When it comes to LGBTQ+ travel in Washington, you’ll find welcoming communities of all sizes across the state. Whether looking to attend an annual Pride celebration or enjoy queer-welcoming restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodations, here are 12 fun destinations for an LGBTQ+ trip in Washington State.
LGBTQ+ Destinations in Washington
Greater Seattle
One of North America’s leading hubs of queer culture, Seattle is home to a dynamic LGBTQ+ community that’s long been immersed in the city’s literary, performance, and visual arts scenes. The upbeat Capitol Hill neighborhood has buzzed with LGBTQ+ nightlife, dining, and retail shops for more than half a century. Stop by Elliott Bay Book Company for an enormous section of LGBTQ+ titles or colorful shops like Station 7 and Cone & Steiner for cool gifts. For bites, head to Terra Plata for farm-to-table dining, Biang Biang Noodles for flavorful Chinese food, and Spinasse for contemporary Italian cuisine. Don’t miss Wildrose, considered the nation’s oldest lesbian bar. Other fun spots for dancing and mingling include Pony, Queer/Bar, and Unicorn.
The welcoming spirit can be felt in other neighborhoods as well. In Fremont, sup on Mexican food and beer at Frelard Tamales and El Sueñito Brewing before browsing literary finds at Charlie’s Queer Books. The roof at Beacon Hill’s Flora Bakehouse is a fantastic spot for savory and sweet pastries. In Pioneer Square, be sure to check out the Queer Underground History Tour.
The city’s acclaimed arts scene is another draw among LGBTQ+ visitors. Catch a performance of the world-class Seattle Opera at McCaw Hall or the Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus at Benaroya Hall, home to the Seattle Symphony. In July, the Seattle Queer & Trans Film Festival is another must for fans of the arts.
Visit in June for Pride in the Park in Capitol Hill, which kicks off a month of LGBTQ+ festivities that culminate a few weeks later with the Seattle Pride Parade. That same weekend, Seattle PrideFest holds gatherings in Capitol Hill and the Seattle Center.
Seattle is also a terrific base for day trips to welcoming communities. Visit acclaimed wine tasting rooms in Woodinville, or take a scenic 35-minute ferry from Seattle’s waterfront to laid-back Bainbridge Island, with its quaint downtown and lush parks.
For more ideas, see the LGBTQ+ Guide to Seattle.
Tacoma
A friendly city with a dramatic setting on Puget Sound, Tacoma was once ranked the country’s “gayest city” by The Advocate magazine. You can expect a warm welcome at long-running gay bars like Club Silverstone and The Mix in the Theater District. Here you can also attend a play or concert at one of the three historic venues that make up Tacoma City Theaters. Other spots include LGBTQ+-owned Odd Otter Brewing Company and the quirky bars and restaurants at McMenamins Elks Temple.
The city’s creative spirit plays a big role in its popularity with the queer community. You’ll find an abundance of high-caliber museums, including Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, and LeMay–America’s Car Museum. The outstanding Washington State Historical Society often has events or exhibits relevant to the state’s LGBTQ+ heritage.
Elsewhere in town, 6th Avenue is a lively strip with diverse businesses, including queer-owned Grit City Books. In the Stadium District, don’t miss King’s Books and the nearby WW Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright Park. In July, the all-ages Tacoma Pride takes place at Fireman’s Park.
Olympia
Set on picturesque Budd Inlet at the southern end of Puget Sound, Washington’s compact and inviting capital city offers a mix of civic institutions, leafy parks, and LGBTQ+-welcoming businesses. Start your visit to Olympia at the handsome Washington State Capitol Campus, where legislation was passed to legalize same-sex marriage in 2012.
In June, Capital City Pride Festival takes place over three days and includes a parade from the Capitol Campus to the shores of Capitol Lake. Woman- and LGBTQ+-owned and family-friendly, Wild Child Olympia often hosts events during Pride and is a fun place to sip local beers. The historic Capitol Theater presents indie movies—along with music and art—often with queer content. Don’t miss The Clipper and Brotherhood Lounge for dancing and drinks.
Whidbey Island
An easy ferry ride or pleasant drive north of Seattle, Whidbey Island twists and turns through Puget Sound between the mainland and the Olympic Peninsula, offering dazzling water and mountain views. You can explore several gorgeous outdoor spaces, including the dog-friendly beach at Double Bluff County Park, the preserved military fortifications at Fort Casey Historical State Park and Fort Ebey State Park, and the trails and beaches of Deception Pass State Park.
Based in the charming waterfront town of Langley, South Whidbey Pride puts on an annual celebration in June. Also held here, the Little Big Fest Music and Arts Festival is a strong ally of Pride and takes place over three days in mid-August. A sponsor of Pride, the Whidbey Island Center of the Arts presents first-rate music and theater, as well as rotating art exhibits. Many businesses in Langley are queer-allied, including the romantic The Inn at Langley, the Braeburn Restaurant, and Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar. Don’t miss Sweet Mona’s Chocolates, and Bayview Garden, a beautiful nursery with a sweet little cafe.
As you explore the island, keep an eye out for other LGBTQ+-affirming businesses, such as the Shrimp Shack at Cozy’s and Ballydídean Farm Sanctuary in Clinton, and Goldie’s Pizza and Kingfisher Bookstore in Coupeville, a picturesque village with a public wharf jutting into Penn Cove. Coupeville has been holding its own June Pride festival in 2023.
Vancouver and the Columbia River Gorge
Set along the Columbia River, Vancouver’s lively downtown buzzes with brewpubs, coffeehouses, and restaurants—many with devoted LGBTQ+ followings—and a stunning riverfront with walking paths, tasting rooms, and eateries. For a tasty meal, head downtown to the Syrup Trap for Belgian waffles, Bleu Door Bakery for creative sandwiches and pastries, or Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary to sip aromatic teas and lattes. Woman-owned SuLei Cellars is an inviting spot to sample local wine, and you’ll find a number of excellent LGBTQ+-embracing craft beer venues, including Loowit Brewing and Thirsty Sasquatch. Other spots where you’re apt to meet like-minded souls include Donnell’s Bar and The Grocery Cocktail and Social. In July, Saturday in the Park is the city’s premier Pride event, drawing visitors from throughout the region.
From Vancouver, scenic Highway 14 runs east through the Columbia River Gorge, where you’ll encounter stunning hiking trails, friendly small towns, and a growing wine scene. One of these charming hamlets, Stevenson, hosts Skamania Pride in early June. Base yourself at the Society Hotel to enjoy nearby wine tastings at Syncline Winery or AniChe Cellars. For bites, don’t miss Everybody’s Brewing and Henni’s Kitchen & Bar.
Bellingham
Outdoorsy Bellingham boasts a stunning setting on the Salish Sea and ranks among the top LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Washington. Western Washington University helps infuse the city with a youthful vibe, and countless artists, makers, writers, and creatives call Bellingham home. Get a sense of the city’s roots as a haven of LGBTQ+ life on the entertaining Bellingqueerstory walking tour from the Good Time Girls.
Downtown’s Mount Baker Theatre, which dates to 1927, presents concerts, comedy, and other arts programming from well-known acts, and the Pickford Film Center hosts variety of festivals and events, including a queer cinema series. In July, Bellingham Pride Festival features a family picnic, an all-ages dance, and a parade.
Rumors Cabaret and adjacent queer-owned Miller’s Back Door both draw a sizable contingent of LGBTQ+ revelers, and you’ll find a mixed crowd at many local bars. Grab prohibition-era cocktails at Amendment 21 inside the Hotel Leo or enjoy gourmet tacos at Black Sheep. Don’t miss a sweet treat from Mallard Ice Cream, known for its unique flavors. To the south, the historic Fairhaven District abounds with funky and sophisticated galleries and boutiques. Good bets for food include the Black Cat and Colophon Cafe.
San Juan Islands
The idyllic San Juan Islands make for one of the most bewitching LGBTQ+ trips in Washington, especially if you love to commune with nature, whether through forest hikes or whale-watching excursions. A ferry ride from the charming town of Anacortes will take you to the two most populous islands. San Juan Island and Orcas Island each host Pride festivals in June. San Juan Island Pride Foundation’s June calendar has included hikes, art showcases, coffee gatherings at the Salty Fox, tastings at Madrone Wine & Cider Bar, and alpaca yoga sessions at Krystal Acres.
Orcas Island Pride typically hosts a Day and Night Fest in early June. Base yourself at the welcoming Outlook Inn or Doe Bay Resort & Retreat, enjoy breakfast at Brown Bear Baking, and grab drinks and dinner at The Barnacle,
Spokane
The state’s second-largest city, Spokane, is home to a strong LGBTQ+ community and numerous businesses that are either queer-owned or allied. Spend time at Riverfront Park and check out some of the first-rate museums nearby, including the Mobius Discovery Center, whose interactive exhibits appeal to the whole family, and the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. A bit farther afield, the carefully tended gardens of Manito Park are an idyllic spot for a stroll or a picnic.
In addition to several tasting rooms, Spokane has a wide range of LGBTQ+-popular restaurants and bars. Lesbian-owned nYne Bar & Bistro is one of the community’s top hangouts—it’s all-ages until 9 p.m., making it a great option for families—while Globe Nightclub is known for its legendary drag shows and lively restaurant. The fun continues next door at the Blind Buck, a sister bar known for its creative cocktails. Other great options for craft cocktails include Q Lounge and Volstead Act, or sample well-crafted local ales at No-Li Brewhouse and Brick West Brewing. For a romantic night out, savor a meal in one of the sophisticated restaurants at the historic Davenport Hotel, part of the Davenport Collection. The group of distinctive local lodgings is a sponsor of Spokane Pride in June.
The largest Pride event in the inland Pacific Northwest, Spokane Pride is held amid the eclectic attractions and art installations of downtown’s Riverfront Park and features a parade and an all-afternoon festival.
Leavenworth and Lake Chelan
When it comes to LGBTQ+ travel in Washington, the picturesque towns on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains offer a balance of outdoor adventure, distinctive accommodations, indie retail, and appealing restaurants. Modeled after a Bavarian-style village, colorful Leavenworth is popular for its gingerbread-trim architecture and seasonal events in fall and winter. Rest your head at the Obertal Inn and warm up with a flavorful bowl of noodles from Yodelin Broth Company. A Book For All Seasons bookstore and the Rhein Haus restaurant are also welcoming options.
About an hour’s drive north, stunning Lake Chelan extends 50 miles into the Cascades. At the eastern end of the lake, you’ll find a wealth of recreational opportunities, from boating to hiking, as well as a rapidly growing region. The towns of Chelan and Manson bustle with one-of-a-kind retailers and eateries, and in June the region celebrates Chelan Pride with a festival in Riverwalk Park and a drag show at the historic Ruby Theatre. Sip local wines at Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards or Benson Vineyards, sample cider at Endless Orchard Cider bar, or get your caffeine fix at Vogue Coffee Bar.
Wine Country
Home to more than 300 wineries, including some of the nation’s most celebrated producers, the heart of Washington State’s Wine Country extends southeast from the fertile Yakima Valley down through the fast-growing Tri-Cities region and east to the friendly college town of Walla Walla. You could easily spend several days exploring this roughly 140-mile corridor. Not only are there amazing vintners, but you can also check out the booming craft beer scene, snap up fresh produce from U-pick farms, and explore fascinating attractions like the Central Washington Agricultural Museum in Union Gap and the REACH Museum in Richland.
Popular LGBTQ+-welcoming hangouts include Marcy’s Bar & Lounge in Walla Walla, the Caterpillar Cafe in Richland, Out and About in Pasco, and the Chainsaw Cat in Yakima. For wine, head to Kana for live music and open-mic nights in its Yakima tasting room, or visit sustainably focused Two Mountain in picturesque Zillah. You’ll find several superb tasting rooms in Prosser’s Vintner’s Village, including Thurston Wolfe and Wautoma Springs. Frichette’s tasting room in Benton City has gorgeous vineyard views.
Enhance your wine-tasting experience in Walla Walla with an outing with LGBTQ-owned True North Wine Tours. Several wineries here have ties to the gay community, including TruthTeller, August Forest, and Rotie Cellars, which produces a refreshing rosé. If you’re visiting in June, consider attending Yakima Pride Festival & Parade at State Fair Park, Tri-Cities Pride at Pasco’s Memorial Park, and Walla Walla Pride at Heritage Park.
Port Townsend Area
A seaside town on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is a charming LGBTQ+-friendly destination in Washington. Stroll downtown with its restored Victorian brick and wood-frame buildings and enjoy plenty of queer-friendly businesses. Stop into Sirens waterfront gastropub or Castle & Crown Cellars for a tasting. If cider is more your thing, head to scenic Finnriver Farm & Cidery in nearby Chimacum. Warmly appointed lodgings like the Ravenscroft Inn and Starrett House offer memorable overnight stays, and the historic Rose Theatre is a wonderful venue for watching independent cinema. Port Townsend Pride in June draws folks for the Port Townsend Pride Boat Parade, plus queer films presented by the Port Townsend Film Festival.
Head west to Sequim, which hosts a fun Pride festival in late June. Other LGBTQ+ supportive spots include Salty Girls Seafood, the Peninsula Taproom, and the Dandelion Botanical Company. A bit farther west on scenic Highway 101, Port Angeles Pride on the Pier takes place in the peninsula’s largest community. This picturesque waterfront city is also the gateway to Olympic National Park, with its incredible variety of natural attractions.
Long Beach Peninsula
A classic seaside vacation destination, the Long Beach Peninsula extends for nearly 30 miles between the Pacific Ocean and the shellfish-rich waters of Willapa Bay. This narrow strip comprising several beach towns is a particularly appealing getaway for LGBTQ+ families, as it abounds with kid-approved attractions, from candy shops to Cape Disappointment State Park, In June, Long Beach hosts one of the two festivals that make up Pacific County Pride; the other takes place 45 miles up the coast in Raymond.
Quite a few area businesses warmly welcome queer travelers, including the dapper Waterline Pub at Ilwaco’s At The Helm Hotel and the Columbia River Roadhouse in Chinook. Adrift Hospitality—which operates the Inn at Discovery Coast and Pickled Fish Restaurant, among others—has you covered with great bites and fun lodging options. Near Raymond, don’t miss Willapa Brewing Company and Alder + Co./Wild Pines Coffee.
About the Author
Freelance editor and writer Andrew Collins is based in Mexico City but returns frequently to the Pacific Northwest, where he is the editor of both the official Washington State Visitors’ Guide and the Visit Seattle Official Visitors’ Guide. He regularly updates several Washington chapters of the Fodor’s Pacific Northwest guidebook and is the author of Ultimate Road Trips US and Canada. Collins writes about travel for The Points Guy and several other publications. You can read his work at AndrewsTraveling.com.