All this month, we’re taking you on a road trip. Bid your city and your stresses adieu. Grab some friends, jump in the car and take the scenic route with us. Find brilliant little stops, surprises tucked away, and tips to make the road trip experience complete. Do you already have a favorite road trip that you took? Let us know! And where are we headed this time? Let’s cruise on a Palm Springs road trip – where the weather’s perfect, the vibes are queer-friendly, and your hair will never have a bad day (thanks, dry heat!).
Getting There: Three Routes from San Diego
Route 1 – The Scenic LA Tour: Take I-5 north through Los Angeles, then CA-91 east to I-215 and CA-60 into Palm Springs. Perfect if you want those Instagram-worthy city-to-desert shots.
Route 2 – The Direct Shot: I-15 to I-215, then CA-60. Fastest route when you’re eager to hit the poolside scene.
Route 3 – The Mountain Adventure: Follow Route 2 to Temecula, then take CA-79 to CA-74 through stunning mountain terrain to Palm Desert.
Why Palm Springs is Your Perfect Gay Getaway
Let’s be real – San Diego’s amazing, but sometimes you need a change of scenery. Palm Springs delivers that desert magic with:
- Mid-century modern architecture that’ll make your design-loving heart sing
- World-class art galleries for cultural inspiration
- Celebrity home tours (Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Sonny Bono – the legends!)
- Perfect weather for showing off that summer body
Where to Stay & Play
Most gay-friendly resorts cluster around Ramon Road and S. Palm Canyon Drive. Prefer hotel points? Hilton, Hyatt, and Hard Rock all have properties here. Pro tip: Many clothing-optional resorts offer day passes, so you won’t miss the poolside action.
When the sun sets, the nightlife heats up. Hit up Hunters for high-energy DJs, or explore Chill, Oscar’s, Quadz, and Blackbook for diverse vibes that welcome everyone.
Beyond the Pool: Idyllwild Adventure
Need a break from desert lounging? Drive CA-74 into the mountains to Idyllwild – a charming alpine village that’s the perfect contrast to Palm Springs’ sandy glamour.
Ready to plan your Palm Springs escape? This desert oasis is waiting to welcome you with open arms, perfect weather, and a community that gets it.
Disclosure: This Palm Springs adventure was sponsored by the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, with some activities and meals covered. All opinions remain authentically ours – we’d never compromise our integrity for a free cocktail (though the cocktails were pretty great).
RELATED LINKS:
Skip the Chips and Dip for These Healthiest Road Trip Snacks
Find Healthy Food on Your Road Trip (There’s an App for That)
Drive Out of Your Comfort Zone: If Dolly Can do It, So Can We!
Hit the Road, Jack: Road Trip Through Midwest
Drive Out of Your Comfort Zone: Road Trip Through the Mid-Atlantic
Hit the Road, Jack: California Colors
Drive Out of Your Comfort Zone: Road Trip Through New England
Drive Out of Your Comfort Zone: Road Trip Through Northern California
Note: Our Palm Springs road trip was sponsored by the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism with some activities and meals partially covered. Rest assured the views and opinions expressed in this post are 100% our own and we would never sacrifice our integrity for a sponsorship.