Your Affordable Palm Springs Getaway

By Bill Malcolm*

Stunning mountain views from Palm Springs

There is always something new to explore in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. With a stunning view of snow-capped peaks from the desert floor, there is nowhere else quite as stunning. It also has a fun bar scene, lots of outdoor activities, a great art museum, swimming at the Swim Center, and more. It has also gotten expensive, especially during festivals and on the weekend. But there are ways to enjoy this desert oasis without breaking the bank. Like Wilton Manors, Florida, it is a magnet for gay seniors who have retired here.

Getting There

I took United Airlines, my new favorite airline after Southwest reversed course and stabbed loyal "transfarency" passengers in the back. I flew via SFO, a great airport in a great city, notwithstanding its "employee benefit fee" 5% sales tax adder. Once in Palm Springs I took the #2 bus to the motel. The stop is across the street from the airport and is just a $1. You can also take it to the Swim Center and Frontrunners meeting location. Rental cars are extremely expensive here (third highest in the country) and not needed. Bike, UBER, walk, and Sunline Transit better.

Where to Stay

I always stay at the Motel 6 Downtown. Rates are cheap - especially during the week (Sunday-Thursday). It has a great pool and has steps to great bars (including the Toolshed and the bars on Arenas) as well as downtown. There is a great French bakery (the Peninsula Bakery) across the street in a cute strip mall which also features an excellent restaurant (The Palms). You will pay more for resort fees and other junk charges at some hotels than the weekday rate at the Motel 6 Downtown.

Other options include the Twin Palms and Descanso (men's resorts). And be sure and avoid hotels with resort charges (which many have).

What to Do

Walk with the Frontunners every day at 8 am in the Mizzel Center Parking Lot.

Rent a bike (or just walk) and head out to the new CV Link Trail which runs throughout the Valley.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Enjoy Village Fest Thursday evenings downtown where the Art Museum (psmuseum.org) is also free. Details at villagefest.org. Pick up some dates or other fresh fruits and veggies as well as enjoy live music and more.

Swim at the Swim Center, a great outdoor city pool with mountain views. They are located at 401 S. Pavillion Way. Just $10 for non-residents.

Hike on the Prescott Reserve, Palm Springs Central Park which was formerly a golf course.

The Agua Caliente Cultural Center downtown has a great museum (140 N. Indian Canyon Drive and acmuseum.org). Learn about the history of the area from the perspective of the First Nations.

The Plaza Theatre downtown has re-opened and features shows almost nightly.

Where to Eat

Natures Health Food and Cafe at 555 S. Sunrise has fresh juices and vegetarian fare.

Fresh Juice Bar (at 425 Palm Springs) has great juices. I liked the carrot juice.

Peninsula Pastries has great French pastries, cakes, and bread. They can be found at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive. The shop owner bakes her goods and is from Paris.

Townie Bagel is great for breakfast and has a cult like following. You will find them at 650 E. Sunny Dunes.

The Agua Caliente Cultural Center downtown has a great museum (140 N. Indian Canyon Drive and acmuseum.org). Learn about the history of the area from the perspective of the First Nations.

Bongo Johnny's north of downtown has a great patio and great burgers.

Nightlife

The Toolshed is around the corner from the Motel 6 on Sunny Dunes. They have events every night including a Sunday beer bust.

Dicks has great happy hour prices. It is one of the many bars on Arenas Road downtown. You will find them at 301 E Arenas. Hunters (yes they have one in Wilton Manors, FL) is also fun. Happy hours run until 7 p.m.

For More Information/Helpful Hints

GED Magazine has local events and stories.

KGAY (kgaypalmsprings.com) and the Gay Desert Guide (gaydesertguide.lgbt) has a calendar, bar listing, and more. (KGAY is a popular FM station.)

The Coachella Valley Independent is the weekly. They have great hiking ideas. (cvindependent.com).

Do not take a taxi at the airport. There is a new $25 minimum charge. And the airport tacks on $4 for taking a UBER. Walk across the street and catch the #2 Sunline bus or take a UBER from there.

I never tire of visiting Palm Springs. You cannot beat it for a winter get away.

*Bill Malcolm's syndicated travel column has appeared in LGBTQ+ publications and websites across North America. He focuses on value and does not receive freebies from travel providers making his columns unbiased. He lives in Indianapolis and does this for a hobby. He does not stay in hotels with resort or other junk fees.

About the Author

Bill Malcolm Bill Malcolm is North America's only syndicated travel columnist. He focuses on value and pays his own way. He takes local transit and seeks to go where the locals go. He has appeared 100 times in LGBTQ publications and on websites including the IGLTA travel blog. You can find his work in GRAB Chicago, Erie Gay News, Seattle Gay News, and other places. He does this as a volunteer and does not charge for his work. He boycotts hotels and hotel chains with resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees, and other made up junk charges. He resides in Indianapolis. Follow him on Facebook.