Here, road-trippers can ride Clydesdales through rolling hills, tour wine country in a vintage motorcycle sidecar, watch elephant seals spar during mating season, see humpback whales leap from the water, and end the day soaking in mineral springs under the stars.

There’s a reason it’s called “SLO CAL.” This stretch of California’s Highway 1 road trip offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the experiences along the way.

Stop in Ragged Point for Cliffside Sunset Views and a Mouthwatering Meal After a Day on the Road

Dinner at Ragged Point Restaurant is the perfect way to end a day of road-tripping along Highway 1. The restaurant offers plenty of seating, including a patio where guests can enjoy live music in the evenings. Fresh oysters, a perfectly medium-rare ribeye, and a glass of local wine make for an excellent meal, paired with an after-dinner cliffside sunset just steps away.

Plus, if you’re too tired to hit the road again, Ragged Point Inn is conveniently located next door, where you can rest before continuing your journey.

In San Simeon, You’ll Find Oceanfront Stays, Clifftop Castles, and Sparring Elephant Seals

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon makes an overnight stop on Highway 1 feel special. The property sits right on the water, making it easy to step outside to catch a California sunset or warm up by the oceanfront fire pits while playing a game of giant chess and listening to waves crash against the shore.

Rooms are cozy, many with fireplaces and balconies overlooking the Pacific. Heated pools and hot tubs make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring, and the on-site restaurant, Cavalier Coastal Kitchen, serves a satisfying breakfast before hitting the road.

A visit to Hearst Castle, a national historic landmark, is a 1,600-foot journey above sea level to the beautiful estate of William Randolph Hearst. Here you’ll explore art-filled rooms, Mediterranean and Spanish Revival architecture, impressive Roman-inspired pools, and lavish gardens that offer a glimpse into his European-inspired retreat, which famously hosted Hollywood stars and other prominent guests throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

The Elephant Seal Vista Point, also known as the Piedras Blancas Rookery, is a free experience not to be skipped. From December to March, you can witness northern Elephant Seals sparring for territory and giving birth on the beach.

Sebastian’s General Store is a historic stop serving delicious deli sandwiches and fresh salads, making it the perfect spot for lunch and a place to find locally made souvenirs. Just across the road, Hearst Ranch Winery offers tastings of estate-grown wines, with a large patio overlooking the ocean for a great midday break along Highway 1.

Take Clydesdales on a Trail Ride, Enjoy Boardwalk Beach Strolls, and Explore an Eclectic Downtown in Cambria

At Covell’s Ranch in Cambria, you can take guided horseback rides on giant Clydesdale horses through acres of rolling hills, no riding experience required. It’s one of the only places in the United States you can take these gentle Scottish giants on a trail ride.

Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a mile-long wooden path that runs along the rugged shoreline, offering a perfect spot for a stroll with stunning ocean views, tidepools, and a chance to spot sea otters or dolphins. The beach is known for its smooth, colorful stones referred to as “moonstones,” but it’s best to leave them in place to help preserve the beach’s natural beauty.

After your walk, head to Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill, a casual oceanfront restaurant just across the road. Dining on the patio with the sound of the waves nearby, we enjoyed perfectly seared scallops, fresh fish tacos, and a delicious salmon entrée.

Downtown Cambria boasts a variety of boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and restaurants, making it an ideal place to wander and discover unique souvenirs. After browsing its charming local offerings, stop for lunch at Brydge, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal California cuisine. Enjoy dishes like locally sourced roasted mushrooms dressed with Parmesan, truffle oil, and breadcrumbs, or pork meatballs in a rich tomato-piquillo sauce.

Avila Beach Has Hillside Mineral Spring Hot Tubs, Humpbacks Whales, and Beachfront Entertainment

A stay at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is a relaxing and luxurious escape into the wooded hills of Avila Beach. Each guest room and suite includes a balcony or patio with a private mineral-spring hot tub. You can also book a private hillside mineral hot tub for a one-of-a-kind experience under the sycamore trees, or enjoy yoga classes and spa treatments.

The on-site restaurant, Gardens of Avila, offers fresh herbs and vegetables from the chef’s garden, where you can enjoy fresh farm-to-table cuisine. The Secret Garden is a secluded, tree-shaded space with wood-fired pizzas, live music, and games.

Avila Beach Whale Watching with Captain Mark is an exciting experience out on the San Luis Obispo Bay. The wildlife here is very active, featuring sea lions, sea otters, and giant humpback whales. During summer and fall, humpbacks gather in the waters off Avila Beach to feed on anchovies, often putting on a show with dramatic breaching, tail-slapping, and other feeding behaviors.

Avila Beach’s lively downtown is lined with colorful shops, casual restaurants facing the ocean, and places to grab ice cream, coffee, or a glass of local wine. Restaurants like Mersea’s Seafood Restaurant at Port San Luis serve fresh-caught seafood with incredible harbor views. At the same time, local favorites like Fat Cats Café offer hearty breakfasts and classic comfort food.

Avila Beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon listening to live music and attending events along the promenade.

Cruise in a Vintage Motorcycle Sidecar Through Edna Valley’s Vineyards and Sip Local Wine in San Luis Obispo

A motorcycle sidecar tour through San Luis Obispo wine country is a one-of-a-kind way to explore the vineyards and scenic backroads of Edna Valley.

The ride offers open-air views and a sense of adventure, with stops like Baileyana Winery, housed inside the historic 1909 Independence Schoolhouse, which pours a wide selection of wines from grapes grown in their estate vineyards. Another stop is Claiborne & Churchill Winery, known for its crisp, Alsatian-style wines, such as Dry Riesling and Dry Gewürztraminer, which are enjoyed in a relaxed garden setting.

Edna Valley is renowned for its distinctive coastal microclimates, where cool ocean breezes and morning fog create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other cool-climate varietals.

A Bucket List Road Trip Through San Luis Obispo County

A Highway 1 road trip through San Luis Obispo County turns an iconic drive into a bucket-list adventure, filled with small towns and incredible experiences. The best part of the journey isn’t just one destination, but the experiences and memories you’ll collect along the way.

Unlike some destinations that market to LGBTQ+ visitors only during Pride season, Healdsburg’s queer-friendliness is woven into everyday life. The town center, anchored by its historic plaza, is dotted with LGBTQ+-owned shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants. This year, Out in the Vineyard—a locally based, LGBTQ+-owned tour company—has expanded its offerings, collaborating with queer winemakers and chefs to create immersive tasting experiences that celebrate diversity in the wine industry .

Out in the Vineyard’s signature events, such as their annual Big Gay Wine Weekend, have become a significant draw. Guests are welcomed not just as tourists, but as participants in Healdsburg’s evolving queer narrative—one that honors both visibility and intersectionality. The company’s founder, Gary Saperstein, notes: “Healdsburg is different because you’re not just tolerated here—you’re celebrated. The whole community is involved, from wineries to local artisans” .

Healdsburg’s appeal isn’t limited to its famed Pinot Noir. The town boasts a year-round calendar of queer-inclusive events. Local galleries frequently host LGBTQ+ artists, and Healdsburg Center for the Arts supports exhibitions that uplift queer voices. Seasonal food festivals and farmers’ markets double as safe spaces, with rainbow flags displayed alongside heirloom tomatoes. In recent years, the town has hosted pop-up drag brunches and dance parties in collaboration with Bay Area performers, drawing diverse crowds from across Northern California .

Unlike the fast-paced nightlife of larger cities, Healdsburg offers a more relaxed—yet no less vibrant—social scene. Local favorites include LGBTQ+-owned coffee shops and tasting rooms that become informal gathering spots, where visitors can connect with residents and fellow travelers.

Healdsburg’s hospitality extends to all members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Businesses have undergone inclusivity training, and many accommodations explicitly welcome transgender people, non-binary travelers, and families with queer parents . Local advocacy groups work with city officials to ensure that town policies and public spaces remain accessible and affirming. For instance, gender-neutral restrooms are now standard in many restaurants and tasting rooms, and the local library regularly hosts story hours featuring LGBTQ+ authors .

Healdsburg’s emergence as a queer destination is timely. Many LGBTQ+ travelers report seeking smaller, community-driven destinations where they can relax, connect, and contribute meaningfully to local economies . The town’s leadership has embraced this shift, launching visitor initiatives that highlight queer-owned businesses and events. As a result, Healdsburg’s reputation is growing—yet, for now, it retains an intimate, off-the-beaten-path charm.

Travelers can expect a welcoming experience year-round. Fall, in particular, is ideal: the grape harvest brings crisp weather, golden vineyards, and a bustling festival calendar. Winter offers cozy tasting rooms and art walks, perfect for those who prefer a slower pace and fewer crowds .

Healdsburg is easily accessible from San Francisco , making it a convenient addition to any Northern California itinerary. Visitors are encouraged to explore beyond the town: the surrounding Russian River Valley is home to LGBTQ+-owned bed-and-breakfasts and scenic hiking trails. Transportation options include car rentals and regional buses; once in town, most attractions are walkable.

Accommodations range from luxury inns to charming guesthouses, many of which are owned or managed by queer locals. Advance booking is recommended during major events, such as Big Gay Wine Weekend and the town’s annual Pride festivities.

Healdsburg exemplifies how smaller communities can serve as models of queer inclusion—not just during high-profile events, but every day. Its evolution from a sleepy wine town to a vibrant LGBTQ+ sanctuary reflects broader trends in queer travel: a desire for authenticity, connection, and spaces where all identities are affirmed.

For LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a destination that is both welcoming and refreshingly genuine, Healdsburg offers a new kind of sanctuary—one where the wine flows, the welcome is heartfelt, and queer joy is celebrated year-round.

Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport has sought to streamline the process by opening one of the first on-site hotels at a major European airport, following a similar initiative in Frankfurt. Dog Relais' workers even retrieve pups from the terminal so travelers can proceed straight to their flight.

“This project is fitting into a strategy to provide a very immersive experience to passengers,” said Marilena Blasi, chief commercial officer at Aeroporti di Roma, the company that manages Italian capital's two airports. “In this case, we provide services to dogs and the owners of the dogs.”

Basic rooms at the dog hotel cost about €40 ($47) and feature temperature-controlled floors and private gardens. More timid or solitary dogs can be placed in kennels at the edge of the facility, where they interact with staff rather than other dogs in the common grass pens. At night, ambient music that has a frequency with a low, soft tone — 432 hertz — designed for relaxation is piped in through the rooms’ speakers.

There are optional extras that range from the usual grooming, bathing and cleaning teeth services, to the more indulgent, such as aromatherapy with lavender or peppermint scents to help induce calm, or arnica cream rubbed into aching muscles and joints.

Owners unsatisfied with standard-issue webcams for checking in on their canines from afar can spring for a €60 (about $70) premium room equipped with a screen for round-the-clock videocalls. They can even pamper their pet by tossing a treat via an application connected to a dispenser.

The facility not only provides its services to travelers, but also to dog owners who need daycare.

Working in human resources for Aeroporti di Roma, Alessandra Morelli regularly leaves her 2-year-old, chocolate-colored Labrador Retriever there.

“Since I’ve been able to bring Nina to this dog hotel, my life, and the balance between my personal and professional life have changed because it allows me to enjoy my working day and my personal travels in total peace and tranquility,” said Morelli, 47.

Dario Chiassarini, 32, said he started bringing his Rottweiler puppy, Athena, to Dog Relais for training, another service on offer, because it's clean, well-organized and its location was easily accessible. And he said he plans to check his beloved pup into the hotel whenever he and his girlfriend need to travel.

“We will rely on them without hesitation and without doubt — both because we got to know the people who work here, which for us is essential, and because of the love they have for animals and the peace of mind of knowing who we are entrusting Athena to," said Chiassarini, who works in car sales. "It is certainly a service that, if we should need it, we will make use of.”

The dog hotel has proved popular so far. All 40 rooms were occupied in August, when Italians take their customary summer vacation and millions of passengers come through Fiumicino. Occupancy averaged almost 2/3 since doors opened in May, said Blasi.

The same month the dog hotel opened, Italy’s commercial aviation authority changed rules to allow large dogs to fly inside plane cabins for domestic flights, provided they are inside secured crates. The first such flight will take off on Sept. 23, according to transport minister, Matteo Salvini.

Salvini admits that while many are happy with having their pups on the plane, others may feel annoyed. However, at a pet conference on Sept. 16, he said: “We always have to use judgment, but ... for me it’s a source of pride, as well as a step forward from the point of view of civilization.”

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Associated Press writer David Biller in Rome contributed to this report.

Railroads connected Guerneville to San Francisco, making it a beloved getaway for city dwellers from the late nineteenth century onward . However, as air travel became prevalent in the 1960s and disastrous floods swept through the region, Guerneville’s popularity as a mainstream vacation spot waned .

This downturn created a unique opportunity: as old resorts and hotels came up for sale, queer entrepreneurs and community members began purchasing properties, reimagining Guerneville as a safe and celebratory space for LGBTQ+ visitors. In 1978, Peter Pender, a Philadelphia native, bought a riverside hotel and renamed it Fife’s, inaugurating the town’s first openly gay resort . Other iconic venues soon followed, including The Woods, Highlands Resort, The Rainbow Cattle Company, and The Triple R Hotel, each catering to a growing clientele eager for community and acceptance .

These establishments thrived during the sexual liberation movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s, drawing crowds from San Francisco and across the nation. Guerneville became renowned for its vibrant nightlife, legendary dance floors, and star-studded performances, featuring disco icons such as Sylvester and Angela Clemmons .

Guerneville’s role as a sanctuary deepened during the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s. Despite the devastating impact on local businesses and visitors, the town’s LGBTQ+ community remained resilient. Notably, lesbian residents and visitors became primary caregivers for gay men affected by the epidemic, forging bonds of solidarity and compassion that are still honored in the structure and priorities of local organizations .

Many original resorts—The Rainbow Cattle Company, The Woods Cottages & Cabins, The R 3 Hotel, and The Highlands Resort—continue to operate, preserving the legacy of queer hospitality. Newer venues, such as the lesbian-owned Boon Eat + Drink and Boon Hotel + Spa, reflect ongoing innovation and commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Chef Crista Luedtke, owner of these establishments, has received national recognition for her work, appearing in outlets like The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and Food & Wine .

Guerneville’s calendar is packed with LGBTQ+ events, drawing thousands from across the globe to celebrate identity, joy, and community.

- Lazy Bear Week is one of the largest annual gatherings for the “bear” subculture of gay men, raising significant funds for charity and fostering intergenerational connections. The 2024 edition is scheduled from July 29 to August 5 .

- Women’s Weekend Russian River, held each spring, creates dedicated space for LGBTQ+ women and allies to connect and celebrate .

- Russian River Pride is another cornerstone event, occurring this year from September 19 to 21, featuring parades, performances, and community outreach initiatives .

These festivals serve not only as celebrations but also as vital fundraising and advocacy opportunities, supporting local nonprofits and promoting broader LGBTQ+ rights.

Recent years have seen some transformation in Guerneville’s hospitality sector, with venues like Dawn Ranch (formerly Fife’s) shifting marketing away from LGBTQ+ audiences towards mainstream wedding and wine tourism . While some lament the loss of explicitly queer spaces, the town remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity, and local business owners continue to champion LGBTQ+ visibility and hospitality .

Guerneville’s enduring magic lies in its ability to adapt while honoring its roots as a place of refuge, celebration, and solidarity. The town’s story is a testament to what can be achieved when marginalized communities reclaim space, foster connection, and build lasting institutions.

Whether attending a festival, relaxing in a historic resort, or simply walking among the towering redwoods, visitors and residents alike experience firsthand the spirit of affirmation and belonging that defines Guerneville’s Russian River. As LGBTQ+ communities nationwide seek spaces that are truly welcoming, Guerneville stands as a model for both progress and preservation, offering inspiration for generations to come.

“We’ve always believed that human connection would be the key to sustained competitive advantage – not in opposition to technology, but in concert with it – especially in the hands of skilled virtuosos,” said Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch, whose organization of 20,000 travel advisors is responsible for $35 billion in yearly travel bookings. 

“I believe our futures depend on how we live in two rapidly changing ecosystems – technological and human – not just coexisting but actively blending and enhancing the two. We’ve been investing in scaling human connection for nearly four decades because travel advisors don’t just sell experiences; they are part of the experience.

The relationships our advisors nurture with our partners enhance the travelers’ experience, ultimately making them feel something special. The world is changing faster than ever, but what’s exciting is the head start we have in the human connection business – one that is global and a competitive advantage in luxury,” he adds.  

In today’s dynamic and unpredictable world, luxury travelers are increasingly seeking expert guidance, personalized service, and reliability. Virtuoso reports a sustained 76 percent increase in consumers seeking out travel advisors via their website. 

According to the Generative AI Working Group, these technology tools can create content that’s skewed, misleading, or inaccurate, yet they present it convincingly as correct. Their goal is to generate plausible content, not to verify its truth. No wonder less than a third of Kaspersky’s survey respondents trust AI for vacation planning. 

“We receive ChatGPT-built itineraries from clients that include hotels that closed a year ago and restaurants that are closed the day they are planning to go,” shared Eli Wagner, Founder of Wagner Bespoke Travel, an affiliate of Coastline Travel. 

“Millennials often come with itineraries created by AI, thinking they’re already perfect. While many of these plans are great, they still need fine-tuning by an expert,” adds Marcos Ramirez, luxury travel advisor at NUBA.

Travel is now a vital part of life as well as an investment of precious time and money, so people aren’t taking chances. Similar to a financial advisor, a travel advisor is now a strategic partner, not just handling transactions but helping to map out the next 10 years of clients' lives.

“Of course, they could do it themselves, but they don’t want to,” said Upchurch about today’s travel advisor use. “Why would they want to do it on their own?”

According to Virtuoso's 2025 Global Luxury Traveler Report, an annual survey of travelers across 17 countries, safety and security are of leading importance, with an added layer of protection coming in second. Perks, upgrades, exclusive access, and VIP accommodations, a combination that is impossible to replicate online, round out the driving factors. 

“Experienced travelers know that arranging their trips through a travel advisor offers significant added value, as they gain access to exclusive perks and experiences they wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise. Even with the increasing use of AI, many of these experiences cannot be booked without a travel advisor, which is where their real value comes in,” explains Ramirez.

People who use a travel agent can receive resort credits, automatic upgrades, early and late check-out, and VIP services. For example, those who use a Virtuoso Travel agent to book an Explora Journeys cruise not only get the best price but can choose from complimentary custom in-port events that go well beyond the traditional shore excursion, a private car and driver in destination for independent exploration, or a shipboard credit to elevate their vacation. 

More than half of Americans feel they don’t have enough time in the day for all their daily tasks, let alone plan vacations or figure out the best way to avoid crowds in popular destinations. 

“During a hectic year, a travel advisor handled our annual adults-only getaway for the first time,” shared Daniel Jarrad. “ Kristin Scordilis recommended Atelier Playa Mujeres, which wasn’t even on our radar and doesn’t show up in the top-billed AI Overview or Google search results, despite receiving a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating and "Best of the Best" designation from TripAdvisor. She knocked it out of the park. I never knew food could be that good at an all-inclusive resort.” 

Families who are limited to school breaks for vacation often turn to a travel advisor to ensure these trips are still enjoyable. “In a world of crowded travel in peak seasons, working with an advisor is important. We will get families with the right suppliers and hotels to ensure they have a great experience,” adds Wagner.

 

While the impact on travelers appeared to be limited, experts said the intrusion exposed vulnerabilities in security systems.

The disruptions to electronic systems initially reported at Brussels, Berlin's Brandenburg and London's Heathrow airports meant that only manual check-in and boarding was possible. Many other European airports said their operations were unaffected.

“There was a cyberattack on Friday night 19 September against the service provider for the check-in and boarding systems affecting several European airports including Brussels Airport,” said Brussels Airport in a statement, initially reporting a “large impact” on flight schedules.

Airports said the issue centered around a provider of check-in and boarding systems — not airlines or the airports themselves.

Collins Aerospace, whose systems help passengers check themselves in, print boarding passes and bag tags and dispatch their luggage from a kiosk, cited a “cyber-related disruption” to its MUSE (Multi-User System Environment) software at “select airports.”

‘A very clever cyberattack’

It was not immediately clear who might be behind the cyberattack, but experts said it could turn out to be hackers, criminal organizations, or state actors.

Travel analyst Paul Charles said he was “surprised and shocked” by the attack that has affected one of the world's top aviation and defense companies.

He said "it's deeply worrying that a company of that stature who normally have such resilient systems in place have been affected.”

“This is a very clever cyberattack indeed because it’s affected a number of airlines and airports at the same time — not just one airport or one airline, but they’ve got into the core system that enables airlines to effectively check in many of their passengers at different desks at different airports around Europe,” he told Sky News.

As the day wore on, the fallout appeared to be contained.

Brussels Airport spokesperson Ihsane Chioua Lekhli told broadcaster VTM that by mid-morning, nine flights had been canceled, four were redirected to another airport and 15 faced delays of an hour or more. She said it wasn’t immediately clear how long the disruptions might last.

Axel Schmidt, head of communications at the Brandenburg airport, said that by late morning, “we don’t have any flights canceled due to this specific reason, but that could change.” The Berlin airport said operators had cut off connections to affected systems.

Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, said the disruption has been “minimal” with no flight cancellations directly linked to the problems afflicting Collins. A spokesperson would not provide details as to how many flights have been delayed as a result of the cyberattack.

The airports advised travelers to check their flight status and apologized for any inconvenience.

Frustration at the counters

Some passengers voiced annoyance at the lack of staff. With many, if not most, checking in individually, airlines have reduced the number of people operating at the traditional check-in counters.

Maria Casey, who was on her way to a two-week backpacking holiday in Thailand with Etihad Airways, said she had to spend three hours at baggage check-in at Heathrow’s Terminal 4.

“They had to write our baggage tabs by hand,” she said. “Only two desks were staffed, which is why we were cheesed off.”

Collins, an aviation and defense technology company that is a subsidiary of RTX Corp., formerly Raytheon Technologies, said it was “actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to our customers as quickly as possible.”

“The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations,” it said in a statement.

Airline industry is vulnerable through the use of third-party platforms

Still, experts said the attack pointed to vulnerabilities — ones that hackers are increasingly trying to exploit.

Charlotte Wilson, head of enterprise at cybersecurity firm Check Point, said the aviation industry has become an “increasingly attractive target” for cybercriminals because of its heavy reliance on shared digital systems.

“These attacks often strike through the supply chain, exploiting third-party platforms that are used by multiple airlines and airports at once,” she said. “When one vendor is compromised, the ripple effect can be immediate and far-reaching, causing widespread disruption across borders.”

Experts said it was too early to tell who might be behind the attack, and were trying to read some clues.

“It looks almost more like vandalism than extortion, based on the information we have,” said James Davenport, a professor of information technology at the University of Bath in England. “I think significant new details would have to emerge to change this view.”

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Keaten reported from Lyon, France.

Burlington’s LGBTQ+ story reached a new milestone in 2025 with the city’s largest-ever Pride Parade, which drew thousands of participants and allies from across New England. Organized by the Pride Center of Vermont, this year’s event featured Vermont’s first all-transgender and nonbinary marching block, as well as the debut of the “Rural Rainbow” float, amplifying voices from Vermont’s smaller towns . Mayor Miro Weinberger, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed Burlington’s commitment to equity: “Burlington’s strength is its diversity, and we are proud to stand with our LGBTQ+ neighbors—today and every day” .

In addition to major public events, Burlington has taken concrete steps to support queer residents and visitors alike. In early 2025, the city council passed a resolution mandating LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for all public-facing municipal employees, including police, tourism staff, and healthcare workers . This move was lauded by local advocacy groups as a significant step toward ensuring safety and respect for all.

Burlington’s queer scene is refreshingly community-driven and intersectional. The city’s downtown is dotted with LGBTQ+-owned businesses, from the iconic Radio Bean café to the recently opened “Out in the Open” cooperative bookstore, which specializes in queer literature and hosts regular trans writers’ circles .

Nightlife in Burlington eschews the mega-club model in favor of intimate, creative spaces. The annual “Queer Prom” at ArtsRiot draws a multigenerational crowd, while the seasonal “Dyke Night” at Monkey House in nearby Winooski has become a staple for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women as well as nonbinary patrons . For transgender people, the monthly “Trans Joy” social, co-hosted by the Pride Center and local mutual aid groups, offers a vital space for connection and celebration.

Vermont’s famed natural beauty is a powerful draw. Increasingly, queer travelers are choosing Burlington as a base for outdoor adventure with a welcoming twist. The “Queer Peaks” hiking collective organizes monthly excursions into the Green Mountains, centering inclusivity and body positivity . Lake Champlain’s beaches and bike trails are popular for informal queer gatherings, especially during summer.

This year, the first annual “Rainbow Paddle” brought together over 100 LGBTQ+ kayakers and allies for an afternoon of visibility and fun on the water, a collaboration between the local OUTDOORS LGBTQ+ group and Burlington Parks & Recreation .

What sets Burlington apart is its focus on intersectionality and justice. The Pride Center of Vermont’s “Rural Rainbow Summit” in June 2025 convened LGBTQ+ activists and allies from across northern New England to discuss rural queer visibility, healthcare access, and mutual aid . The summit’s keynote, delivered by Two-Spirit educator Xander Bear of the Abenaki Nation, highlighted Indigenous LGBTQ+ perspectives and the need for solidarity across identities.

Burlington’s queer community also prioritizes mental health and safety, with the Safe Spaces program offering drop-in counseling and crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth and adults .

Burlington is accessible by air via Burlington International Airport, with direct flights from several major U.S. cities. Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express now connects New York City to Burlington, offering a scenic and stress-free alternative . The city’s walkable downtown and robust public transit make it easy for travelers without cars to explore safely and comfortably.

Most hotels and guesthouses display “Rainbow Welcome” stickers, indicating participation in the city’s voluntary LGBTQ+ Safe Stay program, which requires annual staff training and explicit non-discrimination policies .

As anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric rise in some areas of North America, destinations like Burlington demonstrate the power of local action and community resilience. By centering intersectional advocacy, celebrating queer joy, and fostering authentic belonging, Burlington offers a model for inclusive travel that goes beyond rainbow capitalism.

For LGBTQ+ travelers seeking an escape that is both affirming and adventurous, Burlington, Vermont stands ready to welcome you—not just for Pride, but year-round.

The Justice Department appealed a lower-court order allowing people use the gender or “X” identification marker that lines up with their gender identity.

It’s the latest in a series of emergency appeals from the Trump administration, many of which have resulted in victories amid litigation, including on banning transgender people from the military.

The government argues it can’t be required to use sex designations it considers inaccurate on official documents. The plaintiffs, meanwhile, say the policy violates the rights of transgender and nonbinary Americans.

The State Department changed its passport rules after Trump, a Republican, handed down an executive order in January declaring the United States would “recognize two sexes, male and female," based on what it called “an individual’s immutable biological classification.”

Transgender actor Hunter Schafer, for example, said in February that her new passport had been issued with a male gender marker, even though she submitted the application with the female gender marker she's used for years on her driver's license and passport.

A judge blocked the Trump administration policy in June after a lawsuit from nonbinary and transgender people, some of whom said they were afraid to submit applications. An appeals court left the judge’s order in place.

The Trump administration on Friday asked the Supreme Court to put the order on hold while the lawsuit plays out.

“The Constitution does not prohibit the government from defining sex in terms of an individual’s biological classification,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote.

He pointed to the high court’s recent ruling upholding a ban on transition-related health care for transgender minors. The courts conservative majority found that law doesn't discriminate on the basis of sex, and Sauer argued that finding also supports the Trump administration’s decision to change passport rules issued in 2021.

An attorney for the plaintiffs, on the other hand, said the passport rules are discriminatory.

“This administration has taken escalating steps to limit transgender people’s health care, speech, and other rights under the Constitution, and we are committed to defending those rights,” said Jon Davidson, senior counsel for the LGBTQ & HIV Project at the American Civil Liberties Union.

While its breweries and motorcycles may get much of the spotlight, Milwaukee also boasts a welcoming and vibrant LGBTQ culture. The city has long been recognized as one of the Midwest’s most inclusive destinations, offering a variety of queer-owned businesses, bars, and cultural events.

Walker’s Point, located just south of downtown, is the heart of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ scene. The neighborhood is home to a variety of bars, nightclubs, and cafes that cater to the community. Venues like D.I.X., Fluid, LaCage and Krux are all within a few blocks of each other while Walker’s Pint is a popular hangout for the lesbian community.

Milwaukee also hosts PrideFest, one of the largest and most celebrated Pride festivals in the Midwest. Held in June, the event brings together music, performances, parades, and activism, drawing visitors from across the region. Combined with the city’s dedication to inclusivity, PrideFest underscores Milwaukee’s role as a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ residents and travelers alike.

In addition to nightlife and festivals, the city also supports LGBTQ arts and culture. Local theaters and galleries frequently highlight queer voices, while organizations like Diverse & Resilient advocate for equality and representation. Their mission is to achieve health equity and improve the safety and well-being of LGBTQ people and communities in Wisconsin. 

Few cities are as synonymous with beer as Milwaukee. Often called “Brew City,” its brewing history dates back to the 19th century when German immigrants introduced their traditions to the region. Today, visitors can still experience that heritage firsthand on the Miller Brewing Tour .

Located in Miller Valley, the Miller Brewery combines more than 160 years of history with modern innovation. The tour walks guests through the brewing process, from the massive brew kettles to the bottling lines, and of course, ends with a tasting session. It’s an authentic glimpse into Milwaukee’s past and present, one that showcases why beer remains an integral part of the city’s cultural identity.

But Miller is only the beginning. Dozens of craft breweries now call Milwaukee home, giving beer enthusiasts endless opportunities to sample IPAs, stouts, and lagers that reflect the creativity of the city’s new wave of brewmasters.