Escape to Sunshine and Solidarity in Gay Palm Springs! (Find Great Fall Discounts, Too!)

Queer in a red state? Feeling blue? Here in friendly Palm Springs, we feel for you! And we’re ready to boost your spirits with an uplifting stay and sense of community in our gay-friendly oasis. Wherever you come from, now’s the time to take a Palm Springs vacation for some sunshine and solidarity! Whether you’re looking to relax with your partner and socialize with other couples in a space that’s safe and stylish, or you’re craving the liberating experience of a men-only, clothing-optional resort, there are great options to suit your sensibility. Between now and year end, some of the lowest room rates of the year are available at Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, a handsome collection of over 80 boutique properties and intimate resorts that extend a warm welcome to LGBTQ+ guests. 

Fabulous Fall Events

Autumn has always been one of the best times of year to visit the southern California desert. Temperatures tend to hover in the mid-70s to mid-80s, with minimal humidity, perfect for poolside lounging and relaxed bicycle rides around town (Many of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels offer loaner bikes to guests). Queer visitors from around the country come to Palm Springs seeking comfort and camaraderie, and fall is when the locals love to show off their spirit:

Cinema Diverse, the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s LGBTQ+ film festival runs over two long weekends in September (18-21;25-28)

October’s Modernism Week (19-25), offers guests the opportunity to explore the city’s world-famous Mid-Century Modern architecture on special tours and at events including the Casual Concours classic car show, which benefits the LGBT Community Center of the Desert.

And, smartly dodging the scorching summertime weather, the celebrations of Leather PRIDE (Gods of Leather – 10/30-11/2) followed by Palm Springs’ annual Pride parade and festival (11/6-9) both paint the town rainbow bright the first two weekends of November.

Of course, whenever you’re in town, there’s no shortage of gay festivity, from the nightlife of the Arenas District, to drag brunches and daytime pool parties, to art galleries and architectural tours. There’s also the wildly popular Halloween Celebration on Arenas Road (10/31 of course!). There are costumes and cocktails aplenty, plus great entertainment throughout the evening.

Palm Springs is also a festive place to celebrate the holidays if you’re looking for a break from Winter settings. Thanksgiving is always a celebration and December is filled with events, shopping, sunshine and swim time right up until (and into) the new year!

Strip Away Your Stress

It’s almost impossible to choose which of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels’ amazing properties to stay at. Artful interior design, stunning desert landscaping, and a pool-apalooza of swimming and spa options make for some of Southern California’s most stylish accommodations.  

For some visitors, though, a Palm Springs getaway provides a much-needed escape from more conservative climes, to let their hair down, and take their pants off! As one of the only luxury vacation destinations with multiple clothing-optional men’s resorts, Palm Springs is proud to offer a sense of liberation and acceptance to visitors from around the world who want to shake off the pressure of their everyday lives for a little while.

Gay men of all ages, colors, and body types can feel free to soak in the sunshine and enjoy each other’s company at clothing optional resorts including The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, a walled compound of lush tropical gardens, a sparkling pool, and  eight roomy suites; Casa Oliver, a sexy, sprawling, two-pool  property with an indoor-outdoor labyrinth for frisky visitors; or the Twin Palms, Santiago, and Descanso resorts, where both breakfast and lunch are included in nightly room rates and served poolside, so as long as the sun is up there’s no need for guests to get dressed!

For further flesh al fresco options, check out INNdulge Palm Springs, El Mirasol Villas, Desert Paradise, Vista Grande, Canyon Club, and Hacienda at Warm Sands, all of which offer a welcome chance to shed one’s inhibitions and strip away the stress of daily life.

De-Stress…But Stay Dressed!

For LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a great escape sans skinny-dipping, favorites include the bright and colorful El Noa Noa Hotel; the Stardust, an especially good choice if you’re traveling with a group of friends; and The Velvet Rope, a posh jewel box where each room’s décor is inspired by a different celebrity.

At Amin Casa, the one-time estate of screen star Gloria Swanson, guests can choose to stay in luxurious freestanding residences. Lucille Palm Springs is a newly renovated Mission-style charmer. And Dive offers an ambience reminiscent of the French Riviera in the 1960s.

Try Talavera for a tropical garden aesthetic; Sparrows Lodge for a grown-up summer camp vibe, including breakfast in a barn; Alcazar, a serene Spanish villa, or the Old Ranch Inn, a boutique hotel with cowboy roots!

And there are dozens more options to choose from!

Find Your Community In Ours

Whichever Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels property you choose, you’ll be welcomed as a friend by queer and queer-friendly owners and staff, who understand the value of feeling free to truly relax and enjoy the company of like-minded friends.

That’s an ethos shared throughout Palm Springs’ restaurants, shops, arts organizations and outdoor attractions, and something our city is proud of.

So come join us. And be yourself.

Reserve At A Great Rate Today

Many of Palm Springs’ most appealing accommodations offer special rates during the fall months. And be sure to inquire about additional discounts if you’re planning to stay for five nights or more. 

Check out all the best boutique properties, plus their deals and discounts at www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com