Let's Go Girls

Girls just want to have fun, and Houston is packed with plenty of options that appeal to the party animal, the lovable introvert, and everyone in between. Check out our suggested itinerary below for your dream H-Town weekend.

WHERE TO STAY

Le Meridien Houston Downtown

Houston is graced with more Travel Alternatives Group (TAG) Approved gay-friendly hotels than any other city in Texas, including Le Meridien Houston Downtown, Hotel Zaza Houston, JW Marriott Downtown, The Whitehall, and more. If you’re looking for a place to stay that is quintessentially female-driven, you’ll definitely want to consider the C. Baldwin Hotel downtown. Discover even more hotels and places to stay here.

Hotel ZaZa Houston - Museum District

Downtown, the Museum District, and the Galleria area are all great locations for homebase when exploring the city. If you’re looking for something a little more lowkey, staying in the Heights is also a great option and a prime location for getting around the city.

GETTING AROUND

If you’re visiting Houston via either of our airports, catch an Uber, Alto, or Lyft to get to your destination (assuming you didn’t rent a car). Save some money once you’re in town and use the MetroRail to travel between downtown, the Museum District and other neighborhoods. Learn more here. Houston is becoming more walkable, but reliable transportation is a must, so be sure to plan ahead when it comes to getting around the city and to your destinations.

FRIDAY

AFTERNOON:

The Original Ninfa's

Once you’re settled in for your getaway weekend, it’s time to grab a bite to eat before exploring. Houston is known for its excellent food scene, so you will find plenty of amazing options within city limits. Tex-Mex is likely calling your name, so stop in at The Original Ninfa’s (Galleria and East Downtown locations), Candente (Montrose), Teotihuacan (The Heights), Irma’s Southwest (Downtown), El Tiempo (Montrose location), or La Mexicana (Montrose/Museum District).

The Galleria Houston

Since you’re already out on the town, you might as well keep the good vibes going! After a long travel day, you may not be keen on a full day of shopping, but the Shops on 19th Street in the Heights are perfect for window shopping, cooling off with some ice cream, getting a cup of coffee, or doing some souvenir shopping for friends and family. If you’re able to rally and want to visit one of the largest international shopping destinations, you definitely want to stop in at The Galleria — here, you can shop until you literally drop! If vintage finds are more your scene, head to the shops on Westheimer, like Pavement Modern & Recycled Fashion and Leopard Lounge Vintage Clothing, for one-of-a-kind finds!

EVENING:

Postino

Time for dinner! Houston is a melting pot with cuisine options galore. If you’re looking to go more upscale, make a reservation at Sixty Vines in Rice Village for wine, Italian cuisine, and excellent vibes. If you desire a more casual atmosphere, Postino (Heights or Montrose) offers an extensive wine menu, excellent shareables, and mouthwatering entrees.

Houston’s nightlife scene is lively, and there’s a perfect bar out there for everyone! It is also home to one of the country’s few lesbian-specific bars, Pearl Bar Houston. Head to Pearl for a night of drinking, dancing, and even meet some locals in the back patio area. The bar hosts events and entertainment throughout the week, so check their socials because you may just be in luck!

SATURDAY

MORNING:

Time for coffee! Houston’s coffee scene is stellar, and you can’t go wrong at any of the local shops. Choose from Catalina Coffee (Historic Sixth Ward), Common Bond (Montrose), Day Six Coffee Co. (Downtown), Ola (Midtown), or La La Land Kind Cafe (Heights/Montrose). Breakfast is a must, and there’s no better way to fuel up than with breakfast tacos. You can’t go wrong with Chilosos Taco House (Heights), Brothers Taco House (East Downtown), or Tacos A Go Go (Multiple Locations).

Color Factory

Houston’s Museum District is the perfect way to soak up some culture, enjoy incredible art and architecture, and go full tourist mode alongside locals. Choose from one or all of the museums in the area, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Located just a short drive away from the Museum District is The Menil Collection, a free museum in Montrose that is a go-to place for locals and visitors alike. On the theme of “museums,” you don’t want to miss out on the photo ops you’ll get when visiting the Color Factory (Upper Kirby) or the Museum of Illusions (Galleria/Uptown).

AFTERNOON:
After all that walking, it’s time for lunch. After visiting The Menil in the Montrose area, you’re in luck with a variety of dining options. Get your fix at The Burger Joint (Burgers), Baby Barnaby’s (American Cuisine), The Pit Room (BBQ), Nidda Thai Cuisine (Thai), Lucille’s (Southern Cuisine), or Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Montrose (Pizza, etc.).

Saint Arnold Brewing Co.

If you want to keep the party going, why not hop over to one of Houston’s many breweries before your night on the town? Choose from Eureka Heights Brew Co. (Heights), Saint Arnold Brewing Co. (Downtown), Frost Town Brewing (Downtown), or Urban South Brewery (Heights).

EVENING:

Dinner time! Take things up a notch for dinner on your last night in H-Town. Show off your best looks and get ready to feast at Rainbow Lodge (Heights), Uchi (Montrose), Ostia (Montrose), Hungry’s (Rice Village), Le Colonial (River Oaks District), or Pondicheri (Upper Kirby).  

South Beach

Time to party! No matter how you envision your night on the town going, our Guide to Gay Bars in Houston has you covered. There’s no better way to end the night than with a dance party, and you can easily find that at Barbarella (Midtown/Montrose), Eagle Houston (Montrose), South Beach (Montrose), or Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon (Northwest Houston).

SUNDAY

It’s a beautiful morning and that can only mean one thing—drag brunch! Top drag brunch destinations include Boheme Cafe & Wine Bar (Montrose - outdoors; reservation required) and Winnie’s (Midtown - indoors/outdoors; no reservation required).

Do you have time to squeeze in a few more activities before heading back to reality? Stop by the Rice Village and get a pair of boots from Tecovas to remember your time in Texas, grab dessert at Melange Creperie in Heights Mercantile for a sweet ending to your trip, or toast to a fabulous trip at Light Years Wine in Montrose.

There’s no way to squeeze in all that Houston has to offer in just one weekend. To live in Houston is to know that there is always something new to experience or a new area to explore. This guide is a great start to discovering the city, but only you know how to make a trip one to remember, so feel free to explore MyGayHouston for more options that might fit your personal preferences more accurately.

Welcome to Houston! Enjoy your vibe and come back soon!

By: Zach McKenzie