Photo Credit: Robin Roemer

TripOut Gay Travel:
Washington, DC

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Gay Friendly Rating: Gay Friendly Rating Very welcoming; this place is gay-tastic!
There's lots to be proud of in Washington these days. Come celebrate Pride and dive into D.C.'s hopping gay scene!

Washington, DC Fast Facts:

  • Gayborhood The Dupont Circle neighborhood has long been the focal point of the DC's gay community.
  • A good place to start your visit in the nation's capital is with a stop at Lambda Rising bookstore (1625 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington; tel. 202-462-6969; http://www.lambdarising.com), which has served as the District of Columbia's unofficial gay community center since the 1970s. Here you can find an extensive collection of gay books and magazines, gifts to take back home and copies of the city's two free gay publications, Metro Weekly and the Washington Blade, for updates on local happenings. Just a few doors down is the HRC Action Center & Store (1633 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington; tel. 202-232-8621) where you can also buy fun souvenirs that support the cause.
  • With three major airports (Dulles, Reagan National and BWI) serving the Washington, DC area, you can often find inexpensive flights year-round. Once in the city, it is easy to get around by walking or taking public transportation. NOTE: Don't fly through to BWI if you're coming or leaving on a weekend. The MARC train that easily connects DC to BWI airport (about a 45 min ride) only runs Monday-Friday and getting a taxi or a shuttle on the weekends can cost a pretty penny.
  • DC is divided into four quadrants: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Southeast. The Capitol building marks the center where the quadrants meet. It is important to always check the quadrant indicator (NW, NE, SW, SE) of a local address before setting out.
  • Know how to work the street grid in the city. The numbered streets run north to south and the letters run east to west. Both sets go in order so you can navigate easily using the cross streets. The state streets run diagonal and can be a little confusing, but don't let them mess you up.
  • The Destination D.C. is a member of the IGLTA, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, which supports and promotes LGBT travel around the world.

Washington, D.C.: Dupont Circle and Beyond

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As the capital of the United States, Washington, DC, is by default one of the most visited and recognizable cities in the world. It has iconic monuments and buildings, world-class museums – many of them free – unique neighborhoods and an endless... Read More Washington, D.C.: Dupont...
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Washington, DC Top 5

Don't leave town before checking out...
  1. 2010 Capital Pride Parade
  2. Homo Erectus: An Evolution of Pride (Closing Party)
  3. 2010 Capital Pride Street Festival
  4. Capital Pride 35th Anniversary
  5. Pride in the Park

Recommended In Washington, DC:

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Hotels & Inns

Restaurants

Bars & Clubs

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    9:30 Club 815 V Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Apex 1415 22nd Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    BeBar 1318 9th Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Blowoff 9:30 Club
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    DC9 1940 9th Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 3
    EFN Lounge 1318 9th St NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Halo 1435 P Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    JR's 1519 17th Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 1
    Nellie's 900 U Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Omega 2122 P Street, NW
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Phase 1 528 8th Street, SE
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Remingtons 639 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
  • Gay+ Gay+: this place is super-gay! Have Fun! 0
    Town 2009 8th Street, NW

Shopping

Sights & Activities

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