Ready to unwind after Pride? Try these relaxing LGBTQ+-friendly getaways

From the first Pride—a bold blend of protest and celebration held in New York on June 28, 1970, to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising—to today’s vibrant festivities, Pride Month continues to be a powerful time for the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay man, frequent traveler, and co-author of the book Out in the World from National Geographic, I’m always moved by the global expressions of unity, identity, and visibility that define this season.

Pride Month is also one of the busiest times of the year. After the parades, marches, drag shows, and community events, many participants are ready for a break. Here are a few LGBTQ+-friendly destinations where you can relax, recharge, and continue celebrating who you are.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

An artists’ enclave in Western Massachusetts—the first U.S. state to legalize gay marriage—the Berkshires blends charming towns, scenic hills, and a top-tier arts and culture scene. In Lenox, the 524-acre Tanglewood is built for picnics and concerts under the stars. Nearby, bibliophiles and fans of the Gilded Age will love The Mount, Edith Wharton’s former summer retreat.

An hour north, the Williamstown Theatre Festival presents world premieres and classic revivals, often attracting stars such as Audra McDonald and Mary-Louise Parker. For art lovers, MASS MoCA offers 250,000 square feet of galleries and stages showcasing contemporary art, music, dance, and film.

Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate hiking at Mount Greylock or Monument Mountain, as well as boating on Otis Reservoir. In Stockbridge, the former home of Norman Rockwell, you’ll find his namesake museum, a quaint Main Street, and the historical Red Lion Inn, where front porch rocking chairs offer the perfect spot to slow down and watch the world go by.

(Add a detour to your next vacation—starting with these classic destinations)

Malta

Spanning less than 100 square miles, this Mediterranean gem is consistently ranked among Europe’s most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. It’s especially welcoming to the trans community, who have been protected under anti-discrimination laws since 2015.

More than 30 beaches line the island’s coast, from the soft sands and striking views of Golden Bay to the calm, clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. Mellieħa Bay is a hub for watersports, while Wied il-Għasri’s cliff-lined inlet attracts snorkelers. On Malta’s sister island, Gozo, the Blue Hole—a collapsed limestone sinkhole—entices divers with its underwater arches and marine life, but swimmers and snorkelers are also welcome.

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Beyond the beach, Valletta, the baroque capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to impressive sites such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St. John the Baptist is on display, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Casa Rocca Piccola. For a break from the sun, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, located 15 minutes from Valletta, is an underground prehistoric burial site with interconnecting rock chambers.

Fiji

With 333 islands in the striking blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean and its warm “bula” welcome, Fiji will instantly make you feel at ease. On Viti Levu (where most international flights arrive in Nadi), land-based activities include Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, and the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, featuring over 2,000 varieties of orchids. Also on the island, the Coral Coast offers relaxing beaches and high-octane adventures such as diving with tiger sharks at Beqa Lagoon and hiking at Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park.

From Viti Levu, scenic ferry rides take you to the Mamanuca Islands or Yasawa Islands, which have powder-soft beaches, resorts with overwater bungalows, and great snorkeling, including opportunities to spot reef sharks, manta rays, and tropical fish.

The lesser-traveled Taveuni Island, known as the Garden Island, offers a great trek to Tavoro (Bouma) Falls in Bouma National Heritage Park. The island of Kadavu features the Great Astrolabe Reef, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, where you may encounter whales, dolphins, and wrasses.

(In Fiji, these hotels put the guests to work—in a good way)

Panama

Famed for its canal and the narrow isthmus linking two continents, Panama offers vibrant city life, stunning beaches, and natural wonders all within easy reach. In Panama City, the UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo invites visitors to stroll winding streets lined with centuries-old architecture and leafy plazas. At Villa Ana 1928, you can dine in a beautifully restored mansion with a no-cellphone policy, while the inclusive Hotel La Compañía, set in a 17th-century Jesuit convent, features curated art, five globally inspired restaurants, and a rooftop pool.

The modern cityscape includes the Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo, exploring Panama’s rich biodiversity, and the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can watch ships traverse the Panama Canal. Beyond the city, the Pearl Islands beckon with turquoise waters and secluded coves.

For a cooler retreat, El Valle de Antón—nestled in an extinct volcanic crater—offers thermal springs, mountain hikes, waterfall treks, scenic bike rides, and a laid-back atmosphere. At La Compañía del Valle, a restful and restorative experience includes a saltwater pool and sun deck with mountain views, inventive gastronomy with “fire and earth” themes,  and an upcoming 18,000-square-foot spa.

(Why Panama City’s appeal goes far beyond its namesake canal)

Rapid City, South Dakota

Though South Dakota leans conservative, Rapid City stands out for its queer-allied businesses and growing LGBTQ+ presence. The Black Hills Center for Equality offers community support, outreach, and sponsors a Pride festival and other community events.

Downtown, explore the haunted history of the Hotel Alex Johnson, browse Mitzi’s Books for your next great read, and learn about the region’s storied past at the Journey Museum, with exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, Native American culture, and pioneer life. The City of Presidents, featuring life-sized bronze statues of former U.S. presidents, adds a unique historic touch, while iconic Mount Rushmore is just 30 minutes away.

Rapid City also serves as a gateway to the Badlands, where hiking, wildlife spotting, and stargazing offer the perfect digital detox, and Custer State Park, where 1,300 free-roaming bison wander across 71,000 acres and scenic drives like Needles Highway reveal granite spires and sweeping views.

For food and nightlife, local queer-welcoming favorites include Murphy’s Pub, Ugly Graffiti, Bokujo Ramen, Tally’s Silver Spoon, Aby’s, and the Brass Rail.