Featured Gay Friendly Hotel in Texas

The Joule

A storied past, a new vision

Gay Texas

Texas is the second-largest state in the United States by both land area and population. It is located in the south-central region of the country, with Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico along its southern border. Texas is also one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. The physical geography of the state encompasses plains, forests, and mountains with climates ranging from wet coastal areas to dry and barren deserts. The vastness and diversity of Texas are evident in nearly all aspects of its physical features, economy, history, and cultural life. 

Perhaps one of the most recognized nicknames of any state, "The Lone Star State," comes from the symbolism of the star on the 1836 flag of the republic, the "National Standard of Texas." The single golden star on a blue background signified Texas as an independent republic and a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico. 

Texans are known for their large, welcoming hearts. "Friendship" is the state's motto, and the people of Texas live by that motto.

What do you want to discover?

What's the gay scene like?

Best time to visit Texas

Top things to see and do in Texas

MUST DO: Attractions & Activities

MUST EAT: Gay-friendly dining

MUST VISIT: Gay-friendly bars & nightlife

Travel Safety Tips

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Texas

The state of Texas has become home to one of the country’s most vibrant and active gay populations, thanks to the diversity of the state’s largest cities. Offering pride festivals, dynamic art scenes, and plenty of clubs, the cities of Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio have received acclaim for their acceptance of the LGBT community. If you plan a Lone Star State vacation, these gay-friendly Texas cities pride themselves on Southern hospitality.

Austin has one of the most active and prominent gay communities in the country. Austin was chosen as one of its Gayest Cities in America and was honored as one of America’s Best Cities for Gay Travel. There is a lot to love here with diverse communities, a thriving calendar of gay events, multiple gay bars and clubs, and more attractions than you could ever see in one visit.

One of the country’s most gay-friendly cities and one with the largest gay population, Dallas presents an excellent opportunity for the gay traveler to experience the best the state has to offer. 

Houston has a vibrant gay culture centered on the pedestrian-friendly Montrose neighborhood. The Pride celebration is one of the world’s largest, while The Montrose Center - a robust LGBTQIA+ community center - uplifts and empowers the local scene. Houston even has two newspapers that serve the LGBT community: “Houston Voice” and “Montrose Star.” 

Photo Credit: David Mackey

Being the most visited city in Texas, San Antonio has also become one of the most welcoming of the gay community. San Antonio is an excellent tourist destination, with landmarks like the Alamo, the Cathedral San Francisco, and the famed River Walk. 

Gay marriage in Texas has been legal since 2015. If you are considering marrying your gay partner in Texas, you can get a marriage license in any county clerk’s office anywhere in the state.

Best Time to Visit Texas

The best times to visit Texas for ideal weather are from March to May or October to November based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

Photo Credit: Matthew Lancaster 

While every season in Texas has its perks, spring and fall seem to be the best time to enjoy all that the state has to offer. From gorgeous blooming flowers and nature trails in the spring to holiday festivals in the winter, Texas packs a full calendar of events all year long, so you can always look forward to an exciting trip. Book a stay at one of many incredible hotels and resorts in Texas today.

Top Things to See and Do in Texas

1. San Antonio's River Walk

2. Big Bend National Park

3. The Texas State Capitol in Austin

4. The Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas

5. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

6. Galveston's Beaches & Strand Historic District

7. The USS Lexington, Corpus Christi

8. Natural Bridge Caverns

9. Houston's Museum District

10. Waco Mammoth National Monument

MUST DO Texas Attractions & Activities

From the lush pine forests of East Texas to the breathtaking mountains of El Paso, you can find just about everything in the Lone Star State. Thanks to the state’s great diversity in its landscapes and people, as well as its remarkable history, there are many things to do in Texas.

The breathtaking mountains and rugged canyons of Big Bend National Park have made it an enduring symbol of West Texas and the Lone Star State. Once submerged by a great ocean, this wildland is now one of the state’s most popular recreational areas. 

If you’re looking for that perfect beach getaway, the Texas Gulf Coast is the place to be. Each of the many towns nestled on the coast stands out in its own way. South Padre Island is a quiet town famous for its immaculate sand and crystal-clear water. On the other hand, Corpus Christi is a bustling city home to big-time museums, such as the USS Lexington aircraft carrier and an enthralling blend of Mexican and American culture. Meanwhile, a trip to Galveston Island is like a step back into the past. Here you’ll find a stunning array of beautiful historic homes and other buildings that date back to the 19th century. These are just a few of the fantastic towns on the Texas Gulf Coast. No matter where you go, you’ll always want to come back for more.

Photo Credit: Will Roberts

MUST EAT Texas Gay-Friendly Dining

With an appetite that's almost as big as its geographic footprint, the great state of Texas is home to a melting pot of culinary comforts. Three-meat barbecue plates, buffets of regional Mexican cuisine, and pecan-pie happy hours are just a few of the great eating experiences the state has to offer. 

The Holy Grail of all Texas cuisine, Texas barbecue is a must-try food in Texas. The Texas barbecue tradition dates back to the German and Czech immigrants to Texas who brought their traditions of smoking meat with them across the Atlantic. Still, there’s no doubt that Texas barbecue is now its own distinct food group.

The Lone Star State is also quickly gaining fame for something else: wine. You may be surprised to find out there are award-winning wineries and vineyards across the state. But the greatest concentration of these wine producers is within a region known as Texas’ wine country.

There are more than 40 wineries and vineyards in Texas, and many of them produce their reds and whites from grapes grown right here in Texas, giving you tastes you won’t find anywhere else. You can typically sample these wines at each winery’s tasting room or go on a tour of each vineyard to learn how wine is made.

MUST VISIT Texas Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Many people don’t think about Texas as being all that gay-friendly, but Austin is actually one of the highest-rated gay communities in the country. With an eclectic array of bars, restaurants, and galleries, you’ll find anything you can think of here. Gay visitors should check out the Fourth Street area, which features a dense cluster of gay dance clubs and bars.

The gay community in Dallas centers on the Oak Lawn neighborhood, just minutes from downtown. Two Dallas bars, the Round-Up Saloon and the Tin Room were listed among the best 200 gay bars in the world. 

The San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce listed 28 affiliated gay nightclubs and bars, ensuring a fun evening out. The development of San Antonio was recognized as a gay-friendly destination and praised the city’s thriving nightlife and arts scene.

Travel Safety Tips

The health and safety of visitors and local communities throughout the state are of primary concern. All individuals are encouraged to be a good neighbor by wearing a face covering, washing their hands regularly, and social distancing from others. For the latest COVID-19 updates and orders, click here.

All businesses are subject to health and safety standards that the Governor's Strike Force has developed to Open Texas, including guidance from the Texas Department of State Health Services. These resources serve as a road map for businesses and help individuals stay informed about the measures in place. To learn more, visit the Office of the Texas Governor website.

Texas has Travel Information Centers throughout the state that are open to visitors. Centers feature 24-hour restrooms, free wifi, travel literature, covered picnic tables, and are accessible. Some locations offer Travel Counselors who can answer any of your travel questions. Visit the Texas Department of Transportation website to learn more. 

Destinations within Texas