5 LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations Great for Multigenerational Travel

In honor of  LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and other special occasions such as graduations and anniversaries, June is a great time to celebrate your loved ones of all ages with a group getaway. From desert blooms to world-famous waterfalls, here are some destinations that are LGBTQ+ welcoming, go beyond traditional hotspots, and are fun for everyone.

As the fifth largest city in the U.S., Phoenix (and neighboring Scottsdale) offers plenty to see and do. Take a challenging hike at Camelback Mountain, have a relaxing pool or spa day at one of the area's amazing resorts such as the Phoenician, or explore fun and hip areas like Old Town Scottsdale, Roosevelt Row and Melrose, which is especially popular with the LGBTQ+ community and home to several nightlife spots such as Charlie's, Stacy's and Pat O's Bunkhouse Saloon.

Don't miss the Desert Botanical Gardens, located within Papago Park, where you can admire the mighty cacti of the Sonoran Desert, stroll themed trails and spot colorful wildflowers. Nearby, the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail has impressive views of Phoenix's iconic red rocks and skyline, and is especially nice at sunset. Or take it all in from the sky with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.

Take a break from the outdoors at the Heard Museum, which celebrates the culture and creativity of Native Americans, or Wonderspaces for unique and immersive art. For meals, try théa for panoramic city views and tasty Mediterranean cuisine; Kahvi Coffee + Cafe, or the LGBTQ+-owned Phoenix Coqui for authentic Puerto Rican classics.

Phoenix also makes a great base to visit the Grand Canyon, about 3.5 hours away.

Ohio is among the states with the highest number of adults who identify as LGBTQ+ community, so it's no surprise that Columbus welcomes all.

"With more than 100 LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations throughout Columbus, inclusivity touches every part of our city," notes Kari Kauffman, Chief Destination Experience Officer, Experience Columbus. 

You'll find several LGBTQ+-owned businesses in charming German Village. Visit Schmidt's Fudge Haus for handcrafted sweets and Bake Me Happy for gluten-free treats; Community Grounds, a coffee shop and meeting house, and Barcelona, a neighborhood favorite serving Spanish cuisine.

While in the area, take in the historic brick homes and wander down quaint streets and through Schiller Park. Don't miss a cream puff from Schmidt's Sausage Haus (so big they are meant to be shared) and then shop for your new favorite book at The Book Loft, one of the country's largest independent bookstores with 32 rooms to browse.

Elsewhere in the city, The Short North Arts District is also very LGBTQ+ friendly and has eye-popping murals and some of the city's best bars and restaurants. Catch a fabulous drag show at Union Cafe. Nearby, Slammers, one of the country's few remaining lesbian bars, serves drinks and pizza in a friendly atmosphere. In Franklinton, sample everything from dumplings to donuts at North Market, a 150-year-old public market, and then see what's on tap at Land-Grant Brewing Company.

Other must-see attractions include the world-famous Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the riverfront Scioto Mile, the nationally-renowned COSI: Center of Science and Industry and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Located in Baja California Sur, Loreto is a hidden gem with a colorful and compact downtown that's easy to walk around, delicious food and a wealth of outdoor activities centered around the Gulf of California, including whale watching, fishing and scuba diving. Though you won't find rainbow flags, there is a distinct "everyone is welcome here" vibe.

Known as one of Mexico's "pueblos magicos" (a distinction from Mexico's Ministry of Tourism to destinations that have kept their original architecture, tradition and culture), Loreto was the first mission town in the Baja Peninsula and dates back to 1697. Its charm and culture are on display at historic sites such as the Loreto Mission Church and downtown plaza, often buzzing with locals, expats and tourists. Try one of the Mexican dishes at Mi Loreto or Raíz Restaurant or have a freshly made pizza and local beer and make new friends at El Zopilote Brewery & Cocina.

If you're an early riser, catch the sun coming up at the Malecon, a scenic seaside boardwalk that's great for strolling, jogging and biking. Find a comfy bench or spread a blanket on the beach and enjoy the refreshing breeze.

Though Loreto is beautiful by land, don't hesitate to explore the surrounding sea. Hop on a boat and tour Loreto National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that famed diver Jacques Cousteau called "The Aquarium of the World." Keep an eye out for sea lions, turtles and dolphins. In the winter months, it's one of the world's best locations to spot migrating blue whales. If you're into snorkeling and diving, Coronado Island offers clear waters, colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs.

Back on land, take a gorgeous one-hour drive through the mountains to historic Mission San Javier, or play golf overlooking the water at renowned TPC Danzante Bay.

Nothing says group bonding like a Swiss mountain adventure. Start in Zurich and spend a few days exploring the winding lanes of Old Town and visiting historic sites like Fraumünster and Grossmünster. You can also learn about Swiss history at Schweizerisches Landesmuseum and cool off with a swim in Lake Zurich.

From there, it's an easy and scenic train ride to the Alpine village of Grindelwald with stunning views of the Eiger North Face. "The LGBTQ+ community can expect a warm welcome when they come to Grindelwald, and some warm fondue, as well," says Melanie Trummer, Product Manager at Grindelwald Tourism. "Activities in Grindelwald can be scaled up or down based on physical activity level, [cementing] its status as a multigenerational travel destination for families."

For outdoor adventures, hop on the Eiger Express tri-cable gondola and soak in the views before boarding a train to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station. Sitting at over 11,000 feet above sea level, it's an awesome place to take in the icy air, let the snow crunch beneath your feet (yes, even in warmer months) and see stellar views of mountains and Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Swiss Alps.

The group fun continues at Grindelwald-First, where you can try pulse-pounding activities like a zipline, cliff walk, sky glider or speeding downhill on a scooter or mountain cart. Or simply relax and admire the views. For scenic hikes or leisurely walks, head to Schynige Platte for panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains or Harder Kulm, which overlooks sparkling Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

Sure, the world-famous waterfalls are the star attraction here and well worth a visit, but did you know the Niagara region also has a cute town and several wineries?

Base yourself on the Canadian side for stellar views of thundering Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls. To get a closer look, hop on the Hornblower for a scenic boat ride or take the Journey Behind the Falls, where you'll descend 125 feet (via an elevator) and have a magical (and very misty) view of Horseshoe Falls crashing down before you. The newly opened Niagara Parks Power Station is a place to explore a 2,200-foot-long tunnel that leads to a stunning observation deck. Afterward, have some group fun at the arcades of Clifton Hill, or take on Niagara's Fury, a 4-D sensory movie experience.

About 30 minutes away, explore the picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake with its pretty Victorian buildings and lots of eateries and shops. In the area, sample ice wine at Peller Estates. With its many charming hotels and inns, such as the Prince of Wales, the town is also a great place to spend a night or two.