We’ve already hit some serious heat this year and the summer’s not even begun! Does this mean it’s going to be a hot summer? If you’re in Palm Springs, the answer’s always a resounding “yes.” When the most sweltering of seasons arrives, Palm Springs all but becomes a ghost town. But locals and the odd off-season traveler still need to find recreation somewhere. So, where are the hottest (figuratively speaking) places to enjoy the Palm Springs nightlife during the tourist off-season?

Get Acquainted With Your Local Watering Holes

Photo credit: Shamrocks Irish Pub

The most obvious cure for the Palm Springs nightlife drought is to find the closest watering hole. Fortunately, many of Palm Springs’ bars and dives stay busy even through the off-season. If you’d like to pair some whiskey with the big baseball game, Shamrocks Irish pub is an ideal spot. However, if you’d prefer a bit of Mexican fare with a cerveza, Hair of the Dog can accommodate nicely. Maybe you’d rather something a bit more exotic? In that case, the proudly “womxn-owned” Dead or Alive Bar serves up rare organic wine and bottles for discerning tastes. Of course, these establishments don’t even scratch the surface of your drinking options in Palm Springs. Grab a map, close your eyes, and point! 

Make Yourself at Home in the Nightlife

Choosing the right place to stay can start you off on the right foot. A lot of the larger hotels have the Palm Springs nightlife built right into them. Probably the safest bet is the Ace Hotel. It seems like there’s always something happening at the Ace, though this isn’t a guarantee in the off-season. Though the larger hotels are more likely to inspire some of that characteristic Palm Springs nightlife activity, smaller boutique hotels can get in on the act too. When in doubt, bring the party yourself! 

Pride Knows No Off-Season

Photo credit: Toucans Tiki Lounge

Palm Springs is notable for its vibrant, vivacious gay scene and it recognizes no off-season. Good vibes are always welcome in the Arenas Road area where a host of gay bars spice up the Palm Springs nightlife. One of the busiest is Hunters. Providing everything from casual drinks and meals to VIP bottle service and drag shows, Hunters makes it a challenge to have a bad time. QUADZ may be more your speed if you’re looking for a campier vibe. If you’d like to take the party out of the Arenas area, you may enjoy Toucans Tiki Lounge. Known for drag shows that pack almost as much flavor as their tiki drinks, there’s never a dull moment at Toucans. Even in the off-season!

The Wet and Wild Palm Springs Nightlife

If you’re trying to get relief from the desert heat, a sweaty dancefloor may not be your best choice. But Palm Springs is a city where you can’t walk five feet without stumbling into a swimming pool. And even during the off-season, you can count on random nighttime pool parties popping up at the local hotels. Hotel Zoso, V, and The Saguaro are just a few that come to mind. Even casinos can get in on the act as evidenced by Agua Caliente’s notable Friday night pool parties. It’s a bit early in the year to predict what pool parties will be gracing the Palm Springs nightlife off-season this year. But we recommend checking local calendars and keeping your swimsuit handy! 

Clubbing: Palm Springs Style

Photo credit: The Village Palm Springs

Palm Springs may feel like it’s slightly lacking in club atmosphere, especially when compared to nearby Los Angeles. But if you’re spending your hot summer nights in Palm Springs, you can still find a few spots with that dancefloor-driven flavor. Probably the closest to capturing that nightclub essence is Copa. Expect a cover charge to get in, but they compensate by keeping drink prices affordable. Another popular option with the tourists, The Village is more of a glorified bar and grill with a couple of dance areas. Neither of these will give any major city clubs a run for their money but should scratch that nightclub itch. 

Get Your Tiki On

Tiki culture is a thriving niche in the Palm Springs nightlife. Some may even say a little too thriving. Case in point: Bootlegger Tiki will likely require a timed reservation. Fortunately, it only takes a few of their super strong drinks for most tiki enthusiasts to tap out for the night. Other local tiki hotspots include Tonga Hut (which also has a popular Los Angeles location), The Reef, and the aforementioned Toucans. You’ll have an impressive collection of paper straws in no time!