Blog created in partnership with the Visit Greater Palm Springs Meet the Mentor Program. Drew Filipski visited Greater Palm Springs in October and shared his experiences below.
“The sun never sets in Greater Palm Springs, thanks to the line of mountains towering over its Western border. By late afternoon and well before twilight, it sinks behind the peaks of the San Jacinto Mountains , hidden from view. Perhaps that is why Greater Palm Springs has attracted (and still does) Hollywood stars. They, too, could step out of the spotlight of Los Angeles and descend onto this desert oasis for a weekend spent in midcentury modern villas hidden by tangled bougainvillea and green privet hedges.
This lushly landscaped environment of turquoise pools and palm trees is quite a contrast to its arid, desert environment — but this kind of dichotomy is familiar for queer travelers, existing in a difficult environment and, despite it all, creating a joyous way of living. Though the city’s gay landmarks are celebrated — like the Arenas District or the famed drag-queen-run Trixie Motel — Greater Palm Springs still offers hidden gems beckoning LGBTQ+ visitors to discover them over a weekend getaway…”
