Gay bathhouse list
The Best Gay Saunas and Bathhouses in the USA
American bathhouses are often seen as pale imitations of their European counterparts. There’s a reason for this: most bathhouses were closed in the 80s on government orders. Those gloomy days have passed but many American bathhouses haven’t recovered from the forced shutdowns. San Francisco's bar on gay bathhouses was only lifted in no major new bathhouse has yet to make exploit of San Fran's more favorable legal environment.
That existence said, there are some excellent - even world-class - gay bathhouses in the US. We’ve visited them all - tough gig - and gathered together a list of our favorites.
Steamworks (Chicago, IL)
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Boystown, Steamworks is a well-known institution among the city’s gay society. This modern and upscale bathhouse offers a large range of amenities, including private rooms, a massive steam room, a whirlpool, and a fully equipped gym.
Steamworks is known to be a place where you can get move with Windy City hotties. It’s especially busy at weekends. It’s also acknowledged to be one of the better-maintained gay saunas in the US. Many Travel Gay users own visited this sauna and le
This guide jumps into the gay sauna experience worldwide, uncovering their cultural significance, where they thrive, regional differences, and what to expect during your go to. We also list some of our favorite queer saunas around the planet, so you can identify a gay sauna proximate you when you are traveling. Be sure to also not miss our map down below!
Whether you’re a seasoned sauna-goer or stepping into a gay sauna for the first time, this exploration will help you navigate the scene with confidence. From practical amenities to more intimate encounters, we’ve got you covered!
Understanding Gay Saunas
What is a Gay Sauna?
Gay bathhouses, long-standing sanctuaries and social hubs, offer a safe, welcoming space for relaxation, connection, and leisure within the gay community.
Men's Bathhouses: Cultural and Regional Differences in Bathhouse Traditions
While gay saunas offer a unique experience tailored to the gay community, understanding the broader cultural context of communal bathing can enhance your appreciation of these spaces. Whether in a historic Roman bath, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish hammam, a Russian banya, or a calm Japanese onsen, the essen
Top 10 Best Gay Saunas in the USA
The Joined States of America is notoriously known for loving anything big and grand, including being passionate about palatial saunas with state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you just want to relax in a steam room or mingle with others in a clear pool under the sun, saunas in the USA have everything your heart desires
While looking for the best saunas in the country can be daunting, fret not because we already did the heavy work. We scoured the entire web to give you the top 10 hottest and grandest saunas in the USA:
Steam Portland, Oregon
STEAM is Oregons largest membership-only mens sauna. It was built from the ground up in , giving it an ergonomic layout and calming atmosphere. The interior design of the building is both ergonomic and pleasing to the eyes– there are no dead-end hallways, and sauna spaces have distinct lighting fixtures.
In the Northwest of STEAM is their spacious and fully nude sun deck, perfect for anyone who wants to bathe under the sun. Each bedroom has full-size single or queen beds, making the most of the free space.
More than the territory, STEAM also prides itself on its cleanliness. Its
The Freddie Guide to: Bathhouses
What is a bathhouse?
Bathhouses – also known as baths, saunas, or gay saunas – are spaces where queer men* meet to socialise, relax and possess sex. They are legal, licensed sex venues, as opposed to regular saunas or steam rooms where people cruise.
The number of gay bathhouses in North America peaked in the s. Most of them closed in the s, as local governments made public health rules to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These rules were often rooted in homophobia.
Today, there are still bathhouses in most major cities across the world. You can find them through Google or on cruising sites like Squirt and Sniffies.
* Historically, bathhouses only admitted cisgender men. They are generally becoming more inclusive. Many have more relaxed door policies or devoted times and events that are safer spaces for trans and non-binary people. If this applies to you, it’s best to check online or call ahead before visiting a venue for the first time.
When you arrive
When you arrive at a bathhouse, you’ll get to a front desk with an attendant. This is where you’ll pay for your entry along with any extras like private rooms (if the venue has them
.