Sunny Florida has long been one of the world's premier gay and lesbian travel destinations, especially that scenic, vibrant stretch of Atlantic shoreline stretching from Fort Lauderdale south through Miami and the Beaches and on down to distinctive Key West.

The region's pleasant fall, winter and spring months have long drawn legions of sun-worshipers, many escaping from cooler, snowy climes. And during the summer months, gay tourists from all over world have for decades taken advantage of the often substantially reduced hotel rates and airfares, plus a slew of lively events and festivals, such as Gay Days in Orlando.

Perhaps no city in America has grown more in popularity among gay visitors in the past 15 years than fabulous Fort Lauderdale, which has seen an especially dramatic increase in upscale gay resorts. A number of older properties that had fallen on hard times have been reinvented by gay entrepreneurs and outfitted with lavishly landscaped pool areas, spacious rooms with luxurious bedding and opulent bathrooms and friendly, highly professional staffs. In fact, Fort Lauderdale was voted the Best Gay Resort Destination in 2007 by the readers of OutTraveler. This is the premier Florida destination for both couples and singles looking for an inviting, private gay hideaway to relax for a few days - or a few weeks.

Inland Fort Lauderdale's up-and-coming Wilton Manor neighborhood bustles with gay and lesbian businesses, including inviting cafés and coffeehouses, lively bars and lounges and fine retail and dining options. The city also has dozens of arts and cultural venues, more than 20 gay bars and myriad recreational opportunities. It's easy to see why Fort Lauderdale has one of the highest per-capita lesbian and gay populations in the country.

Down south, Little Key West takes great delight in marching to its own drum. Around the 1960s, gay folks began relocating there in sizeable numbers, and about a decade later gay guesthouses started to proliferate. Walk through town today and you'll notice a spirited camaraderie not just among gays and lesbians, but among all types of visitors, whether they're sipping cocktails at a sidewalk cafe along Duval Street or celebrating the sunset at Mallory Square.

In Key West, you'll find your pick of gay resorts. The town was selected Best Gay Resort Town in 2006 by readers of Out Traveler and OutTraveler.com. There you'll find dozens of historic, intimate gay-friendly guesthouses - many with colorful gardens and ornate architectural details. The majority are downtown or in the historic district a few blocks to the east. The best thing about this relatively small community is that almost anywhere you stay, you're an easy walk from enticing shopping, dining and nightlife.

Miami is another of Florida's great destinations for gay and lesbian travelers - the most popular area is area is the pulsing South Beach section of Miami Beach, a dynamic barrier island connected to the mainland by a series of bridges. Since the 1980s, scores of architectural preservationists, nightclub impresarios, gay snowbirds and various others have transformed what had been a down-at-the-heels district into one of the nation's most glamorous resorts.

The gay scene that began in just a handful of progressive, welcoming communities, such as Key West and Fort Lauderdale, has quickly begun to proliferate all around the state, from Miami to North Florida.

South Beach's stunning, colorful Art Deco buildings now contain glitzy hotels, hip restaurants and high-end boutiques, and at night there are enough chichi nightclubs and swank lounges to keep even the most ardent revelers happy. The international jet-set as well as the fashion and film industries have fallen in love with South Beach's architecture, as well as its sassy, gay-friendly attitude. On the mainland in Miami proper, you'll also find plenty of gay-popular business, gallery districts and nightclubs - much of the activity is centered around the historic Coconut Grove neighborhood.

On the Gulf Coast, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area has grown into an increasingly prominent gay and lesbian destination. This host to the fast-growing St. Pete Pride Festival has a wealth of lively gay bars and is home to more and more accommodations and resorts that market to gay and lesbian travelers.

Just down the coast, sophisticated and artsy Sarasota continues to develop a loyal gay following, thanks to its vibrant downtown, beautiful beaches and wealth of both cultural and outdoorsy diversions.

The gay scene that began in just a handful of progressive, welcoming communities, such as Key West and Fort Lauderdale, has quickly begun to proliferate all around the state, from Miami to North Florida. Just about any time of year, you'll discover events and festivals geared toward GLBT visitors, plus dynamic nightlife options, romantic gay guesthouses and superb shopping and dining.