visiting wilton manors
Whether it's your first time to South Florida or you're a regular, it's often easier to plan your trip if you know the "lay of the land". Since we're super-locals, let us help!*
Wilton Manors is small, but not tiny.
While Wilton Manors is a small town compared to its far larger neighbor, Fort Lauderdale, it’s not tiny. Even though most of the activity for visitors focuses on Central Wilton Manors and Wilton Drive, accommodations are spread out so it’s helpful to acknowledge that just because you *can* walk, doesn’t mean you *should*. And let’s be honest, the Florida heat and humidity is nothing to mess with either, so ride sharing with Uber or Lyft, or using Circuit, can greatly expand your range of options. Our WilMAP™ has a “Visitor Mode” where you can isolate businesses that may be of interest to gaycationers.
Central Wilton Manors
Once a sleepy bedroom community north of downtown Fort Lauderdale in the 90’s, today Wilton Manors is the epitome of gay Fort Lauderdale – and probably all of gay Florida. Wilton Drive, or “The Drive”, has the bulk of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops. It’s often lively at night, and it’s very walkable. If you stay within a block or two of The Drive, you are in the heart of it all. Pride, Wicked Manors and a host of other events are held in this area every year.
Where’s Central Wilton Manors? Andrews Avenue in the west to the train tracks in the east (just east of Dixie), and 26th Street in the north to the rainbow bridge over the river in the south.
What’s here at a glance? Alibi, Hunters, Eagle, Gym Bar, Drynk, The West End, LIT, Rosie’s, The Well, Ethos, Proof, Ed Lugo Resort, Solstice, Inn on the Drive, Ramrod (a medium walk into FTL) and many more restaurants and shops.
North Wilton Manors
The term “North Wilton Manors” is not a colloquial term to locals but we find it useful because there are accommodations, shops and a bar or two that visitors may want visit. Five Points (5P) is directly part of The Drive and it’s likely you’ll pass through on foot or by car at some point. Publix is here as well as the main thru-point to East Wilton Manors. The northern edge of the busy-ish 6th Avenue Corridor (6AC) – while walkable to The Drive – is not contiguous with it.
Where’s North Wilton Manors? Andrews Avenue in the west to the train tracks in the east, and the bridge over the river to the north to NE 26th Street/Five Points in the south.
What’s here at a glance? Scandal’s Saloon (6AC), Sprouts (6AC), Publix (5P), Automotive (5P), and other local businesses and restaurants.
East Wilton Manors
Anything east of the train tracks is considered eastern Wilton Manors. While there are beautiful neighborhoods and assisted living facilities in this area, there are also a few gems for visitors. If you’re staying in the area closest to Federal Highway, know that it’s a long and hot walk on 26th Street to The Drive since it’s virtually the only way to get over to Central Wilton Manors. You may want to use ride sharing or Circuit to commute to The Drive from further-away accommodations in this area.
Where’s East Wilton Manors? Train tracks in the west to the bridge over the river to the east into Federal Highway and the NE 15th Ave bridges in the north to the south.
What’s here at a glance? Alchemist, The Best Cellar, Grey Box Theater, Starbucks, 7-11, Cabanas, easy access to Fort Lauderdale’s commercial area.
West Wilton Manors
West Wilton Manors is quieter and farther away than other areas. It consists of neighborhoods, parks, and a fabric of communities. Virtually all activity revolves around Andrews Avenue and to a much lesser extent, Powerline. There are local shops and services here, a couple bars, laundromats and B2B organizations. It’s not contiguous with The Drive. If you’re not at an AirBNB, playing softball in the Hurricane Showdown, or going to one of the bars, you probably won’t spend the bulk of your time here. While parts along Andrews are walkable from The Drive, it’s at least a 20 minute walk so consider ride sharing options if you don’t feel up to it.
Where’s West Wilton Manors? Andrews Avenue in the east to the canals near I-95 in the west, and the bridge over the river in the north at Oakland Park Blvd to bridge over the river in the south into Fort Lauderdale.
What’s here at a glance? Boardwalk (FTL), Corner Pub, Chocolate City, Aroma Joe’s, Las Colinas, Mills Pond Park (FTL), another Publix, and more.
Fort Lauderdale
While Wilton Manors has 80% of the gay nightlife, Fort Lauderdale has a lot to offer across all categories. Most places of interest require a short ride share as they are scattered throughout town. Fort Lauderdale Beach has a congregation of gay guesthouses, Sebastian Street Gay Beach, and other great mainstream hotels. Bars of yesteryears like The Colosseum, Cubby Hole, The Saint, Copa, and Cathode Ray are long gone but there are a couple stalwarts throughout town.
What’s here at a glance: Mona’s, Ramrod, Le Boy, Sebastian Gay Beach, Worthington Guest House, Pineapple Point, Slammer, Club Fort Lauderdale, and many other (fantastic) gay and non-gay places.
Miami & South Beach
Miami and South Beach are a hike from Wilton Manors. While only about 25 miles away, you may regret trying to squeeze it into a day. If you’re going, stay overnight to avoid traffic and expensive ride shares, and enjoy your time there to the fullest.
What’s here at a glance: The Palace, Twist, South Beach, virtually unlimited mainstream activities, bars and restaurants.
Key West
Don’t bother trying – you have to stay there. In fact, it’s a different trip altogether.
Wilton Manors FAQs for Visitors
How far is the cruise port (Port Everglades) from Wilton Manors?
The Drive is about 10 miles north of Port Everglades. If you’re going on a gay cruise, often times the “bon voyage” or post cruise parties are hosted in Central Wilton Manors. Many people stay along Fort Lauderdale Beach which is closer to the Port, but also not far from Wilton Manors. Both require ride sharing (neither are walkable to/from Wilton Manors).
Where does most of the nightlife happen?
By far, on The Drive, at least for gay nightlife. Everything from the Rainbow Bridge to Five Points is walkable and full of activity on Friday nights and during the weekend. There are many different bars offering a range of scenes from upscale cocktail lounges to local watering holes, and everything in between – happy hour until very late hours. Locals have their favorite bars and frequent them religiously. Many businesses support local sports teams and attract players during their seasons.
What types of restaurants and cafes are available in Wilton Manors?
The quantity and quality of restaurants has increased in Wilton Manors in recent years, and continues to innovate. If you get the pre- or post- bar “hangries” there are several options including pizza, bistros, and burgers – and a few of the bars also have a decent menu. For formal lunch or dinners you have a range of food categories including Mexican, Greek, Italian, New American and more. Breakfast offers cafes, bagels and a few recognizable breakfast chains. Check out our Directory for a full list on and off The Drive and always confirm the hours for any of these places before going.
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