publisher: The Official Gay Palm Springs, CA Tourism Website | Official Gay and Lesbian Guide to Palm Springs Hotels, Attractions, Dining and Shopping - The Official Gay Palm Springs, CA Tourism Website

The ultimate desert playground for outdoor adventure, arts and culture, gaming and entertainment. Whether you are planning a family vacation, couple who wants a romantic retreat, or want a girlfriend’s getaway…Palm Springs is “Fun in the Sun” year-round. Check out our photos and videos in the media gallery. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, the City of Palm Springs is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The village atmosphere has been preserved and embellished over the years. The streets, lined with palm trees, invite you to explore boutique shops, art galleries and museums while soaking up the sunshine or dining outdoors among stunning desert scenery. Palm Springs has since been sprinkled with Hollywood stardust, where the holiday homes of stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Lucille Ball paved the way for the visionary efforts of former Mayor Sonny Bono to occur; namely, the Palm Springs International Film Festival. If that isn’t enough, Palm Springs is becoming the center of “Desert Modernism," with stellar examples of mid-century modern architecture tucked throughout the community and available to enjoy. Palm Springs offers a wealth of activities and events throughout the year. Soar to the top of Mount San Jacinto on the world famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, play a round of golf at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, or hike the ancient palm groves of the Indian Canyons. Tour celebrity and mid-century homes, attend fabulous theatre performances, or wind down with a poolside massage. In the evening, stroll the year round Villagefest, then relax with a swim under the stars. Location Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, it's an easy two hour drive by freeway. The permanent year-round Palm Springs population is 45,000, and doubles during the winter season. To the east of Palm Springs, are several other desert cities including Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Indio. Climate and Geography Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine and less than 5.2 inches of rain, winter temperatures average in the 70s with nights in the mid-40s. The dry desert heat of summer pushes daytime temperatures into the 100s, which is enjoyed by sun seekers. The geography gives Palm Springs its famed warm, dry climate. At 487 feet above sea level, Palm Springs is sheltered by the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west with its towering 10,831 foot Mt. San Jacinto, site of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Transportation Palm Springs International Airport, just two miles from downtown, handles daily direct flights from throughout the U.S. and Canada arrive into Palm Springs International with travelers from 500 places around the globe. The world-class airport welcomes over 1.5 million passengers a year who experience a new way of flying… shorter lines, friendly staff, stunning desert vistas and airport amenities including an outdoor courtyard, dining and retail. Ontario International Airport is just over an hour northwest. Within approximately a two-hour drive are the Los Angeles International Airport, Orange County-John Wayne Airport and San Diego-Lindberg Field. There are many rental car agencies, taxis and shuttles within Palm Springs. VisitPalmSprings…experience the perfect blend of outdoor entertainment and casual relaxation.