A Jam-Packed Itinerary for the Perfect Party Before the Big Day

Known for its swaying palms, year-round sunshine and inclusivity, Palm Springs is the perfect place for an LGBTQ+ bach party rendezvous! Round up your besties and immerse yourselves in a vibrant oasis of sun-soaked fun, where rainbow flags flutter and poolside shenanigans await. From fabulous pool parties to drag brunches that will have you sashaying in your seat, this desert paradise is the perfect playground for celebrating love, friendship and your impending nuptials. So grab your sunscreen, pack your party suit and prepare for a fabulous weekend in Palm Springs before you tie the knot!

 

STAY

Twin Palms Resort

Twin Palms Resort is a midcentury modern boutique hotel built for gay men to live their best lives. Located in an iconic Palm Springs neighborhood, this timeless-styled hotel features 20 one-bedroom rooms surrounding an elegant pool that reflect the modern lines of the building. It’s the ideal place to work on a tan or simply float around; swimsuits are optional, so you can really turn up the heat!

 

The Trixie Motel 

The Trixie Motel in Palm Springs is the only one of its kind; the digs are owned by Brian Firkus, better known by her drag name of Trixie Mattel. The world-famous drag queen gave The Trixie Motel a world-class makeover. Each of the seven rooms has an individually unique mood with the same cheerful aesthetic–think pink flamingos or atomic bombshells. The crisp aqua pool surrounded by pink and white retro loungers and umbrellas couldn’t be a better fit for an unrestrained celebration.

 

DAY 1

10 a.m. Bitchiest Brunch at Oscar’s

For bottomless mimosas and the longest-running drag brunch in the valley, visit Oscar’s for their Bitchiest Brunch. A local favorite, Anita Rose, hosts two shows every Sunday, and a rotating lineup of unforgettable glam queens entertain on Saturdays. You’ll find them just as delicious as the food! There are two shows every Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; tickets are required and range between $30-$45. It’s recommended to snag your seat about an hour early to order your food and be sure you get those bottomless glasses of delight!

 

11 a.m. Hike Bogert Trail

For breathtaking and unobstructed views of the entire Coachella Valley, gear up for a 2- to 4-mile hike up Bogert Trail. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to do the whole 4 miles!) This hike is rated medium, so be sure to pack up all the necessities: water, sun protection, snacks and good shoes. If you choose to walk around the 2-mile trail, the first half starts in the wilderness, but the second half is back through neighborhoods. Both have stunning views and are quiet enough to bond with your pals.

10/29

 

12:30 p.m. Self-Guided Art Tour (Using the ArtsGPS App)

While heading back from the hike, you and your squad need to take in all the free art decorating the city. Palm Springs has an impressive collection of free artwork; from murals to sculptures and larger-than-life installations, there’s no shortage of art to fascinate locals and tourists. The ArtsGPS app is the key to finding art throughout Palm Springs–you can make your personalized tour in the palm of your hand. To start you off right, the 26-foot-tall statue of Marilyn Monroe towering over downtown is an excellent spot for a fun and flirty group pic.

3/15

 

2:30 p.m. SWIMS at The Saguaro

Time to cool off at the hottest pool scene in the desert: SWIMS at The Saguaro. The prismatic hotel is as lively inside as it looks from the outside. A poolside summer series featuring musicians and DJs keep the party poppin’ every Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Brand-new private cabanas are available to rent and come equipped with a mini fridge, custom menus and packages to enhance your party vibes. Pplus, there are safes to lock up your valuables like cell phones, so there will be no evidence of the debauchery that will no doubt take place.

 

6 p.m. Dinner at Antigua

After a sun-soaked and rowdy day, it’s time to replenish with some food from Antigua restaurant. This beautiful contemporary eatery is just the right mix of upscale and laid back with an array of dishes to choose from; we suggest starting with the margarita flight and ordering the mixed fajitas for dinner. For a more intimate setting–or so you and your party don’t have to worry about being too loud–request a table on the patio next to the fireplace and finish dinner with a bottle of bubbly.

 

9 p.m. Bottle Service + Live Show at Toucans Tiki Lounge

Continue the fun and bottle-popping over at Toucans Tiki Lounge. Through July, the swanky tiki lounge hosts weekly drag shows every Thursday-Sunday; space is limited, so reservations are encouraged. However, Friday’s show requires tickets, so be sure to book ’em if you want to see ’em! Live comedy, cabaret and musical performances are also on regular rotation. Bottle service is available and highly recommended so drinks can keep flowing while you enjoy the show. You’ll have your choice of champagne or hard liquor with mixers and garnishes. 

 

DAY 2

11 a.m. Coffees at Koffi

Stop and smell the morning roast at the locally owned and operated Koffi. This modern coffee shop is famous amongst locals and tourists for a good reason and tends to attract a crowd. Simply said, it’s delicious and quick, so don’t be deterred by the masses. They can fill your cup with freshly roasted espresso, organic drip coffee, frozen coffee, teas and our favorite: cold brew over ice. Pastries and other breakfast fare are made fresh daily; we’re always in the mood for one of their massive muffins!

 

12:30 p.m. Shopping at GayMart + The Shag Store

There’s always time for shopping, especially in a city with some of the most unique boutiques. GayMart carries all the clothing you need to beat the desert heat, such as some tiny swim trunks or other spicy attire. The Shag Store features limited-edition prints and other products exclusively from artist Josh Agle (aka Shag). It’s the best place to grab something memorable to bring home for yourself or someone special.

 

1:30 p.m. Pick a Bottle of Rosé at Palm Springs Bottle Shop

Tucked inside the Mojave Flea Trading Post is a vibrant corner known as Palm Springs Bottle Shop, aka PSBS. They specialize in brands created and led by LGBTQ+, BIPOC and women. Each bottle is categorized by colored dots specifying the maker behind the product. Green dots are created by BIPOC, yellow specifies women, light pink stands for LGBTQ+ and bright pink denotes disabled or socially responsible producers. Don’t worry; you don’t have to memorize the color coordination. There are handy answer keys displayed around the shop. Don’t miss the second Palm Springs Bottle Shop location inside of Market Market. Cheers to consuming consciously!

 

2 p.m. Chill by the Pool + Snap Pics With Your Bach Squad at Trixie Motel

When you walk into Trixie Motel, you’ll be transported into the miraculous mind of Queen Trixie Mattel. And it’s pinker than the set of “Barbie!” It’s a lusciously campy place to experience, not just a place to crash. Carve out some time to dive in, grab a giant pink floatie and unwind poolside. The nostalgic retro vibe is picture-perfect everywhere you look, so make sure to snap a bunch of pics! Bring a Polaroid camera or a disposable for added fun and a truly vintage vibe.

 

4:30 pm: Ball-Busting Bingo at Barracks

Ball-Busting Bingo at Barracks in Cathedral City is not your typical bingo night, and you sure aren’t going to see any old folks. It’s boozy, indecent, irreverent and raunchy, all in the best way! Prizes are given to bingo winners and are as risqué as the content. You’ll have to play to find out what they give away. Prepare for an afternoon of fun, filth and maybe lots of leather; there aren’t many places to have a naughtier and better time with your closest cast of friends!

 

6 p.m. Dinner at The Tropicale Palm Springs

For elevated flavor combinations and a sophisticated tropical mood, book a dinner reservation at The Tropicale Palm Springs. The restaurant is reminiscent of the lounges from Hollywood’s Golden Era mixed with a chic tiki twist with soft lights, black leather and fire torches. The outdoor patios are surrounded by olive trees, palm trees, fountains and glow from the tiki torches. They offer an expansive menu with everything from pizza and salmon to rice bowls and brisket burgers with melted brie. Wine and specialty craft cocktails complement any meal or dessert. 

 

8 pm. Drinks at Chill Bar

Chill Bar is exactly what its name implies: a chill bar with a large outdoor non-smoking patio and plenty of open spaces. Everyone is welcomed and treated like family at this beloved gay bar and nightclub located on Arenas Rd, so wear your best dancing shoes and move to energetic music, enjoy go-go dancers and hourly stripteases (on some nights) or check out their lineup of fabulous drag shows. As you enjoy the festivities, be on the lookout for trays of Jell-O shots! Drop in on “Sunday Funday” for drag brunch and $7 drink specials.

 

9 p.m. Dancing at Hunters Nightclub

Hunters Nightclub is the place to be and the perfect spot to cap your weekend. With cabaret, karaoke and an eight-hour happy hour, little is left to be desired. Come for the strong drinks and stay for the music and dancing at this long-running gay club. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the beauty of Palm Springs to the dance floor, and the energy ripples onto the patio. This high-energy nightclub is no stranger to fun and unique events. Check Hunters’ website for special events! Order bottle service for VIP treatment or your favorite cocktail during happy hour, and cheers to your last night in Palm Springs!