Fort Lauderdale, complete with rainbow flags and a clothing-optional section if you're feeling bold. Wilton Manors, the gayborhood just inland, is packed with LGBTQ+-owned bars and restaurants. Don't miss The Manor for dancing, Rosie's Bar & Grill for a legendary Sunday brunch, or Georgie's Alibi for drag shows and a fun patio scene.

What to do:

Where to eat & stay: Gran Forno for Italian that'll make you weep with joy ($18-28 per entrée), or Lona Cocina Tequileria for Mexican with an ocean view ($15-25). Stay at the gay-owned Royal Palms Resort in Wilton Manors ($110-140/night), which has a heated pool and clothing-optional sundeck. The Worthington Guest House is another charming gay option at $130-145/night.

Getting there: Fort Lauderdale airport has tons of direct flights. Roundtrip from NYC runs $150-300; from Chicago $180-320. Flight time from NYC: 3 hours; from Chicago: 3 hours 15 minutes.

Why now: January through March is peak season, but you can still snag deals if you're flexible on dates or willing to stay slightly outside the city center. Expect bluebird skies and 70-75°F temperatures—perfect for hiking and poolside lounging. Plus, this is when the snowbirds descend, so the scene is lively.

The gay scene: Palm Springs is basically Gay Mecca West. The entire city is LGBTQ+-friendly, but Arenas Road is where you'll find most of the bars and clubs. Toucan's Tiki Lounge is a must for tropical drinks and go-go dancers, while Streetbar is perfect for a more chill vibe. For clothing-optional pool parties, check out the INNdulge or CCBC Resort. The city also has one of the highest concentrations of gay resorts in the world, most of which have day passes under $30.

What to do:

Where to eat & stay: Workshop Kitchen + Bar for farm-to-table California cuisine ($20-35 per entrée) or Cheeky's for a breakfast that'll fuel your whole day ($12-18). Stay at the gay-owned Santiago Resort ($130-150/night) with a clothing-optional pool, or the Triangle Inn ($110-140/night), a charming mid-century property in the heart of the gay district.

Getting there: Palm Springs airport is small but well-connected. Roundtrip from San Francisco runs $150-280; from Seattle $200-350. Or drive from LA (2 hours) or San Diego (2.5 hours). Flight time from SF: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Why now: This Dutch Caribbean island stays around 80-85°F year-round with steady trade winds keeping things comfortable. January through March is the dry season, meaning minimal rain and maximum beach time. Plus, it's still relatively undiscovered by American tourists, so you'll avoid the crowds plaguing other Caribbean islands.

The gay scene: Curaçao is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly islands in the Caribbean (same-sex marriage has been legal since 2012). The scene is small but welcoming. Wet & Wild Beach Club is the main gay beach with Sunday parties that draw both locals and tourists. For nightlife, head to downtown Willemstad—bars like Saint Tropez and Mundo Bizarro are mixed but very gay-friendly. The island holds its Pride festival in September, but the vibe is inclusive year-round.

What to do:

Where to eat & stay: Kome for Asian fusion with Caribbean flair ($18-28 per entrée) or Plasa Bieu for authentic local food at insanely cheap prices ($8-15). Stay at Scuba Lodge Boutique Hotel in Willemstad's Pietermaai district ($120-145/night)—hip, affordable, and walking distance to nightlife. Airbnbs are also plentiful, with beachfront studios running $90-130/night.

Getting there: Direct flights from Miami (2 hours 45 minutes) run $300-500 roundtrip. From NYC or other East Coast cities, expect one stop and $400-600. No passport needed for U.S. citizens.

Why now: Hear us out—this under-the-radar beach town in Mexico's Sonora region offers gorgeous sunsets, affordable everything, and winter temperatures in the 70s. It's a quick drive from Arizona (making it popular with Phoenix gays) and way more budget-friendly than other Mexican beach destinations.

The gay scene: Rocky Point isn't a major gay destination, but it's extremely welcoming and attracts a decent LGBTQ+ crowd, especially from the Southwest U.S. The scene is more low-key beach bars and chill vibes than circuit parties—think of it as a place to unwind with friends rather than rage all night. Playa Hermosa is the main beach area where you'll find the most action.

What to do:

Where to eat & stay: Mariscos La Curva for fresh seafood at ridiculously low prices ($10-18 per plate) or Mare Blu for upscale Mediterranean right on the water ($20-32). Stay at Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort, which has condos starting around $140/night and offers amazing sunset views. Or grab a beachfront Airbnb for $80-120/night.

Getting there: Drive from Phoenix (3.5 hours), Tucson (4 hours), or San Diego (6 hours). The closest airport is Phoenix, where you can rent a car for $30-50/day. No passport needed to enter, but you'll need a passport or passport card to return to the U.S.

Pro tip: Prices can fluctuate, so use tools like Google Flights' price alerts and set up notifications for deals. Book accommodations directly with gay-owned properties when possible—they often have better cancellation policies and you're supporting LGBTQ+ businesses.

And remember: Winter sun doesn't have to break the bank. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you can actually afford.