Arenas District, where the fun is!

Arenas District is officially the epicenter of LGBTQ unity in Palm Springs; it’s the so gay of SoCal; a big gulp of queerness with a small-town-charm chaser. It offers the largest concentration of LGBTQ establishments in the Coachella Valley and is popular for both locals and visitors.

Arenas District Map

Arenas Road has managed to bottle our city’s intoxicating blend of relaxed cool and scene-stealing panache. You feel the urgency to explore, but at your own laid-back pace. This inviting atmosphere wasn’t achieved by accident. Rather, it is the product of cooperation as chic and unique as the street itself. The Arenas District galvanizes our community’s commitment to strength, style, and serving up a rainbow of smiles. It’s like the Castro or Hillcrest of the Coachella Valley.

Blackbook Bar is a great place to start with a great menu and award-winning craft cocktails (but without the attitude). They serve classic American comfort food that’s so good the were named the best restaurant in Palm Springs. They offer a curated whisky list of more than 450 bottles and a rotating selection of craft beers, seltzers, and spiked kombucha.

The popular Palm Springs Style Nachos is served on a baking sheet and great to share. How fun is that! Includes cheddar & monterey jack cheese, tomato, jalapeno, sour cream, scallions, and salsa.  The two-handed burgers are legendary and served with house-cut fries (or salad). The signature Blackbook Burger is 1/2 pound angus beef serves with applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, house-made hickory sauce. and pickles. There is also a house-made vegan burger served with a vegan bun.

Across the street is the popular nightclub Hunters Palm Springs. This is a great place for clubbing. Not only do they have go-go dancers, they do a Drag Bingo every Wednesday and a Fur Friday with drink specials. Enjoy a huge dance floor with disco lighting to dance the night away.  Their bar bites includes pizza, grande quesadilla, crisp calamari, and wings with lots of sauces to choose from. The menu expands on the weekends to include brunch and burgers, like their featured mac & cheese burger with bourbon bacon and caramelized onions. There are also Keto and vegan options.

In addition to the aforementioned Arenas watering holes, visitors can also sing along with showtunes at Quadz Video Bar. Playing all your Broadway and showtune favorites, it’s a comradery of fun and a great way to share with friends.

Chill Bar just next door in the Arenas District serves up shows, parties, food and drinks. Two spaces offer patrons a range of entertainment and nightlife options. With vast glass window-walls overlooking the famous Arenas Strip and beautiful views of the iconic San Jacinto mountains, the front bar is perfect for relaxing or meeting friends, old and new. Internationally known DJs and renowned performers appear in the back bar; which houses the largest dancefloor in Palm Springs along with state-of-the-art sound and light. Together they deliver a nightclub experience unlike any other.

Streetbar is a long standing anchor to the Arenas District, know for their huge chandelier about the bar. It’s always busy and finding a seat can be tricky, but it’s fun and loved by locals. It’s a great place to meet people and make new friends. Many stop by Streetbar before heading to Hunter’s next door for the dancing.

Dicks’ on Arenas brings leather & Levi realness to the block, and owner Scott Murchison is happy to sharpen the edges of the district.  It’s his mission to create a safe space for the gay community and where pretentiousness and judgement are left behind. Dick believes that bartending is an artform and celebrates the craftsmanship and skill of his bartender friends.

For  a bit of shopping, check out Rough Trade,  Bear Wear,  and Gay Mart. Rough Trade is men’s street, fetish, sport and play gear. Hip and unique fashion for today’s gay men. Bear Wear caters to big men in need of larger sized. Gaymart is our local favorite gay superstore. Lot’s of clothes for lounging, swimming, clubbing, and gifting. They have the largest swimming and underwear collection in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Piercing Company is owned by David McCammon. He began as an apprentice, working his way to piercer at the legendary Gauntlet in San Francisco. He learned his art during piercing’s renaissance and studied technique from some of the best practitioners in the business. Gaining knowledge and experience, David has learned to provide the highest quality jewelry and optimal customer service. His approach, knowledge of piercing, and his concern for clients have earned him an international reputation as one of the best piercers practicing today.

Division (no website) is open next door and is a contemporary men’s clothing store.

At the Palm Springs Arenas District, you’ll feel at home!

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Come Out, Come Out, However You Are!