Mainland Caribbean Haven

This island off the coast of Florida is the southernmost city in the continental United States. This tiny island sits just 100 miles north of Cuba, and is known for its fabulous turquoise waters, tropical foliage and welcoming culture.

For decades, Key West has been considered a place where one can be out, open and welcomed, and where gay visitors quickly embrace the motto, 'One Human Family.' Key West has had a number of openly gay elected officials, a gay chief of police and a rainbow flag flying over City Hall, helping gay locals and visitors alike feel comfortable anywhere on Key West.

Key West is an open-minded community that is safe, gay-friendly and relaxed. A longtime tropical playground for the LGBT community, Key West's warm, "come as you are" ambiance is one of the main reasons many gay and lesbian visitors feel more themselves in this subtropical island's gay scene than anyplace else.

In Key West, many guesthouses cater primarily to gay men, lesbians or a combination of the two. They're often private hideaways tucked underneath swaying palms, furnished with island wicker or rattan and museum-quality antiques. It's common to find private pools, private beaches as well as clothing-optional sunning decks. Many establishments offer suites or apartments, perfect for a group of friends.

On Key West, you can find drag shows, gay and lesbian fishing excursions, gay pool parties, and a number of award-winning gay-owned and managed cafes and restaurants. It's easy to understand why Key West locals adopted their whimsical motto: "Close to perfect, far from normal."

The Travel Channel provides insight on the tropical gay haven of Key West, Florida. Key West is the only Caribbean destination in the United States.