Travel Tuesday: Head To The Desert For A Milestone Pride Celebration

Two performers in colorful costumes jump joyfully during a Pride parade, surrounded by spectators and festive decorations.

We’ve only lived through one full day of fall at this point, and it’s still a furnace outside. 

So, a vacation in the usually hot climate of Palm Springs, California may not be top of mind. 

But what if we enticed you with some early November dates? That’s a time in Palm Springs when it rarely gets above 80 degrees during the day, and nighttime temps can potentially drop into the chilly 40s (perfect for cuddling with a few men under the covers for warmth).

Illuminated statue of a woman draped in vibrant rainbow colors, standing amidst palm trees at night.

Well, this kind of incredible weather and a gathering of 200,000 queer people should be more than enough to book a flight and hotel room.

From Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, Greater Palm Springs Pride marks 40 years of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. 

Cheer on the parade as it travels along Palm Canyon Drive, catch parties and events galore, attend a daily festival in the Arenas District, and soak up some sun in the pool between it all. (Completely naked if you wish.)

Two men playfully posing outdoors against a lush green hedge, one man holding the other in a relaxed and humorous manner, both appearing happy.

The nudity we speak of can be part of the daily routine if you stay at one of several clothing-optional gay men’s resorts in the area. Our go-to favorite for years has been INNdulge, an oasis of tranquility and community that’s laid-back, packed with amenities and offers well-appointed rooms. 

This past New Year’s Eve, we stayed at The Saguaro. It was cute and all, but the first moment we heard a child screaming, we immediately regretted being around an almost all-hetero clientele. Never again will we travel to Palm Springs and not stay in a gay property.

Secure one of several available room types at INNdulge if you book soon, but don’t delay. They will definitely sell out in the coming days.

Greater Palm Springs Pride makes a perfect kick-off to the festive holiday season, so clear your calendar now.

Greater Palms Springs Pride
Friday, November 6-Sunday, November 8
pspride.org

INNdulge
inndulge.com