Greater Palm Springs: Find Your Chill in California's LGBTQ Oasis

Gorgeous mountain vistas, eye-catching accommodations, dining options for every palette, sunshine nearly every day of the year, and an LGBTQ presence that makes everyone feel welcome – what more could you want from a vacation? Considered one of the best summer holiday destinations, Greater Palm Springs offers that and a whole lot more. (Even though we love it any time of year!)

EDGE presents our essential guide of where to stay, how to prepare for a spa day by choosing the right treatment and location; cool cocktails and best bites; and of course, details on one of the best Pride celebrations in the US.

Where to Stay

Need Palm Springs vacation ideas? Let's start with your hotel, where you can unwind after a day of exploring or enjoy an entire afternoon at the pool. No matter your travel style, Greater Palm Springs has you covered.

Hotel Paseo – The first luxury hotel in Palm Desert in more than 30 years, this LGBTQ-friendly Marriott property offers several unique features, including the option to stay in a vintage 1950 Airstream trailer, or a pet-friendly "Pups 'n Paws Package" to bring your four-legged bestie.

Triangle Inn Palm Springs – Greater Palm Springs is known some of the most historic and renowned clothing optional resorts in California. The Triangle Inn's secluded grounds are perfect for shedding your inhibitions, and on-site owners make everyone feel welcome. Enjoy poolside breakfast and ease into the day!

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – There's no better place to take in the San Jacinto Mountains than from Palm Spring's only rooftop pool. Kimpton, long known as a supporter of the LGBTQ community, recently opened this urban oasis in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Hop on a complimentary customized PUBLIC bike to explore, or stay close and enjoy the sharable bites at the Rowan's rooftop restaurant, 4 Saints.

Rediscover Your Best Self: Spa & Wellness

Relax and rejuvenate! Whether you're looking for Palm Springs spa packages for couples or a private retreat of your own, here are two stellar options:

Spa Desert Springs at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – This 38,000-square-foot facility features 48 treatment rooms and a saltwater pool. Highlights include the Nirvana Ayurvedic healing ritual, featuring a full-body mask with crushed herbs and stimulating scalp massage, or a CBD herbal relief massage, which maximizes its anti-inflammatory properties for a deep and soothing rub.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage – Summer is a terrific time to experience https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/play/things-to-do/spas-beauty-wellness/?utm_source=edge&utm_medium=editorial&utm_campaign=gpsmedia2019|different types of body treatments. The Ritz-Carlton's luxurious spa, set on a hillside surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains is the ideal spot to cool down. The Cooling Body Therapy treatment will envelop you in an aloe vera cocoon, followed by a foot massage and moisturizer application. Improve skin clarity and leave nourished and revitalized with the Hydrating Citrus Drench, a vitamin C-infused treatment that stimulates collagen production and increases skin's firmness.

Cool Cocktails

Palm Springs bars and lounges are shaking up some of the best craft cocktails in the country. Whether you're looking for a fun and affordable happy hour or want to experience the innovative use of limited-edition spirits, Greater Palm Springs has plenty to offer.

The Pink Cabana – A modern take on the 50s and 60s Palm Springs racquet clubs, this Martyn Lawrence Bullard-designed venue pops with pinks, greens and floral prints. We love the Desert Rose Mojito, prepared with rum, lime juice, mint and coconut rose water.

Bootlegger Tiki – Who says kitch and craft cocktails can't go together? You can find one of the best tiki bars in America in Palm Springs, where classics and new concoctions converge, such as the Afternoon Delight, made with Overproof Agricole, two types of rum, peach, passion fruit and more!

Paul Bar – Owner Paul O'Halloran brings a bit of the Big Apple to Palm Springs with a dimly lit enclave that celebrates classic cocktails with a twist. Be sure to check out the whimsical collection of black and white dog photos adorning the back wall.

Don't Miss

Wondering what to do in Palm Springs during summer? There is plenty to pick from, and the best part is that there are fewer crowds and plenty of deals to be found. Palm Springs LGBT events happen all year long – here are some to savor:

Splash House – One of the best house music festivals takes over not one, but three Palm Springs resorts: Renaissance Palm Springs, The Saguaro Hotel & Pool, and Riviera Palm Springs. One pass encompasses the entire three-day weekend, including shuttles between locations and access to the after-hours event at the Palm Springs Air Museum. (August 9-11, 2019)

But who says only adults can have all the fun? Greater Palm Springs is one of the best vacation destinations for LGBT families. Take the little ones to Splashtopia at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The two-acre water park boasts a lazy river, two 100-foot waterslides and a sandy beach. Rent a cabana for the day for a shady rest and kid-friendly food from the Splash Grill.

Greater Palm Springs LGBT Pride – This epic year of celebration and commemoration marked by the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising comes to a rousing conclusion in Greater Palm Springs. Weekend events include a Spirit of Stonewall street party, two-day Pride Festival, Arenas Road Block Party (where you'll find a bunch of LGBTQ-owned businesses), and a Pride Parade expected to attract more than 60,000 visitors. (November 1-3, 2019)

Ready to start planning?
Check out all of the Palm Springs vacation ideas and chill deals! Visit www.VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com for more information.

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