Key facts
| Country | United States (Coachella Valley, Riverside County, California) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Palm Springs International (PSP), minutes from downtown |
| Best time | October to May; June–September are extremely hot |
| Type | Desert resort area with small clothing-optional hotels and hot-spring spas |
| Adults only | Clothing-optional resorts are adults-only; the city is mixed |
| Clothing | Nudity only inside clothing-optional resorts; public areas are textile |
| Best months | January–April, October–December |
Palm Springs, in California's Coachella Valley, is a desert resort town famous for mid-century modern architecture, mountain views and year-round sunshine. It is also home to one of the largest concentrations of clothing-optional hotels in the United States. Most are small, boutique properties built around a pool, where guests can sunbathe and swim nude within walled gardens. The neighbouring town of Desert Hot Springs, known for its natural hot mineral water, adds several clothing-optional spa resorts.
For couples in the lifestyle, the key point is that the market is segmented. The majority of Palm Springs' clothing-optional hotels are for gay men only. A smaller number are aimed at couples, or at couples and women, and some attract a lifestyle crowd.
Clothing-optional resorts for couples
According to the official tourism board, Visit Greater Palm Springs:
- Desert Sun Resort (Palm Springs) is a clothing-optional resort for couples, which also sells day passes.
- A Sea Mountain Nude Resort and Spa (Desert Hot Springs) is for couples and women.
- Mi Kasa Hot Springs (Desert Hot Springs) is a clothing-optional hot-springs property.
- Turtle Mesa Bed & Breakfast, about 25 miles from Palm Springs, welcomes couples and singles.
Policies on singles, day guests and conduct differ from property to property and can change, so check each resort's own rules before booking.
Resorts for gay men
The tourism board lists a long roster of men-only clothing-optional resorts, including Desert Paradise Resort Hotel, Casa Oliver, Santiago Resort, CCBC Resort Hotel (in Cathedral City), INNdulge, Triangle Inn, El Mirasol Villas, Vista Grande Resort and Canyon Club Hotel. These are not open to women or mixed couples.
Who it suits
- Couples who want a relaxed, sunny, clothing-optional break with good restaurants and nightlife nearby.
- Lifestyle couples looking for adults-only resorts with a sociable pool scene; choose couples-oriented properties.
- Gay men, for whom Palm Springs is one of the world's leading destinations.
Best time to go
October to May is the season: warm to hot days, cool nights and clear skies. Winter and spring are busiest, especially during major events such as the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals in nearby Indio in April, when prices spike. From June to September daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), and many visitors stay away.
Getting there
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is close to downtown and has seasonal non-stop flights from many North American cities. Los Angeles is about two to three hours' drive away, depending on traffic, and San Diego a similar distance. A car is useful for reaching Desert Hot Springs and the wider valley.
Legal notes
California resorts can permit nudity on private, screened premises. Public areas, streets and hotel frontages are textile, and indecent exposure laws apply outside the resorts. Sexual activity in view of the public is illegal.
Etiquette
- Respect each resort's guest policy: men-only, couples-only and couples-and-women resorts all exist.
- Towel etiquette on loungers.
- No photography of other guests.
- Follow each resort's conduct rules, which differ considerably between properties.
Safety and consent
Desert heat is dangerous: drink plenty of water, avoid sun exposure at midday and never leave anyone in a parked car. Hot tubs and alcohol together can cause dehydration and fainting. At lifestyle-friendly resorts, consent must be clear and sober, and couples should agree boundaries beforehand.
Nearby
Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto, hike in Indian Canyons, or drive to Joshua Tree National Park. For other West Coast clothing-optional options, see Black's Beach and Baker Beach. Browse members in the United States and lifestyle clubs in the US.