Palm Springs is a town full of treasures for the gay community to come and relax. Some are well-known, and others not as much. Now, don’t get us wrong, the popular spots are classics for a reason, but let’s delve into some of local insider knowledge, so you can enjoy some of the very best this area has to offer.
We’ve got some juicy tips on the not-so-famous, but equally awesome spots to crash and activities to dive into. Let’s check them out:
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is teeming with gay-friendly, clothing-optional joints. If you’re up for a short jaunt south of Warm Sands and Mesquite Ave, you’ll stumble upon a real architectural charmer – the Triangle Inn!
Triangle Inn has well-decorated rooms, most of them with a full kitchen and dining spot. It’s like your own one-bedroom apartment. Dive into a pool day, soak in the jacuzzi, and swap stories with gays who come from across the globe.
They’ve even got bikes for rent and yoga classes to help you find your zen. If you’re staying elsewhere but just want a taste of the pool life, head to the Ace Hotel. Imagine this: DJs spinning the perfect poolside soundtrack, delicious eats, and vibes that are off the charts. For a more relaxed scene, they’ve got a second cozy pool over at the commune event spot.
Where to go out in Palm Springs
Palm Springs boasts a sizzling hot gay bar scene. Whether you’re looking to kick back with a cold one or strut your stuff on the dance floor, this city has it all. When you’re after that relaxed, neighborhood vibe, Roost bar is the place to be.
PS Air Bar, as a speakeasy feel and is an aeronautical themed bar. The focus is on craft cocktails, with fresh juices and syrups that are prepared in-house. This spot has friendly people, both patrons and staff, and can get quite full on weekends.
V Lounge, has swanky style and a nice variety of wines and cocktails to please anyone. It’s a bar with an atmosphere that is definitely classic Palm Springs. Their famous karaoke night is every Wednesday night.
Finally, there’s the newest kid on the block, Play Lounge and Cafe, which opened early October. It’s open from 6am-10pm every day, and they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a bar, an outdoor patio, and are quickly getting known for their community-building social events which they have almost on the daily.
In the midst of all the fabulous drag happenings in the desert, let’s shine a spotlight on the one and only PS Drag Brunch! Picture this: you snag your very own table, where bottomless mimosas flow like there’s no tomorrow. Then, brace yourself for a deluxe 3-course brunch that ends on a sweet note with dessert. And here’s the kicker – you’ve got a front-row seat to soak in the sheer fabulousness of PS Drag Brunch, starring a lineup of top-notch, side-splitting drag queens.
Hiking in Palm Springs
Let’s look at a few trails that might not be on everyone’s radar. On the south end of town, there’s the Frank Bogert Trail and Dunn Road Access Trail. Bring your dogs along and soak up the stunning desert views – you might just have the whole place to yourselves. Keep in mind, during sheep horn mating season, so be sure to give them their space. It’s a slice of natural paradise that’s begging to be discovered.
Just east of downtown, Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs is a true gem for both locals and visitors alike. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy well-maintained courts for a match, while pet owners will love the dedicated dog park area where they can play and socialize.
Sports and Self-Care
A few self-care ideas for your stay include: Palm Springs Men’s Wellness Retreat, a local men-for-men massage salon that opened earlier this year; and Palm Springs Fine Men Salon, a haven for all men’s hair and grooming services. The info for these and many more options for gay massage in Palm Springs can be found on the Gay Wellness site. They have emerged over the last couple years as the hub and resource for many types of wellness services for the gay community.
Well, we’ve given away the store – now you know of some of the freshest spots in Palm Springs. Book your trip and enjoy!