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City Spotlight: Palm Springs

Year-Round Fun in the Desert Sun

Written by Steve Kleine

Don’t think Palm Springs only comes alive for White Party. A once-sleepy oasis known for golf, geriatrics and getting sober has grown up to become one of the world’s premier gay resorts. Nestled against the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains, its proximity to L.A. and San Diego (two hours by car) makes it easily accessible. Dozens of gay guesthouses, restaurants, bars, clubs, and retail shops not only serve the thousands of gay tourists, but also residents. While the (gay!) mayor of Palm Springs estimates the gay and lesbian population at 40%, unofficial reports put the number closer to 60%.

Palm Springs’ gay roots date back to the early 1920s, when Hollywood stars came here to relax. Some of them ventured across the city line to what is now Cathedral City. In this unincorporated part of the county were gambling halls, whorehouses and, yes, underground gay bars. In the 1970s, these bars became legitimate establishments; however, due to its conservative attitude, it would take more than a decade for gay bars to be welcomed in Palm Springs.

By the mid-‘80s, a few small hotel complexes in the Warm Sands area of town were turned into discrete, gay-owned, clothing-optional gay men’s retreats. Soon, tourists from all over the world discovered Palm Springs’ never-ending sunshine. Gay-owned businesses and bars opened up nearby on Arenas Street, sometimes dubbed WeHo East or Castro South. The year-round gay population blossomed as well. Many were mature men seeking a comfortable environment in which to retire. At the same time, many guys with HIV/AIDS took advantage of the low cost of living to stretch the money earned from cashing out their life insurance policies.

In 1988, Jeffrey Sanker threw his first party here, Wet and Wild. It was an instant hit and started to attract party boys from around the globe. The name change to White Party better reflected a major Circuit party. Today, White Party reigns as the largest gay dance event on the West Coast. Over 20,000 revelers crowd into town for the long weekend succession of parties. The success of White Party Palm Springs has cemented the town’s status as a gay mecca.

But there’s plenty of other activities than partying or working on a tan poolside. Aside from some of the best golf courses in the world, visitors can enjoy biking, hiking, tennis, and the increasingly popular backyard gay croquet. For architecture buffs, Palm Springs is a Mecca of the Mid-Century Modern house style. The revival of interest in this architectural style has helped fuel Palm Springs’ recent popularity among both gay and straight tourists.

And then there’s the weather. Winter months, the highs tend to stay in the 70s; spring and fall in the 80s and 90s. Summers do heat up into the hundreds, but with extremely low humidity, it is not as oppressive as it sounds. Year-round the temperature always drops at least 20 degrees at night to create a seductive and sensual mood. Average rainfall barely reaches five inches annually.

With its sexually charged atmosphere, great weather, sophisticated restaurants and all the fun things to do, Palm Springs should be on every gay man’s “must visit” list.

WHERE TO EAT

Jake’s Ready-to-Eat
664 N. Palm Canyon Drive
760-327-4400
http://www.jakesreadytoeat.com

This gay-owned eatery offers up a short but very sweet menu of fine cuisine at very good prices. The spot offers a relaxing patio as well as indoor dining. There is a small bar with a great happy hour hosted by Dieter, one of the local characters.

Azul / Georgie’s Alibi
369 N. Palm Canyon Drive
760-325-5533
http://www.azultapaslounge.com

Owned by the same folks that own Georgie’s Alibi in Fort Lauderdale, Azul offers delicious tapas and a lively bar. Many nights there is entertainment in the lounge, plus a large outdoor patio that holds a crowd all night. Try to get one of the “swing chairs”—if you can.
Dink’s
2080 N. Palm Canyon Drive
760-327-7676
http://www.dinksrestaurant.com

This new entry bills itself as the “ultra spot.” Patterned after L.A.’s ultra lounges, the 10,000-square-foot space has a large dining room with private booths equipped with flat screen TVs. Connected to this area is a large outdoor lounge with a retractable glass roof and walls. Sofas provide the last word in chilling. The diverse menu features salads, small plates, pizzas, an extensive burger menu, and full dinner entrees.

Wang’s in the Desert
424 S. Indian Canyon Drive
760-325-9264
http://www.wangsinthedesert.com

A gay Pan-Asian restaurant in the heart of the Desert? Yep, with food that’s out of this world! On Friday nights, local A-listers congregate here for the city’s biggest happy hour to quaff $2 drinks and show off their latest Prada. From time to time, a DJ spins a tea dance or chill-out session.

Blame it on Midnight
777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
760-323-1200
http://www.blameitonmidnight.com
Blame, as the locals call it, is one of the few restaurants that attracts an almost 100% gay crowd. The menu boasts a nice mix of entrees, from pasta to Grade A filet mignon, as well as salads, sandwiches and some tasty appetizers. On the weekends, singers croon in the bar area.

Shame on the Moon
69950 Frank Sinatra Road
Rancho Mirage
760-324-5515
http://www.shameonthemoon.com

No shame at all for over 25 years of exquisite cuisine. Located two towns over from Palm Springs in Rancho Mirage, Shame’s clientele mixes A-gays sucking down large martinis with straight country clubbers. Former President Gerald Ford was a regular. The staff is unpretentious and makes sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time. Prices are not bad for the quality and quantity of the food you get. Make reservations at least one week in advance.

The Tropicale
330 East Amado Road
760-866-1952
http://www.thetropicale.com

Leave it to gay entrepreneurs to transform an auto body shop into a Miami-style supper club. The chic décor provides the setting for distinctive “world cuisine,” ranging from small plates and wood oven pizzas to fresh seafood and steaks. The hip mid-century bar leads out to the large patio chock full of L.A. hipsters. Share a Kaman Iwana Lei Ya: a blend of rums, juices and liqueurs served in a giant glass shell. Many guys head here after Wang’s on a Friday.

Tyler’s
149 S. Indian Canyon Drive
760-325-2990

Its proximity to the Wyndham Hotel makes it a favorite post-White Party recovery spot, with the best burgers in town. Oh, go ahead and eat the bacon, you’ve earned it! There is always a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it.

Kalura
124 S. Palm Canyon Drive
760-323-4748
http://www.kalura-trattoria.com

Hands down the best Italian food in the Desert. It can be very busy during big weekends.

El Mirasol
140 E. Palm Canyon Drive
760-323-0721

Traditional Mexican restaurant that is very popular with the twentysomething gay crowd. Fridays can be very busy, so sip your margarita while waiting for a table.

Davey’s Hideaway
292 E. Palm Canyon Drive
760-320-4480

The gayest restaurant owned by a straight man, Davey’s has been a favorite for years. The spot does old school continental cuisine with dangerously strong drinks. It attracts a very old straight crowd before 8, but then becomes almost completely gay afterwards.

Bongo Johnny’s
214 E. Arenas Road
760-866-1905
Located on the Arenas Strip surrounded by gay nightspots, this bar and grill is the place boys go before or after a night of bar hopping. The menu offers salads, sandwiches and burgers.

Rick’s
1973 N. Palm Canyon Drive
760-416-0090

This Cuban-style diner is a favorite among boys looking for that huge breakfast the morning after a long night. For lunch try some of their Cuban entrees, especially the “media noche.”

WHERE TO DRINK

The lounges at Dink’s, Tropicale, Wang’s and Azul all draw a decent bar crowd and are great for a night on the town. If you want a dedicated bar, check out these popular watering holes.

Streetbar
224 E. Arenas Road
760-320-1266
http://www.psstreetbar.com

Streetbar is a local hangout on the Arenas Strip and is one of the oldest gay bars in Palm Springs. The crowd tends to be more mature. It gets crowded from mid-afternoon to early evening.

Tool Shed
600 E. Sunny Dunes Road
760-320-3299
http://www.toolshed-ps.com
Leather/Levi bar with great music on Friday and Saturday. DJ Luis Citron, of Ptown fame, mans the turntables.

The Barracks
67-625 E. Palm Canyon Drive
Cathedral City
760-321-9688
http://www.thebarracksbarps.com

Large leather/Levi bar with an immense outdoor patio that can get frisky at night. The Sunday beer bust is the place to be to finish off a weekend. DJ Steve plays a mix of disco and happy house.

Toucans Tiki Lounge
2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive
760-416-7584
http://www.toucanstikilounge.com

Across the street from Dink’s, Toucans is a gay take on a tiki bar. DJ Galaxy keeps the small dance floor jumpin’ by spinning pop-influenced house. On Sundays, check out the popular drag show.

WHERE TO DANCE

Hunters
302 E. Arenas Road
760-323-0700
http://www.huntersnightclubs.com

Hunters is a very popular video bar with an adjacent, medium-sized dance floor. Hunters attracts the youngest crowd in town, although a few mature men wander in from Streetbar.

Oasis
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive
760-416-0950
http://www.cluboasisps.com

With a top-of-the-line sound and light system and room for almost a thousand people, Oasis has set the stage for some great parties. Open until 4 a.m. on weekends, it’s best after midnight.

WHERE TO PARTY

White Party XX
April 10-13, 2009
http://www.jeffreysanker.com

Jeffrey Sanker celebrates twenty years of fabulousness in the Desert with White Party XX. Dance to the sounds of top Circuit DJs at any of the daytime pool parties or nighttime dance marathons. Be sure not to miss Sunday’s Sunset T dance. This year’s theme is the Legion of Superheroes, so strap on your cape, slip into your leotard and Speedo, and get ready to fly!

Blatino Oasis
May 8-11, 2009
http://www.clubrimshot.com

For three years, this weekend retreat has been catering to men of color and the men who love them. Lounge and socialize with men of all ages and ethnicities at clothing-optional resorts. Book your room now, as many of these resorts are already sold out. Wyndham Palm Springs is the host hotel.

WHERE TO SHOP

Arenas Street

Sandwiched between the bars are some gay-themed retail stores, including Gay Mart, Bear Wear and a party store called We Be Joy.

Sunny Dunes

Located a few blocks from Warm Sands, Sunny Dunes Road is the newest gay strip. There are two leather stores, Gear and Tuff Stuff, as well as Palm Springs Piercing Company, The Drag Bag, and Q Trading for those hard-to-find gifts and toys. Across Highway 111 is Revivals, a thrift store benefiting the Desert AIDS Project.

El Paseo

Located about 15 miles down Highway 111 from Palm Springs in Palm Desert, El Paseo has been named the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” Catering to the country club set, this mile-long boulevard has every high-end name from Ralph Lauren to Williams-Sonoma.

The Outlets at Cabazon

About a 20-minute drive from Palm Springs next to the Morongo Casino are three separate buildings—an oasis of bargains, everything from Coach to Crate and Barrel. It can get crazy on weekends with buses of gambling husbands and shopping wives arriving from the coastal cities.

WHAT TO SEE

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
http://www.pstramway.com

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors straight up 2.5 miles to the top of Mount San Jacinto through five different climates. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views on the way up and restaurants and bars at the top. Outdoor activities include hiking, camping and guided nature walks, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. In the summertime, the Tram provides the perfect break from the heat. It is normally 20 to 30 degrees cooler at the 8,500-foot elevation.
Indian Canyons
http://www.indian-canyons.com

For hundreds of years before the white man arrived, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians would move from the Desert floor to one of the many canyons nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains in the summertime to escape the summer heat. There are many trails that meander through waterfalls, hot springs, rock outcroppings and clumps of vegetation, which serve as a desert oasis. The view from many of these trails is spectacular.

Spa Resort Casino
http://www.sparesortcasino.com

The Spa is a tastefully done casino right in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. You can play almost any game you would find in Vegas. The affordable breakfast buffet has a gay following.

WHERE TO STAY

Palm Springs is home to over 20 gay guesthouses, almost all clothing optional (although most guys keep their suits on during the day). The level of sexual activity seems to be directly related to the cost and quality of the rooms—the less expensive the place, the higher the sexual temperature. Some places offer day and night passes to non-guests, making them bathhouses with real motel rooms and private baths. They all serve breakfast at least and have a social hour in the late afternoon where you can chat up fellow guests and scope out potential tricks.

Bend Over!
High sexual temperature

Vista Grande Resorts
574 Warm Sands Drive
800-669-1069
http://www.mirage4men.com

Only locals get guest passes, but this resort attracts a hot, frisky crowd. With a steam room, large hot tub and a grotto with paths and waterfalls, there are plenty of spots to cruise and play.

Cathedral City Boy’s Club (CCBC)
68-369 Sunair Road, Cathedral City
800-472-0836
http://www.pridenation.com/ccbc

With three buildings dedicated to play spaces, CCBC is probably the friskiest resort in the Desert, although the rooms are on the funky side. Many guys stay elsewhere and take advantage of the day and night passes.

Inn Exile
545 Warm Sands Drive
800-962-0186
http://www.innexile.com

Inn Exile is the exception to the rule that the friskier the resort the worse the rooms. The rooms are well appointed, as are the boys, who are so hot many locals jump the wall to get into the compound at night.

Helios
280 E. Mel Avenue
760-323-2868
http://www.yourgayresort.com

Helios is home to monthly themed play parties hosted by porn stars.

All Worlds Resorts
526 Warm Sands Drive
760-542-9577
http://www.allworldsresorts.com

You’ll recognize the numerous pools and steam room from the many videos shot here; it was once owned by All Worlds, a major porn producer.

Lick It! Medium sexual temperature

You’ll get laid at these resorts. Most guys take it back to their rooms, but the hot tubs can get frisky at night.

INNdulge
601 Grenfall Road
800-833-5675
http://www.inndulge.com

Triangle Inn
555 E. San Lorenzo Road
800-732-7555
http://www.pridenation.com/triangle

El Mirasol
525 Warm Sands Drive
800-327-2985
http://www.elmirasol.com

Santiago
650 E. San Lorenzo Road
800-710-7729
http://www.santiagoresort.com

Kiss, Kiss! Low sexual temperature

East Canyon Hotel and Spa
288 E. Camino Monte Vista
877-324-6835
http://www.eastcanyonps.com

It is not clothing optional, but the rooms are amazing and there is a full service spa on site.

The Hacienda
586 Warm Sands Drive
800-359-2007
http://www.thehacienda.com
The Hacienda is by far the nicest hotel in the Warm Sands area. It is clothing optional but due to its small size, there is not much going on sexually. Sometimes size matters.

Air Kiss! Straight, but fabulous

Parker Palm Springs
4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive
800-543-4300
http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

Who wouldn’t want to stay where Robert Downey Jr. was busted? This very high-end resort attracts Hollywood celebrities and was itself the star of Bravo’s reality show, Welcome to the Parker.

Viceroy
415 S. Belardo Road
800-670-6184
http://www.viceroypalmsprings.com

This boutique hotel is the spot for A-listers from L.A. both straight and gay. Check out the spa. It’s divine!

Riviera
1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive
760-327-8311
http://www.psriviera.com

This Palm Springs classic (Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack used to perform here in the ‘60s) just went under a $70 million renovation and is beyond fabulous.

And if it’s all just too much…

The Betty Ford Center
39000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage
800-434-7365
http://www.bettyfordcenter.org

This world-famous addiction treatment center may not offer the best accommodations (little better than barracks, really). But where else could you see Liza or Liz make their own beds?

 

Reader Comments

New to the area and it would be nice to locate a bar for drag queens

By Andrea on 03-22-2011

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