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 dark days have passed but many American bathhouses haven’t recovered from the forced shutdowns. San Francisco's ban on gay bathhouses was only lifted in 2001: no major new bathhouse has yet to make use of San Fran's more favorable legal environment.

That being 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.