The Village of Palm Springs:
America's Great Gay Oasis!

Deep in the heart of the California Desert lies one of America’s great treasures - a vast fertile valley that is home to fields of Spring flowers, majestic palm groves, icy mountain streams, bubbling hot springs, and an abundance of plants and wildlife (not to mention year-round sunshine).

This magical place, the site of an ancient sea, was discovered thousands of years ago by the ancestors of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who made it their home. Today, the valley remains home to the descendants of these early people. It is also home to another great American treasure...the star-kissed village of Palm Springs.

Go to the (Gay) West!

Palm Springs has been a mecca for gay vacationers from the very beginning. Hollywood types, searching for a place to let their hair down, found respite (and a haven) in Palm Springs. And that included the boys with boyfriends, and the girls with girlfriends.

To say the city is gay-friendly is an understatement. There are few places in the world where gay travelers will feel as much at home as in Palm Springs. The graciousness and hospitality of the community is apparent from the moment you arrive. Here, more than anywhere else, gay men and women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds can gather to relax, party and play.


The city estimates that somewhere between 40 and 50 percent of its permanent population is gay and/or lesbian. The LGBT community is represented at practically every level of city government, is both active and visible in the local business community, and is actively supported by the entire community.

Palm Springs was one of the first California communities to approve and implement a domestic partnership registry, and is home the America’s first and only Gay Veterans' Memorial. The town is also home to Pride Nation Network - one of the nation's first gay radio, television, and webcasting companies.

A Natural Wonder.

Some of what has made this destination so popular is its natural beauty, and its "must see" sights: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the ancient Indian Canyons, The Living Desert, The Palm Springs Art Museum, Joshua Tree National Park, and the lush landscaping throughout this desert oasis.

Desert Dining.

Choose from a plethora of great restaurants! A sampling of our favorites include (in no particular order): Johannes, ZIN American Bistro, LOOK Palm Springs, Pomme Frite, Tylers Burgers, Azul, Wang's, Le Vallauris, Fisherman's Market & Grill, Copley's, the CHOP House, and Spencers.

Clubs and Bars.

When the Palm Springs sun finally stages a spectacular disappearing act behind Mt. San Jacinto, the temperature cools down and the night heats up. Bars, clubs and discos in the Palm Springs area are all open till 2:00am, seven days a week. The drinking age is 21. Special events and entertainment can be found at the various night-spots throughout the year - check any of the local gay publications upon your arrival for current happenings. And by the way, the average drive time from our place to any of the clubs is about five minutes. Some of our favorites incude Hunters Video Bar, Toucans Tiki Lounge and Streetbar.

Area Shopping.

Choose from an array of fun and festive shops on world famous Palm Canyon Drive. (And be sure to check out Michael's favorite, Crystal Fantasy) Take a stroll down El Paseo Drive - the Rodeo Drive of the desert. Swing by the Town Center Mall in Palm Desert. Or head out to Desert Hills Factory Outlet mall. Just 15-20 minutes from Palm Springs.

VillageFest Every Thursday night Palm Canyon Drive in the heart of downtown is transformed into a bustling street fair. Artists, craftsmen, food vendors and entertainers team up to bring you an evening of old-fashioned good times and some great people watching (cruising) as well.

Entertainment.

Entertainment options abound in Palm Springs, and new venues are popping up everywhere. Choose from: the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, the Palm Canyon Theatre, or the Annenberg Theatre - check local publications for even more!