From the lens of a Middle-Aged, Sober Gay Man Who Owns a Queer Lodging
As someone who's built a life around authentic hospitality and community connection here at my private suite in Miramar, I've learned that Pride can be just as meaningful—if not more so—when experienced with clarity and intention. My little hospitality offering in Santurce (San Juan) has hosted countless guests over the years, and I've discovered that the most memorable Pride experiences often happen in the quiet moments between the spectacle.
Bottom Line Up Front
Pride runs from Monday, June 16 to Sunday, June 22, 2025, with the main parade on Sunday, June 22. From our location on Miramar, you're perfectly positioned—just 15 minutes to the parade start and close to all the meaningful celebration spots.
The Heart of it All
Puerto Rico Gay Pride runs from Monday, June 16th through Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, culminating in our vibrant parade on that final Sunday. What strikes me most about our island's Pride is how it weaves together activism, culture, and pure joy in ways that feel distinctly Caribbean—warm, inclusive, and deeply rooted in community.
Organizing Group: Colectivo Orgullo Arcoiris (COA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating for LGBTTQI+ communities in Puerto Rico, P.O. Box 366773, San Juan, 00936
Facebook: Pride Puerto Rico - COA (11,806 followers)
Sunday, June 22: The Main Event
The Parade Route (From Your Perspective)
The parade starts at Parque del Indio in Condado and proceeds along Ashford Avenue before ending at Parque del Tercer Milenio, Escambrón.
From 712 Calle Union to Parade Start:
Parque del Indio (Parade Start): FW3Q+Q5C, Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00911
Distance: Approximately 3 miles (15 minutes by car, 45 minutes walking)
Public Transit: Take bus #53 towards 'Condado' and get off at 'Ashford Ave. & Pavia St.' From there, walk east on Ashford Avenue for about 5 minutes
Parade End & Celebrations:
Parque del Tercer Milenio/Escambrón: Accessible via Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Stop 8
Distance from Your Location: Approximately 2 miles (10 minutes by car)
After the parade, continue the celebration at Parque del Tercer Milenio with a large rally and performances organized by Colectivo Orgullo Arcoiris
My Strategic Viewing Recommendation
Position yourself midway along Ashford Avenue where you can feel the energy without crushing crowds. Parque del Indio itself is described as having "great, serene atmosphere" with "benches" and "access to the sand and beach"—perfect for arriving early and finding your centered space.
Week of June 16-21: Building Community
Daytime Celebrations That Work
Escambrón beachside park, where you'll find an expansive green lawn surrounded by vendors and a massive stage for entertainment. Escambron Beach is located in Puerta de Tierra right in between the Old San Juan and Condado tourist districts—only 2 miles from your place.
Escambrón Beach Details:
Hours: Open daily between 8:30am – 5pm with lifeguards on duty
Facilities: Outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic tables
Parking: $5.00 plus tax parking fee for gated parking (cash only)
Why Perfect for Sober Celebration: Very family-friendly beach with calmer water for swimming and a nice spot to snorkel
Evening Options That Respect Your Sobriety
La Placita Area (Santurce):
Distance from You: About 2 miles (10 minutes drive)
Much of the Pride action is centered around La Placita where you can check out nightlife at a variety of restaurants
Sober-Friendly Approach: Many establishments welcome non-drinking patrons—focus on the community energy and cultural exchange
Venue Highlights from Your Research:
El Techo: Stylish rooftop bar – gay friendly (great for virgin cocktails and views)
Chueca: Fabulous bar, popular with locals and tourists with delicious tapas
Getting around from our Central Location
Key Distances:
To Parque del Indio (Parade Start): 3 miles / 15 min drive
To Escambrón (Parade End): 2 miles / 10 min drive
To La Placita (Evening Scene): 2 miles / 10 min drive
To Condado (Main Action): 3 miles / 15 min drive
Transportation Options:
Walking: Old San Juan connects to these areas via Paseo de Tierra (walking path) connects Old San Juan & Condado making it possible to walk or take a bike ride
Public Transit: Bus #53 towards 'Condado'
Ride-sharing: Use a ride-sharing app like Uber. Enter 'Parque del Indio, Ashford Ave, San Juan' as your destination
Beyond San Juan Pride
Cabo Rojo Pride (Week Following)
Cabo Rojo Pride typically follows the week after San Juan Pride. The following week most people make the journey to Boquerón in the southwestern region for the Cabo Rojo Pride, a unique beach pride event featuring 3 days of parties, parades and live shows.
Other 2025 Pride Events:
Guayama Pride runs June 28-30, 2025 (with the parade on the 29th)
Rincon Pride takes place on Saturday, June 29, 2025
Safe, Sane, Sober Strategies
Your Micro Hotel as Sanctuary
Our location Miramar is perfectly positioned—close enough to participate fully, private enough to retreat when needed. El Escambrón is only five minutes away from restaurants and food stands, as well as the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park, making it easy to step away and recharge.
Meaningful Participation Without Compromise
Morning Ritual: Start each day with a walk to nearby Luis Muñoz Rivera Park—it's on the way to all Pride events and offers centering green space.
Afternoon Engagement: Escambron Beach is protected by coral reefs that make the beach ideal for snorkeling and exploring some of Puerto Rico's marine life—perfect for mindful water experiences.
Evening Reflection: Your Old San Juan location offers countless quiet cobblestone streets for contemplative walks after events.
Community Connection Beyond Bars
Monthly Sober-Friendly Events:
El Hangar is a collective-run, indoor/outdoor community space hosting LGTBQ+ events on a regular basis — including its signature Mercado Cuir (Queer Market)
Alternative Venues:
Vidy's transforms into a safe(r) queer space, delivering a diverse lineup of queens, kings, genderfluid performers... the show — which is always free — is open to all queer folks and allies
What I’ve Learned
Pride doesn't require compromising your sobriety or safety to be transformative. Some of my most profound Pride moments have happened during morning beach walks at Escambrón, afternoon conversations with guests at my micro hotel, or simply witnessing our community's resilience and joy from a place of clear-headed presence.
The magic of Puerto Rico Pride lies not just in its parties, but in its spirit of orgullo—a pride that runs deeper than any single celebration, rooted in our shared humanity and the simple act of showing up authentically as ourselves.
From your perfect perch at Bed + Balance, you're positioned to experience all of this with the wisdom that comes from years of sobriety and the grace of hosting others in their authentic selves.
Essential Contacts & Resources
Official Pride Organization:
Colectivo Orgullo Arcoiris, P.O. Box 366773, San Juan, 00936, Puerto Rico
Emergency/Safety:
Remember that Puerto Rico is known as the "LGBTQIA+ capital of the Caribbean", making this one of the safest and most welcoming Pride celebrations anywhere.