A Gay Man's Guide to a Hot Summer in Palm Springs

Warm summer nights in the low desert are when the boys come alive and the hot gay summer fun begins here in Palm Springs, California. With its vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, endless sunshine, and year-round array of activities, Palm Springs is the ultimate summer destination for gay men looking to have a fabulous getaway. Whether you're lounging by a clothing-optional pool, boozing & cruising, or just dancing the night away, there's no place quite like Palm Springs for a memorable and exciting summer escape. 

What do you love about Palm Springs in the summer? Email us and let us know.

In the meantime, here’s our gay man's guide to a hot summer in Palm Springs!

Stay Gay

Palm Springs boasts an impressive selection of gay resorts, each offering unique amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're planning a solo trip or a getaway with besties, these resorts are perfect for indulging in some poolside flirtation and restoration.

Start by checking out our favorite stylish trio of men-only resorts by the Resorts Palm Springs group: Twin Palms Resort, Santiago Resort, and Descanso Resort. The next-level experience at any of these three resorts will never disappoint. Be sure to check out each resort website for any summer deals that might be happening too.

For more enticing clothing-optional experiences, check out:

Where To Get Your Hair Did

Feeling hot starts with looking hot. Head to Daddy’s for a makeover, or try Sunny Dunes Barber Shop for a trendy cut. The Men’s Grooming Spot offers waxing, massages, skincare, hair, and nail services in a cool spa setting in nearby Cathedral City (aka Cat City).

Where To Get Your Drink On

The Arenas district is the gay epicenter (aka gayborhood) of Gay Palm Springs, featuring a variety of lively bars and clubs like:

More of our favorites just outside the Arenas district:

  • Canopy Wine Lounge: Offers a sophisticated wine selection in downtown Palm Springs.

  • Tailor Shop: A cocktail bar in Uptown with a cool speakeasy vibe.

  • Tool Shed: The only leather and Levi bar, known for its happy hours and cruisy theme nights.

  • Barracks Bar: Famous for its Sunday Beer Bust, Wednesday Underwear Night, and other (very cruisy) leather events, located in Cathedral City.

For more nightlife options, check out our Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs.

Where To Eat

Stay hydrated (it’s the desert, guuurrrl!) and stay well-fed with some of our favorite Palm Springs' dining spots:

For more dining options, visit our The Perfect Gay Getaway in Palm Springs for the Solo Traveler.

Where To Play

Palm Springs offers a range of enticing activities from mild to wild:

  • CCBC Resort: Known for its range of sex-positive special events.

  • CLUB541: Palm Springs’ newest (and hottest) sex club.

  • All Worlds Resort: Features a play area maze and offers day passes.

  • Canyon Club Hotel: Features a play area labyrinth and offers day passes.

  • Pool parties: There are always pool parties happening throughout the summer months. Check out Gay Desert Guide, or make fast friends while you're in town to find out where the fun private pool parties are ;)

If you’re planning to live your best gay life here in Palm Springs, stay safe and be sure to get tested at one of our amazing local clinics offering free STI and HIV testing. Check out our Get Tested, Stay Fabulous: Your Ultimate Guide to STI and HIV Testing in Palm Springs.

Where To Explore

If you want to venture out on some traditional tourist excursions in and around Palm Springs, explore:

Check out our Best Summer Activities in Gay Palm Springs for more inspiration.

Where To Shop

Find all your gaycation fashion needs and unique home goods that will awe-inspire right here in Palm Springs:

For more shopping ideas, visit our Best Gay Shopping in Palm Springs.

Where To See a Show

From drag shows, karaoke and underwear nights to a thriving live local theater scene, we've got something for every taste here in Palm Springs. Here are a few of our favorites:


For more ideas and inspiration, check out our Best Summer Activities in Gay Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is a fabulous destination for gay men year-round, offering warm weather, vibrant culture, and a welcoming community. Whether you're making new friends or enjoying the array of activities, Palm Springs is the perfect place for hot summer fun and having experiences to remember.


Gregory Douglass

Creativity is what drives Gregory the most, and it's been at the heart of everything he's done (so far). Now he gets to create things and live his best gay life – right here in Palm Springs!

An internationally acclaimed recording artist, songwriting teacher, public speaker, and creative business coach, Gregory has been managing his own music career and inspiring audiences for two decades now. Gregory's evocative pop sound blends “Rufus Wainwright’s opulent musicality and Justin Timberlake’s accessible soulfulness” (OUT Magazine). NPR’s Morning Edition has coined him “one of New England’s best-kept secrets.” After ten (10) original studio albums independently released, his song “Alibis” was featured in season one of Netflix original series The Rain in 2019, which sparked a fast-growing international following of his music.

https://linktr.ee/gregorydouglass
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