Palm Springs, known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, is often described as “Gay Disneyland.” Drag queen Rosemary Galore, the founder and hostess of the PS Drag Brunch, embodies this vibrant culture. Hosting shows at the Saguaro Hotel, a colorful and Instagram-famous resort, Rosemary dazzles audiences with her flamboyant performances, inspired by Liberace and Elvis Presley. Palm Springs has long been a refuge for Hollywood stars seeking privacy, and its reputation as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community has endured. Today, about half of the city’s residents over 55 identify as LGBTQ+.
Drag culture thrives in Palm Springs, with performances happening daily and attracting a diverse audience, including bachelorette parties and multigenerational families. At the PS Drag Brunch, guests sip mimosas while enjoying an electrifying display of extravagant costumes, high-energy routines, and playful audience interactions. Rosemary sums up the city’s essence as a place of “lightness and fun.”
Palm Springs Blends Retro Charm Artful Expression and Inclusive Culinary Experiences
Beyond drag culture, Palm Springs boasts a lively arts scene and vintage shopping destinations. The city’s past is reflected in spots like PS Homeboys, a boutique specializing in retro-inspired home decor. Nearby, a towering 26ft Marilyn Monroe statue pays homage to the legendary actress. The city also celebrates pop art, as seen in Trevor Wayne’s gallery, where quirky pieces, such as a Barbie portrait made from Post-it notes, align with Palm Springs’ playful aesthetic.
Palm Springs Celebrates Drag Culture Retro Charm and Inclusive NightlifeDining in Palm Springs offers a unique experience, blending high-end cuisine with a deep sense of community. Alice B, a farm-to-table restaurant run by award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, is located within a luxury retirement community for LGBTQ+ seniors. The restaurant fosters an inclusive atmosphere, welcoming both queer and straight diners. Regular patrons, many of whom reside at Living Out, appreciate the sense of connection and camaraderie over thoughtfully crafted dishes like nectarine and toasted hazelnut salad.
Palm Springs also champions underrepresented businesses. At the Mojave Flea Trading Post, diverse artisans sell their goods, including Chris White and David Marks, founders of the Palm Springs Bottle Shop. Their store focuses on wines crafted by women, LGBTQ+, Indigenous, and disabled vintners, ensuring that customers can support inclusive businesses. Each bottle is labeled with a color-coded dot, signifying the background of the winemaker. Among the collection is a Pride-themed wine by an Indigenous female couple and a crystal-infused spiritual wine.
Palm Springs After Dark a Glittering Celebration of Freedom and Expression
Luxury and whimsy converge at the Trixie Motel, a flamboyant, high-camp retreat created by RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Trixie Mattel. The once-dilapidated motel has been transformed into an in-demand destination featuring themed suites, including the Queen of Hearts and Flower Power rooms. At the Barbara Bar, mixologists serve signature pink cocktails adorned with edible glitter, adding to the motel’s extravagant charm. Outside, pool parties unfold under the desert sun as DJs spin pop anthems, capturing Palm Springs’ festive spirit.
Palm Springs’ nightlife is centered around the Arenas District, the city’s LGBTQ+ entertainment hub. Bar Cecil, a chic bistro inspired by queer icon Cecil Beaton, exudes a bohemian charm with walls lined with art by Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. Its signature Beaton burger is a local favorite. Nearby, Hunters Palm Springs, a legendary nightclub, pulsates with house music as dancers in minimal attire perform atop podiums. Amid rainbow-hued lights, the diverse crowd of revelers showcases the city’s enduring commitment to inclusivity.
As the night progresses, the essence of Palm Springs comes into sharp focus: it is a city that thrives on freedom, expression, and community. Whether through drag brunches, pop art, culinary inclusivity, or glitter-infused cocktails, Palm Springs continues to be a beacon of acceptance and joy, welcoming visitors and residents alike with open arms.
