Gay Dallas · City Guide

An enduring hub of finance, politics and culture, Dallas has managed to resist the downfall experienced by other Texan cities and remains one of the most influential in the country. In this bustling metropolis, towering glass skyscrapers give way to smaller and quirkier districts, famous for their artistic and cultural identities.

Dallas also boasts one of the most active and established gay scenes in the USA and claims the country’s sixth-largest LGBT+ population. The city has become a capital of gay tourism, with gay travelers flocking to its streets every year to enjoy the welcoming and accepting locals, thriving nightlife scene and rich culture.

Gay rights in Dallas

Despite being located in one of America’s most socially conservative and religious states, Dallas itself is a bastion of liberal open-mindedness and LGBT+ acceptance. The city has the sixth-largest LGBT+ population in the country and most travelers regard it as gay-friendly and inclusively welcoming.

The city of Dallas began issuing same-sex marriage licenses just hours after the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality in 2015. However, there is still no statewide legislation that protects LGBT+ individuals in Texas from sexually motivated discrimination and transgender individuals must first undergo gender confirmation surgery before being permitted to change their legal gender.

Gay bars in Dallas

The best gay nightlife on offer in Dallas can be found in and around the Oak Lawn neighborhood. The area features a vibrant and concentrated collection of gay bars and clubs that span a range of interests and tastes and are guaranteed to entice any gay traveler.

What better way to spend a night in Dallas than to live out your true cowboy fantasy at one of the only gay country and western bars in the country. Round-Up Saloon is a massive club, featuring 12 bars and routinely drawing in the city’s largest gay crowds. The tequila, pop and country anthems and incredible atmosphere make Round-Up Saloon one of the best venues on the Oak Lawn gay scene.

Situated in the heart of Oak Lawn, Hidden Door is a small and intimate venue with a spacious outside deck. Popular amongst Dallas’ bear population, the bar is one of the oldest gay venues in the city and is a favorite among the local gay community. With a relaxed atmosphere and delicious drinks, Hidden Door is the ideal location to meet local and visiting gay guys. Read More: A Gay Guide to Dallas.

Gay Hotels in Dallas

The most popular gay-friendly hotels are located in Dallas’ Oak Lawn gay district and the bustling Downtown area. These locations promise convenient and simple access to the wide range of gay venues and landmarks that can be found throughout the city. Whilst the city does not have any gay-specific or gay-only hotels, choosing to stay in the city’s Downtown and Oak Lawn areas will ensure gay travelers receive inclusive and judgment-free service.

In a city that is known for its over the top everything, it’s only fitting that the W Dallas Victory puts emphasis on the big and the bold. The rooftop pool is a spacious area interspersed with large columns and emanating a truly southern feel. Guests are always treated to stunning skyline views at the W, whether they’re from the hotel’s incredible Bliss Spa, the contemporary and stylish guest rooms or even the in-house gastropub. The central location of the W means you’re never far away from the action.

If you’re looking for a quirky hotel in the heart of Dallas’ blossoming arts district, look no further than the Belmont Hotel. The Belmont gives guests quick access to the Bishop Arts District, an area of the city that has experienced dramatic regeneration in recent years and is now home to an eccentric and diverse creative community. Decorated in a retro theme, the hotel employs contemporary design to provide aesthetic luxury for an affordable price.

If you’re planning to visit Dallas during big events or festivals, it is recommended that you book your hotel well in advance as the rooms sell out fast, especially during Dallas Pride in July.

Gay saunas in Dallas

Dallas doesn’t have a vast sauna culture, but the venues that do exist are sure to excite. The main focal point of the sauna scene here is The Club, a gay sauna that is part of the national The Club company. The venue is unique in its featuring of a spacious outdoor pool area as well as a solarium, hot tub, dry sauna and steam bath.

The Club operates on a policy of private membership and to use the facilities you will need to buy a daily membership pass.

Getting to Dallas

The city is served by Dallas Fort Worth Airport. The airport is located 17km from the city’s Downtown and there are numerous ways to reach the city centre. The fastest and most convenient option is the Light Rail, a public transit system that features elements of both tram and metro systems. The Light Rail runs from the airport to Downtown stations frequently throughout the day and is extremely affordable. The free airport shuttle will take you to the Light Rail stations.

The bus is also a popular alternative for traveling between the city centre and the airport. To use the bus service you’ll first need to board the free airport shuttle to the bus station. The frequency of buses is once every fifteen minutes and fares are inexpensive and easily payable.

Getting around Dallas

Bus

Buses are a great option for travelers staying in Dallas. The city’s main bus network is known as DART and is one of the best ways for tourists to travel in Dallas. The bus is convenient and cheap, and fares can be paid in cash or card.

The McKinney Avenue Trolley

Whilst the McKinney Avenue Trolley isn’t necessarily the most efficient or comprehensive method of transport when you’re in Dallas, it is a local favorite and a sentimental feature of the city’s public transport network. The system consists of a number of vintage trolleys that take riders along McKinney Avenue, stopping at some of the most important and significant tourist locations. In addition, the McKinney Avenue Trolley is completely free.

Taxi

Uber and Lyft are extremely popular travel choices in Dallas and ridesharing through these apps is also common. There are also plenty of licensed Taxis in Dallas and they tend to operate on time-dependent fares.

Things to do in Dallas

There are limitless possibilities when it comes to things to do in Dallas. However, the most worthwhile attractions include:

• Visit the site of John F Kennedy's assassination
• Then visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
• Visit the Dallas Museum of Art
• Spend a day at the Dallas Zoo
• Explore the Dallas Aquarium
• Wander the Bishop Arts District
• Learn at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science
• Climb Reunion Tower
• Stroll the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
• Take to the rides at Six Flags Over Texas

FAQs

When to visit Dallas

Dallas experiences pretty standard temperatures year-round, however, the sometimes sweltering heats of summer and the rainy winter make autumn and spring the best times to visit. Spring is also when the foliage and green spaces of the city will be abundant.

If you’re looking for the most affordable prices on hotels and flights, consider visiting the city in winter. Though it might be cold, the streets will be less crowded at this time and Dallas will be in the full festive swing.

Visa

Those living outside the United States will require a temporary travel visa, and these can be applied for through the official US Embassy website or in your local US embassy.

Money

There are plenty of ATM machines throughout Dallas, and the majority of establishments will accept credit and debit cards. However, some ATM machines and card readers may add an additional fee for transactions attempted with overseas cards.

The generally accepted and expected rates of tipping in Dallas are 15-20% for good service.