Multi colored stucco homes are the skyline of San Juan, Puerto Rico. You wouldn’t see them anywhere else in the United States, and at first sight it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that you’re in somewhere that it makes perfect sense for there to be an American flag hanging high from various places. Puerto Rico is as close as you can get to an international vacation without ever stepping off of American soil.

The gay friendly island of Puerto Rico also takes that title to its highest point. In fact, Puerto Rico is just about the best destination for gay travelers to set down their trunks. While the gay life does spread out across the whole island, if you’re interested in being in the center of the Puerto Rican and tourist gay community, then San Juan is your spot. With bars and restaurants, clubs and hotels, all focused on catering to the GLBT community, you can both experience new surroundings and feel completely at home.

If you’re interested in a hotel popular among gay tourists, head for El Convento (The Convent–don’t worry, it’s not as drab as it sounds!), but if you really want to meet people, you need to head to the most popular and ultimately the best gay club in San Juan, Krash Klub (aka Eros). The gay friendly island of Puerto Rico has another thing to offer as well–the beaches. While there aren’t any specifically gay beaches, there are certain ones which are very popular among gay tourists. Skip Puerto Rico, and you’re missing the sights, the sounds, the tastes–many varied cuisines.