Rumored to be the playground of Stars, Palm Springs California has also become one of America’s most popular gay vacation destinations. From mid-October to June the weather is ideal with daytime highs in the mid seventies. A beautiful desert landscape with three majestic mountain ranges in the background makes for a perfect setting for rest, relaxation, recharging your batteries, or a romantic rendezvous with that special someone. This city is home to one of the most “gay friendly” environments on the west coast, with many cultural events that celebrate diversity and pride.
A stroll down Arenas Street, located in Downtown Palm Springs will provide dining, shopping, and night life unlike any other. There are several shops that sell clothing, curio, and novelty items you won’t find anywhere else. This street also includes some of Palm Springs premiere restaurants serving American cuisine. Several of the bars, and restaurants provide a very of night – time entertainment that include, karaoke, Levi/leather, of just casual fun and an open air outside patio.
The section of Palm Springs located within walking distance from downtown is Warm Sands. This area is home to a collection of upscale gay and clothing optional resorts, which are rated some of the best. Prior to becoming gay establishments, many of these same resorts were favorite vacation spots for many Hollywood icons of silent screen, Stage, movies.
Shopping and nightlife are not the only forms of entertainment in this desert oasis. With several National Parks, Monuments and state land preserves very close, many visitors can enjoy hiking, house back riding, excursion tours, and even camping. Your biggest problem will be finding enough time in the day to get everything in.
There are also several annual events that drawl national attention to this area. Held every year in the spring, the White Party is a gay man’s definition of being a kid in a candy store. There are beautiful gay men everywhere you look. You may want to come to this event single because if you don’t you may leave that way. So much temptation and so little time. This valley provides something for everyone so women, do not feel left out. The Dinah Shore Kraft/Nabisco Golf Championship is Lesbian dream come true.
The Gay Pride festival is a weekend long celebration in which Arenas Street is closed down for musical entertainment, Sunrise Park host the official gay Pride festival with many venders that set up booths to provide an open-air shopping and entertainment experience. Palm Canyon is closed down the last day of Gay Pride to host the official parade.
