top of page
Gay Austin
Austin in a uniquely liberal haven in the heart of Texas, bringing together a diverse range of people, from cowboys to hipsters. No matter who you are of where you're from, the liberal communities of Austin will welcome you in for many nights of live music and queer events. East Austin is the place to go for a night out on the gay scene, but across the city you'll find a multitude of attractions that are accepting of the community. Trendy restaurants and bars, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a world-renowned live music scene are waiting for you!
Austin Gay Bars
GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.
Rain
Dancing, Dancers
Rain on 4th is Austin's upscale gay lounge, located in the historic Warehouse district. The space plays hosts to a great range of entertainment in a super social atmosphere, including drag shows, comedy, and all your favourite dance music. Friendly staff serve a menu of high quality drinks including wine, beer, and spirits, and strive to make your night one to remember. Rain knows that professional service is integral to the perfect night out.
Cheer Up Charlies
Cosy, Cocktails, Outdoor Seating
There's a place for everyone at Charlie's, which unsurprisingly attracts a diverse and slightly hipster crowd. The bar is located in a colourful cabin and serves vegan food alongside fresh organic juice cocktails and a selection of local beers. Behind the bar you can find a large outdoor music venue, where events are hosted nightly and you can enjoy a drink in the shade of an afternoon. There are also regular movie screenings and storytelling events.
Oilcan Harry's
Outdoor Seating, Drag
Oilcan Harry's is Austin's oldest and most famous LGBTQ+ bar. Since 1990, this venue has provided a fun and safe environment for all sorts of people to get together and enjoy themselves. Providing entertainment from drag shows to male dancers, and with live DJs keeping the party going on the dance floor, everyone can have a fun night here. The bar serves classic draft beer, which you can enjoy out on the patio or alongside a performance on the stage.
The Iron Bear
Bear, Dancing, Karaoke
As the name suggests, The Iron Bear is primarily a place for Austin's bear community, but its doors are open to anyone. It's a space to relax and make friends with no drama or attitude, as laid-back staff create a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy cold beer on tap and chat with butch guys at the bar or join the (often topless) crowds on the dance floor. Live DJs make sure there's always something going on for you to enjoy
Barbarella
Dancing, Younger Crowd
Barbarella is most commonly a meeting place for a young and alternative crowd. Their Tuesgay event is obviously most popular with the local gays, but you'll find queer people here every day of the week getting fashionably tipsy and dancing to a great set of music. If you're into indie electronic tunes and a quirky crowd, this is the place for you. The bar space is reliably packed by midnight, serving cold draft beers and drinks specials.
Highland Lounge
Cocktails, Dancing, Outdoor Seating
This two-story club in the heart of Downtown Austin really holds nothing back. It's loud, it's camp, and always throwing a party complete with flashing lights and everyone's favourite tunes. Themed nights such as Noche Latino all draw different crowds and keep you coming back every week. For those looking a more laid-back night out, you can head out to the patio where you'll find comfy seating and space to enjoy your favourite cocktails.
Recommended gay friendly hotels in Austin
GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!
3* Aloft Austin Downtown
Aloft Austin Downtown is located within walking distance of the gay district, 500 m from Capitol Building and 800 m from Austin Convention Center. The property features a fitness centre and free WiFi.
Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Some units have a seating area where you can relax. You will find a coffee maker in the room. Rooms come with a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer.
The on-site Caroline Restaurant features dishes of American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a coffee bar and a cocktail bar. Guests can also purchase snacks at the mini market.
Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 1.3 km from Aloft Austin Downtown, while Texas Memorial Stadium is 1.9 km away. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 10 km from Aloft Austin Downtown.
3* Austin Motel
Surrounded by shopping, dining and entertainment options, Austin Motel is a gay friendly option that provides guests with a quintessential vintage Austin experience, without downtown prices.
Austin Motel is 1.5 km from Austin Convention Center and 2.5 km from Capitol Building. This motel offers free parking on-site and a swimming pool.
All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, telephone and a desk with chair. Free WiFi is provided.
You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. On-site laundry facilities are available. Complimentary coffee is offered in the lobby daily for guests to enjoy.
Barton Springs Pool is 2.5 km from Austin Motel, while Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 3.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 10 km from the property.
3* Hyatt Place Downtown
Hyatt Place Austin Downtown offers air-conditioned accommodation in Austin, just moments from the gay area. The property is set 300 m from Austin Convention Center, an 11-minute walk from Capitol Building and a 20-minute walk from Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas. The property provides a business centre and free WiFi.
The property features a bar called Coffee to Cocktails that serves light appetizers.
The property has a fitness centre and an indoor pool. A number of activities are offered in the area, such as cycling and hiking.
Staff at the 24-hour front desk can help with advice about the area.
University of Texas at Austin is 2.2 km from Hyatt Place Austin Downtown, while Texas Memorial Stadium is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 10 km from the accommodation.
4* Four Seasons Austin
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas, not far from the gay district, this gay friendly, luxury hotel offers 294 spacious guest rooms with views of the city centre or Lady Bird Lake.
A large flat-screen TV, work desk and lounge chair are included in each warmly-decorated room at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. Complimentary WiFi is available in every room.
A heated sal***er pool is located on the property. Guests can work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness centre enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in the award-winning Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Austin. The on-site 24-hour concierge can assist with business, entertainment or travel arrangements. Two self-service business centres are available for guest use.
The onsite restaurant, Ciclo, is located on the property's lower level overlooking Lady Bird Lake. It features a menu of locally-inspired flavors and ingredients with a Latin influence. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Several key attractions, including the Texas State Capitol, Zilker Park and 6th Street entertainment district are located within 3.5 km of the Four Seasons.The University of Texas at Austin is less than 10 minutes' drive from this hotel.
4* Hotel San Jose
The gay friendly Hotel San Jose is a bungalow-style hotel in a vibrant SoCo neighbourhood of Austin, Texas. Kick up your heels and relax amidst their lush garden courtyards.
Located 1.6 km from Austin Convention Center, Hotel San Jose offers 4-star accommodation in Austin and has an outdoor swimming pool. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Palmer Events Center and Town Lake. Barton Springs Pool is 2.4 km away.
At the hotel, all rooms come with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, while some rooms also boast a terrace. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests
A continental breakfast is served daily at the property.
Staff at Hotel San Jose are always available to provide guidance at the reception.
Capitol Building is 2.6 km from the accommodation, while Frank Erwin Center - University of Texas is 3.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, 10 km from the property.
4* Hyatt Regency Austin
Welcome to Hyatt Regency Austin, a sophisticated hotel on Lady Bird Lake. This gay friendly Austin luxury hotel offers access to hiking and bicycle trails as well as sweeping views of the lake and cityscape. Plus you are just 10 minutes walk from the gay nightlife.
The contemporary suites at Hyatt Regency Austin are decorated with soothing, neutral colours and custom furnishings. Each room is furnished with a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and coffee-making facilities.
Austin Hyatt Regency has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck overlooking the lake. Guests have access to a modern fitness centre during their stay. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and an on-site business centre is available for guests' business needs.
Marker 10 Spirits & Cuisine serves casual meals, sushi and cocktails in the evenings. The hotel's restaurant, Southwest Bistro, offers fresh, local cuisine for breakfast and lunch. Guests can find coffee and pastries at the onsite franchise Starbucks store.
The Texas State Capitol building and the warehouse restaurant district are each within less than 8 km of the hotel.
GayMapper hotel deals
Book your next trip now with our partners
Find some great hotel deals for your next LGBTQ+ holiday, in all the popular gay destinations across the globe
Tours & Experiences in Austin
Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences. There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife. Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.
bottom of page