If you have been to Palm Springs and you’re gay, there is a 99 percent chance you’ve stepped foot on or around Arenas District, the LGBTQ hub in Palm Springs. Clustered together, you’ll find bars, restaurants, shopping, old school barbering, piercing services, and more. While this gay mecca may have the feeling of a long-time established neighborhood spot, Arenas Road’s gay history is somewhat still new. The first gay bar opened in 1991, while most surrounding buildings were vacant storefronts. Fast forward and now visitors and locals alike have reasons to spend an entire day and night in this famous Palm Springs District. Here are some places you need to visit the next time you’re on Arenas Road.

Blackbook

A low-key cocktail bar with a tiny kitchen and a big heart. Blackbook serves up award-winning craft cocktails—without the wait or attitude—and classic American comfort food that’s so good we were named the best restaurant in Palm Springs in 2020. Amazing burgers, Nashville hot chicken, and other regionally inspired standards await you, along with a curated whiskey list of more than 450 bottles and a rotating selection of craft beers, seltzers, and spiked kombucha. www.blackbookbar.com.

Chill Bar Palm Springs

“We’re that friend who throws the best house parties. Where you’re welcomed anytime to chill during the day or party at night. Where the atmosphere is a lifestyle.” Chill Bar is a warm and fabulous twenty first century modern venue, with fun and exciting events happening every day and night. Whether you’re there to chill or party, a good time is guaranteed. www.chillbarpalmsprings.com.  

Division

Rev up your style and head to Division in the heart of the Arenas District, where you can shop an incredible mix of seasonal items and year-round essentials. The clothing at Division will flatter any figure. This contemporary men’s store offers a variety of unique clothing brands, from tank tops to button downs to swim wear. They also have an eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind men’s jewelry and gifts. www.divisionmenswear.com.

GayMart USA

For 30 years GayMart has been the Desert’s destination for the best selection of men’s swimwear, underwear, and fashion from exclusive designers such as Andrew Christian, Sauvage and Whittal and Shon. Along with having a huge selection of gay fashion, they also make a great stop for picking up a lottery ticket and the latest copy of GED Magazine. Stop in and say hello! https://gaymart.business.site.

Hunters

@hunterspalmsprings

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♬ original sound – Hunters Palm Springs

Hunters Palm Springs is located at the center of gay nightlife in Downtown Palm Springs. Serving up quality drinks, dancing and entertainment daily is what they do. They also offer Karaoke, cabaret, large special events, happy hour, and tons of friendly fun. Check out their social media platforms for events happening throughout the week. www.hunterspalmsprings.com.

Johannes

Chef Johannes Bacher whose global modern European award-winning cuisine including his popular guest favorite “Wiener Schnitzel” has been a downtown Palm Springs staple since 1999. Chef Bacher continues to use his many years of traveling the world as the inspiration for his subtle, creative dishes that are exciting and tastefully show off his Austrian roots. Open for Dinner Wednesday through Sunday, 5pm to 9:30pm.  Call for reservations (760) 778-0017 or visit www.johannespalmsprings.com.

Daddy’s Barbershop

Next time you need to visit the barber, try a proudly gay owned and operated one. Serving the LGBTQ communities and allies, offering a long-lost artistry of “old school barbering”, Daddy’s offer everything you would expect from a barbershop: hot towel shaves, precision cuts, high, mid and low fades, stylistic cuts, pompadours, military cuts, undercuts, naked/bald skin fades, mow-hawks, design cuts, flattops, crewcuts, razor and clipper lineups, razor-cut parts all scissor cuts, scalp treatments, rest-facials, handcrafted beard sculptures, trims and cleanups. This is “Not Your Father’s Barbershop.” Book at www.daddysbarbershop.com.

Street Bar

A desert tradition since 1991, Street Bar was the first gay bar to open on Arenas Road. From the moment they open to last call the friendly staff keep patrons lubricated. Known for their strong drinks and top shelf daily specials this spot is the locals’ neighborhood watering hole! And if karaoke is your thing, you can sing your heart out, or listen to others do it.

Rough Trade Gear

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— Rough Trade Gear (@roughtradegear) May 29, 2022

Rough Trade Gear Palm Springs is one of the Desert’s delights when it comes to offering Fetish Gear, Play Toys, Slut Wear, Pig Essentials and more. They’re always at your service with shopping that can be done any time of day, when you visit them online at www.roughtradegear.com. Enhance your play with Rough Trade Gear.

Bear Wear

Bear Wear has been clothing men for over 19 years – big, small, and everything in between! Size doesn’t matter with their unique styles designed for fashion, comfort and to make the wearer feel and look enticing for their admirers! So, whether you’re a bear or not, there’s something for nearly everyone inside. www.bear-wear.com.

Quadz

“Quadz – Southern California’s original and best location for flag waving, napkin tossing Showtunes sing-a-longs! Fun crowd, fun bartenders and great cocktails all within a stylish interior and exterior with the new patio.” This popular spot is known to draw in friendly crowds of all ages. Right on the corner of Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Dr, you won’t miss this spot.

Eagle 501 Bar

This is the one bar that wants you to cruise heavy, drink up, and have a blast. The Eagle 501 Crew is packed with a punch to get you rowdy, going and off to where and what you want. Here leather, fetish, kink, levi, muscle bears, grunge, grit and country all come together. Eagle 501 has a vintage feel and weekly specials. www.eagle501bar.com.