Gay Guide • PALM SPRINGS | What to See, Where to Stay, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide
- World Mappers
- Nov 23, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
GAY PALM SPRINGS
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in PALM SPRINGS?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs is one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ destinations in the United States. Located in California, it is famous for its warm climate, gay-friendly resorts, and a welcoming, vibrant community. The city hosts internationally renowned LGBTQ+ events, such as Palm Springs Pride and the White Party, attracting visitors from around the world. Many hotels, bars, and clubs are specifically designed for queer audiences, creating a safe and inclusive environment. The local culture is relaxed, artistic, and progressive. With breathtaking desert and mountain scenery, it is the ideal place for those seeking relaxation, celebration, and pride.
WHAT TO SEE in PALM SPRINGS?
10 THINGS TO SEE in PALM SPRINGS
Statue of Marilyn Monroe
An iconic tribute to the Hollywood legend, renowned for his timeless charm and connection to the desert city. Centrally located and easily accessible, the statue captures the energy and glamorous style of the ’50s, when Palm Springs was a favorite retreat for movie stars. Visitors can admire it up close, take photos, and immerse themselves in the city's retro atmosphere, while celebrating Marilyn's enduring allure and the history of the Hollywood and Palm Springs celebrity connection.
Walk of the Stars Palm Springs
Inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this avenue pays tribute to famous people who lived or worked in Palm Springs, including LGBTQ+ icons and entertainment legends. Walking along the sidewalk, you discover curious stories and breathe in the atmosphere of a city deeply connected to the world of cinema and art.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This spectacular rotating cable car takes you from the hot desert to the cool heights of Mount San Jacinto. During the climb you will be able to admire breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley. At the top you'll find trails, viewpoints, a visitor center, and decidedly cooler air. Ideal for those who love nature and want a unique experience suspended between sky and desert.
Palm Springs Art Museum
The museum houses a rich and varied collection ranging from contemporary to Native American art, with sculptures, paintings, and installations. Next to the main headquarters there is also a center dedicated to architecture and modern design. A perfect place to breathe culture and creativity, suitable for those who want to explore the artistic side of Palm Springs.
Modernism Houses
Palm Springs is world-famous for its modernist architecture, which developed especially between the ’40s and ’60s. Modernist houses are characterized by clean lines, large windows, open spaces, and a strong connection between interior and exterior, often integrated with the surrounding desert landscape. Many buildings are the work of celebrated architects such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler, and today you can take guided tours or self-guided walks to admire these design icons. These residences not only tell the story of an era of architectural innovation, but also reflect the glamour and laid-back lifestyle of the Palm Springs of its golden years.
Palm Springs Downtown
The beating heart of the city is filled with independent shops, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and LGBTQ+-friendly bars. It is a lively, welcoming place and perfect for both shopping and savoring the Californian atmosphere. In the evening, the center comes alive with music, lights and venues full of tourists and residents. A genuine and dynamic meeting point.
Canyon Tahquitz
Located on sacred land of the Agua Caliente tribe, this canyon is a natural wonder with a 18-meter-high waterfall. The path leading to the waterfall is a circular path between red rocks and desert vegetation. Perfect for those who enjoy light hiking, it also offers a visitor center that tells the story and local indigenous culture.
Agua Caliente Museum
A cultural institution dedicated to the history, culture, and legacy of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians people. The museum offers exhibits that chronicle the traditional life, arts, crafts, and spiritual practices of the tribe, while also highlighting the role of community members in the history of the Coachella Desert region. Through historical objects, photographs, and interactive exhibits, the museum allows visitors to deeply understand the connection between the Agua Caliente people and the land, as well as celebrate the tribe's resilience and cultural vitality. It is an ideal place for those who want to explore Palm Springs' indigenous roots and learn about a history often overlooked in traditional Southern California tales.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Located in the nearby Palm Desert, this zoo combines nature and discovery, housing animals from desert environments around the world. You'll see giraffes, gazelles, reptiles, felines and more. The thematic gardens show desert flora from various continents. It is an ideal destination for families, students and anyone who wants to learn while having fun in nature.
Joshua Tree Nazional Park
An hour's drive from Palm Springs, this park is famous for its surreal landscapes, Joshua trees, and wind-sculpted rock formations. It offers hiking trails, climbing areas, and perfect places to observe the starry sky. It is an oasis of silence and spirituality in the desert, much loved by artists, hikers and dreamers.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Palm Springs Completa - Google Maps
Extra Day - Joshua Tree National Park - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from PALM SPRINGS
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Los Angeles
San Diego
Canyon Tahquitz
Indian Canyons (Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon)
Monte San Jacinto via the cable car
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SPLEEP in PALM SPRINGS?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in PALM SPRINGS
Santiago Resort - Palm Springs Premier Gay Men’s Resort **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Twin Palms Resort - A Gay Men's Resort **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Map'Hotel • TWIN PALMS PALM SPRINGS
If you're passionate about modernist architecture and design, you can't miss Twin Palms Palm Springs, the iconic hotel known for being the residence of legendary actor Dean Martin in the ’50s and ’60s. Elegant and meticulously designed rooms, a rooftop pool, and an atmosphere reminiscent of the glamour of old-time Hollywood make for a unique stay. Twin Palms is also an optional gay-friendly and clothing resort, offering guests a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The location is ideal for exploring downtown Palm Springs, with shops, restaurants, and art galleries just a few minutes' drive away, but also for enjoying popular tours of the city's modernist homes. The hotel is Clothing Optional.
Map'Hotel • SANTIAGO RESORT
If you are looking for total relaxation in a quiet environment surrounded by greenery, Santiago Resort is the perfect choice. Cozy and well-appointed rooms, swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and common areas that invite rest and reading. The resort is gay-friendly and clothing optional, providing guests with a liberating and unconstrained stay. The property is located in a strategic area of Palm Springs, a short distance from downtown boutiques and restaurants, yet secluded enough to offer peace and quiet. Ideal for those who want to combine comfort, relaxation and the possibility of comfortably exploring the city's main attractions.
WHERE TO EAT in PALM SPRING?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in PALM SPRING Quality / Price
€€€ - Miro's Restaurant
€€€ - Workshop Kitchen & Bar
€€ - Escena Grill
€€ - The Tropicale
€€ - Trio Restaurant
€€ - Billy Reed's
€€ - Farm
€ - Fisherman's Market & Grill ® Tested by World Mappers
GAY NIGHTLIFE in PALM SPRING
5 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in PALM SPRING
Dick's on Arenas (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Hunters Palm Springs (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Tool Shed (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
QUADZ (Gay Bar)
Chill Bar (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
TRAVEL TIPS about PALM SPRING by World Mappers
Palm Springs is known for very hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C, making outdoor activities uncomfortable from June to August. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant. So you can enjoy the city, hiking, swimming pools and events without the risk of heat or dehydration. The hottest hours are at noon, so it's recommended to hike or visit early in the morning and relax in the afternoon, perhaps by the pool or shopping.
About an hour's drive from Palm Springs is Salton City, a town on the edge of the Salton Sea, California's largest salt lake. Created by chance in the years ’20 following a flood of the Colorado River, the lake has a unique history: once a tourist destination with resorts and nautical activities, today it is an evocative place for those who love unusual desert landscapes and photography. The salt waters and desert shores offer surreal scenery, while local wildlife, including large colonies of migratory birds, makes the area interesting for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Despite environmental challenges, the Salton Sea continues to hold a fascination for curious travelers and adventure seekers off traditional tourist routes.
From Palm Springs we also stopped by Pioneertown, a charming California desert village, founded in 1946 by a group of Hollywood stars like Roy Rogers and Dick Curtis as a Wild West-style “living set”. The idea was to build a 1980s‑1980s town (fake but functioning) where you could shoot Western films but also live: this is how Mane Street was born, with saloon facades, a bank, a church, a prison, and even a bowling alley (the Pioneer Bowl). Today, Pioneertown is a very charming tourist destination: its main street is still pedestrianized, perfect for strolls through period buildings, artisan shops, saloons, and bar and restaurant restaurants like the famous Pappy & Harriet's, which organizes live music. The village is also recognized as a “Historic District” for its cinematic and cultural value. Finally, nature lovers can explore the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve, a scenic reserve offering hiking trails through granite rocks and desert canyons.
Stop by the small but charming Moorten Botanical Garden, home to over 3,000 species of desert plants, including rare cacti and succulents of all shapes. Founded in 1938, it is cared for by a family of botanists and represents a quiet oasis in the heart of the city. Perfect for those who love nature or are looking for a quiet, green corner to explore between walks.
Palm Springs is a sprawling city, and many attractions, such as Joshua Tree National Park or the hot springs, are located nearby. Having a car will give you the freedom to move around without depending on taxis or public transport, which are not very frequent. You will also be able to visit nearby villages such as Palm Desert or La Quinta. The guide is simple and the desert landscapes make every move part of the experience.
Don't miss Robolights, a one-of-a-kind art installation created with reclaimed materials by artist Kenny Irwin. Giant sculptures, glowing robots, and surreal installations fill an entire residential park. During the Christmas season it turns into an extravagant light show. Robolights is perfect for those who love alternative and unconventional art, and has become a real city attraction.
Sunsets in Palm Springs are a true natural sight. The colors of the sky transform into shades of pink, orange and purple, creating a unique setting between the mountains and the desert. The best spots to admire them are the Indian Canyons, Chino Canyon or even the terrace of your hotel. It's the perfect time to relax, take unforgettable photos, and feel the silent magic that only the desert can offer.
Palm Springs has a vibrant arts and crafts scene. The “VillageFest”, held every Thursday evening, is a must: here you'll find stalls selling local food, handmade jewelry, vintage items, and contemporary art. It's also a perfect opportunity to meet locals, listen to live music, and sample regional specialties. Bring a bag or backpack for shopping: you're sure to find something original and memorable.
INSTAGRAMMABLE PALM SPRING
Instagrammable Places to See in Palm Spring
Don’t miss the best instagrammable places in Palm Spring, here are our favorites:
Palm Canyon Drive (via principale)
" SECRET PALM SPRING"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Palm Spring
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Palm Spring" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Palm Spring (and Surroundings):
PS Air Bar - an exclusive speakeasy located inside Bouschet Wine Store in Palm Springs, California. The environment recalls the interior of an airplane, with authentic seats and flight-themed decorations. Here guests can enjoy original cocktails and dishes served airplane style, while also enjoying live shows and special events. It is the perfect place to have a unique experience in an elegant and fun atmosphere.
Trixie Motel - a unique and colorful boutique hotel, created by drag queen Trixie Mattel. Each room has an original theme that reflects Trixie's style and art. The motel, renovated from an abandoned structure, offers a swimming pool, lounge and bar. It is a welcoming and vibrant place, perfect for those looking for a fun and unusual stay in the heart of Palm Springs.
Agua Caliente Cultural Place - a modern center celebrating the history and traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians people. Opened in 2023, the complex includes a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions, a wellness center that uses local thermal waters, an event plaza, and a trail immersed in the desert landscape. The architecture recalls indigenous traditions and the surrounding natural environment.
Indian Canyons - a protected natural area famous for its breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails among palm trees, rocks and streams. These canyons are part of the sacred land of the Agua Caliente people and offer an immersive experience in desert nature, with unique flora and fauna. Ideal for walks, picnics and moments of relaxation in the outdoors.
Tahquitz Falls - a stunning natural attraction nestled in the California desert. This waterfall, about 15 meters high, can be reached via a scenic path that passes through dense vegetation and evocative rocks. The place is ideal for hiking, picnicking and photography, offering an oasis of freshness and tranquility. Perfect for those who love nature and outdoor experiences.
What to see near Palm Springs?
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