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It’s 2026 and thanks to apps like Sniffies and Squirt, cruising is seeing a major resurgence!

Cruising 101 Intro

Seeking out anonymous or casual sexual encounters in parks, saunas, rest stops, adult theaters, and other meeting spots has a long history in gay male culture. It predates hook up apps by centuries and offers something that typical hook apps don't… such as spontaneity.

Like any social situation or event, cruising has its own etiquette. Knowing that etiquette makes the experience safer, more respectful, and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are some good things to know about cruising and what to do and what not to do while cruising.

Warning: Sex in public spaces is often illegal and if you don’t want to get in any trouble, then you should judge each situation wisely, read the room, and play it safe!

History of Gay Cruising

Being gay and performing homosexual acts was (and in some places still is) illegal. Even while it was against the law, gay and bisexual men have always found ways to connect and have sex. As long as gay sex has been illegal, gay men have been meeting in parks, bars, backrooms, bathhouses, bathrooms, theaters, and more places to find eachother and to make connections.

The first recorded police shutdown of a gay cruising site was in 1810 at the Vere Street Coterie in London. Six men were convicted of attempted sodomy and pilloried; angry and violent crowds threw rotten fish and dead cats at them. Two men who weren’t even there on the night of the raid were convicted of sodomy and were hanged. Because of historical situations like this, cruising has often found itself on the outskirts of society and is often secretive and kept on the down-low. 

The 1970’s saw an explosion of gay cruising sites with some well-known and popular locations such as the Rambles and the piers in New York City, the Meat Rack in Fire Island, the Fruit Loop in Pittsburgh, and Turkey Run Park in Washington D.C, just to name a few spots. 

In the 1980’s we experienced the AIDS epidemic and anonymous gay sex started to be seen as riskier and more dangerous. Bathhouses were shut down across the globe and society largely shunned and discouraged gay sex, public sex, and anonymous sex.

Cruising in 2026

Apps and websites like Sniffies and Squirt are allowing users to check in on the app to a cruising location. Each cruising location has information about the best hours to go there and about the bonuses and risks of each location. The comments section lets people know if and when they’ll be around, and other important details from visitors. Thanks to a recent article in the New Yorker about Sniffies, more people are aware of cruising and a lot more people are finding themselves in public places looking for sex. 

Tips For Cruising in 2026

Read the Room (Literally)

Every cruising spot has its own unwritten rules that are often specific to that location. Before doing anything, take a few moments to observe your surroundings. Notice things such as: how people move, where do they linger, and how others are signaling interest. Newcomers who come in too fast and too hot can sometimes make others uncomfortable. 

Consent is Non-Negotiable

This is the single most important rule! Always respect when someone gives or does not give consent. Interest has to be mutual and clearly established before anything happens. Verbal communication is always preferred but sometimes we connect in places where that is impossible. 

In some cruising locations being quiet is important and consent can be given through visual cues. Prolonged eye contact, a nod, someone stopping and turning towards you, and/or tapping your foot at the side of a bathroom stall are all typical ways to signal interest in a cruising situation. If someone looks away or gives no response then that is a clear ‘no.’ Respect it immediately and don’t argue. Never touch someone who hasn't clearly indicated they want to be touched. 

If you’re in the midst of a sexual situation, be aware of someone giving signs such as quick taps on your arm, moving your hand to another location, or holding up their hand in a stop position. These signs could mean they want you to stop or readjust. Respecting your partner's boundaries is non-negotiable and being aware of cues is important.

Discretion is Key

Cruising spaces often exist in a legal and social gray zone. Having sex in public places can carry real legal risk if things become too overt and if people are caught. Always remember that outdoor spots are often shared with people who aren’t there to have sex (joggers, families, dog walkers, etc…). Good cruising etiquette means:

  • Keeping conversations and moaning quiet
  • Not blocking paths or taking over shared spaces
  • Moving to a more private area before anything overtly sexual happens
  • Never taking photos or video without explicit permission

Silence Isn’t Rudeness

A lot of cruising communication is non-verbal by design. This is part of the appeal for many people and it helps protect privacy. If you want to talk, you can, but don’t expect it to be the norm.

Rejection Goes Both Ways (Gracefully)

If you are out cruising there is a good chance that you will pass over people and that people will pass over you. It’s not a personal insult. A polite response to rejection is to simply move along. Getting pissed off, following someone, or pressuring someone after they’ve declined ruins the space for everyone and can easily crossover into harassment. 

Safety Basics

  • Tell someone or check in. If you're going to an unfamiliar spot, let a friend know. 
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave immediately. 
  • BYOB. Bring your own condoms, lube, etc... Don’t assume they’ll be available. 
  • Know the law where you are. Public indecency laws vary by city, county, state, and country. Law enforcement can be inconsistent or even targeted. Cops are also aware of these Apps and are sometimes sending undercover cops into popular cruising locations, something that famously happened just last year in Penn Station.
  • STI testing. Get tested regularly, know your status, and be willing to share that information if asked. This is basic courtesy in any casual sexual encounter.

Leave No Trace

Whatever spot you are cruising in, leave it as you found it! Don’t leave any trash, don’t damage property, and don’t leave anything behind that could draw police attention. Many cruising spots have disappeared over the years specifically because people were careless. 

Respect the Regulars and the Space’s History

Long running cruising spots often have a community around them of people who have been coming there for years. These people have an interest in keeping the location safe and low-key. Be respectful of everyone in the space. Humility goes a long way in places where you are new. Don’t make a scene and don’t invite a crowd. 

Be a Responsible Hoe

We're not judging you if you’ve had a wild night. One, two, or ten partners - thats your business, and your perogative. We only request that you get tested regularly, know your status, feel empowered and taken care of in your sexual health journey. 

Central Outreach Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday. We have locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania with clinicians on hand who will provide a judgement-free environment for sexual health testing.

Be safe and happy cruising! 

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