Families

Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach – 2TravelDads

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Olympic National Park's Ruby Beach - 2TravelDads

Does anybody think of Washington State as a beach destination? Not hardly, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have the most beautiful ones around. True, Olympic National Park is missing the palm trees, but we make up for it in other ways. Of all of the sandy shorelines in the Pacific Northwest, the most beautiful one in Washington is without a doubt Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park.

What makes Ruby Beach so beautiful and dramatic? It’s the sea stacks, the weathered wood, the wildlife, the perfection of it all. We’ve got the scoop for how and when to visit to have an unforgettable time at the most beautiful beach in Washington. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll find some of the red rocks and garnets that give Ruby Beach its name.

How to Get to Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park

One of the things that makes the most beautiful in Washington is its remote location. Located just over three hours from Seattle and a little more than 2 hours from Olympia, it’s not exactly an impromptu day trip, which keeps the crowds down. If you’re making the trek that far you should plan on spending a few days both on the sand and in the Hoh Rainforest nearby.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Olympic Peninsula Gay Travel Resources

Manatee Encounters at Blue Spring State Park – 2TravelDads

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Blue Spring State Park - 2TravelDads

Blue Spring State Park is our most common activity with friends visiting Florida, and it’s the best place to see manatees near Orlando or Daytona Beach. Florida has over 1000 natural springs and they’re all a little different. Some are in high traffic areas like on the Crystal River and others are so strange to pronounce that you might not have ever heard of them… like Ichetucknee Springs. This is everything you need to know about visiting Blue Spring State Park, including the best time for manatees, handicap accessible wildlife viewing, and kayaking / standup paddleboarding information.

Where is Blue Spring State Park?

Blue Spring State Park is a little over a half hour away from Daytona Beach in Orange City, Florida. It’s actually really easy to get to and quite simple to make a day trip out of. Blue Spring State Park is easy to pair with the trip to De Leon Springs State Park or Gemini Springs. It’s a bit further from Cocoa Beach if you’re heading to that part of the Florida coast, but it’s still worth the visit.

If you are visiting Orlando this is also an easy trip to add on (45 minutes drive) and is a nice alternative to theme parks or crowded hotel pools. After a whole bunch of time at Disney World or Universal Orlando no doubt you’ll be ready for some nature and Blue Spring State Park is just perfect for that. Also, the manatees and alligators are real, actual wildlife vs being animatronics, so they’re more exciting!

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

East Central Florida Gay Travel Resources

Florida Keys Kayaking Adventure – 2TravelDads

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Florida Keys Kayaking - The Globetrotter Guys

Florida Keys Kayaking was one of our favorite parts of our road trip from Miami to Key West (mmm, key lime pie!). The best places to kayak in Southern Florida are spread out between the many islands, and they aren’t all where you’d expect. This is our guide to kayaking with kids in the Florida Keys, and any of these spots are great as an adult too.

As we go through the many kayaking spots in the Keys, you’ll see that some of the launch sites are in state parks and others are public access via beaches or boat ramps. Wherever you’re putting in, and whether it’s a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard, always be aware of wildlife, underwater obstacles, and other boats. Remember, safety first in all things if you want to have an amazing Caribbean vacation!

Best Places for Florida Keys Kayaking

Kayaking through the backcountry waters of the Keys, and you’ll see one of the world’s most diverse marine life ecosystems. The quiet, shallow backwater region of flats and mangrove islands has inspired many naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts to combine environmental tourism with the sport of sea kayaking. The opportunity to explore such serene, untouched areas is very special.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Florida Keys Gay Travel Resources

Hiking Palm Springs, California – 2TravelDads

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Hiking Palm Springs - 2TravelDads

We love to find places that everybody talks about but nobody knows the cool stuff you can do there.  One such place is Palm Springs, California.  I mean, everybody goes there for a nice weekend or a relaxing vacation, but besides golf, gay bars and swimming pools, what is there?  The ACTUAL Palm Springs!! Agua Caliente Indian Canyons is the reason for the name, and hiking here is awesome!

Have you been to Palm Springs and done the oasis hikes at Indian Canyons or out at the Coachella Preserve and know what we’re talking about?  Been thinking about a visit maybe but didn’t know what to do beyond golf and shopping?  Well, let us give you some motivation to make a weekend trip out of it or at least get you away from the pool for a few hours – try hiking Palm Springs!

Visiting Palm Springs and the Indian Canyons

A two hour drive from Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, PS lies to the east of the coastal cities.  You’ll have to pass through Riverside or Ontario, so plan for city traffic on your drive… or you can just take a short flight from any of the Southern California airports.  Actually, most West Coast airports have direct flights into town.

Once you’re in town, drive right through to the end and follow the signs for Agua Caliente Indian Canyons. After about ten minutes you’ll be at the park entrance. Pay your fee and pick where you’d like to begin, then enjoy hiking Palm Springs and all its glory.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Palm Springs Gay Travel Resources

Kayaking Arizona Rivers – 2TravelDads

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Kayaking Arizona - 2TravelDads

Arizona offers rivers and lakes in the low deserts, as well as the high deserts and the mountains, for a variety of kayaking and paddling experiences year-round. These are some of the best places for kayaking Arizona, no matter your skill level, from kayaking spots near Sedona to rafting adventures just outside of Phoenix.

Whether you’re venturing far into the wilderness or staying close to your kayak launch site, always be prepared. Riding the rivers is amazing, but it can also be fierce with hot sun and strong winds. Pay attention to conditions and remember, safety first. As you plan out your paddling places in AZ, feel confident booking guided tours where available, as professional, local knowledge can really make for a great experience.

Also, these boat trips often can lead you to wonderful trail heads for hikes. Some of the best places to go hiking in the state are very nearby our suggestions, so enjoy the full AZ outdoors experience!

Kayaking Arizona (Northern)

Northern Arizona is famous for its otherworldly canyons and red sandstone formations. This is where Arizona meets Utah, so think Grand Canyon meets Zion National Park. Here you’ll find the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon. This is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon. There are several amazing National Parks and BLM sites to explore in this part of the state, and some of the best places to kayak in the state! If you’re doing a road trip to the Grand Canyon and beyond, add this kayaking Arizona spot to your travel plan!

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Arizona Gay Travel Resources

Unforgettable Days in Gay Tahoe – 2TravelDads

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Unforgettable Days in Gay Tahoe - 2TravelDads

Reno and Lake Tahoe have so many more things to do than casinos and skiing. I’ve created an ideal itinerary for enjoying all kinds of outdoor adventures, history, and great food all around Carson City and the Lake. Many people consider Lake Tahoe for vacations, but there is a whole world just a few miles from the lake that is perfect for families or solo adventurers alike. Use this itinerary as a gay Tahoe / Reno travel / trip planner to build the sort of vacation YOU want.

This four day itinerary will give you a nice mix of culture, nature and Nevada’s historic mining past. With time in Nevada’s State Capitol, Carson City, and in the mountains surrounding the Eagle Valley, all the way to Lake Tahoe’s shores, this travel plan will keep you busy and allow for plenty of down time to relax and enjoy the area. You’ll find many things to do between Reno and Tahoe!

4 Days in Gay Tahoe /Reno Itinerary

As you arrive in the Reno-Tahoe airport or general area, you’ll most likely fly into Reno (RNO) or be driving from the San Francisco Bay Area. Either way, you’ll do some quick sightseeing in downtown Reno, driving under the Reno Arch and checking out the facades of some of the famous vintage casinos. But then you head south and start your awesome vacation.

By Chris and Rob – Full Story at the 2TravelDads

Tahoe Gay Travel Resources

Harborview Inn – Gay Friendly Gloucester B&B

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Harborview Inn - Gay Friendly Gloucester B&B

GAY FRIENDLY GLOUCESTER B&B ON CAPE ANN

The Harborview Inn sits on the Gloucester Harbor, with a view of the iconic Man at the Wheel statue.

Our gay friendly Gloucester B&B is an easy walk away from all that downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts has to offer – fun museums, great restaurants, local shopping, brew pubs, coffee shops, whale watching spots and tours, and many other seaside attractions.

Our guest rooms are comfortable and well-decorated, and each one has its own singular, charming style. Most of our rooms feature a wonderful harbor view, and all of them come with private bathroom, air conditioning, and cable television.

Guests of the Harborview Inn are invited to a complimentary continental breakfast each morning – you’ll enjoy fresh fruit and pastries from around the Cape Ann region.

Our friendly and knowledgable staff at our gay friendly Gloucester B&B is always there to help make your stay both relaxing and fun.

See the Harborview Inn Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gloucester Gay Friendly B&Bs, Hotels, and Vacation Rental

Visit Tempe for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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TeTempe for Gay Families - 2TravelDads

It’s rare that just one of us dads gets to escape for a trip with just one of the kids. It happened though!! It really did! Oliver (our oldest) and I (Rob) got to take an adventure down to Tempe, Arizona and it was the perfect bonding trip that we needed. This central AZ town was the ideal spot for us with nonstop outdoors and kid-focused activities. Tempe for gay families = best idea ever. Tempe engaged us to go explore and share our experience and huzzah we loved it!

It might seem strange to go to a small city,, but it’s actually smart travel. When you hit up a spot like San Francisco or Miami you’re going to be faced with lots of skyscrapers and fancy food. Tempe with kids fit us just right for keeping things mellow and fun (and still great food). Check it out!

Tempe for Gay Families

A lot of people fly through Phoenix (PHX) for work or as a general travel hub, and if you’ve got a long layover or want to add an easy adventure to a work trip, This Phoenix suburb is super easy for that. Located about fifteen minutes east of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport you are really close to whatever else you’ve got planned.

Vacationing In Cabo for Gay Families – 2TravelDads

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Cabo for Gay Families -2TravelDads

We’ve been to Cabo San Lucas with our kids load of times, like, we’ve spent the equivalent of three months there as a family. You could say it’s our favorite family destination in Mexico. Since we’ve done it so much, we’ve decided it’s time we share our best tips for visiting this beachside resort town with kids.

I’ll say this right away, Cabo with kids is mostly about relaxation and swimming vs digging into Mexican culture and nature. There are lots of opportunities for that, but Cabo for gay families is more about a luxury destination than adventure.

How to Get to Cabo San Lucas

For those traveling from the west coast, getting there is pretty easy. There are direct flights from Seattle, San Francisco, Sacramento, Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Diego. Denver and Dallas also offer direct flights, so know that even east coasters should be able to find a good flight. When flying in, the airport is SJD (San Jose del Cabo), Los Cabos International Airport.

The airport is actually quite nice now (thanks Hurricane O’dele) and as long as you arrive early in the day or in the early evening, customs is pretty fast and smooth.

Full Story at 2TravelDads

Baja Sur Gay Travel Resources

Cliff Dwellers Resort – Gay Friendly Resort in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

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Cliff Dwellers Resort - Gay Friendly Resort in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

STURGEON BAY WATERFRONT RESORT

Welcome to Cliff Dwellers Resort in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, one of Door county’s original waterfront resorts. Originally opened in 1957, Cliff Dwellers Resort is snuggled between the peaceful, moss and cedar-covered cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment and the deep blue waters of Sturgeon Bay. 

Our Sturgeon Bay resort is the ideal place for rest and relaxation, romance or outdoor recreation. You can watch the sailboats glide by on the bay from your private waterfront cottage patio or townhouse balcony.

The romantic, intimate surroundings are a great place to sneak away from your busy life and reconnect with yourself, your friends, your family or the natural beauty of this place.

Just a few hundred yards north, you’ll find a trail entrance to Potawatomi State Park, where you can hike, bike, and rejuvenate your spirits.

Our guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool and sundecks, right on the bay. We also offer an indoor sauna and whirlpool, rowboats for guest use, bikes, gas or charcoal barbecues, and in-room wifi access.

See the Cliff Dwellers Resort Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Wisconsin Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals