Greater Palm Springs Is the Perfect Desert Oasis Getaway

Greater Palm Springs is a magical desert oasis gleaming under the Coachella Valley sun. What was once a haven for movie stars and artists escaping the Los Angeles urban sprawl has cemented its status as an international LGBTQ+ enclave pulsating with a chic vibe. That colorful aesthetic encompasses eclectic upscale resort hotels, yummy bites and cocktails, and fun outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. Grab your gay pals and let your inner queer freak fly – we've got the inside scoop on an unforgettable weekend getaway to this Southern California oasis.

Friday

When you get into the sun-soaked destination, make sure you snap a pic with everyone's favorite gay-gal-pal, Marilyn Monroe. The giant statue of the Hollywood goddess off the main drag through downtown Palm Springs is an iconic throwback to the area's rich history catering to movie stars of the day. Then head to the Parker Palm Springs for check in and bask in the opulent hotel's luxurious rooms and suites, four sparkling pools, and indulgent spa services. Or if a more laid back vibe is your speed – but equally luxurious – book a stay at the Ace Hotel and let its modern furnishings and cozy atmosphere take you to a dreamscape you won't soon forget.

Get settled and then hit the town for dinner, a vibrant scene offering a variety of bistros and fine dining, snack spots and bars. No trip to Greater Palm Springs is complete without dinner at Lulu California Bistro, a beloved hotspot in downtown Palm Springs with a California-inspired menu. The colorful dining space is the perfect place to rub elbows with the local queer community – a jovial outdoor patio restaurant to laugh, sip and vibe all night long.

Finish the night strolling down Arenas Road and pop in and out of the local gay bar neighborhood that takes nightlife to the next level. Grab a drink at Chill Bar and then saunter over to Hunters, a disco raving nightclub, to dance the night away. Or post up at Toucans Tiki Lounge to see some of the most iconic drag queens take down the house with their "RuPaul's Drag Race"-inspired performances.

Saturday

After the sun comes up over the sweeping mountains, make your way to downtown Palm Springs for a day of fun and exciting adventures. For breathtaking views of the sprawling Coachella Valley, snag a ticket to ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and let your imagination soar. Snap pics with your pals atop Mount San Jacinto, where you'll enjoy spectacular vistas. Once you've worked up an appetite, make your way to Bongo Johnny's Patio Bar & Grill and relish a delectable meal. Perched on the second floor overlooking Palm Canyon Drive, the town's main drag, schmooze with locals and visitors alike, sip a refreshing cocktail, and ogle the shoppers along the strip.

For less thrill and more chill, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum and experience the Q+ Art collection. This one-of-a-kind initiative centers on LGBTQ+ artists and their lived experiences, a magnificent showcase telling our queer stories through a curated collection of artwork and design pieces. "Considering how significant the LGBTQ+ demographic is to Palm Springs," says Executive Director and CEO JoAnn McGrath, "it's simply obvious that our museum should take a leading role nationally in telling the stories of LGBTQ+ contributions to art and design."

Then take to the main drag for boutique shopping and gallery viewing. Palm Springs, a leading purveyor of mid-century modern design, has no shortage of local artists selling their creations at galleries and an endless supply of boutique shops filled with hidden treasures. And for all your favorite designer brands, peruse The Shops on El Paseo in nearby Palm Desert and discover the next level of luxury shopping.

You'll be hungry after all that shopping and gallery gazing, so grab a table at Porta Via, an elegant bistro and bar on El Paseo. You'll be delighted to discover a chef-inspired menu bursting with fresh and flavorful dishes and a specialty cocktail menu at once tasty and divine. And for late-night wanderers, take a night swim at the beloved LGBTQ+ hotspot CCBC Resort Hotel, a clothing-optional space complete with sparkling pool, steam room, and jacuzzi spa.

Sunday

For the most luxurious and relaxing day, shift into low gear with a visit to one of the destination's many resort spa retreats. Nestled in 77 acres of lush desert landscape in Desert Hot Springs, Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa is the ultimate wellness haven. Stroll through a tropical oasis of desert palms, book a massage in one of its 19 indoor and outdoor spa therapy rooms, or take a dip in a mineral-rich pool at once refreshing and rejuvenating. You'll be in a revelry of bliss all afternoon. Or try one of the many natural hot mineral spring pools at The Good House or The Spring and let the fresh thermal waters calm your spirit.

After a dip in one of the area's many spring pools, plan a visit to the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens and continue your blissful experience in an expansive environment. The zoo and gardens boast a variety of wildlife from the desert regions of the world, an eye-opening look at creatures and plants from far-flung places. Stroll through the tranquil botanical garden trails and relish the desert oasis that was "rated one of the 10 best zoos in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler." Pair this peaceful activity with an adult beverage or tasty treat at one of the zoo's cafes. Pro tip: take it to go and see as much of this sprawling natural environment as possible.

Plan Your Visit

Greater Palm Springs, a magical sun-kissed oasis, has it all: enchanting mountains, upscale sips and bites, popping queer nightlife, eclectic arts and galleries, and rejuvenating spa resorts. And don't forget to plan your trip around some of Greater Palm Springs' most exciting annual events – from Greater Palm Springs Pride celebration and Big Gay BBQ to Cathedral City LGBT Days. Check out Visit Greater Palm Springs to start planning your perfect desert oasis getaway today.