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 for cool gifts.
For bites, head to Terra Plata for farm-to-table dining or Biang Biang Noodles for flavorful Chinese food. Don’t miss Wildrose, considered the nation’s oldest lesbian bar. Other fun spots for dancing and mingling include Pony, Queer/Bar, and Unicorn.
Seattle’s welcoming spirit can be felt in other neighborhoods as well. In Fremont, browse for literary finds at Charlie’s Queer Books or enjoy pastries at Beacon Hill’s Flora Bakehouse. 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. The Three Dollar Bill Cinema often hosts LGBTQ+ events and is a great destination for film lovers.
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. 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 July, the all-ages Tacoma Pride takes place at Fireman’s Park.
Also See: Tacoma Travel Guide
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 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 offers dazzling water and mountain views. Explore gorgeous outdoor spaces, including the dog-friendly beach at Double Bluff County Park, the preserved military fortifications at Fort Casey Historical 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. Don’t miss first-rate music and theater at Whidbey Island Center of the Arts. Many businesses in Langley are queer-allied, including the romantic The Inn at Langley, the Braeburn Restaurant, and Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar.
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 Kingfisher Bookstore in Coupeville. In June, the town holds its own Pride Parade.
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 and tasting rooms. For a tasty meal, head downtown to Bleu Door Bakery for creative sandwiches and pastries or Dandelion Teahouse & Apothecary to sip aromatic teas and lattes. You’ll also find several 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. Discover more LGBTQ+ resources for Vancouver.
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.
Bellingham
Outdoorsy Bellingham often 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. Nearby, the Pickford Film Center hosts a variety of festivals and events, including a queer cinema series. In July, Bellingham Pride Festival features a parade and family-friendly fun.
For nightlife, Rumors Cabaret is the place to dance in an inclusive and welcoming space. Grab prohibition-era cocktails at Amendment 21 inside the Hotel Leo or enjoy gourmet tacos at Black Sheep. 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.
Everett
North of Seattle, Everett offers a welcoming blend of waterfront recreation, arts and culture, and LGBTQ+ community. During Everett Pride in June, downtown comes alive with drag performances, a block party, and more inclusive celebrations. Throughout the year, visitors can support queer-owned businesses like Petrikor, a thoughtfully curated modern general store, and adjoining wine bar Marcel.
While exploring the city, create your own collectibles at Funko HQ, stroll the Everett marina and waterfront promenade, or enjoy dinner and craft cocktails overlooking the water at The Muse Whiskey & Coffee, housed in a beautifully restored historic building on the waterfront.
San Juan Islands
The idyllic San Juan Islands make for one of the most relaxing LGBTQ+ trips in Washington, especially if you fancy nature walks or whale-watching excursions. A ferry ride from 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 often includes hikes, art showcases, and other festivities. Enjoy coffee at the Salty Fox, tastings at Madrone Wine & Cider Bar, or visit the resident alpacas at Krystal Acres.
Orcas Island Pride typically hosts a DayFest and NightFest in early June. Base yourself at the welcoming Outlook Inn or Doe Bay Resort & Retreat. Don’t miss breakfast at Brown Bear Baking and 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. Stroll through Riverfront Park and check out nearby museums like the Mobius Discovery Center or the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.
In addition to several tasting rooms, Spokane has a wide range of LGBTQ+-popular restaurants and bars. Queer-owned nYne Bar & Bistro is one of the community’s top hangouts, while Globe Nightclub is known for its drag shows and lively restaurant. 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 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
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, indie retail, and appealing restaurants. Modeled after a Bavarian-style village, colorful Leavenworth is popular for its architecture and seasonal events. Rest your head at the Obertal Inn and warm up with a flavorful bowl of noodles from Yodelin Broth Company or hearty schnitzel at Rhein Haus. In June, Leavenworth Adventure Park hosts a Ride for Pride event featuring drag, rides, music, and more.
Lake Chelan
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 local shops and eateries. In June, the region celebrates Chelan Pride with a family-friendly festival in Riverwalk Park and a drag show at the historic Ruby Theatre. Sip local wines at Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards and Benson Vineyards, 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 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 and beyond. Sip local wine in a vineyard, check out the booming craft beer scene, snap up fresh produce at U-pick farms, and explore attractions like the REACH Museum in Richland.
Popular LGBTQ+-welcoming hangouts include Marcy’s Bar & Lounge in Walla Walla, the Caterpillar Cafe in Richland, and Out and About in Pasco. For wine, head to Kana for live music 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 as well. In Benton City, Frichette’s tasting room boasts gorgeous vineyard views.
Several wineries here have ties to the queer 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, Tri-Cities Pride at Memorial Park, or Walla Walla Pride.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out this 24-hour LGBTQ+ friendly Walla Walla itinerary from a local winemaker.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Wine Touring Regions
Port Townsend Area
A seaside town on the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is a charming LGBTQ+-friendly destination in Washington. Stroll downtown with its restored Victorian 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. The historic Rose Theatre is a wonderful venue for watching independent cinema. Port Townsend Pride in June draws folks for a 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 of beach is a particularly appealing getaway for LGBTQ+ families, as it abounds with kid-approved attractions, from candy shops to Cape Disappointment State Park. In July, Long Beach hosts one of the two festivals that make up Pacific County Pride; the other takes place up the coast in Raymond.
Stop by queer-welcoming businesses, including the Waterline Pub at Ilwaco’s At The Helm Hotel. 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 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.