10 Reasons Why LGBTQ+ Travelers Love Palm Springs | Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

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The Desert Gay Tourism Guild shares its reasons why Palm Springs is a treasure.

Sunny weather year-round

The pool at Ingleside Estate on a clear sunny day with white lounge chairs and umbrellas surrounding it

The weather in Palm Springs is unmatched. Photo courtesy of Ingleside Estate

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a perfect desert escape — ideal for poolside lounging or scenic hikes, no matter the season.

A welcoming LGBTQ+ community

Inside the LGBTQ+ History & Archives of the Desert. Photo courtesy of the LGBTQ+ History & Archives

Palm Springs is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the U.S., with a city council that’s majority LGBTQ+ and an atmosphere of celebration and inclusion.

Iconic resorts and clothing-optional stays

A statue of a man sitting down in the courtyard at INNdulge Palm Springs gay men's resort in Palm Springs, California

INNdulge has art and statues everywhere. Photo courtesy of INNdulge

From stylish boutique hotels to men-only, clothing-optional resorts, Palm Springs offers unique stays that blend comfort, freedom, and fun.

Legendary nightlife and drag shows

Drag brunches are a Palm Springs staple. Courtesy photo

Whether it’s a high-energy dance floor, a classy cocktail lounge, or a dazzling drag brunch at places like Toucans or Oscar’s, the nightlife sparkles with queer magic.

Modernist paradise

The colorful front entrance to The Triangle Inn

The Triangle Inn is a midcentury-modern gay men’s clothing-optional hotel. Photo courtesy of Triangle Inn

Palm Springs is a mid-century modern dreamscape. Lovers of design, architecture, and retro glam flock here for Modernism Week and Instagram-worthy backdrops.

The annual events are everything

Hundreds of women in the audience at a concert at The Dinah in Palm Springs

The crowd at The Dinah. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

From Palm Springs Pride to The White Party, Leather Pride, and Dinah Shore Weekend, the calendar is packed with can’t-miss queer festivals.

Art, culture, and queer history

You could spend hours walking around the Palm Springs Art Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Home to fabulous art galleries, the Palm Springs Art Museum, and deep LGBTQ+ roots — including historic hideaways of icons like Rock Hudson and Liberace.

Nature + nude hikes = yes please

Palm trees and rocks against a blue sky in Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, California

A hike in Indian Canyons is always a good idea. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, like the Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree, and Mount San Jacinto, it’s a paradise for hiking, exploring, and even stripping down in the right spots.

Spa vibes and wellness escapes

A view from above of the Santiago Resort's spa and orange and red striped umbrellas

The Santiago’s pool and spa area is swimsuit optional. Photo courtesy of The Santiago

Rejuvenate with massages, mineral baths, and poolside relaxation. The desert energy and wellness culture are perfect for self-care and connection.

It feels like home — just gayer

People wearing turquoise shirts carry a large rainbow flag down a palm tree lined street in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Pride is a colorful event. Photo credit: Arthur Coleman

The warmth here isn’t just from the sun. Palm Springs is a queer sanctuary where you can truly be yourself, whether you’re here for a weekend or staying forever.