Austin is where cowboys meet hipsters. As the capital of the Lone Star State, this Texas city boasts a rich historical past, an innovative food scene, art, culture, and countless outdoor activities, attractions, and venues. Long a magnet for artists and musicians, Austin is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World, with live music found almost everywhere. The city has gained further fame by hosting major national events like the Austin City Limits Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW).
Although a visit to the great state of Texas may not be on your list of gay-friendly destinations, Austin boasts a welcoming, gay-friendly culture with no shortage of LGBTQ+ events, gay bars, clubs, and attractions. Don’t believe us? Head there and see for yourself, even if it’s just for the weekend.
Table of Contents
1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Austin
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Austin
5. Restaurants & Cafes in Austin
6. Austin Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Gay Events in Austin
8. Day Trips from Austin
General Tips
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, the best time to visit Austin is during the shoulder seasons, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). This is due to the very hot Texan summers (June–August), when daytime highs can soar well over 90°F. Winter is generally mild and dry, with highs in the low to mid-60s. Since festivals are a popular reason to visit, be aware that these large events can limit accommodation availability and cause prices to skyrocket.
Austin is a very LGBTQ+-friendly city overall, with the main gay neighborhood in East Austin, located near downtown. In the downtown warehouse area, you’ll also find the 4th Street Gay District, known for its concentration of gay bars and nightclubs. Other gay-friendly neighborhoods to explore include Clarksville and South Congress, each with its own unique character and style. With so much to see and do, you’ll definitely want to spend a few days in Austin to fully experience its unique vibe.
Transportation & Airport Transfer
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is the main airport serving the Austin metropolitan area. This mid-sized airport is located about 10 miles southeast of downtown and was awarded Runner Up for Best U.S. Airport in Fodor’s 2019 Travel Awards. It has two terminals, with the primary one being the Barbara Jordan Terminal.
You have several options to get to and from AUS, including Capital Metro Bus Service, rideshare, taxis, and car rentals. For the fastest and most convenient option, we recommend using a rideshare service like Lyft, Uber, or Wingz. The rideshare pickup area is located on Level G of the rental car facility across from the Barbara Jordan Terminal. If you’re planning to take a day trip, renting a car is also a great option for easily getting around the area.
Whether you choose a rideshare, rental, or taxi, the trip to downtown should take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost for a rideshare is around $15 USD, while a taxi is typically a bit more. The Capital Metro Bus Service, Austin’s public transportation provider, offers a high-frequency route 20 that travels to and from the airport, taking about 30 minutes one-way.
Gay Hotels in Austin
There aren’t currently any exclusively gay hotels in Austin, but there are many gay-friendly options.
The Driskill – An iconic Austin hotel serving guests since 1886. Located in a prime downtown spot off 6th Street, it’s near Austin’s entertainment district, food scene, and nightlife. The Driskill features 189 luxury rooms and suites with a blend of Texas charm and modern sophistication, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, business center, Pampered Pet Program, and multiple dining and drink options.
W Austin Hotel – A 4-star hotel in the heart of Austin, offering 251 modern and upscale rooms and suites equipped with minibars, espresso machines, and soaking tubs. Guests can unwind on the rooftop terrace with a stunning outdoor pool and cabanas or indulge at the luxury spa. Enjoy farm-to-table dishes at the signature restaurant, or relax with a cocktail at the hotel’s stylish lounge, tequila bar, or record room.
Omni Hotel Downtown – This modern, sophisticated hotel features an expansive atrium and easy access to the Austin Convention Center, Texas State Capitol, and 6th Street Entertainment District. Guests can enjoy one of 392 well-appointed rooms and suites, as well as the sauna, gym, heated rooftop pool, and rooftop terrace. On-site dining includes a restaurant, atrium lounge, and cafe.
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel -Located on Congress Avenue in the heart of the city, this luxury hotel offers elegance with old-world charm. Guest rooms and suites feature original historic floor plans and decor with updated amenities. The hotel offers an indoor pool and jacuzzi, fitness center, laundry service, and valet parking, along with multiple dining options, including an outdoor terrace, bar, and restaurant.
Wyndham Garden Austin – A 3-star hotel near Lady Bird Lake, the Texas State Capitol, and South Congress Avenue. Rooms are simple yet comfortable, featuring free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and a mini-fridge. Amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, on-site dry cleaning, and an on-site bar and restaurant (dinner only).
Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Central – Located within 5 miles of Downtown Austin and the Austin Convention Center, this 3-star hotel offers 260 spacious, modern rooms with all the essentials. Guests enjoy a free shuttle service within a 2-mile radius, along with an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and complimentary breakfast and evening reception.
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Sightseeing & Activities in Austin
Texas State Capitol – The capitol building, with its famous rotunda and underground extension, is set on 51 acres in downtown Austin. Visitors can enjoy a free guided tour of the interior, visitor galleries, legislative library, exhibits, significant spaces, the Agricultural Museum, gift shop, and restaurant. Book tour →
Zilker Park – A 351-acre recreational park in South Austin where Barton Creek branches off from the Colorado River. It offers picnic areas, the Austin Nature and Science Center, Zilker Botanical Gardens, Zilker Hillside Theater, and hosts signature events like a kite festival, summer musical, and the holiday Trail of Lights, centered around the 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree. Book tour →
Lady Bird Lake – This stretch of the Colorado River, created by the construction of Longhorn Dam in 1960, looks more like a river than a lake. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking on the surrounding trails and boardwalk, as well as stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and river cruises. Book tour →
Mt. Bonnell – One of Austin’s highest points and where you can get the best views of Lake Austin and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Located in Covert Park, climb a short but steep staircase to reach the summit. Ideal for a serene outing, Mount Bonnell provides benches and shaded areas, making it a relaxing spot to enjoy nature and escape the city’s chaos. Sunset visits are particularly magical, as the landscape is bathed in warm hues. Book tour →
Barton Springs Municipal Pool – Located within Zilker Park, this 3-acre pool is fed by underground springs that maintain an average temperature of 68–70°F, making it ideal for swimming year-round. Depths range from 0 to 18 feet, and it’s surrounded by grassy areas perfect for sunbathing and relaxation.
Congress Avenue Bridge (Austin Bats) – This bridge spans Lady Bird Lake and is home to Austin’s beloved Mexican free-tailed bat population from late March to early fall. The nightly bat flight occurs around sunset, so arrive early to secure a spot and witness hundreds of thousands of bats taking flight. Book tour →
Restaurants & Cafes in Austin
Perry’s Steakhouse – From a modest meat market to locations beyond Texas, this chic, upscale steakhouse is located downtown in the historic Norwood Tower. Perry’s is known for its handcrafted cocktails, award-winning steaks, and its Famous Pork Chop.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar – Not just another burger spot, Hopdoddy was established in 2010 with a commitment to high-quality ingredients and unique burger creations. Enjoy hand-crafted burgers on freshly baked buns, hand-cut fries, craft beer, and boozy milkshakes.
Trudy's – This no-frills Tex-Mex restaurant has been serving up dishes like enchiladas, nachos, and tacos since 1977 and was even voted best margarita. Start your day with breakfast upstairs, enjoy a drink on the patio during happy hour, or watch the game on TVs inside and out.
Uchi – Translating to “house” in Japanese, this innovative spot is set in a refurbished South Austin bungalow. James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole offers a non-traditional take on Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the daily sake social and savor the core and vegetarian menus.
Austin Gay Bars and Clubs
Cheer Up Charlie’s – This vegan bar embraces the queer community, offering daily happy hours, organic juice cocktails, and kombucha on tap. Relax in the large outdoor space with a parachute-shaded patio, enjoy music, and check out nightly events.
Rain on 4th – Located in Austin’s historic Warehouse District, this popular upscale gay lounge has been serving signature cocktails and small bites since 2004. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on themed parties like karaoke, Thursday night bingo, and weekend drag shows.
The Iron Bear – A bear-owned and operated bar welcoming everyone. Known for its relaxed vibe, it offers themed nights like Saturday house and electric music, karaoke, Sunday Fundays, and Musical Mondays.
Neon Grotto – Known as one of Austin’s Coconut bars, Neon Grotto stands out with its bright, flashing exterior lights. Inside, find neon couches, strobe lights, and fluorescent tunnels. The rooftop bar offers views over Fourth Street, with DJs and occasional drag shows.
Highland Lounge – A gay lounge and nightclub featuring guest DJs, a large dance floor, light shows, and an outdoor patio. Open Wednesday through Sunday, it hosts late-night karaoke, weekend drag shows, and other themed nights.
Oilcan Harry’s – Austin’s oldest gay bar, open seven days a week. Expect classy cocktails, go-go boys, a spacious dance area, and happy hour specials. Highlights include trivia nights, the Super Sunday Divas show, and other events.
Lesbutante and the Boss – Austin’s premier lesbian event organizers, Kelly Frances and Mitch, host monthly LGBTQ+ events like ladies’ night every second Friday, pop-up happy hours, and the Official Women’s Pride Party.
Guerrilla Queer Bar – Known for taking over straight bars and venues, these queer grrrl promoters create inclusive queer-friendly spaces with happy hours and dance parties. Check the Austin Chronicle’s Gay Place on Fridays for updates.
Gay Events in Austin
Austin Pride – Organized by the Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation, Austin Pride takes place in August at Fiesta Gardens, drawing hundreds of thousands to the festival and parade that marches throughout the city.
Austin International Drag Festival – Each November, this festival transforms a hotel into The Drag Village with performances and panels to support and promote the drag community. The event includes resources, showcases, and opportunities for drag artists.
Day Trips from Austin
San Antonio – About an hour and a half drive southeast of Austin, you’ll find a large modern city with a rich colonial past. This includes a UNESCO world heritage site of Spanish colonial missions and the famous Alamo in downtown. A storied history is matched with a confluence of celebrated cultures with heritage events throughout the year. From a cruise along the San Antonio River to breathtaking views from the iconic Tower of the Americas, San Antonio has a little something for everyone. Book tour →
Fredericksburg -jçJust over an hour and a half west of Austin, this small town in the Texas Hill Country is known for its wineries and German heritage. Learn about its European roots at the Pioneer Museum, stroll through the town square called Marktplatz, visit the replica of a 19th century German church and visit the National Museum of the Pacific War featuring WWII exhibits. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors or shop the Main Street boutiques, you're sure to find an activity, restaurant or event that speaks to you Book tour →
Waco – An hour and a half drive south of Austin, this central Texas city near the Brazos River was founded in 1849. Attractions include the Cameron Park Zoo, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Dr Pepper Museum (where it was invented), Texas Sports Hall of Fame and Waco Mammoth National Monument (a 100-plus acre stretch of wooded parkland along the Bosque River). For fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines, your visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Magnolia Market at the Silos. Book tour →
Featured image credit: “Austin Texas” by adactio is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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