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Gay bars can be found throughout greater Tampa Bay. Many are near the center of Tampa, but St. Petersburg is booming with new gay activity too and both cities offer a large variety: from leather to techno-dance with everything in between. Clearwater, Dunedin and many other areas are also part of Tampa Bay's diverse communities and offer gay owned restaurants, clubs and other businesses. Gay business travelers love Tampa Bay because many friendly neighborhood clubs are busy early in the evenings as opposed to late night hours normal in other cities.

Look in the Gazette or other local print publications for the latest happenings and directions to the bars and clubs. There is something interesting going on all year round in Tampa Bay! Gay beaches There are two beaches in Tampa Bay that are frequented by gays and lesbians. Neither are exclusively "gay".

Ft. DeSoto Park at the southern tip of Pinellas County (St. Petersburg) is a beautiful and more rustic beach. Follow I-275 to the Pinellas Bayway exit (#4) and proceed west, following signs to Ft. DeSoto Park. Once in the park, follow signs to the North Beach and park in the last parking lot. Then walk a short distance, crossing the "rainbow bridge" and wading across a shallow lagoon. You will find yourself at a breathtakingly beautiful beach! Continue to your right (north) to the end of the island which is where gays (and lesbians) will congregate. A note of caution though. This beach should only be used for sunning - and with your suit on. Although remote, nudity and sexual activity are risky, even in the dunes. The area is patrolled (including by plainclothes police), and people do get busted. The beach definitely is worth the trip - just be careful."

'Bedrocks Beach' on Sunset Beach at the southern tip of Treasure Island is the other gay beach. Now just a city park, it was the site of a gay bar complex known as Bedrocks. Although it no longer exists, many gays and lesbians still frequent this beach.

Attractions are numerous and will keep any traveler busy. They range from a world-famous theme park (Busch Gardens), to fine arts, to major league teams in baseball, hockey and football. In addition, the famous attractions of Orlando are just a little more than one hour's drive. Special Events of interest to gays include the Gasparilla Day Parade (last Saturday in January), the Gasparilla Night Parade (3rd Saturday in February), the Pride Weekend and Wet Party (first weekend in July), the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (early October), and Guavaween (the last Saturday in October).

Come visit Tampa Bay and see for yourself why
"It's great to be gay in Tampa Bay."

If you are planning to move to gay Tampa Bay, then you are probably curious about where to live. The bay area has three main cities, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Each city has its own personality and gay neighborhoods. Below are some guides to get your started. If you plan to purchase a home, then any of our member Realtors will be more than happy to assist you in the search for the perfect neighborhood and home.

Gay Neighborhoods

Gay Tampa Overview:

(written by Dale Nabors, Coldwell Banker Hyde Park)

Tampa has a lot to offer a Relocation buyer as well as our current residents. The area or neighborhoods of interest include to the North of Kennedy near Hillsborough Ave is Seminole heights with the charm of the past. Homes include early 1900 Bungalow and Spanish style homes still at a purchase range that most people can afford . To the south are areas such as River heights and Tampa heights that are on the move. Another area of interest is South Tampa also with lots of charm and different style. The pricing is some what higher in South Tampa but, does have convenience to local bars, shopping and Tampa's water front . Lots to offer in all of these and some other areas.

Gay South Tampa:

(written by Steve Farst, Re/Max ACR Elite Realty)

You will find a very large concentration of gays in the South Tampa area, that area south of Kennedy Blvd. There are many gay bars and restaurants in this area. The areas of South Tampa are:

Hyde Park
An area of older bungalow style homes. Average price is $440,000. Some of the Hyde Park area is in a Historically designated area. In the center of Hyde Park is Olde Hyde Park Village, a collection of upscale shops. Hyde Park is adjacent to Bayshore Blvd. Bayshore Blvd features the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. It is popular for jogging and roller blading, 24 hours a day.

New Suburb Beautiful
What a tacky name for such a nice area!! It is an area of older homes, featuring all styles from Mediterranean to Colonial. Most of the homes have been renovated. The average price is $400,000

Davis Islands
A man-made island, developed in the 1920's, contains a variety of styles of homes. The 1920's homes were the Mediterranean Revival style. Many of the homes here are on canals leading to the bay, or more expensive homes on the Hillsborough Bay. Homes average $498,000. Davis Islands is only 5 minutes from downtown Tampa.

Palma Ceia
Palma Ceia is in the center of the peninsula of South Tampa. The area is highlighted by many tree shaded brick streets and older homes built in the 1920's, 30's, 40's, 50's, . Home prices here will range upwards from the low $200's.

Beach Park
Beach Park is located on the west side of the South Tampa peninsula. It is an area of streets dominated by towering oak trees, and larger homes ranging from $400,000 and up. Many of the smaller homes are being torn down and replaced by larger half million-dollar homes. It is minutes away from Westshore Mall and the new International Mall, two very upscale shopping malls.

Bayshore Beautiful
This area is bounded by Bayshore Blvd. And is an area of older homes and large old oak trees. The homes here will range from the $200,000's to over a million dollars for homes located on Bayshore Blvd.

Tampa heights
This area is just north of downtown Tampa and is in the first stages of redevelopment. The area is just north of downtown Tampa. The homes are a variety of styles from the turn of the century Victorian style to Bungalow styles. The city is putting millions of dollars into this community and encouraging new development in the keeping with the style of the community. Homes here start in the low $100,000 range for homes in need of repair.

Seminole heights
This area of bungalow style homes is located about 10 minutes north of downtown Tampa. Some of the area has been designated as a historic district. There is a lot of charm to this area with large oak trees and older homes. Prices range from the mid $100,000's and up.

Harbour Island
This is a very upscale area of newer townhomes and very expensive single family homes, just minutes from downtown Tampa and the new entertainment complex, Channelside. Small condos will start in the mid $100,000 range, upscale townhomes will be from the low $200,000's to over a million $, and luxurious single family homes will be in the multi-million dollar range.

Channelside
A new entertainment complex and the Tampa Aquarium are anchors to this area. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, many old warehouses in the area are being converted to lofts. The price range here is from the low $200,000's and up.

Gay St. Petersburg:

(written by Brian Longstreth, Your Neighborhood Realty)

One of the beautiful aspects of the St. Petersburg area is the diversity of many of its neighborhoods. While there is no “gay ghetto”, there are many neighborhoods that are Gay & Lesbian friendly. St. Petersburg's proximity to the Gulf Beaches, expanding culture with World-class museums, affordable housing prices, effective transportation network, and increasing job opportunities all beckon for potential residents to take another look.

Up-N-Coming Neighborhoods

Historic Kenwood - This neighborhood located just west of I-275 and North of Central. Avenue is known for its very active association. Wrought iron decorative street signs mark the entrances. The housing is primarily bungalows from the 1920’s with hardwood floors and large front porches (the site of many “Porch Parties”) A gazebo in Seminole Park serves for many get-togethers (Prices from $50,000 to $120,000)

Old Southeast - Just South of downtown, this neighborhood was established in the late 1800’s. Many fine homes from this era still exist with a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from. Brick streets and large waterfront Lassing Park add to the character of the neighborhood. ($40,000-$300,000 on the water)

Roser Park - Adjacent to Bayfront & All Children’s Hospitals, and USF, Roser Park is truly one of the most unique neighborhoods. Take a stroll along Roser Park Drive and Booker Creek to see why. Just recently listed on the National Historic Register, renovations are picking up ($30,000 - $100,000)

Central Oak Park - The only neighborhood that crosses Central Avenue, this diverse area is one of the most convenient. Minutes to the beaches, downtown and I-275 insure a quick commute to your destination. Brick streets and housing built in the 20’s and 40’s contribute to the charm. Hardwood Floors abound. Houses range from small fixer-uppers to larger homes along the western edge. The area has the highest elevations in the city ($40,000-$200,000)

Uptown - Just North of Downtown, Uptown offers several architectural styles from which to choose. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the City, there is great history & pride to the area. Brick streets, mature oak trees, and a variety of housing add to the character. Round Lake, just off 4th Street offers a peaceful respite in an urban area. ($40,000-$100,000)

Established Neighborhoods

Crescent heights & Crescent Lake - These neighborhoods overlook 56-acre Crescent Lake Park. Bordered by 4th & ML King Streets just north of Uptown, these areas were developed in the 20’s and 40’s. Stately oaks and brick streets add to the charm. Huggins-Stengil field at the south end of Crescent Lake serves as the spring training field for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Major League baseball team. A wide variety of houses exist. ($80,000-$250,000)

Euclid/ St. Paul - This area, West of Crescent Lake has many larger homes that compare with the North Shore area, but not quite as expensive. There has been lots of renovation here in the past years. ( and it is close to Home Depot!) ($60,000-$275,000)

North Shore - Commonly called Old Northeast, this neighborhood was the first developed in St. Petersburg. many of those fine homes still stand today and provide a deep sense of history and pride for the area. Just north of downtown and adjacent to Tampa Bay, North Shore enjoys wonderful public waterfront parks, including a heated pool, tennis courts and a Palm Arboretum. ($120,000-$1,000,000 waterfront)

Pinellas Point - The Southern tip of St. Petersburg was originally settled by Indians. Several Indian Mounds still exist today. The housing was primarily built in the 1950’s with very large homes along the water overlooking the Skyway Bridge. The “Pink Streets” area is unique in that pink tinted concrete was utilized for the streets ($70,000-$1,000,000)

Woodlawn - Often called Greater Woodlawn, This neighborhood is north of downtown and west of Crescent heights. Built in the 1920’s, Woodlawn has a unique circular block and large restored entrance pillars with landscaping. ($80,000-$300,000)

Waterfront Communities

Broadwaters & Maximo Moorings - These neighborhoods are located West of Pinellas Point overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. With some of the quickest access to the Gulf of Mexico, they offer great waterfront values. They mostly consist of ranch style homes built in the late 50’s & 60’s. ($90,000 - $350,000)

Coquina Key - This island community in the southeastern part of the city offers great value and terrific access to Tampa Bay. Amenities such as beautiful sunrises, a community pool, and large park make a great neighborhood. ($50,000 off water-$300,000)

Tropical Shores - This “hidden” neighborhood just off Old Southeast is truly a treasure. Well-maintained properties built during the 60’s in a wide variety of sizes. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown, and lots of renovations. ($80,000-$300,000)

The Gulf Beaches

Madeira Beach - Often called “Mad Beach” this community is very diverse. Gays, lesbians, old Florida, tourists, and rednecks all mixed together with a wide variety of homes, condos, and rentals.

Pass-A-Grille - Key West charm, great sunsets, and real characters. typical of island living, located South of the Don Cesar Resort on St. Pete Beach.

Sunset Beach - Also similar to Key West, Sunset Beach also has a “Gay Beach” at the southern tip. Located South of Treasure Island with many beach cottages, stilt homes, & condos.

City of Gulfport
Gulfport deserves it’s own listing because of the rapid renaissance of the area. Stroll down the beaches overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Gulfport has become a haven for artists because of the laid-back atmosphere. The first Friday of every month is Gallery Walk along Beach Boulevard.

Tampa Bay Business Guild, P.O. Box 280456, Tampa, FL 33682