best friend and I want to go on a vacation in the West (southwest preferable) in a couple of weeks. Any suggestions?

My best friend (a lesbian) and I (a gay male) are in desperate need of a vacation and a change of scenery. We’re both from Chicago and would enjoy some sunshine and fun. We both love art and we both love to party. We’re open to plenty of ideas but we wanted to at least 1) visit a national park 2) do something that locals do 3) party at gay barsBeaches, sunshine, desert and recreation fun are all optional, not a must but would be nice! The furthest west we’ve been is San Antonio, TX.We intend on staying at wherever we go at least a week and at most a week and a half.sell me on your city!