Featured Gay Friendly Hotel in Palm Springs

Featured Gay Friendly Vacation Rentals in Palm Springs

Gay Travel Palm Springs

Palm Springs LGBT Travel Guide Summary

For a hot time in the desert, there’s no vacation destination like Palm Springs. Gay-friendly Palm Springs laid back atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the world.  You’ll see every type under the sun here. There are plenty of cool gay bars—and many modern, all-inclusive hotels with great bars and mixed crowds—but visitors tend to be more focused on the daytime sun and fun. If you’re looking to retire in style, it’s a wonderful place to grow gay and gray.

Palm Springs Sunlit Mountains
Photo Credit:  Cameron Venti

Palm Springs is famous for its Gay Events.  You won’t want to miss the world-renowned Dinah Shore Weekend celebration (affectionately referred to as “The Dinah), which takes place in September, or the always-popular White Party April.

Downtown Palm Springs had a $100 million renovation in 2018.  On average, you’ll see the sun shining about 300 days a year and only about a month’s worth of rainfall.

Palm Tree
Photo Credit:  Anna Rasmussen

What do you want to discover in Palm Springs?

Gay Scene

Traveling to Palm Springs

Best Time to Visit

MUST DO: Attractions & Activities

MUST EAT: Gay-Friendly Dining

MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Travel Safety Tips 

Local Expert:  Gay Scene in Palm Springs

Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine each year and an LGBT population reaching nearly 40 percent, Palm Springs is one of the country's hottest gay tourist destinations. This palm-studded playground is a paradise for couples or singles looking to get away and relax by the pool or strip down at a clothing-optional resort.

Overall, Palm Springs is extremely gay-friendly, and nobody will think twice if you’re strolling down Palm Canyon Drive holding the hand of your partner.

Swimmer Floating in Pool in Pink Swimsuit and Swimcap
Photo Credit:  Taylor Simpson

Traveling to Palm Springs

How to get to gay-friendly Palm Springs? Palm Springs is located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California.  If you're driving, it’s a convenient two-hour drive from Los Angeles and San Diego -- just hop in your vintage Mercedes and take a leisurely drive! For those flying, there’s an airport in the city that serves Palm Springs and the rest of the Coachella Valley. There is also a bus service and an Amtrak station. The city’s economy relies mainly on tourism. Many of the businesses target the LGBT community almost exclusively, so you’ll enjoy the feeling of being at home at many Palm Springs gay hotels and gay resorts.

Palm Springs Architecture and Vintage Car
Photo Credit:  Andy Laybournen

Best Time to Visit Palm Springs

The high season and most hospitable time of year is from January through April. Temperatures reach the triple digits in the summertime, which makes it a little too hot.  Because you should go at least twice a year, we recommend visiting in the Fall too!

Palm Springs Pink Flowers
Photo Credit:  Taylor Simpson

MUST DO: Palm Springs Attractions & Activities

For those who love the arts scene, The Palm Springs Art Museum is a “must do.” Its world-class collection of Modern and Contemporary art, photography, and studio glass are just some of the highlights.  Architecture buffs will enjoy the mid-century modern style and a must-see “Frey House II,” located on a hill overlooking the museum.

Palm Springs Mid-Century-Modern Architecture
Photo Credit:  Taylor Simpson
 

If outdoor activities are what you’re looking for, there are championship golf courses and tennis facilities that will entice you to play. 

Palm Springs Golf Course
Photo Credit:  Don Stouder
Palm Springs Tennis
Photo Credit:  Cristina Anne Costello

Of course, you can always trek along trails of desert hiking or biking.  Coachella Valley is small enough that you can rent a bike and see most of the starkly beautiful outdoor (and some indoor) attractions on a long weekend.

The shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive is where you’ll find unique and interesting shops with everything from vintage selections to au currant.

Palm Springs Sunglasses
Photo Credit:  Taylor Simpson

Because the spas of Palm Springs are so impressive, sight-seeing might need to take a back seat.  After all, Palm Springs is Hollywood’s original celebrity retreat, and those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities will find Palm Springs to be the perfect antidote.

Palm Springs Pool Yellow Swimsuit
Photo Credit:  Taylor Simpson

MUST EAT: Gay-Friendly Dining

Palm Springs has many gay-friendly restaurants that offer tasty food, good service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Trio Palm Springs

Happy and fun dining with a super pleasant and good looking staff. Trio is a community favorite that usually requires reservations. Come enjoy the orangely decorated gift of the Desert!

The Tropicale

A chic and sophisticated décor provides the setting for our distinctive “world cuisine,” a provocative mix of zesty influences that creates a delightful dining experience in Palm Springs, California.

MUST VISIT:  Gay-Friendly Nightlife

Grab a drink and have some fun at these local gay bars and clubs that feature dancing, great cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Palm Springs Poolside Drink and LemonPhoto Credit:  Taylor Simpson

SpurLine Video Lounge

This is one of the best video bars I have gone to for show tunes. Everyone gets into the mood by singing along and waving napkins. If you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and fun staff, this bar is for you.

Hunters

Just a few hours from Los Angeles, Hunters offers one of the greatest dance floors in Palm Springs. Whether your a local in for a pool tournament on the weekday, or if you’re here for the White Party or Palm Springs PRIDE where lines go around the block to get in, you’ll have a good time.

Travel Safety Tips

Palm Springs is a safe and welcoming community that embraces gay travelers from all over the world.  There is something for everyone in this gay desert town.

Palm Springs Sunset
Photo Credit:  Tom Zulli

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