Gay Palm Springs Guide


Gay Palm Springs is making a comeback! The city has a new dynamic downtown with stylish hotels, fashionable restaurants, a burgeoning art scene and edgy vibe.

Gay Palm Springs Guide

Palm Spring, pools, cocktails and fun in the Sun!

Ever since the 1930’s. Palm Springs has been welcoming the discerning traveler, from A-List celebrities to aspiring actors.  Just a 2 hour drive from Hollywood, Palm Springs enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine and is home to some of the biggest gay events in the United States, including the White party and Cochella Music Festival.

This is our insider gay guide to Palm Springs best bars, restaurants, hotels and things to see and do!

Santiago resort

Santiago Resort

4 Star – Offering a year-round outdoor pool and men’s-only accommodation with pool views. Santiago Resort – A Gay Men’s Clothing Optional Resort is set in the Palm Springs Uptown district in Palm Springs.



Booking.com

Recommended Hotels in Gay Palm Springs

The Parker

The Parker

5 Star  Just 4 minutes’ drive from Palm Springs International Airport, this luxurious resort boasts 3 pools, a spa wellness centre and 2 restaurants on-site. It offers uniquely-styled guest rooms with free Wi-Fi.



Booking.com

Triada Palm Springs

Triada Palm Springs

Located in a Spanish-style hacienda in the Movie Colony District, Triada Palm Springs boasts an outdoor pool and a spa and wellness centre. Palm Springs International Airport is 4.1 km away.



Booking.com

Ace Hotel

The Ace Hotel

Set in Palm Springs, this unique hotel offers contemporary guestrooms with free wireless internet access, a spa and an on-site restaurant. Guests can relax at the 2 outdoor pools.



Booking.com

Gay Map of Palm Springs

Palm Springs Gay Bars

Palm Springs Gay Scene

Palm Springs is relatively spread out. Taxis are available, but usually must be called for in advance. Rates are also higher than in big cities. If you plan to experience more than just your hotel’s swimming pool, your best bet is to rent a car.

Palm Springs is one big gay town but some of its neighborhoods are more popular. Warm Sands and Arenas are good for walking. If you plan on visiting Deepwell or Las Palmas, then you should rent a car.

  • Warm Sands – Home to many of the gay clothing optional resorts. Night time cruising is popular.
  • Arenas – Here you will find most of the gay bars, shops and restaurants between Canyon and Calle Encilia.
  • Deepwel – Upscale neighbourhood with stunning mid-century modern architecture.
  • Las Palmas/Movie Colony – Home to the movie stars and gated communities – worth a drive through.

Palm Springs Gay Bars

Whether you want to catch a high energy drag show, sip on a classy cocktail or take in some sunset views on a rooftop, Palm Springs has a bar for you.

  • Alibi – Happening spot serving bar food, plus steak & burgers, in breezy environs with outdoor seating.
  • Barracks – Eclectic gay bar offering cocktails & beers, plus rotating DJs & a no-frills backyard patio.. Popular with bears and fetish guys, Sunday beer busts (2pm to 2am)
  • Chill Bar  – This roomy gay bar & lounge offers cocktails in a sleek, contemporary space with an outdoor patio., also check out Scorpion Room Adonis Lounge Thursday night male strippers, guest porn stars, lap dances.
  • Hunters – A local institution bar and dance club, lots of action from early evening until late; go go boys and theme nights.
  • Oscar’s Cafe & Bar  – Saturday and Sunday breakfast until 2pm, lunch and sandwiches, dinner and cocktails; drag, music, cabaret. The Tea dance is an old school favourite and starts on Sundays at 4pm. Great Vibe and energy.
  • Tool Shed – A well know bar for leathermen & bears cruisebar from 10am daily, free pool games underwear nights, beer and soda busts, leather and fetish nights, DJs, go-go dancers.
  • Toucan’s Tiki Lounge  – Gay cocktail bar & lounge with drink specials, drag queen performances, weekend dance club, cabaret shows,  go-go dancers, many ages/ genders mix; Latin and bears’ nights, DJ sets.
  • Street Bar – set among some of the best restaurants in Palm Springs, this friendly bar is great for pre or post dinner cocktails, with cute staff!
  • High Bar – While not gay per-se, the views from the roof at the High Bar in Kimpton’s Rowan Hotel should not be missed.
  • Cruise in the All Worlds Annex – not to be missed sex club featuring 5000 sq feet of play space, glory holes and slings! Their sex maze is legendary.

Gay Palm Springs Events

Dirty Disco Palm Springs

Dirty Disco Palm Springs

From: Dec. 09.2023 - To: Dec. 09.2023
Each month, Dirty Disco Palm Springs, REFORMA PS, & Swishcraft Music will celebrate an iconic 70s discotheque from around the globe at Reforma PS.
Alpha Palm Springs

Alpha Palm Springs

From: Dec. 09.2023 - To: Dec. 09.2023
Drew Sebastian and Steven Michael present Alpha, a testosterone-filled pop-up party in Palm Springs
Daddy Issues Palm Springs

Daddy Issues Palm Springs

From: Dec. 16.2023 - To: Dec. 16.2023
Celebrate all things "Daddy" with the sexiest guys in Palm Springs (Cathedral City) as the Barracks hosts the infamous Daddy Issues party
Pig Daddy Palm Springs

Pig Daddy New Year Palm Springs

From: Dec. 30.2023 - To: Dec. 30.2023
Pig Daddy New Year Weekend Palm Springs is the hottest way to celebrate the end of the old year and the arrival of the new!
ButchR By Megawoof - Palm Springs Labor Day Weekend

NYE By Megawoof Palm Springs

From: Dec. 31.2023 - To: Dec. 31.2023
Celebrate with the hottest, sexiest gay guys from around the country at the Megawoof party in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs IBC

Palm Springs International Bear Convergence

From: Feb. 22.2024 - To: Feb. 26.2024
Palm Springs International Bear Convergence is the winter event for Bears & admirers in Palm Springs, taking place each February.
Cathedral City LGBT Days

Cathedral City LGBT Days

From: Mar. 08.2024 - To: Mar. 10.2024
Come celebrate diversity at the Cathedral City LGBT Days each year in late March, just 15 minutes drive from downtown Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Red Dress Party

Palm Springs Red Dress Party

From: Mar. 16.2024 - To: Mar. 16.2024
The Annual Red Dress, Dress Read party in Palm Springs is one of the most bedazzling social occasion on the gay calendar
White Party Palm Springs

The White Party Palm Springs

From: Mar. 29.2024 - To: Mar. 31.2024
The White Party Palm Springs attracts more than 30,000 hot gay party people for this amazing 3 days of nonstop partying in the Californian sun.
Soaked Pool Parties Palm Springs

Soaked Pool Parties Palm Springs

From: Mar. 30.2024 - To: Mar. 31.2024
The Soaked Parties are two of the biggest and most famous pool party events in the USA, the afternoon signature events held during Palm Springs White Party Festival
Palm Springs Gay Memorial Day Weekend

Palm Springs Gay Memorial Day Weekend

From: May. 23.2024 - To: May. 27.2024
There's no better way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend than in the Palm Springs Sunshine. The gay resorts and bars host special events all weekend long.
Tidal Wave Bear Week

Tidal Wave Bear Week

From: Jun. 20.2024 - To: Jun. 24.2024
Tidal Wave is one of the biggest bear weekends in the USA, held each year in early June in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs 4th Of July Gay Weekend Escape

Palm Springs 4th Of July Gay Weekend Escape

From: Jul. 01.2024 - To: Jul. 06.2024
Celebrate the 4th of July in Palm Springs and enjoy the warmth and inclusion of the local community as you celebrate America's birthday
Palm Springs Labor Day Weekend

Palm Springs Labor Day Weekend

From: Aug. 29.2024 - To: Sep. 02.2024
While Labor Day is typically a time for saying goodbye to Summer, it marks the kick start of the high season for Palm Springs as the city becomes a hotspot for those seeking never ending Summer weather
Blatino Oasis Palm Springs

Blatino Oasis Palm Springs

From: Sep. 12.2024 - To: Sep. 15.2024
Blatino Oasis bills itself as California's Ultimate Gay Men Of Color Getaway & Retreat. You won't be disappointed.
Palm Springs Leather Pride

Palm Springs Leather Pride

From: Oct. 24.2024 - To: Oct. 27.2024
For those that love leather, Palm Springs Leather Pride is more than just an event. Expect a weekend full of fun
Dark Alley Palm Springs

Dark Alley Palm Springs

From: Oct. 25.2024 - To: Oct. 26.2024
Hosted by Owner Rob Cole at his well-known Levi-Leather Bar, The Tool Shed, the Leather Mart is one of the most popular events held during Palm Springs Leather Pride
Plunge Palm Springs Leather Pride Pool Party

Plunge Palm Springs Leather Pride Pool Party

From: Oct. 25.2024 - To: Oct. 26.2024
Celebrate Palm Springs Leather Pride with two of the biggest daytime celebrations of the weekend, the Plunge Pool Parties
Palm Springs Pride

Palm Springs Gay Pride

From: Oct. 31.2024 - To: Nov. 03.2024
Highlights of Palm Springs Gay Pride include a stunning parade, amazing pool parties and a Pride Festival complete with gay village, stage and shopping.
Desert Heat Palm Springs

Desert Heat Palm Springs

From: Nov. 01.2024 - To: Nov. 03.2024
Desert Heat Palm Springs take place during Palm Spring Pride weekend featuring The Biggest Gay Pool Parties and Events
ReturnT to the Desert, Palm Springs Pride Opening Party

ReturnT to the Desert Palm Springs Pride Opening Party

From: Nov. 01.2024 - To: Nov. 01.2024
Kickstart your Palm Springs Pride celebrations in Style at the ReturnT party by GPS Los Angeles
GPS Pride in the Desert Palm Springs

GPS Pride in the Desert Palm Springs

From: Nov. 02.2024 - To: Nov. 02.2024
Celebrate Palm Springs Pride in style at the annual "Pride in the desert" circuit event hosted by GPS
Heat Pool Party Palm Springs

Heat Pool Party Palm Springs

From: Nov. 02.2024 - To: Nov. 02.2024
Escape the desert heat of Palm Springs at the official Pride pool party, "HEAT", at the Saguaro Hotel
Sunset Tea Palm Springs

Sunset Tea Palm Springs

From: Nov. 03.2024 - To: Nov. 03.2024
Stay goodbye to Palm Springs Pride at the biggest tea dance of the season at the "Super Sunset Tea"
Paradise Pool Party Palm Springs

Paradise Pool Party Palm Springs

From: Nov. 03.2024 - To: Nov. 03.2024
Relive the magic of the Palm Springs Pool Party one more time for a Sunday Funday to Remember at the Paradise Pool event
Palm Springs Festival of LIghts

Palm Springs Festival of Lights

From: Dec. 05.2024 - To: Dec. 08.2024
The Palm Springs Festival of lights is one of the most magical events in this gay capital! Parade entries include marching bands, drum squads & drill teams.
DILF Palm Springs - Black Party

DILF Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
DILF Palm Springs Black Party takes over the Barracks Bar during the end of April each year featuring hot dirty house music & a warehouse party
RAM Palm Springs

RAM Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
RAM is one of the biggest gay bear and gear parties in the USA and returns to Palm Springs for a special edition
Hot Rodeo Palm Springs

Hot Rodeo Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Hot Rodeo Palm Springs is one of the top gay rodeo events in the USA, featuring a mix of competitions, a pool party & dancing
Desert Tea, Palm Springs

Desert Tea Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Justin David presents "Desert Tea", the ultimate mid-season pool party in Palm Springs. Desert Tea is the little brother to the big Desert Heat
Butchr by Megawoof

Butchr by Megawoof Palm Springs Memorial Weekend

Awaiting dates
Celebrate the Memorial weekend with the hottest, sexiest gay guys from around the country at the Megawoof party in Palm Springs.
Sunvibes Pool Party Palm Springs

Sunvibes Pool Party Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Le Parties presents a unique Memorial Day Weekend Pool Party in Palm Springs - Sun Vibes!
Desertopia Palm Springs Memorial Weekend

Desertopia Palm Springs Memorial Weekend

Awaiting dates
Celebrate the start of Summer in style as Desertopia takes over Palm Springs for a Memorial weekend event full of parties, fun and a unique desert vibe.
Brut Bears at Cristoph's Tampa

Brut Bears Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Brut Bears Palm Springs presents a series of pop up parties in Palm Springs throughout the year with guest DJs, and sexy bears.
Dirty Leather Palm Springs

Dirty Leather Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
John Piampiano presents the legendary Dirty Leather party in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Halloween

Palm Springs Halloween

Awaiting dates
On Halloween, Arenas Road in Palm Springs transforms into a massive outdoor celebration, including a huge Halloween Costume Contest.
BRUT - Palm Springs Pride Edition

BRUT Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
BRÜT is the leading men-only gear party in the USA and hosts parties during Palm Springs signature events including IBC and White Party weekends.
Euphoria Palm Springs

Euphoria Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Prepare for an electrifying and unforgettable Pride weekend party at Reforma Nightclub in Palm Springs!
Masterbeat Palm Springs

Masterbeat Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Masterbeat and White Party Global present the official Palm Springs Pride main event
Squirt Pool Party Palm Springs

Squirt Pool Party Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Squirt, a pool party brought to you by Tom Whitman and fruitPOP, the juiciest queer camp at Burning Man
Palm Springs, Mega Pride Pool Party

Le Parties Palm Springs Pool Parties

Awaiting dates
Get ready for the biggest pool party Palm Springs has ever witnessed during the annual gay pride festivities in November
Desertopia Festival - Palm Springs Pride Weekend

Desertopia Festival - Palm Springs Pride Weekend

Awaiting dates
Desertopia Festival - Palm Springs Pride Weekend 2021 features a day pool party followed by a dance party at AsiaSF and an all day festival.
Reload Palm Springs, Gay After hours Event

Reload Palm Springs Gay After hours Event

Awaiting dates
Reload is the premier gay after-party in the USA each month in Los Angeles. It brings its party to Palm Springs for special events, including the White Party and Pride
Furball Fetish & Gear IBC Palm Springs

Furball Jock'd Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
The Furball Fetish & Gear event is the one of the hottest bear events held in Palm Springs. If the party is in town on your next visit, don't miss it!
Pig Daddy Palm Springs

Pig Daddy Palm Springs

Awaiting dates
Anthony John brings the nastiest, kinkiest and filthiest party to Palm Springs, the one and only Pig Daddy
Chill Bar Halloween Block Party Palm Springs

Chill Bar Palm Springs Presents

Awaiting dates
Chill Bar Presents Haus of Chill, an epic pop up party with guest DJs, great music and sexy guys ready to party.

Gay Restaurants in Palm Springs

Palm Springs dining scene is endless and ranges from the casual brunch to fine dining. For the top restaurants a reservation is required.

Breakfast and Brunch

  • Lulu – Start the day here with a great breakfast or a delicious dessert.
  • Cheekys – In a city that loves to brunch, Cheeky’s is a Palm Springs institution. Yes, there’s always a line, and yes, it’s always a bit of a scene, but this place has been churning out consistently fresh and inventive breakfast and brunch fare for years.

All day dining

  • Blackbook – Delicious comfort food late into the night.
  • Blaze Pizza. Blaze Pizza is a  hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces. Their assembly line format lets you build your own artisanal pizza. Then it’s just 180 seconds in their blazing hot over for fast fired perfection.

Dine in style

  • Azucar – Contemporary cuisine with local ingredients. Enjoy a great roof top deck located in the luxury boutique hotel, La Serena Villas. Reserve early!
  • The King’s Highway at The Ace Hotel, retro chic, eclectic Cal-Mexican menu highlighting locally sourced ingredients.
  • Zin American Bistro European-American Cuisine for lunch or dinner, and an elaborate Sunday brunch menu.
  • 4 Saints is the Kimpton Palm Springs fine dining establishment As the highest restaurant in Palm Springs, 4 Saints raises the bar — literally — on desert dining. Perched on the seventh floor of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, our rooftop restaurant showcases clever cocktails and the global cuisine, set against a backdrop of 270-degree valley views.
  • Copey’s – Part of the former Cary Grant estate, this romantic restaurant offers elevated American dishes. A must-do restaurant!
  • Mister Parkers – Located at the Parker resort in Palm Springs, fabulous bistro food from Wednesday through to Sunday.
  • Le Vallauris , a typically French restaurant, is located in a restored historical landmark with Flemish tapestries and furniture designed to look like it was from the era of France’s Louis XV.
  • Spencer’s, Set in the San Jacinto Mountains, this elegant spot serves upscale fare with occasional piano music. Enjoy dishes such as Chinese style kung pao calamari, pan-fried Lake Superior white fish, and a New York strip steak with parmesan-truffle fries.
  • Mr Lyons –  Seventy five years in and this swanky, retro spot is still at the top of the city’s food-game food chain. It’s all the glamour and vintage charm of a steakhouse during Palm Springs’ heyday,

Top things to See and do!

There are countless places to visit in Palm Springs that will only cost you the gas to get there.

  • Take the cable car up to the top of San Jacinto Peak. At the top you’ll get great views of the city and the entire Cochella valley.
  • Palm Springs VillageFest. The city closes Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado where you will find an authentic market selling  crafts and artwork plus live entertainment and lots of eating options!
  • Go on the Icons Tour in an open air jeep where you will lean the history of Palm Springs and see the best homes of the stars including Lily Tomlin, Liberace, Judy Garland, Cher and Barry Manilow.
  • Take a tour of Palm Springs Modern Architecture! Visit the “House of Tomorrow,” which is a prime example of mid-century modern architecture. The home used to belong to Elvis Presley and his bizarre décor style are evident throughout.
  • Joshua Tree is located about one hour from Palm Springs, where the Mojave and Lower Colorado deserts join to form the park. Great for photos.

Shopping in Palm Springs

The Downtown and the Uptown Design District offer a vast collection of mid-century modern retailers, fashion boutiques, consignment dealers, art galleries and antiques shops.

  • Krave & Culture -Unique fashion, artwork and accessories for the t perfect outfit for the clubs or a swim suit for the White Party!
  • The Shag Store – dedicated exclusively to the artist Shag,, the stores offers prints, original art, books, merchandise.
  • Stroll through a dozen artist-owned galleries and working studios the first Wednesday of each month at the Backstreet Art District.
  • Rough Trade – great leather, fetish and club gear with sizes for everyone.
  • Division – from beach items to bear t-shits, this store has it all.
  • Gaymart –  America’s favorite gay superstore. Huge collection of swimsuits and underwear.
  • BearWear – Everything a bear could ever need on a Palm Springs vacation.

Getting Around Palm Springs

Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, it’s an easy two hour drive.

Palm Springs International Airport is serviced by 10 airlines with direct flights to hundreds of cities worldwide, including most major airline hubs. Conveniently located in the center of town, this is one of the most pleasant and manageable airports on the planet.

Gay Palm Springs – When to visit?

Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine with less than 5 inches of rain. Winter temperatures average in the 70’s with nights in the mid-40’s. The dry desert heat of summer pushes daytime temperatures into the 100’s,

Palm Springs Apartments

Palm Springs is home to some unique architecture. Why not experience some of it first hand and book one of our to 10 Villas! Complete with pools, high end amenities and luxury touches, these Palm Springs Villas are perfect for groups seeking 5 star luxury, or those celebrating a special occasion.

Number 444 Palm Springs
Sleeps 4 Guests

Number 444 Palm Springs

Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk, Number 444 is attractively set in Palm Springs, 1.4 km from Palm Springs Square Shopping Center and 2.5 km from Palm Springs Visitor Center

Desert Elegance
Sleeps 6 Guests

Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Desert Elegance is set in Palm Springs. It features a garden, garden views and free WiFi throughout the property.

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