Tampa gay clubs

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Henry B. Plant Museum – Step into Victorian grandeur at the Henry B. Plant Museum, housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a Moorish Revival masterpiece built in 1891. Screenings are held at venues like the Tampa Theatre and Green Light Cinema in St. Pete, often followed by filmmaker Q&As, panels, and mixers. I loved how relaxed I felt here, how friendly the vibe was and with them having one of the first prides in the calendar year (end of March), hope to return one day to experience more of what Tampa has to offer.

No matter what kind of night you’re in the mood for, these gay bars in Tampa have whatever you’re looking to find.

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Egmont Key State Park – Accessible only by boat or ferry (departing from Fort De Soto Park), the island has a historic lighthouse, the ruins of the Spanish-American War-era Fort Dade, and pristine, shell-strewn beaches. Wildlife is abundant away from the Florida beachgoers—so expect to see gopher tortoises, seabirds, and maybe even dolphins offshore.

Okay, they aren’t actual mermaids—but they are highly skilled actors and swimmers that are as close as you’ll get to the real thing. Plus, Bradley's offers a fantastic 2-for-1 drink special every night until 9 PM, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink while you take in the vibrant energy of the scene.

3. If you want an upscale queer experience, this is the place to be.

Baker jokes aside, this family-owned bakery has been a Tampa treasure since 1915.

City Side Lounge

3703 Henderson Boulevard

With three separate bars – the main bar, a weekend-only patio bar, and a sports bar, there’s always something going on at City Side Lounge.

It felt like I was in a movie set from the wild west. But don’t let that put you off—just pack accordingly.

Geographically, Tampa is actually split into three “areas”: St. Pete, Clearwater, and Tampa City, respectively. From high-energy dance clubs to more intimate lounges, you're sure to find a place that suits your style.

Tampa Bay is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community, and the city of Tampa reflects that diversity in its nightlife.

Housed in a historic building, it showcases vintage rolling tables, antique tools, and rare cigar labels that tell the story of the city’s immigrant roots.

tampa gay clubs

It’s popular with the gay crowd due to its location but also the incredibly friendly staff. I visited in December and was generally very comfortable with summer clothes and a hoody just in case.

Wrap Up

Visiting Tampa in December has given me a taste and I am definitely keen to experience more. This was truly a great experience.

Visit Busch Gardens for more information.

Where to eat in Tampa

Who knew Tampa would be a foodie lovers paradise?

Shaded by oak trees and lined with beautifully restored bungalows, it’s full of trendy boutiques, art galleries, and inviting cafés. It’s a bit further along the stretch, though!

Gay Events in Tampa

Tampa Bay Pride Festival & Parade – Tampa wears its Pride credentials openly, whatever happens in Florida as a whole.

Whether you're looking to escape the nightlife rush or simply enjoy a low-key evening with friends, Reservoir provides a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. At night, riverfront lounges reflect romantically on the water. Happy hour is every night with half priced drinks. This stylish bar features specialty craft cocktails and an exclusive VIP lounge experience.

Historians credit the Spanish entrepreneur with turning the small town into the city it is today—and the Ybor City area, where you’ll coincidentally find the gayborhood, is named after him.

Naturally, Tampa has all the beautiful beaches nearby that one would expect of Florida, but also a thriving gay nightlife scene centered around the aforementioned Ybor City, and enough award-winning restaurants, museums, and monuments to keep any intrepid tourist occupied.