Gay galveston beach

The hip store is filled with clothing and goodies adorned with pithy sayings. 

Explore the Nightlife

From dancing to drag shows and live music performances, your LGBTQ Island clubbing options are endless at spots like Rumors Bar & Grill and 23rd Street Station Piano Bar.

You can learn more about the Island’s prosperous past by participating in walking and bus tours of its famous Victorian architecture, natural amenities, and “haunted” venues. On The Strand, LaKing's Confectionery and Hendley Market continue to tempt pedestrians. Still owned and operated by its original proprietor, Robert Manor, the bar is celebrating its 52nd year in business. 

Hit the Beach

Galveston Island boasts 30 miles of Gulf beaches, and each of them has something different to offer.

The 242-acre campus also offers massive 3-D and 4-D theaters, a paddlewheel cruise boat, a 428-room hotel, and a golf course. Truly, there’s a performance here for everyone – don’t miss your chance to enjoy a show (or several) for yourself.

Island ETC

Island ETC is Galveston’s foremost professional theatre company.

For a dose of caffeine, duck into MOD Coffeehouse, a gay-popular, art-filled café with lovely sidewalk tables.

Along the gracious, mostly residential blocks south of downtown, you’ll find some of Galveston’s most distinguished historic museums. And if you’re a queer-history buff, be sure to visit Robert’s Lafitte, the oldest gay bar in Texas.

This tourist destination seeks to educate and excite visitors about nature's beauty and wildlife and includes a pool, spa, aquarium, and more.

There are quite a few ways to get wet—or at least out on the water—in Galveston. Head over to Fisherman's Wharf or The Gumbo Bar for great seafood near the Historic District.

Truly, in so many ways, Galveston would make a wonderful place to call home.

A Few Fun Facts About Galveston

• The very first bakery in all of Texas was opened in Galveston in 1838 by an Irish immigrant named Christopher Fox.
• The oldest medical college in Texas opened in Galveston in 1891.
• Galveston was the first city in Texas to have gas lights, electric lights, and a telephone!

Read more fun facts about Galveston here.

Galveston’s LGBTQ Community                                   

Galveston is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG Galveston

PFLAG Galveston is the area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country.

One can’t-miss stop is lesbian artist Alecia Boles’ Pardon My French boutique.

Galveston opened recently in a modern industrial space and specializes in craft cocktails and artisan spirits. You can help the cause by attending a benefit brunch and show at Robert’s Lafitte, sponsored by Out4Brunch.

Worship in a Safe Space

Religious institutions have the power to spiritually uplift people, and Galveston’s Westminster Presbyterian Church seeks to nurture all who walk through its doors—regardless of one’s gender identity, sexuality, age, or background.

For those looking to stay waterside, the 16-story San Luis Resort offers 250 well-appointed modern guest rooms overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a heated pool and swim-up bar. For a classic experience, Hotel Galvez is the only beachfront historic hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast, while the Tremont offers European-style grandeur Downtown. 

For more information, log on to Galveston.com.