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Is Mid-Century Modern on Hulu Just Gay Fiction? Here’s the Real Palm Springs Tea

Thinking about vacationing in Palm Springs? Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern is fueling the fantasy, but the real-life version is even better. Here’s what gay life in Palm Springs actually looks like — and why it should be your next getaway.

Let’s be real: Mid-Century Modern on Hulu is everything Gay Palm Springs. Iconic architecture. Sarcastic gay men in their prime. Poolside drama. Linda Lavin.

But the real gag? You don’t have to binge a sitcom pretending to live your best gay life when you can actually be here surrounded by palm trees, pool floats, and Palm Springs mid-century perfection.

Because here in Palm Springs, it’s not a fantasy. It’s the lifestyle!

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve been flirting with the idea of moving here permanently (you wouldn’t be the first!), let’s break down what this Hulu hit got right, what it got hilariously wrong, and why Palm Springs is still the desert capital that gay dreams are made of.

If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us and let us know (and let us know why)!

In the meantime, here’s the real Palm Springs tea… 

Mid-Century Modern: Glammed-Up Fiction or Desert Reality?

In Mid-Century Modern, three gay besties — Bunny, Jerry, and Arthur — move into a mid-century house in Palm Springs after a funeral and proceed to live together, surrounded by martinis, misadventures, and passive-aggressive zingers. Throw in Bunny’s live-in mother Sybil, and you've got a cross between Golden Girls and Will & Grace – but make it desert-chic.

Is this what life’s really like for gay men here in Palm Springs? Honestly? Kind of. But it’s also way better than you can imagine.

Yes, the Architecture Really Is That Sexy

Palm Springs is internationally known for its mid-century modern architecture. We’re talking:

  • Butterfly rooflines

  • Clerestory windows

  • Vintage breeze blocks

  • Pools that belong on a Slim Aarons postcard

Whether you’re strolling through Twin Palms, Vista Las Palmas, or Deepwell Estates, you’ll see homes that make you feel like you're in an Architectural Digest spread — except with fewer stylists and more shirtless men walking their dogs (aka their babies).

Want to geek out on architecture before you visit? Check out our Palm Springs Guys mid-century modern self-guided tour (Google Maps GPS-ready!) and discover the magic of Desert Modernism architecture for yourself.

Chosen Family Vibes? Very That.

The premise of friends becoming a chosen family? Not only realistic — it’s Palm Springs culture in a nutshell.

The community here is tight-knit, supportive, and refreshingly unbothered. Whether you’re single, partnered, throupled, or “it's complicated,” you’ll find your people here faster than you can say “poolside cocktail at 2.”

In fact, Palm Springs has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents of any city in the U.S. That means the whole place is basically a gay friend group waiting to happen.

So… Should You Visit?

Uh, yes. Immediately. Especially now (considering the state our current government, if you can even call it governing). Palm Springs is like a double layer of protection for our beautiful, vibrant, and inclusive LGBTQ+ community and our allies here in Southern California. But I digress.

Mid-Century Modern may have put Palm Springs back on the map for Hulu-watching audiences, but the truth is — we’ve been living this dream in real time for years.

Here’s why gay men from across the country (and around the world) flock here year-round:

Weather That’s Practically a Drag Queen: Always Serving Looks

  • 300+ days of sunshine

  • Stunning mountain views in every direction (in the desert? Yes)!

  • Pool season is… every season

  • Even our winters are giving “hot tub and rosé”

Culture & Events That Keep It Cute

  • Modernism Week is a dream for design lovers

  • Palm Springs Pride is one of the largest, most inclusive and joyful in the country

  • Drag brunches, cabaret nights, spa days, and shopping galore

Basically: There’s always something going on, and you’ll never feel out of place doing it

A Place Where You’ll Actually Make Friends

Whether it’s happy hours at Chill Bar, lounging at your boutique resort, or exchanging flirtatious smiles at the guy across the table at FARM — making new friends (and maybe more?) is the Palm Springs way.

You’ll meet locals. You’ll meet travelers. You might even meet someone who convinces you to come back... permanently. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Final Thoughts: Palm Springs Is the Gay Getaway You Deserve

If you’re looking for a place that combines stylish relaxation, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and enough retro-chic vibes to make your Hulu watchlist jealous, Palm Springs is it.

Come for the mid-century fantasy — stay for the sunshine, culture, and community that makes real life here even better than the show. Whether you're in your 20s or your golden years, Palm Springs is ready to show you a good time on repeat.

Which Mid-Century Modern character are YOU — Bunny, Jerry, Arthur, or Sybil? Have you been to Palm Springs before? What’s your favorite spot? Share your experiences!

If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.

Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?

In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – Glen Nadeau is one of Palm Springs’ top-producing Realtors, known for his no-pressure approach, deep market expertise, and genuine commitment to his clients. 

A member of The Caldwell & Linger Group – ranked a Top Real Estate Team by Palm Springs Life Magazine – Glen is also backed by COMPASS, which remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country. Glen takes great pride in knowing that his clients are in such good hands.

“Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves.”

Visit Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more  support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.

Your Palm Springs Insider,

Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)

📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎 My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️    

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Your Ultimate 2025 Events Guide to Gay Palm Springs (So Far)…

Discover the ultimate Palm Springs and Coachella Valley events for the first half of 2025, from Modernism Week to Coachella. Plan your gay getaway with our fabulous guide!

*This article was originally published on 1/2/25 and has been updated on 4/13/25 for accuracy and relevance.

Palm Springs is year-round sunshine, a welcoming LGBTQ+ community, and a cultural calendar so packed you’ll wish you had more vacation days. If you’re a gay traveler craving a fabulous escape, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley offer an electrifying blend of art, music, fashion, and fun. So, let’s dive into the can’t-miss events for the first half of 2025 (January - July)!

Shout-out to our friends at Gay Desert Guide for their annual compiling of events (which we are ruthlessly borrowing for this article). Check them out for day-by-day listings of nightlife, drag shows, happy hours, and more!

And just a heads up, White Party Palm Springs will NOT be taking place in 2025. They are taking a year off, but they’ll be back in full-swing in 2026!

If you have anything you’d like to contribute to this article, please email us (and let us know why)!

In the meantime, here are our votes on the ultimate 2025 events guide to Gay Palm Springs (so far)…

2025 Ultimate Palm Springs and Coachella Valley Calendar of Events

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

October

  • IGLTA Convention – Palm Springs (Oct 21–25): The global LGBTQ+ travel conference comes to Palm Springs for the first time ever.

    Palm Springs Leather Pride (Oct 30 – Nov 2): A bold weekend celebrating leather culture and community.

November

  • Palm Springs Pride (Nov 6–9): One of the most vibrant Pride events in the U.S.—parades, parties, and rainbow love.

For Even More Fun 😈

If classic cruising and sex-positive fun is more what you seek, check out our favorite hot spots and their ongoing calendar of events… 

Canyon Club Hotel

Canyon Club Hotel is the only gay men’s resort in downtown Palm Springs, offering a saltwater pool, a 16-man spa, and a unique garden oasis hedge maze. Affordable rates and day passes make it a popular choice for visitors seeking fun and relaxation.

Casa Oliver

Formerly All Worlds Resort, Casa Oliver is the largest gay men’s clothing-optional resort in Warm Sands. Enjoy their spacious pool, hot tub, outdoor showers, and both an outdoor and indoor maze play area. Day and night passes are available on weekends for added convenience.

CCBC

The CCBC Resort in Cathedral City (aka Cat City) is a haven for exploration and fun. Known for hosting special events like CUMUNION parties and pop-up events, this clothing-optional resort also offers day and night passes for endless possibilities.

Club 541

Club 541 is Palm Springs’ newest men’s-only club, designed for those eager to explore their fantasies. Open most nights and Wednesday afternoons (happy hump day!), it’s also conveniently close to the Tool Shed and several men-only hotels like Santiago. 

Tool Shed

Known as Palm Springs’ premier leather and Levi bar, the Tool Shed is famous for its daily happy hours, cruising, and themed nights like Thursday Underwear Nights. Located in Warm Sands, it’s a must-visit for nightlife enthusiasts.

Why Palm Springs is Your Next Gay Paradise

Have you attended any of these Palm Springs staples before? Share your experiences with us!

If you’re curious to learn more about all the fun you can have here in Palm Springs and our beautiful Coachella Valley, check out some of our blog favorites, like Best Gay Nightlife in Palm Springs, The Best Sex Shops and Adult Play Gear for Gay Men in Palm Springs, and Escape to Bliss: Best Gay Men's Spas and Spa Resorts in Palm Springs.

With events for every interest, you’ll find yourself enchanted by the charm of Palm Springs. Whether lounging by the pool, drinking bottomless mimosas at drag brunch, exploring the breathtaking desert landscapes, or down on your knees in a dark room – there’s no shortage of fun to be had and opportunities to make new friends and unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and let Palm Springs work its magic because you’ll likely be planning your next visit before you even leave!

Curious About Buying, Selling, or Relocating?

In addition to being one half of The Palm Springs Guys – I’m also one of Palm Springs top-producing Realtors.

And as a COMPASS agent, I can help you find and negotiate the best price for your desert dream home. COMPASS remains the #1 ranked brokerage in the country, so I take great pride in knowing that my clients are in such good hands.

Hospitality is what drives me because helping folks achieve their real estate goals is essentially helping them build a better life for themselves. 

Check out my website at Modern Living Palm Springs, or reach out to me directly. Ask me anything – I promise to give you much more support than ChatGPT, Google or the news will.

Your Palm Springs Insider,

Glen Nadeau (pronounced “Ned-oh” as in “meadow”)

📱 Call or Text: 805-220-8097
📨 Email: glen.nadeau@compass.com
🔎 My Google Business Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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The Perfect Gay Getaway in Palm Springs for the Solo Traveler

Discover the ultimate gay solo traveler's guide to Palm Springs, CA. From luxurious resorts to delicious dining and vibrant nightlife, find out why this desert oasis is the perfect place for living your best gay life.

The Perfect Gay Getaway in Palm Springs for the Solo Traveler - young gay man with beard and earring smiling - The Palm Springs Guys - Gay Palm Springs

Ah, Palm Springs! A Mid-century modern mecca nestled in the Coachella Valley under the Californian sun, serving up a slice of paradise with a side of fabulous for the gay male solo traveler. This is where the vibe is as warm as the desert heat, where you can let it ALL hang out without a care in the world, and where every moment is a chance to celebrate who YOU are in this world. Welcome to Palm Springs, the ultimate destination for gay men seeking a solo (or boys weekend) adventure, relaxation, and everything in between.

Why Palm Springs?

Palm Springs is more of a lifestyle for gay men than it is a destination. It’s a safe haven where the LGBTQ+ community isn't just welcomed; it's celebrated. Our little desert oasis offers year-round sunshine, stunning architecture, and a vibe so inclusive you'll feel like you've finally come home – especially if you're flying solo. It's all about living your best life here, and often in ways guys have never truly experienced (or even imagined) until they get here.

Stay in Style

Santiago Resort: Luxe Lounging

At the Santiago Resort, luxury meets liberation in a clothing-optional paradise. Dive into their saline pool, indulge in complimentary poolside lunch, and make new friends under the Palm Springs sun. If it's all booked, their equally chic siblings, Descanso and Twin Palms, are just around the corner.

INNdulge Palm Springs: Economical Elegance

For a blend of affordability and allure, INNdulge is your haven in the Warm Sands district. With a 24-hour heated salt water pool, a 12-man jacuzzi, and decades of experience, it's the perfect pick for those new to the clothing-optional scene.

CCBC Men’s Resort Hotel: Playful Retreat

Seeking fun in a sex-positive space? CCBC Resort in Cathedral City (aka Cat City) offers a vast playground for your desires with special events – CUMUNION sex parties and male bonding pop-up events – day and night passes, and endless opportunities for adventure.

Dine Like You Mean It

Breakfast

Koffi: Kickstart your day with their robust oat milk iced lattes and satisfying egg sandwiches, available at various chic locations across Palm Springs.

Townie Bagels: For freshly boiled bagels and scrumptious baked goods, this spot in the Antique Shopping District is a must-visit.

FARM: A Provencal-style gem serving traditional French dishes with a twist of local flavors. Be early to beat the brunch rush!

Lunch

Clandestino: Dive into Latin American delights with a side of artistic flair, brought to you by the creators of FARM and Tac/Quila.

Santorini Gyro Restaurant: Authentic Greek cuisine that's as delicious as it is affordable. Don't miss their outdoor seating in Palm Springs for prime people-watching.

Chicken Ranch: Committing to freshness, enjoy farm-to-table salads, rotisserie chicken, and seasonal ingredients for a rejuvenating lunch.

Dinner

French Miso Cafe: Where Japanese meets French cuisine in a cozy setting. Quality dining awaits, but keep an eye on their hours.

Blackbook Bar & Kitchen: Located in the bustling Arenas district, known for the best bar food in town and a lively happy hour scene.

Workshop Kitchen & Bar: A farm-to-table experience with a James Beard-award winning design. It's a culinary journey not to be missed.

Bar Cecil: For a bistro experience that celebrates individuality and creativity, both in its aesthetics and its cuisine. Book ahead, it's a hot ticket!

Nightlife

Cheers, Queers!

The Arenas district is the gayborhood epicenter of all things Gay Palm Springs. Start at Blackbook where it’s easy to meet new friends sitting right at the bar. Then hop around to (it’s a short block) to check out other gay watering holes like Dick’s, Streetbar, Chill Bar, Hunters, Quadz, or the (semi-hidden) speakeasy-style Evening Citizen for more boozing and cruising. While you’re at it, check out retail stores like GayMart, Rough Trade Gear, Division Menswear, or Ball Beachwear for all of your poolside (and bedside) needs.

Truss & Twine: Specializing in era-themed classic cocktails, Truss & Twin is Workshop Kitchen’s chic cocktail bar, alongside a desert-inspired menu using ingredients from the Coachella Valley.

Canopy Wine Lounge: A swanky newcomer offering a world-class wine selection in a sophisticated setting. With a focus on providing a memorable experience, Canopy has already gained popularity for its swanky atmosphere and has become a stunning addition to Palm Springs' bar scene.

Tailor Shop: A "purveyor of fine spirits and bespoke traditions". They are Uptown Palm Springs' newest cocktail bar with a distinct speakeasy-style ambiance. Picture a dark, moody interior with velvet banquettes, leather chairs, and a wrap-around marble bar. It's the perfect cooldown for those hot desert evenings.

PS Air Bar: A fun Airline-themed speakeasy inside the Bouschet wine store, featuring cocktails, dinner, naughty flight attendants, and live entertainment on the weekends. There's no place else quite like this, and every seat is first class (literally). You know we love a good theme bar!

Purple Room: Honoring the Rat Pack era and the quintessential "Old Hollywood" Palm Springs experience – Michael Holmes’ Purple Room is the desert’s premier supper club and live performance space, featuring local and national jazz artists and the always popular, The Judy Show! – a parody of the great icons of the 60s. Grab a cocktail during happy hour and enjoy some (free) local music during the week.

Experiences to Remember

Entertainment Extravaganza

Drag Shows Galore: From the playful Mile High Boozy Brunch at PS Air Bar to Vanity's Doll Haus at One Eleven Bar in Cat City, Palm Springs offers an array of drag performances that promise fabulous fun. Here’s a complete list of drag shows from Gay Desert Guide for more drag show events. Shantay, you stay!

Sunday Funday: Embrace the local tradition with drag brunches, Palm Springs pool parties, and the legendary tea dance at Oscar's. After you’ve had enough disco, strap on some leather gear head on over to the Barracks for their popular Beer Bust.

Cultural Cachet

Mid-Century Modern Tours: Dive deep into the architectural wonders that define Palm Springs, with guided or self-led tours. Consider Palm Springs Mod Squad Tours or Mid-Century Modern Tours. If a self-guided tour is more your jam, you can caravan around some iconic Mid-century modern neighborhoods with The Palm Springs Guys MCM Architecture Self-Guided Tour Guide (Google Maps GPS-ready)! And the open houses here in Palm Springs on the weekends will have you feeling like you’re at Modernism Week!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Escape the heat and explore the breathtaking views and cooler climates. The Tram climbs up two-and-a-half-miles of Chino Canyon cliffs to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park – an elevation of 8,516 feet and temperature drop of nearly 20 degrees. It’s ​​the “world’s largest rotating tram car” and it features spectacular views of the panoramic valleys below. Enjoy a moderate hike through its 50+ miles of hiking trails and butterscotch-scented Jeffrey pines. Then grab a cocktail at the lodge and retire to the observation decks for happy hour before a nice dinner at Mountain Station’s Peaks Restaurant.

Palm Springs Art Museum: Get inspired by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s incredible 12,000 works collection of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. Just look for the 26-foot sculpture of Marilyn Monroe located directly in front of the Museum! Locals get in for free on Thursday evenings, so be sure to make a new local friend beforehand ;)

CLUB541: Yes, your sexual exploration also counts as cultural cachet! CLUB541 is Palm Springs newest sex club exclusively for men who want to explore the depths of their fantasies. It’s also walkable from the Tool Shed (Palm Springs exclusive leather bar) and several men-only hotels like Santiago.

Your Oasis Awaits

Palm Springs can be a life-changer when it comes to your happiness and well-being. Palm Springs' welcoming LGBTQ+ community, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for leisure and exploration make it an unparalleled choice for those looking to live their best gay lives. Whether you're seeking a much-needed getaway, a second haven, or a new permanent place to call home, Palm Springs promises a lifestyle filled with joy, freedom, and fabulousness. In a world where you can be anything, Palm Springs invites you to be unabashedly you. So pack your bags (or don't, we won't judge), and dive into whatever adventure awaits you here.

More Gay-Friendly Resources

What You Need To Know About The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Community [VIDEO]

Gay Desert Guide Directory

"The Gay Agenda" at VisitPalmSprings.com

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Ultimate Guide To A Modernist Getaway in Gay Palm Springs

Discover the allure of Gay Palm Springs with our ultimate guide to a modernist getaway! Dive deep into iconic architecture, shop at the chicest boutiques, and bask in year-round sun. Your fabulous desert adventure awaits.

Picture this: Endless sun, iconic architecture, and a cocktail in your perfectly manicured hand as you revel in the mid-century modern oasis that is Palm Springs. Modernism isn't just a design movement; it's a lifestyle, a mindset, a fabulous backdrop to our equally fabulous lives. From the groundbreaking architects who carved this desert dreamland to the proud LGBTQ+ community who call it home, there's truly no place quite like Gay Palm Springs.

Frey House II - Image provided by VisitPalmSprings.com

A Dash of History and a Splash of Style

Palm Springs' tryst with Modernism began in the 1920s, where the movement's characteristic clean lines and integration with nature became the canvas for celebrities and sun-seekers alike. Soon, world-renowned architects like Richard Neutra, John Lautner, and Albert Frey were busy crafting the city's iconic aesthetic. For the gay man with a penchant for architectural brilliance, Palm Springs beckons like a siren in the desert.

Palm Springs Visitor Center-Image provided by VisitPalmSprings.com

Your Ultimate Modernism Itinerary in Gay Palm Springs:

Take An Official Modernism Tour

If you have an insatiable craving for mid-century modern, quench your thirst with Mid-Century Modern Tours or Palm Springs Mod Squad tours. Check out Mid-Century Modern Tours and Palm Springs Mod Squad tours. Let the professionals guide you! 

Go To Open Houses 

Swing by open houses, especially on the weekends. Experience exterior and interior modernism firsthand. Check out Modern Living Palm Springs for open house listings. Think of it as a private modernism tour, sans the price tag!

Drive The Neighborhoods 

Let your inner diva explore at her own pace with our own MCM Architecture Self-Guided Tour guide. It's Google Maps GPS-ready!

Go Shopping

For the modernism maven in all of us, here’s what Palm Springs boasts:

Dive into Modernism Week 

At Modernism Week's official website, you can find the skinny on Mini-Modernism Week in October, and the full-blown fabulousness of Modernism Week 2024 in February. Block your calendars, queens!

Gay Palm Springs isn't just a place—it's a vibe. Aside from its architectural allure, it boasts year-round sunshine, world-class events, and a cultural vibrancy that simply can't be beat. Whether you're soaking up rays by the pool or hitting the town, you'll find an eager community waiting with open arms. New friends? Check. Lasting memories and connections? Double check. Palm Springs is more than a vacation—it's an experience that keeps you coming back for more.

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