Wilton Manors

A part of the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area, Wilton Manors is an unpretentious gay friendly city that is quickly becoming the most popular gay destination for tourists and residents. As the second city in America to elect a majority gay city council (and several subsequent openly gay mayors), Wilton Manors is no stranger to the LGBT community. In fact, people visiting Ft. Lauderdale inevitably make some foray into Wilton Manors, and many vacationers return to Wilton Manors to permanently live! This city is very friendly, open minded, and accepting, and there are many gay and lesbian hotspots to visit in this city.

Wilton Manors used to be a run down, dying city, but the influx of the LGBT community reversed that trend and now Wilton Manors is thriving and totally rejuvenated. Where there were once boarded up strip malls, there is now the beautiful Wilton Drive, an entertainment and arts district that features many boutiques, shops, restaurants, and bars.

The restaurants here are excellent and Galanga, which is rated in the top ten best gay restaurants in the country, is the top restaurant in town (you can learn about this fine dining experience and more in our “Places to Eat” option on our homepage). The shopping ranks highly among other prestigious shopping destinations – LA, NYC, Miami, etc. Unlike these previously mentioned cities, the casual atmosphere of Wilton Manors ensures that you will have an easy, breezy time.

Wilton Manors is not a city on the beach, but its close proximity to Fort Lauderdale beaches easily solves this dilemma. The most popular beach is the Ft. Lauderdale “South” beach, which is located from the Sunrise Blvd. to Las Olas Blvd. area. The LGBT community is very accepted, if not the majority, on this beach. It is a beautiful stretch of shore, and the people are carefree and easy going. There is limited of parking around these beaches, but the earlier you get to the parking lot, the easier it will be to find a parking space. This is especially true on weekends! Just a bit off the beach is much more parking, and these spots are very cheap or free. Another beach not too far from Wilton Manors is the nude beach Haulover Beach, which is located north of Miami Beach. It is about a half hour drive from Wilton Manors, but for naturists this is one of the best beaches in Florida. There are lifeguards stationed at both of these beaches everyday, and there are nearby places to dine.

Wilton Manors is a great place to visit while staying in Ft. Lauderdale. These two cities are so close they are almost inseparable. The nightlife in Wilton Manors is fantastic, and the beaches in Ft. Lauderdale are gorgeous. This perfect mix, never more than a short drive away, makes Wilton Manors a wonderful place to stay.

Wilton Manors has many businesses that are either gay owned or operated, but all businesses in Wilton Manors depend on LGBT patronage. In our “Places to Stay”, “Things to Do”, and “Places to Eat” sections on our homepage, you will find many establishments located in Wilton Manors that are LGBT friendly.

Wilton Manors