Gay Friendly Dallas

On its own, Dallas' new slogan "Live Large, Think Big" should entice most gay men to pack their bags and their cowboy hats to head down to the "Big D" to see all the large things it has to offer. But while the slogan may not apply to EXACTLY what you're thinking (shame on you!), the implications of this appealing turn of phrase are endless.

Everything in Texas does seem big: The city of Dallas alone claims 384 square miles, while the Dallas/Forth Worth Metroplex encompasses nearly twice that. The Metroplex has one of the highest concentrations of corporate headquarters in the United States, and as a result, conducting business is of prime importance - think JR Ewing (and his cute brother Bobby!) Along with a firm Texas handshake, many successful business exchanges are accompanied by fine dining, cultural, and sports events. Whatever takes you to Dallas and wherever you stay, you'll want to seek out your own slice of the Lone Star experience and drink in the spectacular downtown Dallas skyline and its accompanying urban vibrancy.

A cowboy reputation notwithstanding, gay Dallas is warm and sophisticated throughout and offers a multitude of atmospheres across its billowing geographic scale. Attractions vary according to the nature of the district or neighborhood, so depending on your gay travel motivations, you'll want to review specific area descriptions before you head out on the town. Uptown, Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville, and the West Village are all areas to learn more about each offering gay friendly hotels, dining, and entertainment options.


Where to Stay - Gay Friendly Hotels in Dallas

Due to the city's enormity, hotel accommodations - including a vast array of gay friendly hotels - are sprinkled throughout the city and surrounding areas. Suburban accommodations may be less costly than downtown, but you'll pay the difference in gas as you drive to and from the attractions and nightlife of the downtown area. Be sure to plan ahead, budget, and assess which hotel options are best for you depending on your reason for traveling and your interests.

Downtown Dallas is the start attraction but many North Dallas locations and suburbs are cities-unto themselves, boasting their own nightlife, entertainment, and shopping environment, so if you have reason to stay there, you're certain to find nearby places to visit. Much of this area has grown immensely over the last several decades, and the newness is reflected in well-zoned, neatly manicured streets and multi- use contemporary establishments.

The city's gay population is well integrated with the metropolitan environment, so venues welcome all patrons, but if you're seeking a particularly gay crowd, you'll want to look closer to the Design District and other cultural attractions. Review the PCG list of recommended hotels for tips on gay friendly locations and environments.

Gay friendly accommodations abound, so the only thing to consider is which style of gay hotel best suits your needs: are you settling in the Oak Lawn neighborhood area? Try The Melrose, just a two block walk from many of the most popular gay bars in Dallas. This upscale boutique hotel guarantees you'll be right in the middle of all the action. Kimpton Hotels, a gay friendly company, offers The Palomar Hotel in gay Dallas. The Palomar is a hip, trendy boutique hotel with plasma TVs, cutting edge decor and an assortment of specials throughout the travel season. For more contemporary and sophisticated amenities, try the W Hotel (Don't worry - not all things named "W" are gay-unfriendly). This W - The W Hotel - is guaranteed to fulfill all your gay travel needs in style. Review the PCG list of recommended hotels for tips on gay friendly locations and environments.


What to Do? Where to Go? Gay Friendly Activities and Attractions in Dallas

While Dallas' many distinct districts and neighborhoods may tempt you, don't miss the siren call of Oak Lawn, the Big D's gay mecca which lies north of downtown, adjacent to the Dallas Design District. Upscale town homes, condos, and apartments and historic single family homes comprise the residential aspect, but of greater interest to the gay traveler, are the restaurants, shopping nightlife and other gay friendly attractions. The center for gay and lesbian entertainment, Oak Lawn is a must-see on your traveling agenda. Thanks to its proximity to the design district, or more likely the astute taste of its gay population, the entire neighborhood reflects an artsy, upscale feel that invites visitors to enjoy a remarkable, gay-themed experience amidst coffee bars, bookstores, restaurants, and more.

Gay dining in Dallas is sure to satisfy your appetite. Dallas boasts more restaurants per capita than New York City! The array of possibilities includes assorted cuisine blending southern and international influences with a variety of Mexican options. Japanese with seared rare tuna, Italian, and progressive American - it can all be found in Dallas.

The intersection of Throckmorton and Cedar Springs is well known in Oak Lawn for a variety of GLBT venues within walking distance. Every gay man loves a crowd - unless it stands between him and his dinner and merlot - so call ahead to determine if a location accepts reservations as many downtown locations vary. For a list of some of our favorite gay friendly restaurants in Dallas, click on the "Dining" Tab under the "City Directory" on the left side of this page.

Beyond the enticing restaurant, other sites of interest include the Dallas Zoo, Aquarium, or Arboretum as well as numerous art galleries. Your possibilities are unlimited - so step outside and enjoy one of the many beautiful days that Dallas has to offer.

Feeling creative? Dallas boasts a seventeen-block urban arts district, the largest in America. Museums, theaters, and gardens abound to meet every traveler's cultural desires. Within the art district, The Grand Plaza, welcomes gay travelers with tree-lined streets, and unites cultural establishments with sculpture, gardens, and various public arts. The plaza features water fountains and open air venues that enrich the experience of Dallas's cultural amenities for every gay travel experience. Reserve tickets and explore the cultural scene in gay Dallas.


Where to Shop - It's a Gay man's Paradise In Gay Friendly Dallas!

For the fashion conscious gay traveler, Dallas is a match made in heaven: Dallas offers more shopping centers per capita than any other U.S. city. Pause a moment and let that sink in: there are more stores in Dallas than in New York, LA or Miami. It almost makes you want to forgive Texas for inflicting Bush and Delay on us. Dallas' active consumer industry attracts world renowned designers as well as distinctive local fashion boutiques. The widely renowned Galleria shopping center offers a bustling, design and fashion haven for gay shoppers of all interests. Travelers will delight in the unique, bargain retail shops in and around the Arts District as a complement to the Galleria facilities.

Dallas offers a plethora of cultural, entertainment, gay shopping and dining options sure to please the discerning gay traveler. Relax, enjoy the southern hospitality, and discover why the Lone Star State ranks second only to California as the most visited state for domestic pleasure.

Where to Play - Gay Bars and Nightlife in Gay Dallas.

Dallas boasts the sixth largest gay population and a wealth of singles - so keep an eye out for Mr. Right. The genuine friendliness and diversity of the city attracts gay visitors from all over the country. Much of the Gay Dallas nightlife revolves predominately around the Oak Lawn neighborhood as well. While the area is known for daytime entertainment in restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores, but when night falls, things heat up even more. Among the gay sports bars, dance clubs, video bars, and down-home country scenes you're sure to find something - or someone- that suits your fancy. The friendly Texas attitude complements a diverse dynamic neighborhood to ensure a memorable experience wherever you decide to go. Sugary Southern smiles paired with drag show performances are certain to delight all of your senses.

Parking varies by district, but the following rules of thumb are good starting points: Downtown districts, especially those with dense retail and restaurant scenes, commonly offer valet services - so do what comes naturally: let someone else deal with it! Many residents and visitors choose to take advantage of valet parking because most lots are often distant, scarce, or costly. Cabs are a good option if you know your relative distance - but be conscious of the city's scale, and plan ahead for cross town travels - a single cab fare could take up the cost of two or three cocktails - and we wouldn't want to waste that! Dallas offers rapid public transit services but since the city is so widespread, be sure to verify that these services can accommodate your travel needs. If you intend to venture beyond the parameters of the downtown area, don't hesitate to rent a car: the air conditioning alone will make it worth the cost.

The Cedar Springs Strip offers 6 to 8 gay bars within walking distance from one another: Bars such as JR�s, The Round Up, Mickey�s, S-4, and The Mining Company are part of the Gay Dallas nightlife scene: a neighborhood feel with a vibrant air. Gay is bound to entertain wherever you decide to visit, though the Oak Lawn area offers the highest density of gay locales, colorful flavor, and artistic flair. With a little advance planning, Dallas will meet and exceed all your gay travel expectations as you live Large and think Big in the Lone Star State.

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