There is no major gay resort destination on the Gulf of Mexico coast in the United States, which is not terribly surprising given the generally conservative attitudes of residents who live between the Gulf shores of Florida and Texas. But some places have started to gain a following over the years, including Pensacola, Florida (famous for its gay Memorial Day festivities every May) and Galveston Island. More recently, the pristine barrier beach of South Padre Island, on the southern tip of the Gulf Coast of Texas, has begun to attract increasing numbers of gay visitors and on weekdays, especially during its gay party weekend. Spring, Splash South Padre Island, held for a weekend in late April and then again in the fall – next dates are October 6-9, 2016.
The gay Upper Deck Hotel and Bar (120 E. Atol St., 956-761-5953), which reopened last year, is the official property of the Splash South Padre Island host for this year, and they currently offer special Splash rates. .
The fun includes a welcome party on Thursday night (October 6); a pool celebration on Friday luau, T dance and party night; a foam pool party on Saturdays (and also a beach party at the end of Atol Street), t-dance and Spash Padre Island Party Cruise (in the evening), and Pink and Purple Ball at Louie’s Backyard; and a farewell party on Sunday.
Here’s a full schedule of events on the most recent Splash Padre Island.
In addition to hosting the Upper Deck Hotel, guests at Splash South Padre Island may consider the following gay-friendly lodging options, including South Padre Beach Houses & Condos, Travelodge, Inn on South Padre Island, and Suites at Sunchase, all from which are good budget options at any time of the year.
For nightlife, again, South Padre does not have specific gay clubs. However, events during Splash South Padre Island take place in various locations around the city, notably the popular seafood restaurant Louie’s Backyard (2305 Laguna Dr.), a gay-friendly spot on the bay.
South Gay Island Recursos Gay
Padre Island has become famous as a major spring break destination, but it also has a number of exciting festivals and events throughout the year, including the South Padre International Music Festival in November, the Texas State Surfing Championship in April, a film festival in August, and a variety of sporting and cultural events. The island is 40 minutes northeast of the Brownsville-South Padre Airport, which has numerous flights each day from Houston, and one hour from the Rio Grande Valley International Airport in Harlingen, which is served by Southweset Airlines, United and Delta with flights direct from a number of major cities.
The island is a 4.5 hour drive south of San Antonio, and a 6 hour drive south of Houston.
