Did you know that the gay resort town of Palm Springs wasn't always… GAY?
Back in the early 20th century, Palm Springs was the holiday destination of choice for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. They, among other Hollywood royalty, would swarm to the city when they weren’t filming some big blockbuster movie. Imagine how fabulous it would have been to see the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, and Elizabeth Taylor partying around the clubs and bars!
Located just 2 hours away from the ‘City of Angels', Los Angeles, Palm Springs was the perfect getaway for stars looking for a break, but they still had to abide by a strict policy that required them to stay within 2 hours of the studio at all times.
Today, it is still a popular destination for the famous elite and one specific demographic… the gays!
It’s one of (if not the) gayest cities in the United States! Not only is there a massive portion of residents who identify as gay (it’s estimated that half of all retirees here are LGBTQ), but the entire governing council is made up of queer people. Umm, can we live here forever, please?
While Palm Springs may be particularly popular for young travelers due to its proximity to the Coachella Festival, this is ultimately prime gay turf. There are a high number of gay-owned businesses, from clubs to bars, restaurants to shops, and of course, clothing-optional gay resorts.
With all that in mind, we’ve put together our list of the best gay resorts Palm Springs has to offer, which we've freshly updated for 2026…
Why is Palm Springs so popular with gay travelers?
Whenever we need a sunshine escape with very little effort required beyond finding our sunglasses, Palm Springs is usually one of the first places we look at. Just a couple of hours from Los Angeles, this desert city has built a reputation over the years as one of the most iconic gay getaways in the USA.
Part of the appeal is how openly LGBTQ+ friendly the city feels. Palm Springs has one of the highest concentrations of gay residents in America, so visiting here as a gay couple never felt like a “thing”. Whether we’re checking into a resort, holding hands around town, or ordering margaritas by the pool at 2 pm on a Tuesday, everything just feels easy and relaxed.
Then there’s the resort culture itself. Many of the gay resorts in Palm Springs are clothing optional, adults only, and designed around huge pools, spa areas, and sociable outdoor spaces. Some are peaceful and romantic, others are more playful and social, depending on the kind of trip you want. We’ve tried a mix of both over the many years we've been visiting.
Palm Springs is also home to some of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in the country, including Palm Springs Pride, White Party, and Dinah Shore Weekend. Add in year-round sunshine, dramatic mountain scenery, and that classic mid-century California aesthetic, it’s not hard to understand why so many gay travelers keep coming back.
Heads up: We just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links. That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! ♥
🏳️🌈 OUR FAVORITE GAY RESORTS IN PALM SPRINGS 🏳️🌈
Whether you’re looking for a luxury clothing-optional resort, a sociable pool scene, or a romantic desert escape, these are the Palm Springs gay resorts we think stand out the most:
- Santiago Resort: our favorite luxurious gay resort
- El Mirasol Villas: most affordable clothing-optional resort
- Hacienda: most romantic gay resort
- INNdulge: most sociable resort
- Vista Grance: resort with the best spa facilities
01
Twin Palms Resort • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- One of the newest and most modern gay resorts in Palm Springs
- Many free amenities, including complimentary breakfast and lunch
- Communal pool, lounge, spa, and fire pit
- Luxurious rooms with walk-in rain showers and bathtubs
Twin Palms Resort is possibly the newest babe on the Palm Springs gay resort scene, a fabulous spot by the same team who created the Santiago Resort.
Not only is this resort a gorgeous haven for gay men to have fun, but they offer SO MANY cool free amenities for guests! From free bikes to free parking as well as complimentary breakfast AND lunch, you will feel well and truly pampered here.
The large pool with its chic yellow sunbeds and umbrellas is exactly the kind of Palm Springs pool scene we always end up losing entire afternoons to. Located in a fully renovated mid-century modern property, the rooms at Twin Palms are bright and airy, with fresh decor in their signature blue and yellow.
Along with the swimming pool, there's a big 12-man spa to relax in, as well as a communal fire pit. Everything here is conducive to socializing with the other guests, although your room will also be a calming retreat if you need a break, with king-size beds and comfy linens as well as marble bathrooms with walk-in rain showers.
On top of everything else, the views of the surrounding mountains are to die for. We also found the staff to be so attentive and friendly.
Prices at Twin Palms Resort start from $271 per night:
02
Santiago Resort • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- Luxurious gay men's resort
- Clothing-optional
- Outdoor showers, firepit, and spa
- Massive heated swimming pool
The Santiago Resort is a gay paradise within a paradise.
It is where luxury meets liberty, and there isn’t a speck of this gay clothing-optional resort that isn’t touched by extravagance. With its gorgeous arid colors, tropical furniture, and nature-infused décor, you’ll feel inspired to take full advantage of the clothing-optional policy and soak up the carefree and primal atmosphere.
The gay resort features an outdoor spa, an outdoor two-man shower, two-man rope hammocks, and astonishing mountain views. The expansive swimming pool area is definitely the social heart of the resort…by sunset we were chatting with most of the guests.
There are four types of rooms to choose from, including a deluxe suite that contains a private patio.
Hosts Kent and Bill lead an incredible team that is proficient in tailoring an experience that is unique to each guest. Whether you want to be fully pampered and treated like the queen that you are or you are looking for some alone time to recharge those batteries, the staff will do whatever it takes to make your stay fabulous.
Prices at Santiago Resort start from $159 per night:
STAY WITH A GAY LOCAL
Misterb&b is the Airbnb equivalent for the LGBTQ community. Unlike on Airbnb, you know your host is gay, avoiding any nasty surprises when you check in. It's also a great way to meet gay locals and discover the underground gay scene. Click below to get €10 / $10 off your first booking.
03
The Hacienda at Warm Sands • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- Clothing-optional gay men's resort
- 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio
- Small amount of guests for a quiet getaway
- Incredible mountain scenery
Tiny, cozy, and intimate. Compared to some of the livelier Palm Springs resorts, this one feels noticeably quieter and more romantic. Not what you’d expect for a high-end gay resort in the heart of the LGBTQ mecca that is Palm Springs.
And yet, Hacienda makes up for its demure size with its massive personality, fabulous amenities, and incredible location. Shrouded in lush foliage and encased by the San Jacinto Mountains, this men-only resort is a tucked-away piece of bliss.
There are two clothing-optional swimming pool areas and a jetted in-ground spa, perfect for unwinding and living it up au naturel.
The 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio helps make the experience that much more special. The team is there to ensure every one of your needs is met and you are pampered for the gawds.
There are only 9 suites available so bookings should be made well in advance. To really spoil yourself, go for the Deluxe Suite, which offers panoramic views of the mountains, as well as easy access to the pool area.
The gay resort is close to a wide selection of restaurants, clubs, bars, and museums. So even though it may feel as if you are hidden from the world, you are only a 4-minute Uber ride away from all the fabulously gay action.
Prices at The Hacienda at Warm Sands start from $239 per night:
04
Vista Grande Resort • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- Clothing-optional gay men's resort
- Centered in the Warm Sands district
- 2 swimming pools and a 16-person spa
- Lush and relaxing gardens
In this Garden of Eden, it’s all about Adam and Steve. Eve who?
With lush gardens, plunging waterfalls cascading into whirlpools, steam rooms, and hot tubs, Vista Grande is undoubtedly a little slice of gay Heaven on Earth.
Situated in the center of the Warm Sands district, a gay traveler’s hotspot, you’ll be close to tons of gay clubs, bars, shops, and restaurants to visit. A 4-minute Uber drive to be exact.
Or if you’d rather stay around the gay resort, you can choose between chilling in one of two heated swimming pools. Or perhaps sunbathe under the cool micro-fine water misters on the padded lounge chairs. They even let you splash around in the waterfall, hang out in the lagoon, or take a snooze on the rocks.
The spa can allow for up to 16 people at a time, where you can comfortably enjoy the hot tub bubbles whilst chatting with fellow guests. Or visit the steam room in all of its Italian penny tile glory.
Prices at Vista Grande Hotel start from $163 per night:
05
INNdulge • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- Clothing-optional gay men's resort
- A sociable atmosphere with pizza nights
- Swimming pool and 12-man hot jacuzzi
- Close to tons of gay bars/clubs
Be pampered. Get spoiled. Indulge at INNdulge!
Not only is it one of the most popular gay clothing-optional resorts in Palm Springs, but it’s one of the top-rated resorts in all of California. Located in the Greater Palm Springs area, the resort is a 5-minute drive away from tons of restaurants, gay clubs and bars, and various other must-see sites.
There is a great emphasis on socializing amongst guests, with Thursday pizza nights and weekend gay pool parties. And if that weren’t enough, there is also a 12-man hot Jacuzzi. This is easily one of the most sociable gay resorts in Palm Springs and perfect if you actually want to meet other travelers rather than disappear into your room all weekend. Oh, and a clothing-optional policy throughout the resort. What could be better 🙂
The staff at INNdulge are super nice and go out of their way to get to know their guests. They're always happy to get whatever it is you may need or suggest a fun day out in the Palm Springs area.
Rooms are comfortable, spacious, and modern. Decorated with the most beautiful white and ocean blue furniture, just walking into your room at the end of each day will feel like the ultimate cleanse. Oh, there is also suggestive artwork hanging on the walls… It’s all about balance, right?
Prices at INNdulge start from $221 per night:
06
Desert Paradise Resort • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- Clothing-optional gay men's resort
- Massive swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor showers
- A tropical atmosphere perfect for unwinding in
- Mountainous views
For those who crave a lost-in-the-desert fantasy, this gay resort is the perfect getaway. It is like an oasis that exists within the bustling cosmopolitan of Palm Springs. However, when you want to explore the city, it’s just a short drive (or a 20-minute walk) to the thriving Palm Spring Canyon Drive where there are lots of clubs, bars, and attractions to visit.
With tropical gardens, cacti plants surrounding a saltwater pool, and wooden sculptures galore, the clothing-optional resort pulls out all the stops creating an arid-like environment for guests to relax in. There are also outdoor garden showers that will help unleash the nudist that lives inside you.
The rooms are decorated with either wooden or rock interior paneling, which only intensifies the natural ambiance.
Manager Charles is the sweetest man ever, going to extraordinary lengths to make everyone’s stay special. Whether it’s fulfilling a request or just having a friendly chit-chat about your day, he is truly the heart of this gay resort.
Prices at Desert Paradise Resort start from $169 per night:
What to do in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is mostly about relaxing by the pool and partying, but there are other fun things to do if you can drag yourself away. For some excitement, you can join interesting tours, go hiking, or more!
07
El Mirasol Villas • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- Clothing-optional gay men's resort
- Rustic décor and soothing atmosphere
- Swimming pool and eucalyptus steam room
- Close to a bustling district with bars and clubs
You gotta respect the OG! There’s something very classic Palm Springs about this place in the best possible way.
El Mirasol was the first gay men’s resort in Warm Sands – operating exclusively as a gay resort since 1975, although it was originally built by Howard Hughes in the 40s!
Today, it is run by a fabulous team, headed up by resort hosts Paul and Bruce. The entire staff is beyond welcoming and knows how to make every guest feel cared for.
Each room exudes a rustic, cabin-in-the-woods aesthetic with wood-framed furniture and warm colors. The bungalow super deluxe studio is a real treat, with a private poolside patio, a full-sized kitchen, and exquisite mountain views. Each morning, you’ll also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast to kickstart your day of, well, total relaxation.
The resort features the likes of citrus trees, fountains, and botanical gardens dotted throughout the compound. Hangout areas like the clothing-optional swimming pools, jacuzzi, and eucalyptus steam room are great for getting to know your fellow guests. As the resort is within walking distance of tons of bars and clubs, we highly encourage making some friends during the day and hitting up the town by night.
Prices at El Mirasol Villas start from $119 per night:
Travel, Twerk, and Chill!
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Stay covered, stay fabulous, and keep your vacation free, fun, and frivolous!
08
Triangle Inn • Clothing optional
In a nutshell
- Clothing-optional gay men's resort
- Lush gardens
- Walled compound for complete privacy
- Fabulous pool and hot tub
Award-winning? Check! Historic? Check? Clothing optional? Check check! The Triangle Inn definitely checks all the boxes when it comes to a perfect gay holiday in Palm Springs.
Hosts Stephen and Michael do an incredible job at making sure every guest feels welcome and attended to. They go above the mark in ensuring their gay resort maintains its cool charm and happy atmosphere.
Picture it: lush tropical gardens, a sparkling swimming pool, a soothing Jacuzzi, an outdoor misting system, large sundecks, and spectacular mountain views – all within a private walled compound so you can feel free to let it all hang out.
You can stay in one of just eight suites, so it never gets too crowded here. We also really like how personal and low key the atmosphere feels compared to some of the larger resorts. These suites are clean, cozy, and tastefully decorated. They all come with a kitchen or kitchenette, although breakfast is served poolside daily, so you won’t need to worry about that! There are also afternoon mixers so you can socialize with your fellow guests.
The Triangle Inn is just one block from the famous Palm Canyon Drive, so you can easily hit up all the gay bars and clubs each evening.
Prices at Triangle Inn start from $145 per night:
Do Palm Springs gay resorts offer day passes?
Some gay resorts in Palm Springs occasionally offer day passes, particularly during busier weekends and events like Palm Springs Pride or White Party. These usually give non guests access to facilities such as the pool, hot tub and communal areas for the day.
In our experience, the more social resorts are generally the most likely to offer day access, especially if they have larger pool areas and regular events happening. During bigger weekends in Palm Springs, some resorts and nearby hotels also host pool parties and day events linked to festivals like White Party and Splash House. For example, Santiago Resort’s guide to Splash House pool parties gives a good idea of the kind of pool culture and day events Palm Springs is known for.
Frequently asked questions about gay resorts in Palm Springs
Are Palm Springs gay resorts clothing-optional?
We found that most of the gay resorts in Palm Springs are, in fact, very clothing-optional, especially the adults-only properties aimed at gay men. It’s one of the things the city is most famous for. At first we were super shy about it, but after a few minutes we started to embrace it, and kind of expect it… If clothing optional isn’t your thing, don’t worry, nobody is forcing anything. We were like this at first. Just be yourself. It's all very relaxed and chilled, which is what we love about it the most.
What is the best gay resort in Palm Springs for couples?
For couples looking for something more romantic and peaceful, we loved Hacienda at Warm Sands and Santiago Resort. Both have a more intimate atmosphere, beautiful pool areas, and a calmer vibe that works really well for a couple's getaway. In all honesty, we love Palm Springs for a romantic trip because most resorts here are geared to adults (and market themselves as being adults-only), which means no screaming children and noisy families.
What is the gay area of Palm Springs?
The main gay area of Palm Springs is Warm Sands, which is where many of the city’s gay resorts, guesthouses, and clothing-optional stays are located. It’s close to Downtown Palm Springs, making it easy to reach restaurants, bars, and nightlife. We’ve always found Palm Springs to feel very LGBTQ+ friendly overall, but Warm Sands definitely has the strongest concentration of gay resorts and that relaxed, sociable desert atmosphere the city is known for.
Are there all-inclusive gay resorts in Palm Springs?
No, Palm Springs doesn’t really have traditional all-inclusive gay resorts. Most gay resorts here operate more like boutique hotels or guesthouses. That said, many include perks like breakfast, happy hour drinks, spa facilities, or complimentary snacks around the pool. Since Downtown Palm Springs has so many great restaurants and bars nearby, we’ve honestly never felt like we missed the all-inclusive experience here.
Is Palm Springs safe for gay travelers?
I mean…is the Pope Catholic? 🙂
Palm Springs is ground zero for gays…it's widely considered one of the safest and most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the USA for gay travelers. As a gay couple visiting Palm Springs, we always felt completely comfortable here, whether relaxing at resorts, walking around downtown, or going out at night. The city has a huge LGBTQ+ community, and tourism here has long embraced gay travelers.
Which Palm Springs gay resorts are best for meeting people?
If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere, resorts like INNdulge and El Mirasol Villas tend to attract travelers wanting to meet other guests and spend time around the pool scene. Palm Springs gay resorts are generally much more sociable than standard hotels because so much of the experience revolves around communal outdoor spaces.
Why trust our Palm Springs gay resort guide?
We’ve been traveling together as a gay couple since we first met back in 2009 and have spent years exploring LGBTQ+ destinations around the world for the Nomadic Boys gay travel blog. Palm Springs remains one of our favorite gay getaways in the USA, and somewhere we’ve returned to multiple times over the years.
For this guide, we combined our own experiences in Palm Springs with extensive research, recent guest reviews, and recommendations from our LGBTQ+ travel community. We strive to keep this content up to date, checking it monthly for any closures or changes.
Why trust us?
- Full-time LGBTQ+ travel bloggers since 2013
- Authors of Out in the World: The Gay Guide to Travelling with Pride
- Multiple trips to Palm Springs as a gay couple
- Personally researched the resorts featured in this guide
- Featured in The Guardian, Lonely Planet, Gay Times, and Attitude magazine
- Helped millions of LGBTQ+ travelers plan safer and more inclusive trips around the world
Read more travel adventures like this in our book!
We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.
We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!
Click on the book to order:
For more inspiration:
- Make sure you read our gay travel guide to Miami
- For more sun and sand, don't miss our guide to the best gay beaches in Miami
- As well as the best gay bars and clubs in Miami
- Use our gay travel guide to Fort Lauderdale if you're also heading to that gay party destination
- You'll want to stay at one of the best gay resorts in Fort Lauderdale while you're there
- And use our gay travel guide to Key West if you're heading further south
Gary Jaworski-Sult
Wednesday 24th of January 2024
Hi Men, First of all, Wooooof🐻!! You both are Sexy AF!! Ok, got that out there...lol
In response to your article about gay resorts in Palm Springs CA, I'm a Palm Springs resident, part of the 70% of the Coachella Valley that identifies as "Gay". I think it would be a awesome idea to write an article about Palm Springs clothing optional resorts that have day passes for locals and visitors. Not all your readers can afford these resorts, sometimes a mom and pop hotel or national chain fit the budget. With that said, there are many local resorts that offer day passes to anyone to cumm in and relax, cool off in the pool, and of course, partake in man to man shenanigans.
Case in point, All Worlds Resort is a great example. They offer daily and three day, Fri-Sat-Sun, passes that include a catered lunch and cold drinks on Sundays. A three day pass is only $35, while a one day pass is $25. It cannot be beat on a Sunday. They even host monthly cumm-union parties for the same low price. A dedicated reader,
Gary Jaworski-Sult [email protected] (Yes, we are a kilt wearing married couple that love to travel!)
Stefan Arestis
Thursday 1st of February 2024
Hi Gary, thanks so much for your message and invaluable information. Such a great point which we didn't think of and awesome to know All Words offer that :) Love the kilts also!