DL's Palm Springs Visitor's Guide

When you brunch at Sherman’s Deli, rest assured that over half the patrons are active DL posters.

The caftans are visible from space.

The biggest safety issue is to make sure you don’t trip over the old, leathery testicles at those clothing-optional resorts.

[quote] I will have a car and looking for ideas for day trips.

Idyllwild. On the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway.

^(March may be too early too go there. I didn't see it was next month.)

Drive thru Joshua tree national park!

Have you been to PS before? If not - a few suggestions.

1) There is a drag show city bus tour - it takes you all over the city and it's emceed by a drag queen with performances. It's a bit pricey, but looks like a ton of fun and a good way to get to know the city and the highlights with more information than you'll ever have.

2) Most bars in PS are on Arenas Road - only one leather type one on Arenas. Quads is video showtune sing-along. Chill-bar is more upbeat and dance music. Hunters is good later in the evening with a dancefloor. StreetBar is always busy - it's 60+ and feels like a gay bar from 1980s/90s.

3) There are more gay bars clustered in Cathedral City that are fun - but may be more of a drive than you want.

4) Most restaurants are good, with few that are excellent unfortunately.

5) The one day trip that is a must is Joshua Tree National Park - about 45-50 minute drive up into the high desert. Landscape and scenery like from another planet. Trust me - it's worth it. Drive through it.

I don't know anything about clothing optional places EXCEPT the CCBC in Cathedral City (close by). That's always busy and popular.

There's a nice casino downtown as well - that's worth a few hours. But mainly people go to relax, lay in the sun, sip cocktails, have a nice dinner then go out for a few drinks at night.

You can take the Tram to the top of the mountain - that's also a good experience for first time visitors. And I recommend the Art Museum, which punches above its weight for its size.

That's all I've got.

R6 here - one more thing - the first Wed of every month there's an art walk scene at the Backstreet Art District. A collection of about 10+ art galleries - it's worth a couple of hours to kill. But only the first Wed of every month 6pm to 8 or 9pm. Yes they are open other times, but not in the evening.

Restaurants you're going to have to figure out for yourself depending on your likes and budget.

I would avoid driving to Idyllwild because I think you need chains on your tires now to get up the mountain - and frankly, in the winter, it's just cold and not much to do.

If you're into hockey - the Coachella Valley Firebirds play at the new indoor stadium and it's a great time. Beautiful inside and it's a great team - made it to the finals last 2 years, but lost both times. Massive local support and they have the best uniforms and colors of any professional team I've ever seen.

I'd ask Mike.

Oscar's tea dance on Sunday afternoons - forgot that one - that's always a lot of fun.

Go for those Cabazon dinosaurs. You'll think you're in 1974's The Land That Time Forgot.

R10 - have you been? Not really - just a couple of dinosaur statues behind a Burger King. They do paint them for the holidays - they will paint them for Valentine's Day.

It's fine as a stop on your trip, but I wouldn't drive out there for it.

OP - one last thing - the Indian Wells Open tennis tournament is the first 2 weeks of March. Gorgeous facility and about 30 min drive - all the big tennis names play it.

At Embalm Springs all seems the wheeze free wine and cheese and make one forget your face is a gargoyle's.

R6 3) There are more gay bars clustered in Cathedral City that are fun - but may be more of a drive than you want.

Sadly, The Barracks recently closed down if you weren’t aware. That was the main CC bar (other than the CCBC-connected bar) I used to go to. Another fun bar near downtown is the Tool Shed.

New sex club from the same owners as Slammers in LA recently opened — Club 541. I haven’t been but Slammers is usually a good time.

[Quote] 1) There is a drag show city bus tour - it takes you all over the city and it's emceed by a drag queen with performances. It's a bit pricey, but looks like a ton of fun and a good way to get to know the city and the highlights with more information than you'll ever have

Something to avoid at all costs!

I don't know much about the bars - Hunters and Tool Shed lean leather/bears, as does CCBC (clothing optional place). One of the other bars on Arenas may be a good choice.

I've had friends mention Vista Grande and Descanso as clothing optional resorts but not sure if they have day passes or not.

With all due respect to R6's list, finding a restaurant you like depends on your expectations. There aren't many "foodie" type places. Workshop, Alice B and Bar Cecil are, but they are also booked months out. Some other possibilities: Johannes, Eight4Nine, Inka, Crudo (all in the central PS district). Some of the local spots like Farm, Tac/quila, Clandestino and Tropicale are being shunned by the community due to support of Trump and/or right wing groups.

Everyone loves Sherman's, which has a long history, and is sort of an old Jewish deli mixed with a diner. But their food is mediocre at best. Desserts are better. People go to Sherman's to sit out front and people watch, period.

If you're there on a Thursday, my hint is to go to the Art Museum around 5 pm - it's their free night - and then when you're done there, walk over to Palm Canyon where the Village Fest will be happening - lots of vendors and some food trucks there, too.

I like Cathedral City but I don't know that it would be exciting for a visitor - it's basically PS's bedroom suburb. Most everything east of CC gets more MAGAish as you go east.

Joshua Tree and Idyllwild are really the two main day trips. Idyllwild is 6000 feet up with some very windy mountain roads. Cabazon is not very safe - I wouldn't recommend stopping at the dinosaurs or the outlets, people keep getting robbed and or killed there.

R11 Is it okay to not be 100% serious? OP can figure that out by Googling.

Again I don't thinik it's necessarily the right time of year but the arial tramway from Palm Springs to about halfwat up Mt. San Jacinto is something many people do. It's still quite a hike to the top but some view.

Can't type today. haha

this is interesting... if there are other visitors with recommendations, please share. Can PS be enjoyed over a long weekend? A late Thursday arriveal and a Monday departure?

Hotel advice? Best to stay close to Arenas?

Be sure to catch this show if you can.

Eat at Billy Reed’s. Some queen who was a major collector in the 1970s decked out this restaurant and it’s like eating in a Columbo episode.

And the food’s not bad!

The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert is wonderful.

Try McDonald’s for fun

Oh, the wit, R23!

R19 yes, I think a Thursday to Monday trip is more than enough time, if you're staying in and around Palm Springs (with a possible trip to the tram).

As for hotels R19 it depends on time of year and what's available.

There are dozens of small resorts - the two nicest/priciest hotels are the Kimpton Rowan and the Thompson. There's a few others (Renaissance is one) on Tahquitz Canyon Rd. that are close to the city but not smack dab in the middle of them. There's a Hyatt in the central area.

However, between now and the end of April it can be hard to track down a room.

No one's said a word about Golden Corral.

Are there any tours of houses like the Neutra Kaufmann house?

R27 Perhaps because there isn't one there.

R28 There's an entire two week event starting next week that's all about MCM architecture and houses.

Some homes are available at other times too but this event is for travelers who want to see them all at once.

As mentioned earlier in the thread: Billy Reed's.

You could take your mama AND Momma there.

I was just there. Went to the Spa at Sec Hé and ate at Farm. Recommend both.

OP, are you young and muscular? I recommend hanging around the bus depot so you can be picked up as Tom Bianchi's latest soulmate. it will save you a fortune on accommodations.

Farm is the target of a boycott in the gay community. The owner was married to the county sheriff, who was a member of extreme right wing group Oath Keepers. He also was the one who said "Let's put a felon in the White House." They also own Tac Quila and Clandestino so people also boycott those places.

There's a place called Il Forno near downtown that does great Italian.

Just look for me barreling across the local courses in my custom-made golf cart with the big fat cursive “L” painted across its front! I’ve got to bitch at Desi for missing last month’s alimony payment and at Gary for forgetting to buy my favorite Florida water—so I know I’ll find the two of them hanging out together at the club bar!!

Get a body scrub and massage

...or here.

^Men's Grooming Spot

Palm Springs is practically flat, so walking is easy. You should walk down Palm Canyon from about Alejo to Arenas or even Ramon for people watching. Especially on a nice day, it will be crowded and there are tons of shops, restaurants, galleries, thrift stores, etc to peek your head in. If you're athletic, many of the foothills of Mt. Jacinto have marked walking trails. (It's very steep climbing, but the views are amazing one you have any elevation at all). For example you can drive on Ramon to the very end of the road and you'll meet up with a very defined walking trail. Also, behind Vons on East Palm Canyon is an extensive network. If you're not athletic but want to walk, Ruth Hardy is a very beautiful park and there will always be lots of gay people there walking their dogs. The Camelot shows vintage films and modern films as well. I haven't been in years, but Vista Grande used to have a day pass, as well as All Worlds. (I'm not sure of the current status of either of those). Canyon Club used to have a day pass, but I have heard a rumor that they are trying to sell the resort. If you have some cash, you could buy yourself a gay resort for cheap. Another highly rated restaurant is Paul's, on Vista Chino. It's sort of in the middle of nowhere, in a non-descript strip mall, but people who have been describe it as very fine food with excellent service. It sometimes has long lines though, so you have to time your meals accordingly.

Setting off on foot or a bicycle into a neighborhood like old Las Palmas, you'll see some beautiful architecture and landscaping. (Old money gay, some movie star residences).

Finally, taking a day to go to the Indian Canyons, operated by the local Cahuilla Indians is cool - both to see the original home of the palms that are now ubiquitous now throughout southern California, (but are only native to a few spots in the desert), and to imagine the lifestyle of the natives before the coming of Europeans.

R39 - SHHHHH about Paul's! It's already crowded as it is. And no reservations. Paul is great and is friend's with my ex-partner. All of their food is excellent - but there's really only 7-8 dishes - but he does them well ALWAYS. Their Friday fish fry is absolutely the best I've ever had. You either need to go early or late.

I agree that driving through the neighborhoods is a good idea - there are several - Las Palmas, Movie Colony, and Deepwell Estates are nice to get an idea of the architecture.

Last recommendation - PS Air - it's an airplane bar inside of a food/wine restaurant on S. Palm. They have events and shows - but it's literally airplane seats and flight attendants serving you. It's fun.

Where can I get a four handed massage with a happy ending?

Don't bother.

[quote] Where can I get a four handed massage with a happy ending?

Grindr. Or RentMen.

R39's suggestion of taking the long walk on Palm Canyon is a good one. When we were visitors and stayed at what is now the Descanso resort - it was then called East Canyon Spa and was not clothing optional - we would start at Vista Chino and walk down to Ramon. If you stop every so often to check out shops, get a coffee/tea, etc. it's a nice few hours.

Lots of cute little shops here and there, though a lot of the midcentury decor shops that were there a decade ago have all moved elsewhere. Mostly quirky local shops, but one small section of stores like Kiehl's, West Elm, etc.

We stayed at the old All Worlds now Casa Oliver over New Year's. It's pretty run down but has "good bones" and the new owners are obviously trying to spruce it up. It was dirt cheap so actually better than I expected and will probably get more expensive as they continue to renovate. They allow day passes on the weekends and have special party nights if you dont wanna stay there. everyone was really nice and its walking distance to all the bars. The sex maze is huge and I had some hot encounters there with guests and visitors.

Club 541 was packed on a Thursday night after the underwear party at Toolshed. Nothing frisky allowed at the bars so they all go to 541 after .

Twin Palms is also a nice neighborhood to drive through. We fell in love with our house rental (a local version of AirBNB) there. It's near the South Palm Springs Koffi (local cafe chain) so we'd always walk around and look at houses, then go to Koffi.

Deepwell is gorgeous too.

Unfortunately, real estate costs have soared in the last 10 years and most homes are out of reach - most of the ones in Palm Springs proper with any sort of MCM quality are over a million. There's been a big push of gays into Cathedral City, buying homes or condos more in the 400K to 800K range.

[quote][R27] Perhaps because there isn't one there.

Well then what is the fuckin' point?

Still some snobby corners of the area. Bunny Bixleresque.

OP here. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. This has been more helpful than any of the online guides I've found.

Has anyone been to Bar Cecil for dinner? I need a nice place to take some friends to. Allegedly hard to get into but seems to get a lot of buzz in numerous articles I've read.

Bar Cecil is very hard to get into. I think the "Bar" of Bar Cecil is more of its appeal. Had dinner there once and it was solid, but I thought it was a little crowded and a lot more drinky than I'd want; your mileage may vary.

I am a member of a PS-centered FB group for gay men - this was the result of an informal survey they did among members, ranking favorites.

Billy Reed's and Bongo Johnny's are a bit more casual. The rest tend to lean a bit more toward fine dining.

My personal take is that Spencer's is a bit of an old dowager restaurant.....the type of place that is okay but has glided on reputation for years and isn't very exciting. 1501, Eight4Nine, Copley's and Johannes would all be my choices from this list.

Workshop (not on the list) is probably one of the most "foodie" places in PS but note that it is communal seating - not for everyone.

Aside from the boycott mentioned above, I found Farm to be terribly overrated. And some of the restaurants near the center of downtown PS (near what's known as La Plaza) are mediocre tourist slop. Stay far away from Lulu, Kaiser Grille, Pomme Frite, and a few others in that area.

You will not get into Bar Cecil - it's booked out for months. However, if there are 2 of you, you can SOMETIMES get a seat at the bar to eat. It's fine - but overrated and overpriced IMO.

There are a lot of other good places. One of the locals' favorite hidden spots is John Henry's - it's a throwback but solid food, great setting and usually no tourists. Great outdoor dining area.

I feel like it's a surprise - you don't know what you're getting into, then you walk into the outdoor patio and it there's just a great vibe. Menu is like something you'd see in the 90s - but it's all very good. Prices are about 25% less than Palm/Indian Canyon.

You'd drive past it 100x and not know it's there. It skews older - but it's because it's a local scene and you have to be 'in the know'. You'd never expect a restaurant to be in that location. It DOES take reservations and you can usually get a table for the date you want.

[quote]you can usually get a table for the date you want.

But can you get a date for the table you have?

I always make a point of going to Jake’s. There was an ownership change a couple years ago, but it’s still really good. Quite a few handsome young guys working there too.

[quote] My personal take is that Spencer's is a bit of an old dowager restaurant.....the type of place that is okay but has glided on reputation for years and isn't very exciting. 1501, Eight4Nine, Copley's and Johannes would all be my choices from this list.

Not very exciting? Of the choices your proffer: 1501, Eight4Nine, Copley’s or Johannes, which WOULD provide the most surprising anal?

drinky

R5 Johannes would provide the best surprise anal, from young uncut German studs!

The thing is, PS has pretty mediocre food. A few of the local favorites - Elmer's, Sherman's, Billy Reed's, Michael's etc. are either greasy spoon places or a place to peoplewatch (Sherman's). It's not a Michelin star town.

The places to avoid:

Lulu - Go only to peoplewatch, maybe. Have a cocktail and share an app, maybe. But their menu is all prepackaged Sysco stuff that they microwave. No kidding.

Wilma and Frieda's, Thai Smile, Kaiser Grille - have landed on the health department closure list repeatedly. If you like your food with rat turd garnishes, by all means go. Otherwise steer clear.

The attached list is the MAGA supporting places. Most are in the more conservative corners of the region but a few (Farm/TacQuila/Clandestino, Tropicale, Pomme Frite) are in central PS.

Is Manhattan in the Desert still around? I liked it better than Sherman's.

R59 yes

Be careful tricking. A few older guys have been murdered by Latino cagemeat.

I think they were mostly app hookups so if you meet out and about and have your wits about you, everything should be OK. But be aware of your surroundings.

[quote]A few older guys have been murdered by Latino cagemeat.

But what a way to go!

Momma’s mussy is leaking like a spilled tray of bottomless mimosas at Pinnochio’s!

PS

OP, if you're here on a Tuesday be sure to wear your Mrs Roper caftan to the Sandwich Spot. It gets you a free side and drink with any sub!

MARY!