Let’s be real – the Carolinas aren’t the first place that comes to mind when people think of queer-friendly beach destinations. But for LGBTQ people who live in the Carolinas or are visiting the area and looking for a gay beach vacation, this list includes some great options.
The below beach cities in South and North Carolina are LGBT-friendly and have plenty to offer for a queer beach vacation. For other queer-friendly travel ideas check out this guide to LGBT travel in North Carolina.
- The Outer Banks – LGBT Friendly Communities Along a Scenic Stretch of Coast
- Myrtle Beach – South Carolina’s Most Famous Beach City
- Wilmington, NC – Another Great Option for an LGBT Beach Vacation
- Charleston – South Carolina’s Biggest City
- Honorable Mentions
- Nearby LGBT-Friendly Beach Cities Across State Lines
- References
The Outer Banks – LGBT Friendly Communities Along a Scenic Stretch of Coast
First up on our list of LGBT-friendly beach cities is actually not a city at all. The Outer Banks is a string of islands and sandspits stretching over 100 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Rodanthe, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills are some of the popular small communities that you will find along this amazing stretch of the North Carolina coastline.
Communities along the Outer Banks offer charming downtown shopping and restaurants, including beach essential dining like seafood and ice cream shops. Visitors to the Outer Banks can stay overnight in hotels, bed and breakfasts, or campgrounds.
The Outer Banks is a favorite beach destination for many LGBTQ residents of North Carolina. When North Carolina passed its anti-trans bathroom law in 2016 (thankfully, repealed in 2017), communities like Nags Head, NC publicly opposed the bill.
OBX Pridefest
The Outer Banks also has its own annual pride festival, OBX Pridefest which takes place around September each year. OBX Pridefest is a free, family-friendly festival that includes live entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, and adult beverages.
There are a large number of LGBT-friendly businesses in the outer banks. A few examples are the Cameron House Next Door Inn in Manteo, Wabi Sabi Sushi in Manteo, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café in Nags Head, and Sam & Omie’s Restaurant in Nags Head. All of these fantastic restaurants and inns sponsor the Outer Banks Pride Festival.
Myrtle Beach – South Carolina’s Most Famous Beach City
Myrtle Beach is probably South Carolina’s most notable beach city. Being such a well-known city comes with its pros and cons. Prices can be higher than lesser known beaches, and the city can be crowded in peak season.
On the plus side, since Myrtle Beach is so popular, the city has lots of resources to maintain its beaches. There are multiple piers and boardwalks along Myrtle Beach’s coastline, including the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Of course, all the activity means there are plenty of beachside hotels and restaurants open for business as well.
Another upside is that bigger crowds mean more LGBT people to support local queer-friendly businesses. Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina’s most queer-friendly cities and is home to two nightlife venues dedicated to the LGBTQ crowd.
St. George Gay Bar
St. George Gay Bar is relaxed gay bar located just a few blocks from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. St. George offers bar and table seating, pool tables, and a jukebox. The bar also hosts the occasional live DJ and drag show. St. George’s is a great all-around hangout spot for the LGBT community.
Pulse Ultra Nightclub
Myrtle Beach’s second LGBT venue is Pulse Ultra Nightclub. Pulse Ultra is located down the coast from St. George, not far from Myrtle Beach State Park. Like the name suggests, Pulse Ultra has a higher energy atmosphere. It regularly hosts drag shows and occasionally hosts theme nights. The cover charge and drink prices are affordable, making Pulse Ultra another great option for LGBT looking for a night out in Myrtle Beach.
Wilmington, NC – Another Great Option for an LGBT Beach Vacation
Beachgoers looking for a less crowded beach destination that still offers plenty of sunshine and beach amenities should check out Wilmington, NC.
Popular beaches right outside of Wilmington include Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. All of these popular beaches offer bars, restaurants, and sandy beaches. Carolina Beach is home to Carolina Beach Boardwalk which is a family-friendly venue with a Ferris wheel, rides, games and snack bars.
The city of Wilmington itself is a fairly LGBT-friendly place, with the city offering several resources to its LGBTQ residents. Among these resources are the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast. This center offers resources and advocacy for LGBT youth and seniors.
Wilmington LGBTQ Nightlife
As for nightlife, we can recommend two awesome LGBT-friendly venues in Wilmington. For a more relaxed venture out, check out Hi-Wire brewing, which occasionally free drag shows and other queer-friendly events.
For an energetic night out, check out Ibiza nightclub, a welcoming club open to all. Ibiza also hosts frequent drag shows and is popular with Wilmington’s LGBTQ community.
Charleston – South Carolina’s Biggest City
Charleston, SC is the most populous city in the state, and sits on the inside of Charleston Harbor. Charleston extends right up to the waterfront, and is right next to a number of beautiful public beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
Two of the closest and most popular beaches in Charleston are Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. Both offer all the classic beach necessities like piers, seafood, and seaside hotels and inns.
Charleston’s beaches are especially interesting for visitors who like history. The Fort Sumter National Monument and many historic houses, lighthouses, and plantations draw visitors from around the country to Charleston.
As for the LGBTQ community, Charleston is one of the most gay-friendly cities in South Carolina. It has many gay-friendly venues, including Commonhouse Aleworks and Dudley’s on Ann.
Dudley’s on Ann
Dudley’s on Ann is Charleston’s only dedicated gay bar. It is famous for its regular weekly drag shows, and offers guests the chance to show off their vocal talents on karaoke nights. It is a relatively small space, but on show nights it draws big crowds and becomes quite lively. Dudley’s is considered a welcome place for people of all ages.
Charleston Pride
Charleston has an annual Pride week that takes place in November of each year. Pride week in Charleston consists of a huge number of events hosted at local businesses throughout the city. The main event, Charleston Pride Festival offers drag performances, as well as food trucks, vendors, and adult beverages. The festival is free, with paid VIP tickets available that include free drinks.
Honorable Mentions
If you are a true beach connoisseur, or if none of the above locations are just right for you, you might enjoy one of these two beach locations in the Carolinas.
Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach is a popular beach destination in North Carolina, just a few miles from the South Carolina border. It is just up the coast from Myrtle Beach, and is a great option for people hoping to visit Myrtle Beach but avoid the high prices and crowds that sometimes come with that city.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is just off the coast of South Carolina, just a few miles north of Savannah, Georgia. Hilton Head is a resort island that attracts a sophisticated, educated crowd of visitors. The island is great for enjoying golfing, seafood, ocean views, and general relaxation.
Nearby LGBT-Friendly Beach Cities Across State Lines
Just across the southern border of South Carolina, be sure to check out Tybee Island, Georgia. Tybee Island is one of Georgia’s premier LGBTQ-friendly beach destinations.
On the flipside, if you want to make the trip north to Virginia, Virginia Beach and Norfolk are super popular and super gay-friendly beach destinations. These queer-friendly Virginia beach cities are just 30 miles north of the North Carolina – Virginia state border.
