Best things to do in Wilton Manors: Florida’s Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Town

Stonewall Pride Parade at Wilton Manors | YES Market Media/Shutterstock

Stonewall Pride Parade at Wilton Manors | YES Market Media/Shutterstock

If you were asked to point to South Florida’s premier gay neighborhood on a map, where would your finger land? Key West? South beach? While they’re both technically island towns with longstanding reputations for inclusiveness, there’s only one “island town” in our book: Wilton Manors. While this scenic pocket of Greater Fort Lauderdale is completely encircled by water — hence its official nickname — the surrounding canals don’t act as a moat-like barrier to protect its residents from the outside world. No, not at Wilton Manors. It’s one of the most welcoming and open-minded communities in the country, and it’s been that way for decades. Wilton Manors was the first municipality in the state to elect an all-LGBTQIA+ city commission. There are also more same-sex couples residing here than anywhere else in the United States (apart from Provincetown, Massachusetts). But this year, as Wilton Manors celebrates 75 years of being a safe space for all identities, creeds and cultures, it’s clear that proud Floridians and their allies still face an uphill climb to secure equal rights. . So cruise along the coast – during Pride Month or any other time of year – and you’ll discover why this small island community is unlike any other in Florida or the rest of the United States.

Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival
Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival

Take part in one of Florida’s biggest Pride celebrations

Every June since 1999, Wilton Manors’ Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival took over The Drive to commemorate the pivotal Stonewall Riots while celebrating LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and heritage. The festivities draw crowds of over 40,000 revelers to the bustling street fair and the Twilight Parade which buzzes with live music and entertainment. This year’s event had six stages and no less than 16 bars along the route. (If South Floridians know how to do anything, they sure know how to throw an epic party.) With the state’s LGBTQIA+ community plunged into uncertainty from political leaders, the positive impact of the Stonewall Pride Parade on Wilton Manors is much more than an economical bargain. Do not forget to consult the calendar of events of the association Pride Center at Equality Parkwhich hosts a multitude of activities throughout the year, from creative symposiums to the beloved Saturday flea market thriving with over 50 vendors.

Immerse yourself in the outdoors

With 15 National Wildlife Federation-certified parks and 13 miles of waterways teeming with wildlife, outdoor activities abound in Island City, both on land and on the water. For the latter, rent a “Crystal Clear” kayak or paddle board from OTWaves kayaks and more and cruise along the Middle River. Put your upper body strength to the test as you walk the entirety of Wilton Manors along the seven-mile loop. In the 1890s, the area was settled by explorer William C. Collier, who planted an orange grove and traded with the local Seminole tribe. In his honor, they named the waterway “Colohatchee”, which lives on as Colohatchee Park. Hit the elevated boardwalk, which winds through a seven-acre strip of protected mangrove, a prime spot for birdwatching. Alternatively, head to Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve, which offers guided nature tours along its riverside trail and viewing pier. The park is also home to a former mansion and the Carriage House, Wilton Manors oldest structure originally built by its founder, EJ Willingham.

Stonewall National Museum and Archives
Stonewall National Museum and Archives

Visit two of the largest LGBTQIA+ museums in the world

Just outside Wilton Manors are two of the world’s greatest museums dedicated to queer history: The World AIDS Museum— the first-ever institution dedicated to the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic — aims to alleviate the lingering stigma associated with the virus by sharing first-person testimonies and ongoing educational programs to foster dialogue within the community . The museum’s 55-ton AIDS Memorial Quilt, made up of more than 48,000 panels of tribute to those who died, is so massive that it is rarely displayed in its entirety. In 2020, Stonewall National Museum and Archives became the largest LGBTQIA+ museum in the United States when it moved from Wilton Manors to the same building as the original The Stonewall Library in Fort Lauderdale, now containing over 28,000 documents related to the 1969 Stonewall Riots At New York.

Tulio tacos and tequila bar
Tulio tacos and tequila bar

Walk down the main street of Wilton Manors with the rainbow flag

With over 40 independent LGBTQIA+ businesses, Wilton Drive (“The Drive”) is a hub for queer entrepreneurship. The bulk of them are concentrated at The Shoppes at Wilton Manors, a canary yellow retail plaza packed with popular eateries like Tee Jay Thai Sushicafes like Java Boys and trendy eyewear stores like Chic Optics. Further along The Drive are some of Wilton Manors’ most beloved culinary hotspots. Hang on to a table on the lush patio of the perennial favorite Rosie’s Bar and Grill to enjoy a boozy brunch, or go to At Tulio’s for epic tacos and tequila. For stellar European comfort food, there’s The patio (nicknamed “The Tiniest Cutest Restaurant in South Florida” thanks to its pocket size) and Ethos Greek Bistro for an authentic Mediterranean. To the gourmands: do not miss To the market of the moon, a candy store filled with over 13,000 (!) sweet treats (chocolates, gummies and everything in between) from over 60 countries. You’ll even find quirky sweets like old-fashioned sweets dating back to 1806.

Rediscover your creative side

Art transcends disciplines at Wilton Manors, which has become a buzzing hive of creativity. Explore the multitude of boutique galleries along The Drive and its periphery, such as XO Galleryspecializing in homoerotic art, and the non-profit association Art Gallery 21 at the Island City Cultural Center. Or visit local studios run by independent creatives like a painter and sculptor Claudia Castillo and multimedia artist Trey Opp aka Topp Artist (both of whom can order custom parts). Want a more hands-on experience? Book a ceramics workshop at Sculpture of Sylvia and manifest your clay masterpiece. Aesthetes will also encounter a host of eclectic showrooms like blue egg interiors and Island City Traders to inspire their own home design projects.

Relax in a bohemian, breezy urban oasis

Shaded under rows of rainbow eucalyptus trees between walls covered in murals, The courtyard– though you’ll still catch locals calling it by its old name, Eucalyptus Gardens – is a veritable sanctuary set away from the hustle and bustle of The Drive. With a farmer’s market, vintage shops, nurseries and nearly a dozen restaurants, this outdoor mall is the definition of a hidden gem. Go into The Alchemist Cafe to sip some of the best espresso drinks in Broward County, Coffee Voo La Voo for unpretentious French cuisine, or The Mexican for top-notch tacos and intoxicating margaritas served with live music. If you are looking for some souvenirs, Lola’s Bazaar Art and Music (open weekends only) is a treasure trove of unique finds ranging from handcrafted jewelry to vinyl records.

The Cabanas guest house and spa
The Cabanas guest house and spa

Stay at a local (and gay-friendly) guesthouse

Wilton Manors is an excellent choice for a day trip. But if you choose to stay overnight, just be aware that big name resorts and hotel chains are nowhere to be found (you’ll have to stay ‘off’ the island for those). And hey, it’s all part of the charm. Instead, rest in one of the low-key guesthouses that dot the island. Majority tends to cater to gay travelers, like clothing optional Cabins Guesthouse & Spa and reserved for men Ed Lugo Resort. Ritzier guests will delight in the chic digs of Hermes Housean old mansion fitted with mod Italian furnishings, while family travelers should opt for the Island Sand Inn. look at Airbnb for a wide range of accommodation within walking distance of The Drive, this is where you want to stay.

Island town scene
Island town scene

Watch a show at an award-winning local theater

Island town scene was founded in 2012 by members of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s LGBTQIA+ community and in the years since has earned an exalted reputation as one of South Florida’s most acclaimed professional theaters. This small but mighty theater troupe has expertly tackled the world premieres of up-and-coming talent and beloved classics written by famous playwrights such as Tennessee Williams. And while Island City Stage’s character productions focus heavily on aspects of the queer experience, any viewer can relate to common themes of love and loss, relationships and individuality.

Mary's Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors Burger
Mary’s Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors Burger

Party all night with the boys

Little Wilton Manors is getting big when it comes to nightlife. (Again, South Florida.) Naturally, queer bars are where you can dive into all the action — and boy, are there all types of bars here. Without leaving The Drive, you can watch the game on sports barsip a refined cocktail on the terrace at Dryor catch a rowdy drag show at Mary’s Burger. Oh, and remember The Shoppes we talked about earlier? That mall where you can grab a coffee, gorge on sashimi, and even get your eyes checked all at once? It shouldn’t surprise you that two of Island City’s trendiest bars are in the same plaza. At 25 years, Georgia’s Alibi Monkey Bar is one of the oldest in South Florida. The legendary nightclub has four sections, including a full-service restaurant, so sample one of the award-winning burgers before hitting the dance floor. Migrate to Hunters across the parking lot for even more nighttime debauchery.

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Paul Jebara (@pawljebara) is a New York-based travel writer, content specialist, and polyglot.

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