Palm Springs LGBTQ Guide 🏳️‍🌈

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.

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!

Learn More: Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Travel

LGBTQ-Owned Retail 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.

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.

owner of seaplane shirts

Ball Beachwear is a vibrant, fashion-forward boutique specializing in high-quality men's swimwear that turns heads at the beach or poolside. Known for its bold colors, eye-catching patterns, and flattering cuts, the shop offers a wide selection of swim shorts, tops, and accessories that combine comfort with standout style.

El Tuggle is a locally owned boutique in Palm Springs offering a curated collection of clothing for men and women inspired by the desert lifestyle. Combining easy-breezy fabrics with hand-worked details, the boutique captures a vintage cabana vibe while providing stylish, wearable pieces perfect for poolside, resort, and everyday wear.

Gear Leather has always been passionate about great gear.

Drop by Christopher Anthony Ltd. to add a dash of desert chic to your living space for upscale home vibes.

Founded by Jeremy Taylor and Niels Kosman, PS HomeBoys is a trendy boutique that offers an exciting blend of local art, fashion, home décor, and one of the largest wallpaper collections in the Coachella Valley.

Ext PS Homeboys

Events Worth a Return Trip

Palm Springs Leather Pride: Every October, the weekend before Pride, 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, held in November when the weather is superb 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.

Palm Springs Pride

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

Oscar’s Café & Bar: Famous for its drag brunches and the iconic Sunday Tea Dance, offering a lively atmosphere and delicious cocktails.
Hunters Palm Springs: A central hub for gay nightlife, featuring themed events like Drag Bingo on Wednesdays and Sunday night drag shows.
Toucan's Tiki Lounge: A vibrant venue hosting drag shows throughout the week, known for its tropical ambiance and energetic performances.
Purple Room Supper Club: Bringing the glamour of the Rat Pack era to life with live music and ticketed shows from Friday through Sunday.
PS Air Bar: A unique, aviation-themed bar offering drag performances and a retro airline experience.

oscar's

Drag & Fly Tours

Experience Palm Springs like never before with Drag & Fly Tours, the city’s most unique and entertaining sightseeing adventure. This one-of-a-kind tour combines captivating storytelling, original music, dazzling videos, and live drag performances aboard a state-of-the-art mobile theater.

People on bus at Drag & Fly Tour in Palm Springs

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:

Blackbook – Elevated eats and drinks in a stylish, masculine setting.
Streetbar – Classic neighborhood gay bar with a loyal local following.
Dick's on Arenas – Leather-forward with a fun and flirtatious edge.
Hunters – High-energy dance floors, go-go dancers, and theme nights galore.
Chill Bar – True to its name, it’s the perfect place to sip and socialize.
Quadz – Belt out show tunes and mingle with musical theater lovers.

Retail therapy? Yes, please! Stop by Bear Wear, Rough Trade, GayMart, or Division Menswear, where you’ll find the most body-positive and barely-there swimwear.

Friends dining at Blackbook

Be Social

Social Café & Play Lounge is a lively, gay owned, and welcoming spot that blends coffeehouse charm with playful social energy. By day, it serves up fresh coffee, pastries, and breakfast biscuits; by night, it transforms into a fun lounge with games, wine, pizza, and weekly events like trivia and open mic. With indoor-outdoor seating and a friendly, inclusive vibe, it’s a great place to relax, connect, and play.

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

Casa Oliver Hotel & Resort offers day passes for spontaneous sunning and socializing.
Desert Paradise Resort: A boutique resort featuring a saltwater pool, expanded Jacuzzi spa, and steam and sauna rooms.
Vista Grande Resort: Set within lush gardens, this resort offers three pools, a lagoon, a steam room, and an 18-man hot tub.
INNdulge Palm Springs: A clothing-optional resort featuring a 24-hour saltwater pool, a 12-man Jacuzzi, and nightly social hours.
The Hacienda at Warm Sands: An award-winning resort known for its luxurious suites, personalized services, and tranquil ambiance.
El Mirasol Villas: A Spanish-style resort with 15 rooms, offering clothing-optional pools and serene gardens.

Additional Gay Resorts

Santiago Resort: An intimate two-story, clothing-optional resort with a saltwater pool and lush landscaping. Includes poolside breakfast and lunch.
Twin Palms Resort: A modern luxury resort featuring a heated pool, 12-man spa, and complimentary poolside breakfast and lunch.
Descanso Resort: A men-only resort offering a heated saltwater pool, complimentary snacks, and a cantina. Includes poolside breakfast and lunch
Triangle Inn: A clothing-optional midcentury modern resort with nine rooms, tropical gardens, and mountain views.
Canyon Club Hotel: Located in the Uptown Design District, this clothing-optional resort offers a steam room, dry sauna, and mountain views.

Read the complete guide to gay hotels in Palm Springs.

santiago pool

🌟 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:

Best Time to Visit: Spring and late summer are ideal, with October/November being a local favorite for Palm Springs Pride Days.
Getting Around: The city is compact and walkable, with rideshare services and bike rentals readily available.
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!

gay couple Palm Springs