The beats are heavy on techno and gay anthems, but the diverse, shirtless dancers are as unique as they come. Most travelers end up at Hunters Nightclub, known for live DJs, go-go boys, a fun atmosphere, and pretty boys on the prowl. Just as casual as Eight4Nine are the gay bars along Arenas Road, where gays in tank tops and flip-flops bar hop from midcentury modern inspired lounges to funky dive bars. It’s more about the vibe than the food here, and the buzzing outdoor patio with contemporary art is perfect for pets, if you bring Fido in tow.
Martinis constantly flow and inventive, California coastal-inspired bites hit the right spot. This gay-owned restaurant with eclectic menu and colorful interiors right on Palm Canyon Drive is a hit for gay locals and travelers alike. With the resort’s no-children policy, and no staff after hours, it’s as private as an adult would want for late-night soirées.Įight4Nine is all about the fabulous. The rustic appeal is a major draw for the lumber sexual type who like to veg out at the central, saltwater pool. Think vaulted ceilings and shutters on windows, and most rooms are equipped with their own patios. The 20-room boutique is intimate, designed to feel more like an al fresco barn than a midcentury modern masterpiece. With two outdoor pools at the resort, there’s no shortage of social activities, and Palm Springs’ most famous chef, Tara Lazar, is spearheading the food scene.Īnother option, Sparrows Lodge, is like having your own private pad, as long as you don’t mind sharing it with other hip travelers. The gay-friendly resort, formerly Viceroy, has inexpensive rooms, as well as larger villas with kitchens and backyards, which is an excellent way to have everyone in your group gather in one private spot for intimate toasts. While there are few resorts that haven’t spawned a bachelor party buzz (like Ace Palm Springs, Parker, Colonial Palm, and the new Arrive), Avalon reigns as a gay group homebase. Travelers are obsessed with the desert’s low-key, laid-back, chilled-out vibe, and it’s where most bachelor parties that want to avoid the glitz, glam, stress, and expensive price tags, flock east of LA.
With the recent, ongoing openings of hip hotels, notable restaurants, trendy bars, and major festivals (like Coachella, Palm Springs Film Festival, Stagecoach) fueling its growth, Palm Springs mostly attracts a slew of millennials that now mix with old-time gay residents who have called it home even before its renaissance.
This quiet desert retreat two hours from Los Angeles has recently blossomed into a world-class resort town, even if famous gay men like Rock Hudson, have been visiting for close to a century. For many travelers, desert is the new beach, and Palm Springs leads the desert-chic movement across the country.