Washington DC Gay and Lesbian Vacations
Oribtz in the DC Pride Parade
Your gay Washington D.C. vacation
If you are ever going to feel a sense of patriotism, it will be in magnificently-planned D.C. The urban brainchild of Pierre-Charles L’Enfant in 1792, there seems to be a breath-taking monument around every corner you turn. You can also be proud of your gay history here too - in 1965, one of America’s first gay civil rights demonstration took place in front of the White House, with picketers dressed in business suits. The city’s Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance is the nation’s oldest continuously active LGBT organization and in 1991, the nation’s first Black Gay and Lesbian Pride Day happened here as well.
Featured Hotels
LGBT-welcoming Washington DC hotels
The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C.
The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Washington D.C. Downtown
The Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
Carlyle Suites Hotel
Washington Marriott
The Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C.
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Embassy Row
Best in Stay
LGBT Best in Stay Washington DC hotels
Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square
Donovan House, a Kimpton Hotel
Morrison Clark Inn
Palomar Washington DC, a Kimpton Hotel
St. Gregory Luxury Hotel and Suites
Gayborhood
Washington DC Gayborhood hotels
Carlyle Suites Hotel
Donovan House, a Kimpton Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC/Dupont Circle
The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C.
Palomar Washington DC, a Kimpton Hotel
Flights
| Departure | Arrival | Travel dates | Round-trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Washington DC | Tue, Jan 29 - Fri, Feb 1 | $299 |
| Chicago | Washington DC | Tue, Jan 22 - Sat, Jan 26 | $192 |
| Boston | Washington DC | Tue, Feb 12 - Tue, Feb 19 | $98 |
| Denver | Washington DC | Thu, Jan 10 - Fri, Jan 11 | $177 |
| San Francisco | Washington DC | Wed, Jan 30 - Tue, Feb 26 | $287 |
| Seattle | Washington DC | Sat, Feb 9 - Tue, Feb 26 | $325 |
| Minneapolis | Washington DC | Sun, Mar 3 - Wed, Mar 6 | $218 |
| Dallas | Washington DC | Mon, Jan 28 - Tue, Jan 29 | $254 |
| New York | Washington DC | Mon, Feb 11 - Wed, Feb 13 | $98 |
| Orlando | Washington DC | Wed, Jan 23 - Wed, Jan 30 | $140 |
| Kansas City | Washington DC | Wed, Feb 20 - Sat, Feb 23 | $190 |
| Atlanta | Washington DC | Tue, Feb 5 - Thu, Feb 7 | $246 |
Why book on Orbitz?
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Miss Richfield 1981 says it best in this video—not all travel sites are created equal. When you book on Orbitz, your travel dollars work harder. Here’s why:
- We’re the ONLY leading travel agency with a perfect Corporate Equality Index Score from the Human Rights Campaign, with two GLAAD Media awards to boot.
- We’re the ONLY leading travel site with filters for hotel reviews by other LGBT travelers.
- We feature the top gay-friendly accommodations, including Best in Stay hotels and gay resorts.
- We’re proud sponsors of many LGBT charities and events, year after year.
Washington DC highlights
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Hitting up the Mall
You could spend days and days and still not see everything on the Mall, the gorgeous space between the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial with monuments to Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Also on the mall is the National Archives, home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights.
Museums galore
Aside from the epic Smithsonian, D.C. is well-stocked with museums. From the National Museum of the American Indian to the National Museum of Women in the Arts to the National Gallery of Art to Holocaust Memorial Museum, in D.C. you’ll find a museum for any mood.
LGBT D.C.
Despite its reputation as a businesslike, button-down and even sleepy town, D.C. is one of gayest destinations on the East Coast. Sure, it may not have the hip nightlife of New York or Miami, but scores of LGBTers call the place home, drawn to this center of power to work for change in the halls of government. The city even has an Office of GLBT Affairs and a full-fledged GLBT tourism campaign. Although gays are scattered across town, the main hub remains the traditionally queer area of Dupont Circle, with Capitol Hill and Logan Circle also drawing their fair share of family.
Patriotic Pride
Plenty of gay activities will keep you occupied year-round: The Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend in January, D.C. Black Pride Weekend in May, Capital Pride Festival in June, and the Reel Affirmations LGBT film fest in October. In addition, the Human Rights Campaign, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and the Victory Fund all host galas and dinners throughout the year.
Insider tips for Washington DC gay travel
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Consider the train
Amtrak’s high-speed train, the Acela, travels from D.C. to New York in under three hours (when it’s not delayed, of course). It can be a lot less of a hassle than flying.
Visit during the quieter congressional recesses
Lawmakers break for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, July 4 and the entire month of August. Mid-March through June is the busiest time in D.C., as it’s springtime when the cherry blossoms are in bloom along the Potomac. August can have cheaper hotel rates as well.
The tourism board gives good info
D.C. has a very gay-positive tourism board, visit their website for more info.