Palm Springs is a popular LGBT destination and renowned for being a tolerant and progressive place to travel. It hosts an array of events including the infamous White Party, fabulous Prides and the Dinah Shore Weekend.
From a relaxed cocktail at an upscale bar to a fun evening of karaoke and drag shows with welcoming locals, you will find something to suit your mood in this charming desert paradise.
1. Quadz
The Arenas District is the heart of Palm Springs gay nightlife, a big gulp of queerness with a small-town charm chaser. Check out a few of the top bars and clubs for souped-up bar food and cocktails, eye candy, and good times with friends.
QUADZ is an energetic gay bar with VJs screening music videos all night long. Twinks, bears, and gym bunnies flock to this bar known for its friendly staff. Karaoke and show tune sing-alongs are on the schedule too.
During Leather Pride in late October, there are tons of pool parties at clothing-optional men’s resorts, plus a ton of leather-themed events throughout the city.
2. Chill
As a luxury resort town, Palm Springs has been home to many celebrities, including silver screen icon Greta Garbo. Today, the city is an all-inclusive LGBTQ vacation destination with dozens of gay-owned businesses and America’s first all-LGBTQ City Council.
Many Palm Springs gay bars cluster along Arenas Road but there are a few in neighboring Cathedral City as well. One of the most popular is Chill Bar, which has a relaxed vibe and plenty of eye candy.
Toucans Tiki Lounge features a Hawaiian tiki theme and attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. The bar serves speciality cocktails and hosts drag queen performances and late-night dance parties.
3. Hunters
Palm Springs, a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, attracts gay men and women to enjoy cocktails at bars in the Arenas Road district, soak up the sun poolside and celebrate at events like Palm Springs Pride. This desert town has long been a mondaine getaway for Hollywood actors, but it is now an LGBT-friendly destination where people from all walks of life can relax.
The infamous Dinah Shore Weekend brings lesbians to Palm Springs in September, and the White Party draws dudes to town in April. AMP Sports Lounge on Arenas is popular with locals for drinks and karaoke, while Dicks on Arenas is leather & Levi realness.
4. RetroRoom Lounge
Palm Springs’ gay bars and clubs have a fun and welcoming vibe. Whether you want to dance, play pool or just chat with friends, there is something for everyone here!
Most, but not all, gay bars are clustered on E. Arenas Road. 111 Bar is one of the latest additions, serving drink specials and hosting drag shows and karaoke nights.
For a cocktail bar that has an intimate atmosphere, visit RetroRoom Lounge. They serve classic handcrafted cocktails and host live lounge-style entertainment on the weekends and karaoke nights three times a week. They are located in the Warm Sands District and are open to all.
5. Blackbook
Palm Springs is a gay desert oasis, but you don’t have to be part of the LGBTQ community to enjoy this beautiful city. The area is a popular weekend getaway destination for folks from Los Angeles and San Diego.
On the weekends, the city gets crowded with people enjoying pool parties at clothing-optional men’s resorts and cruising around the streets. Weekdays are much quieter.
Blackbook is a popular bar on Arenas Road. The bar serves souped-up bar food and complex cocktails, and they have a huge menu of beer options. Readers voted it their favorite gay bar in Palm Springs. It also hosts karaoke nights on Sunday to Wednesday.
6. Wang’s
Palm Springs is a gay paradise year round, and is home to many fun events and cool activities. Its top attractions include its spectacular resort hotels, a lively nightlife scene and cultural events.
The city is also home to the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus, which stages performances throughout the year. The chorus’s website has more information.
One of the most popular gay restaurants in town, Wang’s features pan Asian cuisine and a trendy bar that hosts drag shows, karaoke and a Boys Night Out on Fridays. The restaurant also does a brisk business selling tshirts and hats bearing its name. It’s located not far from the center of town.
