Gay Things To Do In Washington DC

Written by JosephOctober 20, 2021

Image placeholder

Don’t hesitate to explore Washington D.C.‘s thriving gay scene. With streets lined with gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses, any gay traveler will feel right at home.

Washington D.C. is the political nerve center of the United States and many local LGBT residents fight to secure civil rights for gays and lesbians in the rest of the country.  Make no mistake — the community is bipartisan when it comes to balancing work and fun!

See DC’s OG LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood, Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle remains one of the District’s most popular swaths of real estate, boasting a plethora of restaurants and shops, and plenty of outdoor activities (pick-up chess game anyone?) on its central grassy circle. 

Do some quintessentially DC sightseeing with a visit to the Supreme Court

The highest court in the land has been the site of many landmark decisions, including the June 2015 ruling that made same-sex marriage legal. “No longer may this liberty be denied. No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were,” wrote Justice Anthony M. Kennedy in the majority opinion. The Supreme Court is open for free tours Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Get active with the DC Front Runners

Vacation doesn’t mean ditching a workout. Join the DC Front Runners, a running, walking and social club that meets four days a week for group runs and walks at 23rd & P Streets NW, usually followed by a relaxed social gathering.

Gay-Friendly Nightlife

The Green Lantern

This hidden gem is one of the most beloved LGBT bars in the city. Happy hour starts at 4 p.m., but watch out — the pours are generous! Head up to the second floor club when you’re in the mood to dance. 

Nellie’s Sports Bar

Mingle with fellow gay partyers at this two-story staple, complete with a large roof deck. The Sunday drag brunch is epic, as are Sunday Fundays, where you can beat the Sunday night blues with a dance party.

JR’s Bar  

Open for more than 25 years, this bar features showtunes singalongs, drag performances, and a very popular happy hour. 

Doyle

Doyle is one of the city’s best happy hour spots. The floor-to-ceiling windows make this one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Don’t miss the chance to taste an insanely good Cosmopolitan!

Uproar

A energetic tri-level gay bar in the Shaw neighborhood offering sushi, fun cocktails and tempting you further with one of DC’s best rooftop decks. Particularly popular with the bear community.

Pitchers

A gay sports bar in the heart of Adams Morgan where everyone is welcome. It might look small from the front entrance but as anyone who has tried online dating will tell you, looks can be deceiving and inside you will find a 1000+ square foot building features plenty of flat screens for sports fans, darts, an almost hidden nightclub, and two spacious patios. There is even a selection of retro video games to play – which we loved as it was an easy way to meet new people or break the ice when a date was getting awkward. Thirst Trap Thursdays is *the* drag show to attend, and weekends are absolutely pumping.

Depending on your mood you can find anything here from a relaxed cocktail in an upscale bar to an all-night dance party surrounded by your queer family. There is also plenty of cruise/dive bars, sexy go-go boys, fabulous drag, fun events and  – well, something to cater for every taste! There is always something fun and interesting to do here, every night of the week from oh-so-sexy shower shows and sports bars to drag shows and all-night raves.

Don’t hesitate to explore Washington D.C.‘s thriving gay scene. With streets lined with gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses, any gay traveler will feel right at home. If you’re planning on meeting hot guys this weekend around DC, make sure to download our favorite gay dating apps like Gay Dating Solutions and My Gay Match.

My Gay Match is a new gay dating site that focuses on matching gay men not only on demographic information but a unique personality measure developed by a psychologist. All members are personally confirmed and carefully screened by their staff to prove that they are real. If you’re looking to find a warm and meaningful connection with interesting and caring singles this is the site for you. The gay dating website is currently offering a free 30-day trial.

Like this article? Share it with a friend!

Related Articles