Decades later, Southern friends tell me that I'm missing out—the barrier islands along the Gulf Coast are home to some of the last remaining historic Florida towns not ruined by development, and to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. To help me face my Florida fears 25 years after my last family trip, I recruit my Mexican boyfriend, Chef, a professionally trained cook, who demands that we eat well on the road.

Europe's little known gay beach resorts are getting another day in the sun, spruced up and surprisingly affordable.

Whether you're looking to surf in southern California, to sunbathe nude off-the-beaten-path in Hawaii, or enjoy the quiet side of Florida's Gulf Coast, these 10 great gay American Beaches will get you there.

In the past, guys usually explored either the west coast, which faces the Andaman Sea (including Krabi, Phuket, and the Similan Islands), or the east coast, which faces the Gulf of Thailand (including Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao) separately.

Yes, there are corners of the world that haven't been overtaken by the vacationing hordes. Here are four hidden parcels of paradise.

Is Dubai the Vegas of the Persian Gulf? Sort of.

There's a perfect gay beach for everyone, whether you seek high-octane adventure, beautiful bodies, or just an escape from the daily grind. We've found nine that should do the trick. The best part? You don't have to pick just one.

In the beginning of the 20th century Simeiz was called as "the town of Sun", "the town of Happiness". It used to be the most pictorial and deluxe resort of the south coast of the Black Sea. Cozy creek, sumptuous parks, ancient rocks. Russian outstanding writers and artists preferred spending their holidays in this small town.

Towering forested cliffs, soaring bald and golden eagles, flashes of kingfisher and great blue heron blues, and Pileatted woodpeckers reds add to the multi-hued palette that "paints" all 7.8 kilometers of Wreck Beach on a summer's day.

Due to the "nature" of our business, friends, visitors, and clients often ask us, "Are there any nude, clothing-optional, or European-style beaches in Southwest Florida?" We answer with a "Yes" and then ask them a question. "How do you plan on getting to them, on foot, by car or by boat?" First of all, we consider Southwest Florida to be one of the best "beaching" areas on the planet.

For decades the remote Florida town of Key West has been a refuge to gay tourists, but more recently, soaring real estate prices and popular events like 'Fantasy Fest' have begun to attract a more heterogeneous crowd.

Snorkel, dive, and kayak in turquoise waters and camp on a nearly empty isle in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park, America's most pristine ocean wilderness.

For a moment, the sparkling light on the water felt like it was sparkling light around me; like a fade-to-white. Beaches "Pole 67" and, visible from "shore," snorkeling strand "Pole 69" are a heaven-on-earth.

On Kauia another beach was discovered where nudity is possible.

An alternative look at the wide brown open land known as Australia.