United States
Palm Springs is America's desert oasis for the LGBTQ+ community — a sun-drenched resort city in California's Coachella Valley where mid-century modern architecture, year-round warmth, and a predominantly gay and lesbian permanent population create one of the most welcoming small cities in the country. The downtown strip along Palm Canyon Drive is the hub of a scene that ranges from relaxed brunch spots to full-scale party weekends.
Palm Springs has the highest per-capita LGBTQI+ population of any US city — around 25% of the permanent population identifies as LGBTQI+. The downtown strip along North Palm Canyon Drive is lined with gay bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Arenas Road is the heart of the gay bar scene, with venues including Trunks, The Tool Shed (leather bar), and Oscar’s Café. Gay-friendly hotels and resorts — many adult-only and clothing-optional — are spread throughout the city.
Palm Springs hosts a packed calendar of LGBTQI+ events year-round. White Party Palm Springs (April) is one of the largest circuit parties in the world. The Dinah (formerly the Dinah Shore Weekend) in April is the world’s largest lesbian event. Palm Springs Pride (November) draws tens of thousands. The Desert Bear Retreat, Leather Pride, and various pool party weekends fill the calendar. The Modernism Week festival in February is a major draw with a strong LGBTQI+ following.
Palm Springs is a mid-century modernist paradise — the city has one of the largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture in the world, drawing architecture enthusiasts alongside the LGBTQI+ community. The hotel and resort scene is exceptional: many properties are boutique, gay-owned, adult-only, and clothing-optional. Pool parties are a way of life. The desert landscape — the San Jacinto Mountains rising dramatically from the valley floor — is spectacular.
October through May is ideal — warm, sunny, and manageable temperatures (15–30°C). February and March are the sweet spot: Modernism Week, pleasant warmth, and lower crowds. April brings the biggest events (White Party, The Dinah). Summer (June–September) is extremely hot — temperatures regularly exceed 40°C — but accommodation is cheap and pools are essential. November brings Pride and cooler temperatures returning.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has direct flights from many US cities and some Canadian routes, expanding seasonally. It’s about 2 hours by car from Los Angeles (via I-10 East). A car is essentially required — while downtown is walkable, resorts are spread across the valley. Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city. The Sunline Transit bus network covers main routes. Many visitors rent convertibles for the full desert road trip experience.
Palm Springs is exceptionally safe and welcoming for LGBTQI+ travellers. The city has long had LGBTQI+ representation in government, and the community is central to the city’s identity and economy. California has strong state-level protections and marriage equality. The city is relaxed, walkable, and friendly.
The United States varies significantly by state in terms of legal protections and cultural attitudes. Same-sex marriage is federally protected. Federal anti-discrimination protections apply in employment. However, state-level legislation varies considerably — particularly on transgender rights, where several states have enacted restrictive laws since 2023. Major cities (New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Seattle) are very welcoming; rural areas and some states can be significantly less so. Trans travellers should research the specific states they plan to visit.
