The #1 Southern Destination in the US

New Orleans isn't just about Voodoo and Mardi Gras. It's rich with history, the home of jazz music, features tons of amazing food, and has a vibrant gay scene.

While Mardi Gras is the city's biggest and most popular annual event - commencing on the 12th night and running through Fat Tuesday - LGBT travelers may want to visit during Southern Decadence, which occurs over Labor Day Weekend every year.

The Quarter

The French Quarter is the site of the original French settlement in New Orleans, and is the center of food, culture, and nightlife. Despite the fact the bars never close in New Orleans, there's plenty to do outside of the party atmosphere. Find youself a brunch at La Peniche or the Upscale and historic Brennan's. Don't forget to Save room for dessert at Legendary Cafe Du Monde.

Jackson Square is central to the French Quarter, and the site of the historic St Luis Cathedral, one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks. Here you can hire a horse-drawn carriage for a romantic ride through the quarter, hunt for bargains and souvenirs in the French Market, or head a block over to Royal street to tour the art galleries.

Decadence

New Orlean's Gay bars and clubs are clustered around the NorthEast end of Bourbon street at the interseaction of St. Ann street, where the vibe at night is anywhere from boisterous to wild. With a liberal open-container law you'll find many people take to the street - cocktail in hand - going from bar to bar or just mingling in with the crowd.

The Bourbon Pub is a well known haunt which hosts events for Pride and Southern Decadence, and is right around the corner from the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Directly across the street you'll find another popular bar Oz New Orleans. Further up St. Ann you'll find bars Lafitte in Exile, and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, which is the oldest operating bar in the United States.

Leather bar The Silver Fox is nearby, and while the Leather standby Phoenix Bar is a half mile away, it's worth the extra effort to visit.

If those late night cravings hit you, you can find something to hit the spot at the Clover Grill, or NOLA Poboys. For a different type of craving, check out gogo bar Corner Pocket.

Southern Decadence - often called "Gay Mardi Gras" - brings hundreds of thousands to New Orleans for a Four Day Weekend of partying and debauchery. The scene is one of shirtless men crowding the streets day and night. A plethora of pool parties, DJs, special guests, and even a parade are all part of the fun!

Where to Stay

There are several great hotel options in the heart of the French Quarter Omni Royal Orleans is a great choice for classic Southern luxury a mere block from all the action of Bourbon Street. Bourbon Orleans Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter are also solid options for being right in the action.

If you prefer to stay a few blocks from the hustle of Bourbon Street, you can't go wrong with the chic luxury of the W New Orleans French Quarter or the more intimate B&B experience of the Place D'Armes Hotel.