Palm Springs

About a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is located in the Coachella Valley and is considered one of the queer cities in the USA. The proportion of openly gay and lesbian residents here is higher than almost anywhere else in the country. This has a noticeable impact on the cityscape and social life. Mid-century modern architecture, desert scenery and a relaxed pace make the place a destination in its own right, not just a stopover. If you travel queer, you will find an infrastructure that is geared towards an LGBT audience all year round.

Trendy district

The heart of the gay scene beats in the Warm Sands District, a quiet residential neighborhood southeast of downtown. Numerous men's resorts and guesthouses are concentrated there, many of them clothing-optional and with their own pools. There is hardly any other place where there is such a density of men-only accommodation. For strolling, cafés and small shops, most people are drawn to Arenas Road, which is considered the central scene street.

Nightlife

Along Arenas Road, one men's bar follows the next, from quiet cocktail lounges to venues with dance floors. The spectrum ranges from an early drink in a relaxed atmosphere to a later night out with music and show. Established addresses such as the Hunters and Toucans Tiki Lounge have been part of the scene's permanent fixtures for years. On individual weekends, larger events bundle the nightlife, such as around the White Party in spring.

Best time to visit

Between November and April, Palm Springs is at its most pleasant because the temperatures remain mild and the desert climate is at its best. In midsummer, on the other hand, the thermometer regularly climbs well above 40 degrees. A lot of activity then shifts indoors or to the pool. Two dates are particularly worth planning: the White Party weekend in spring and the big Pride weekend in November. If you avoid heat and are still looking for a program, it is best to go in late autumn or spring.

Arrival

Palm Springs International Airport is located directly on the outskirts of the city and is well served, especially within the USA. From Europe, you usually travel via Los Angeles or another Californian hub and cover the last leg by rental car or connecting flight. It's about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles via Interstate 10. Having your own car is practically indispensable on site, because the Coachella Valley is spacious and designed for traffic by car.

Safety & LGBT Rights

California is one of the most liberal states in the USA, same-sex marriages are recognized nationwide and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited by law. In Palm Springs itself, queer life is a visible part of everyday life. Several city council members and mayors have been openly gay or lesbian in recent years. Holding hands and being open are unproblematic here and are part of the usual picture. As everywhere, excursions to more remote areas of the region are worth a little more attention.