Palm Springs nightlife has come into its own in the last few years. In the past, the city in the desert was a quiet little gathering place where the energy dropped—along with the temperatures—once the sun set. These days, the setting of the sun ushers in a whole new time for fun. The nightlife scene is rich and varied; whether you're looking for a chic wine bar, want to sample gourmet dining, or dance the night away, you'll find it here.

The downtown Palm Springs nightlife scene is centered around Palm Canyon Drive. This avenue, lined by towering palm trees, is home to some of the best clubs, shopping, and restaurants in the city. This highly walkable entertainment district means you can pack a lot into your after-dark schedule. If one club isn't catching your interest or you want to sample all of the downtown Palm Springs nightlife, it will be a snap because everything is so close.

Several Palm Springs night clubs help make the city a top draw for gay travel, and many of these are located right along Palm Canyon Drive and in the Warm Sands District. Every night of the week, the clubs are bustling with live music, DJs, dancing, and so much more. Others are quieter places to gather with friends or a date. Because the Palm Springs nightlife has really expanded since the late 1990s, you won't have a hard time finding a club that suits your tastes.

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During Dinah Shore Week and the White Party, Palm Springs night clubs host many of the events, especially after dark. During both of these gatherings, the Renaissance Hotel, which is the transformed Wyndham Palm Springs, hosts several pool parties during the day and nighttime parties that go until the sun rises in the morning. Other gay hotels offer specials during the spring break celebrations. The Palm Springs night clubs pulse with even more energy at this time with celebrity DJs, comedians, and other events will turn a night on the town into something to remember.

The downtown Palm Springs nightlife scene is active no matter what time of year or whatever your lifestyle. After the sun has set, many of the restaurants throughout town provide a place to savor the good things in life. Some of the hottest eateries can be found along Palm Canyon Drive as well as El Paseo Drive. Strolling along the Rodeo Drive of the Desert at night means you have access to gourmet restaurants as well as art galleries and designer shopping.

Many of the casinos, resorts, and hotels are more places to experience the Palm Springs nightlife. With five-star restaurants, wine bars, and more, a resort is a good place to spend the night of your Palm Springs vacation. The region's casinos offer 24 hours of hot gaming action, including plenty of nighttime fun.

The performers at the Palm Springs Follies prove that people of any age can enjoy the nightlife. This Broadway-caliber production filled with music and fun is performed by a talented older cast that seems to have found the fountain of youth. The season begins in the fall and continues for several months into the next year-with evening performances starting at 7 p.m. nightly during the operating season. Other Palm Springs attractions host special nighttime events, including movies and gallery showings, and gatherings after the dinner hour.