Consider these facts:
- Here is a city where 40% of the population is LGBTQ
- In 2018, Palm Springs elected an all-LGBTQ city council
- you can go by plane and not worry about transportation – there is a free trolley that runs throughout the weekend, until 1 am on Sundays.
Clearly, the city of Palm Springs wants residents and visitors to party it up while staying safe. There’s also no denying it, this city pings more gaydar than KD Lang at the Dinah Shore classic.
And there are a large number of resorts that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. A gaycation in Palm Springs may just be your “ticket” to an amazing experience – single or as a couple. Will you have any problems finding a gay resort that will meet all of your needs? Absolutely not. Palm Springs gay resorts are all over offering a huge variety of amenities and pricing options.
But first, a little more about the city of Palm Springs itself and some of its signature LGBTQ events.
A Bit of Palm Springs History
Decades ago, Palm Springs was a favorite getaway destination for Hollywood celebrities, because it was so close to Los Angeles and easy to get to. Over time, it lost its appeal in favor of other play spots, and it suffered a bit of a decline. But in the last 30 years, it has undergone a renaissance of sorts, largely due to the efforts of the gay population that calls it home. Today, it is a popular vacation spot for gays and straights alike, because of its beauty, its warm sands and the San Jacinto Mountains, the shops, and the welcoming atmosphere. Gay travelers will find much to do in Palm Springs.
Gay-Specific Attractions in Palm Springs
Before we take a look at gay resorts Palm Springs, let’s have a look at events that will be of specific interest.
White Party Palm Springs
This is an annual gay music and dance festival that is attended by gays from all over the world. For an entire weekend, you will dance with some of the world’s finest DJs in charge, go to pool parties, and revel with as many as 30,000 people from all over the globe. In 2023, this will be the weekend of May 12-14. If you intend to go to this event, make your reservations right now. You should be able to find a gay resort that still has openings from the list below.
In the past, this celebrity-studded Palm Springs event has featured legends such as:
- Paula Abdul
- Jai Rodriguez
- Robyn
- J-Lo
- Ariana Grande
- DJ Tommy Love
Like many events, White Party Palm Springs took a Hiatus during Covid, but it is back and better than ever.
Palm Springs Pride Parade and Festival
This is held annually for a weekend in November. In 2023, it is the weekend of the 3rd – 5th. It is the biggest Palm Springs gay celebration and is typical of all Pride events – lots of festivities, the parade, of course, as well as weekend pool parties, and live music. Lots of users of the Taimi dating app have already experienced Pride in Palm Springs, and they will be good sources of information as you plan your trip and where to stay.
If you decide to go to Pride in Palm Springs, make reservations early. Consider lining up a couple of two-bedroom suites so there is plenty of room to party.
Gay Bars and Clubs
Here are a few night spots you won’t want to miss:
Chill Lounge
Here’s a Palm Springs classic. It’s large with plenty of room for entertainment. During the day, it is basically a cocktail lounge. During the night, though, it’s a haven for drag queens, go-go boys, and hot, hot bartenders. Don’t miss this one.
Oscars
This bar and grill is located right in downtown Palm Springs and features a Sunday Disco Dance – a huge affair! It’s a great place to immerse yourself in Palm Springs culture and make new friends.
Hunter Palm Springs
If you want drag, great DJs, and what are known as “fur-friendly” Fridays, you have to visit Hunter, and not just on Fridays.
Now that some of the most famous activities and events have been noted, let’s have a look at some of the best Palm Springs resort options.
Picking Your Palm Springs Gay Resort
Here is a list of Palm Springs resort options that will make your time in this fun town even more amazing. The aesthetic in these clubs ranges from upper-crust to old-money gay. There are even a few clothing-optional spots (damn! do we miss La Dolce Vita resort!). It goes without saying that the amenities are unbeatable. To start, most of these properties have at least two pools for the exclusive use of guests.
Let’s Talk About Clothing Optional
Many if not most of the Palm Springs properties on this list are clothing optional. We think that’s great, but you should know what that really means.
First, if being around other guys naked bothers you, skip resorts that are clothing optional. While each property has its own policies, you can assume that clothing optional refers to the entire property. So, it’s something you’re going to be exposed to. The exception is usually restaurants that can’t make clothing optional for health and safety reasons.
If you are going to a clothing optional resort, be aware that the biggest rule is to simply be polite. Don’t stare at people. Don’t assume their nudity means they are interested in every other man on the property.
Also, keep in mind that clothing optional is just that – optional! Don’t pressure other people. Feel free to cover up as well. Beyond that, enjoy your clothing optional resort stay, and remember that you may feel awkward at first, but will probably enjoy this rather freeing experience.
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
This is actually part of a chain of LGBTQ+-friendly hotels located all over the place – Portland, Los Angeles, London, etc. So, you may be familiar with them already. It boasts 179 artsy rooms, including some deluxe suites, an outdoor fire pit, and two pools. Ace is also well-known for its amazing spa services.
Hacienda at Warm Sands
Hacienda at Warm Sands is located in one of Palm Springs’ most upscale areas. Warm Sands is a suburban area of Palm Springs and home to many gay resorts. If you want amazing mountain views and lots of palm and citrus trees, you’ll find the scenery amazing. But you’ll also find this fashionable gay resort to be a hip oasis. Rustic but full of class, you can reserve anything from a beautiful king room all the way up to a deluxe suite at Hacienda at Warm Sands.
Aside from the amazing mountain views and palm trees galore, Hacienda at Warm Sands offers free parking, a generous breakfast, biking, horseback riding, and a beautiful pool. Note: This is pretty much a clothing-optional hotel with a free-spirited atmosphere, catering primarily to gay men. Go as a couple or single looking to meet someone. You won’t be disappointed. All in all, this is a resort in Palm Springs you will certainly want to explore as you plan your trip.
CCBC Resort
This is a clothing-optional resort located on a private street aptly named “Gay Resort Drive.” It is one of the few remaining gay resorts left in Cathedral City, but it is really large. And it is highly popular with bearish gay men, especially those over 40.
Fittingly, CCBC resort sets a scene that truly takes you back to men’s resorts of many decades ago. The CCBC resort property could be described as coastal fabulous with its pink, green, and sea blue exteriors.
Located in Cathedral City on a private street aptly named ‘Gay Resort Drive,’ you’ll find the CCBC Hotel. One of the few remaining gay resorts in this part of Palm Springs, the clothing-optional place is possibly the largest of its kind in California. It ranks high in popularity with men over 40, especially the bearish set. Most rooms are not elaborate unless you book a deluxe suite, of course. But no matter what you choose, the amenities will make your stay well worth it.
Palm Springs doesn’t have public bathhouses or saunas, so this hotel’s sauna and steam room will be the perfect place to hook up if you are single. You can also rent a private tent or bring your own to set up in the “camping area.” For residents and non-residents alike, this resort offers cruising day passes for 12-hour periods of time.
Other big draws include a large outdoor pool and hot tube, and a “love grotto.” There is also a maze-type play area with a dungeon theme.
Descanso Resort
If you’re looking for a small boutique-style vacation site, Descanso Resort is probably a great gay resort option. It sports only 14 rooms, is clothing optional and focuses on pampering its guests. You’ll get a free daily continental breakfast, plus poolside lunches will have free parking and as much privacy as you want. Given that there are no public spas or saunas, you’ll enjoy this one on-site. No need to wear clothing at all if you don’t wish to. There are rooms with California king bed options, as well as suites. You’ll enjoy a communal fire pit, and on-site electric vehicle chargers for you fun-loving eco gays, and enjoy as much intimacy as you want.
If your past trips to Palm Springs have taken you to Twin Palms or the Santiago Resort, this is one of their sister properties. The property amenities here are just as impressive as this desert paradise. Don’t let its slightly smaller size fool you.
Vista Grande Resort
Nestled at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, Vista Grande Resort is an exclusively gay resort. Clothing is optional, but full nudity is the norm. Here you’ll find a special “pleasure garden,” three pools, one of which is a party pool, a steam room, an 18-man spa, and an “expanded” continental breakfast. There are regular rooms for short stays and large suites with full kitchens for those who plan longer stays. There is really something for everyone here – singles, couples, and swingers. Downtown Palm Springs is about a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk.
The Vista Grande resort in Palm Springs regularly receives exceptional reviews from its guests. It is known for creating a Hedonistic environment with more than a small nod toward Greco-Roman culture. Did you know that Vista Grande means grand view? Once you are on the grounds, it becomes clear just how accurate that name is.
Be aware. Like most spots in Palm Springs, Vista Grande fills up quickly.
Triangle Inn
Gay travelers will find nothing lacking at the Triangle Inn. It is literally one of the most popular Palm Springs gay resorts. Triangle Inn is famous for its gorgeous gardens, amazing rooms and suites, private patios, and a world-class jacuzzi – all within a walled compound. Clothing optional is a given. Located on the famous Palm Canyon Drive, Triangle Inn is within a short distance of all sorts of cultural and nightlife options.
On Palm Canyon Dr. itself, there is a street fair every Thursday night, with food, entertainment, vendors, and even some of the best gay bars around – great for cruising if you are single and looking to hook up.
In short, Triangle Inn offers all the amenities and the location you could want in the Palm Springs area.
Santiago Resort
Casual extravagance. That’s how the Santiago Resort describes itself. And with only 23 luxurious rooms, it’s a perfect desert paradise sitting at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. The amenities on this Palm Springs Property include all of the normal things you would expect – a swimming pool, an outdoor spa, and cooling mist system, a communal fire pit, complimentary breakfast and poolside lunches, off-street free parking, electric vehicle chargers, and your choice of a spacious room or king suite. There are bicycles to use for short trips to shopping, nightlife, and any number of cultural attractions.
When it comes to customer service and concierge, you won’t get much better than the Santiago Resort in Palm Springs. There is truly something for every gay man, no matter what his ideal experience is.
Whether you prefer to relax with cocktails beside the beautiful pools at the Santiago Resort or prefer to party at the hottest nightclubs in Palm Springs, you can count on the staff here to curate an amazing resort experience.
If you aren’t sure what you want to do during your time in Palm Springs, be sure to hit the Santiago Resort staff up for recommendations. The folks here know Palm Springs and can guide you to local events, clubs, and other destinations. So, don’t be shy about looking for a bit of guidance.
What if the Santiago Resort is full? No worries! This is just one in a suite of properties. Check out Descanso and Twin Palms as well. Both of these are in Palm Springs and cater to discerning gay men. We’ve included both of these Palm Springs properties in this list.
If you are looking for a Palm Springs gay resort where you have ultimate privacy, the Santiago Resort should be at the top of your list of options.
Twin Palms
Here is one of the sister properties of the Santiago Resort. Located in South Palm Springs, this is a luxury destination where gay men come to enjoy amenities such as the steam room, hot tub, pools, and luxury suits.
Desert Paradise Resort
Located in the gay Warm Sands district, this resort is for those who enjoy a larger Palm Springs gay resort atmosphere. Great place for gay singles to cruise, with well over 100 rooms in a totally clothing-optional environment. Some of the most attractive amenities of this resort in Palm Springs include off-street parking, continental breakfast, BBQ facilities, a communal fire pit, a koi pond, cushioned lounge chairs, plenty of sun and shade, a heated pool and hot tub, a dry sauna, a steam room, outdoor massage area, outdoor shower, a sundeck lounge, and a surrounding privacy hedge. California king beds are in every room. Adding to the ambiance of Desert Paradise are numerous beautiful fountains all over the property. Among Palm Springs gay resorts, Desert Paradise is truly one of the most popular for singles from all over the world.
Caliente Tropics
If you are looking for a budget-friendly Palm Springs gay resort, then you need to consider the Caliente Tropics. While its decor is dated, the tropical island feel is great. There are Tiki cabanas all around the pool and hot tub, and it’s not too far from downtown. And there is a bar and restaurant on-site. It offers all of the basic amenities of other Palm Springs gay resorts – free parking, a choice of rooms or suites, easy access to nightlife, and outdoor activities, such as horseback riding.
Colony Palms
Here’s a Palm Springs gay resort that is spread over three acres and will put you right in the lap of luxury for your stay. Its style is Spanish colonial, dating back to the 1930s. Guests can choose a room in the main part of the resort or casitas (small single-standing suites) dotted all over the grounds. These casitas have private patios and outdoor bathtubs.
All guests have full access to a spa, a pool with cabanas, an amazing poolside restaurant and bar, and even wedding services.
Close by (within a mile or less) are a host of attractions – the San Jacinto Mountains, a golf club, the Desert Fashion Plaza shopping center, the convention center, museums, and a couple of theaters.
If you are looking for one of the finest Palm Springs gay resorts, Colony Palms will not disappoint.
Canyon Club
Located on North Palm Canyon Drive, Canyon Club is a Palm Springs gay resort that is a true oasis for men looking for almost any type of vacation. You don’t even need a car, because it is within walking distance of gay bars, clubs, businesses, and casinos.
For those interested in sightseeing, you are close to Joshua Tree National Park, the Salton Sea, and the rotating trams of the city’s aerial tramway – it’s the largest in the world.
Your other option, of course, is just hanging out at the pool or in the large communal jacuzzi. Or enjoy intimate secluded times in their newly renovated suites.
All in all, Canyon Club is a Palm Springs gay resort that offers anything you might want.
Alcazar Palm Springs
The Alcazar gay resort was once the Pepper Tree Inn but was transformed into a Palm Springs gay resort to accommodate the rich gay culture and the overwhelming growth of gay travel to this city. There are just 34 rooms which makes for a much more intimate atmosphere where guests can freely mingle, make new friends, and get to know each other.
One of the great things about this Palm Springs gay resort is that it is located downtown and is close to lots of restaurants and gay clubs and bars.
Room decor is minimalist, mostly in white, but it is beautiful, and many of the rooms open straight out to the pool and garden areas. You have a choice of one of the courtyard rooms or good-sized suites.
There are two restaurants on-site with excellent cuisine. And of course, there is the outdoor pool and spa.
If you want a more intimate Palm Springs gay resort experience, Alcazar is a good choice.
The Saguaro
Just the colors should tell you that this Palm Springs gay resort is a place for lots of action and good times. But don’t let the colors fool you either. This is definitely an upscale resort with 244 beautifully decorated rooms, each with a private balcony or patio.
There is an Olympic-sized pool, perfect for guest parties which include a DJ on the weekends. And if you go during the annual gay dance festival, expect a major party here. While it’s about 10 minutes away from downtown, a rainbow-colored shuttle bus transports guests back and forth on a convenient schedule.
Book your reservations at the Saguaro if you are going to a party.
Questions to Ask Before You Book a Palm Springs Gay Vacation
There are so many resorts in South Palm Springs. We’ve really just scratched the surface. Whether you book a room at Warm Sands or another destination, You are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
However, it’s important to know that when you book a resort in Palm Springs, that luxury experience isn’t cheap. To get your money’s worth and a great experience, think of the amenities and perks you want. Then, don’t hesitate to ask questions. For example:
- Are there exciting events happening during my stay?
- Do you have heated pools?
- What is your clothing-optional policy?
- When are your swimming pools the least crowded?
- Is the swimming pool for resort guests only?
- Do you have a steam room or a dry sauna?
- Which room types do you offer?
- Tell me your most unique guest amenities
Fortunately, you can crowd-source much of this information for each resort in Palm Springs. Take a look at the most recent reviews to get opinions from people who have stayed in the last few months.
For the record, we recommend resorts with at least two swimming pools, hopefully, more. There is nothing worse than dealing with a crowded swimming pool that you’re paying 400 dollars a night not to use.
It’s Hard to Go Wrong in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is probably the most gay-friendly city in the U.S. Gays operate an enormous number of businesses; gay politicians hold a variety of local offices; and gay culture abounds everywhere, from festivals to pride events to parties, and more. When you decide that Palm Springs is your choice for a vacation, you will want to choose a gay resort that suits your travel goals.
They may range from going single and looking to cruise and hook up to a more intimate atmosphere as a couple, even with wedding plans included. Whatever you want, you’ll find it here. Do your research, check out what others have to say about the gay resorts you are considering and plan to have the time of your life.
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