Gay Palm Springs is your sun-soaked playground—bursting with events, entertainment, and empowerment. We've proudly been flying the rainbow flag for nearly a century.
It all began in the 1920s, during Hollywood's silent era, when silver screen stars like Rudolph Valentino snuck off to Palm Springs to escape the spotlight—and stir up a little scandal of their own. Our desert oasis quickly earned a reputation as Tinseltown’s glamorous getaway, where stars could be themselves without the paparazzi lens.
As the decades passed, legends like Rock Hudson, Anthony Perkins, and Tab Hunter helped turn the Coachella Valley into Hollywood’s most fabulous open secret—a rugged haven of privacy, pleasure, and pride.
Pride in Ownership: LGBTQ-Owned Businesses in Palm Springs
Gay Palm Springs thrives on authenticity. Our city is full of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who’ve created welcoming spaces where diversity is celebrated, not just accepted.
Start your adventure with Bike Palm Springs, owned by power couple Tony Torres and Rocky Wood. Grab a rental and pedal your way to discovery!
Next, cruise through the Uptown Design District, where style reigns supreme. Make a statement with bold designs at Seaplane Shirts, where owner Schuyler Brown brings color, creativity, and a queer sensibility to fashion.
Head downtown to the Arenas District—Palm Springs’ historic LGBTQ+ corridor. Check out GayMart, where rainbow flair meets retail therapy.
Drop by Christopher Anthony Ltd. to add a dash of desert chic to your living space for upscale home vibes.
Events Worth a Return Trip
The Dinah: Held every spring, The Dinah is the largest queer women's music festival on Earth, featuring powerhouse performances, pool parties, and wall-to-wall celebration.
Palm Springs Leather Pride: Every October, the desert gets steamy with Leather Pride, a bold weekend of brotherhood, kink, and unapologetic authenticity.
Greater Palm Springs Pride: Palm Springs saves the best for last with Greater Palm Springs Pride, held in November when the weather is cool and the vibes are sizzling. Featuring parades, parties, and performances, it’s one of the most accessible and inclusive Pride festivals in the U.S.
👑 Drag Shows and LGBTQ+ Nightlife in Palm Springs
Palm Springs' nightlife is as diverse and vibrant as its community. From high-energy dance clubs to intimate drag performances, there's something for everyone.
Drag Shows and Cabarets
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Oscar’s Café & Bar: Famous for its drag brunches and the iconic Sunday Tea Dance, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious cocktails.
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Hunters Palm Springs: A central hub for gay nightlife, featuring themed events like Drag Bingo on Wednesdays and Sunday night drag shows.
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Toucan's Tiki Lounge: A vibrant venue hosting drag shows throughout the week, known for its tropical ambiance and energetic performances.
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Purple Room Supper Club: Bringing the glamour of the Rat Pack era to life with live music and ticketed shows from Friday through Sunday.
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PS Air Bar: A unique, aviation-themed bar offering drag performances and a retro airline experience.
Arenas District: Your One-Stop LGBTQ+ Strip
The Arenas District is your all-access pass to gay Palm Springs nightlife. Here's your gay bar crawl cheat sheet:
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Blackbook – Elevated eats and drinks in a stylish, masculine setting.
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Streetbar – Classic neighborhood gay bar with a loyal local following.
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Dick's on Arenas – Leather-forward with a fun and flirtatious edge.
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Hunters – High-energy dance floors, go-go dancers, and theme nights galore.
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Chill Bar – True to its name, it’s the perfect place to sip and socialize.
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Quadz – Belt out show tunes and mingle with musical theater lovers.
Retail therapy? Yes, please! Stop by Bear Wear, Rough Trade, or Division Menswear, where you’ll find the most body-positive and barely-there swimwear.
Stay and Play: Top Gay Resorts in Palm Springs
No trip to Gay Palm Springs is complete without a stay at one of our world-famous clothing-optional resorts:
Warm Sands Neighborhood: The Heart of Gay Palm Springs
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Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort offers day passes for spontaneous sunning and socializing.
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Desert Paradise Resort: A boutique resort featuring a saltwater pool, expanded Jacuzzi spa, and steam and sauna rooms.
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Vista Grande Resort: Set within lush gardens, this resort offers three pools, a lagoon, a steam room, and an 18-man hot tub.
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INNdulge Palm Springs: A clothing-optional resort featuring a 24-hour saltwater pool, a 12-man Jacuzzi, and nightly social hours.
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The Hacienda at Warm Sands: An award-winning resort known for its luxurious suites, personalized services, and tranquil ambiance.
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El Mirasol Villas: A Spanish-style resort with 15 rooms, offering clothing-optional pools and serene gardens.
Additional Gay Resorts
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Santiago Resort: An intimate two-story, clothing-optional resort with a saltwater pool and lush landscaping. Includes poolside breakfast and lunch.
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Twin Palms Resort: A modern luxury resort featuring a heated pool, 12-man spa, and complimentary poolside breakfast and lunch.
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Descanso Resort: A men-only resort offering a heated saltwater pool, complimentary snacks, and a cantina. Includes poolside breakfast and lunch
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Triangle Inn: A clothing-optional midcentury modern resort with nine rooms, tropical gardens, and mountain views.
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Canyon Club Hotel: Located in the Uptown Design District, this clothing-optional resort offers a steam room, dry sauna, and mountain views.
🌟 Plan Your Visit
Palm Springs is a year-round destination offering sunshine, inclusivity, and a welcoming community. Whether you're seeking relaxation at a luxurious resort, the thrill of a drag show, or dancing the night away, this desert paradise has it all.
Tips for Your Trip:
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Best Time to Visit: Spring and late summer are ideal, with October/November being a local favorite for Palm Springs Pride Days.
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Getting Around: The city is compact and walkable, with rideshare services and bike rentals readily available.
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Booking Accommodations: Plan ahead, especially during peak seasons and major events, to secure your preferred resort.
Embrace the freedom, joy, and vibrant culture that Palm Springs offers. Your unforgettable LGBTQ+ adventure awaits!
