Where to Travel to Celebrate Pride 2025 Without Draining Your Wallet (or Energy)

Pride Month is more than a party — it's a powerful global celebration of love, identity, and community. While many cities honor LGBTQ+ pride in June, festivities stretch worldwide all year, often depending on local climates or cultural calendars.

Whether you’re marching in your hometown or flying somewhere fabulous, here’s how to make the most of Pride 2025 — saving money, time, and sanity along the way.

1. Plan your activities in advance

Many festivities surrounding Pride are often free. Parades and public concerts abound in major cities, but the best drag shows, dance parties and brunches may come with a price tag.

Many cities feature parties with hard-to-get tickets, such as San Francisco’s Juanita MORE! Pride Party, now marking over 20 years, or LA's SpLAsh Pool Party at the Andaz West Hollywood on June 7. Expect rooftop dancing, electric beats and a serious vibe check.

If traveling with a group, use Google Sheets or TripIt to build a shared itinerary. Assign roles — one person books brunch, another reserves show tickets. Your group chat will thank you.

Keep in mind that your group might have different travel budgets. It's okay to split up and do different activities so you each have the Pride experience you're after.

2. Book accommodations near the Pride festivities

Being able to drop into your room for an outfit change, power nap, or quick shower can make or break your weekend. Book a hotel or vacation rental near the action to avoid surge-priced Ubers and long train rides in glittery heels.

Here are some hotels offering either deals, special events or both for Pride 2025:

• Andaz West Hollywood (Los Angeles, CA): This Sunset Strip legend throws one of LA Pride’s signature events — the rooftop SpLAsh Pool Party (June 7).

• The Shay (Culver City, CA): Book daybeds or cabanas at the rooftop pool with ResortPass — no overnight stay required. Use promo code SHAYSP when booking for deals.

• YOTEL Washington DC (Washington, D.C.): YOTEL's Deck 11 has a cheeky and colorful Pride cocktail menu — plus a secret menu hidden at Art and Soul, available only with the password: QUEERCHEERS. Plus, 10% of proceeds go to a non-profit called Gay For Good.

• Andaz Mexico City Condesa: A short walk from Mexico City’s June 28 parade, this gem offers a $100 hotel credit (book by June 30; stay by Sept. 12, 2025; use code 148091). Don’t miss the rainbow pastries at Derba Matcha Café and lobby portraits of local LGBTQ+ icons like Gala Varo and Isha Elif.

• NUMU Boutique Hotel (San Miguel de Allende): Celebrate the July 12 Pride Parade with rooftop views of the iconic pink church and a 20% discount using promo code PRIDE.

» Learn more: 5 LGBTQ+-friendly hotels around the world

3. Celebrate beyond the parade

While you might easily be able to fill up your schedule completely with Pride events, set aside some time to explore the city outside of the Pride parade and celebrations.

Seek out local queer art exhibits, like the editorial portraits at Andaz Mexico City Condesa, open to the public all June. Or visit museums with LGBTQ+ archives, such as the ONE Archives in Los Angeles.

And it doesn’t have to cost money either. For instance, if you’re traveling to San Francisco Pride, consider taking an afternoon to walk around the Haight-Ashbury district, venture to the Pacific coast or take a selfie on the Golden Gate Bridge. You could also picnic at Golden Gate Park — it’s free to visit, and has more than 1,000 acres to explore.

4. Stay safe

Some Pride events attract more than a million people. In 2024, about 2.5 million celebrated NYC Pride, according to NYC Pride’s co-chair Sue Doster.

As with any crowded gathering, take steps to ensure that you stay safe.

• Share your location with your friends and let them know your intended whereabouts after the events.

• Charge your phone fully before going out, and bring a battery pack.

• Never leave your drink unattended and moderate your alcohol consumption.

• Bring an anti-theft bag or wallet to help prevent being pickpocketed.

• Stay aware of your surroundings.

• Hydrate, eat and wear sunscreen.

And of course, respect your limits. It’s okay to call it a night early or skip an event. Joy isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Celebrate Pride

Seasoned Pride attendees know to book accommodations near the festivities and to snag tickets to certain events in advance. Budget for your lodging and activities — you can use points and miles or other hotel perks to save on stays. Visiting free attractions or parks in the area can stretch your travel budget further.

Stay safe amidst the crowds and take care of yourself. Taking steps to ensure your wellbeing can be the difference between having a great or a lousy Pride experience.