A popular gay vacation spot, the Northeast is ripe with possibilities. And New York City is particularly so. After you've hit the Statue of Liberty and Macy's, stroll over to Central Park's Conservatory Garden. You'll find six acres of natural wonders hidden behind those wrought-iron gates. Heading to Boston? Check out the Boston Woman's Heritage Trail walking tour. You'll learn about how women abolitionists, suffragists, artists, and writers shaped history. 

And don't forget Washington, D.C. If you like to unwind searching for treasures, check out Antique Row in Kensington, Maryland. It's the oldest antique center in Metropolitan Washington, and has more than 80 shops (and is easily accessible from downtown D.C.). For some real urban culture, explore U Street, the center of Washington's African-American nightlife for much of the 20th century. Walk it almost any night, and you'll feel the sounds of hip hop and the smell of tamales practically radiating from the sidewalk. Those looking for a party can find one at Apex. Practically a D.C. legend, it's been a favorite gay dance club for years. There's plenty of room for dancing on their parquet floor.

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If you like glamour, glitz, and art deco architecture, you'll fall in love with Miami. Miami has all the food, culture, festivals, and events you could ever enjoy no matter what time of year you're visiting. Not only is Miami in the heart of the Gay Riviera, it has a gay and lesbian Chamber of Commerce, so you know you'll be visiting your kind of town. You can find gay beaches such as 12th and Ocean in Miami Beach. But if that sounds too wild, check out the shopping and dining areas of Lincoln Road, an open-air pedestrian mall, or Ocean Drive, where you can wander past trendy art-deco hotels or perhaps stumble upon a fashion shoot. 

Sneak a peak at the Versace Mansion, also on Ocean Drive, as you walk by. Check out the Vizcaya Museum, James Deering's 1916 winter estate designed to look like authentic Italian villas down to the last elaborate touches. If you're heading to South Beach, be sure to check out the Art Deco Historic District. Learn all about the funky pastel buildings Florida is famous for from the Miami Design Preservation League--they offer a great district tour. And if you're heading to Ft. Lauderdale, you might love the Jungle Queen's BBQ and shrimp dinner cruise. This 4-hour jaunt takes you up the New River for an all-you-can-eat shrimp and ribs dinner and a show.

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For many gay and lesbian travelers, San Francisco is like coming home. The breathtaking Golden Gate Park always has a great event going on. But be sure to enjoy some of the Park's other attractions, which include three man-made lakes, horseback riding, polo fields, golf courses, tennis courts, and the zen-like Japanese Tea Garden. And if you feel like getting active, the park is one of the best places to bike and rollerblade; and yes, you can rent nearby. Cars are banned every Sunday from 5 am to 5 pm, so it can't get any safer. If you're looking for some art, The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is a great venue for exploratory contemporary works. It features exhibitions, performances, film/video, and community engagement programs. 

But no trip would be complete without a visit to the Castro District. You know you're there by the rainbow flags that line the neighborhood streets. Special to the Castro: the Castro Theater, probably the only theater with a resident Wurlitzer organ player who warms the crowd with rousing organ music pre-movie. Be sure to see the inside of the theater--it's a lot more exciting than the outside. The shops, bars, and restaurants can't be beat. Standouts are the Sausage Factory on Castro, Moby Dick on 17th, and Does Your Mother Know? card shop on Castro. One more plus: this district is known for its safety and great weather, so you can enjoy a worry-free visit.

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