Palm Springs is like a desert oasis that’s been frozen in time, but in a good way. It’s tucked away in the San Jacinto Mountains, where the only thing hotter than the sun is the mid-century modern architecture. The town is packed with trendy shops and restaurants that’ll make you feel like a Hollywood star, even if you’re just there for the weekend.
If you’re into golf, you’re in luck. Palm Springs has more golf courses than you can shake a club at. And if you’re not into golf, well, there’s always the natural hot springs. You can soak your worries away and come out feeling like a boiled noodle, but in a relaxing way. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long vacay, Palm Springs has got you covered. Just don’t forget your sunscreen and your sense of humor. The desert can be unforgiving, but the memories you’ll make will last a lifetime.
Soaking up the Sun in Perfect Weather
One of the biggest draws of Palm Springs is it’s near-perfect weather nearly year-round. While much of the country is bundled up against winter winds or sweltering through humid summers, Palm Springs boasts sunny blue skies and temperatures ideal for lounging poolside. The area enjoys around 350 days of sunshine annually, with daily high temps in the 80s and balmy nights dipping into the 60s. This temperate climate means you can comfortably sit out on a restaurant patio or spend the afternoon tee-ing off on lush golf courses in the middle of January.
The warmest months are July and August, where temps can reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). But with low humidity and ever-present breezes, the heat is usually still bearable. The abundant air conditioning inside hotels, shops and attractions provides a welcome escape too.
Striking Natural Landscapes in the Sonoran Desert
While lounging at your resort pool or strolling through downtown Palm Springs may occupy most of your getaway, it would be a shame not to experience some of the striking natural landscapes surrounding this desert oasis. The Palm Springs area lies within the Sonoran Desert, home to a surprising diversity of plants and wildlife.
For a breathtaking aerial view, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up the flanks of Mount San Jacinto. As you ascend almost 6,000 feet (1,800 meters), your vista transforms from the yellows and greens of the desert floor to pine forests blanketing the San Jacinto Peak.
Venture into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument to encounter bighorn sheep clambering down rocky slopes, elusive bobcats prowling amidst the trees, over 240 bird species from woodpeckers to hawks and blooming yucca sending up towering flower spikes. While out on a hike, keep your eyes peeled for unique plants like towering saguaro cacti, spiky agave, vibrant wildflowers like desert lupine, smoke trees with puffy pink blossoms and the iconic palm trees that give these desert oases life.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture and Old Hollywood Glamour
As you explore downtown Palm Springs, you’ll immediately notice the area’s distinctive retro flair. The city’s architecture epitomizes mid-century modern style, with clean lines, large windows, breezy indoor-outdoor spaces and unique angles. This style arose in the late 1940s and 1950s when influential architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey and John Lautner established experimental communities in Palm Springs that allowed them to push boundaries.
The area became a haven for Hollywood stars who built second vacation homes here furnished with the sleek, contemporary styles of the Atomic Age. Legends like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe hosted lavish parties at their Palm Springs getaways. You can even stay at Frank Sinatra’s iconic former Twin Palms estate, now operated as a vacation rental.
Wander neighborhoods like Movie Colony East or Racquet Club Estates to spot mid-century gems. Make sure to visit Elvis Presley’s honeymoon hideaway then tour the Elvis Honeymoon House to experience an authentically preserved time capsule.
Architecture and design buffs shouldn’t miss Palm Springs Modernism Week every February/March when tours, talks, film screenings and parties celebrate the city’s architectural pedigree. Or explore on a self-guided Palm Springs Modernism Tour anytime.
Fabulous Shopping and Endless Restaurant Options
Of course, no vacation would be complete without fabulous food, drinks and a bit of shopping mixed in. Luckily, Palm Springs offers endless options to refuel and bring some desert flair back home.
The Uptown Design District holds the highest concentration of unique boutiques, indie galleries and design showrooms. Upscale shops like Trina Turk and TEES + TANKS offer chic fashions often donning Palm Springs’ signature citrus palette. Bring home a cactus-print pillow, hip home accessories or mid-century inspired art prints.
Vintage shops abound too: Hunt for awesome atomic-era housewares or accent pieces with Hollywood history at shops like Angel View 2nd Hand Store and Threads Vintage Clothing.
Downtown Palm Springs also hosts fabulous eateries, from vegetarian havens like Chef Tanya’s Kitchen to see-and-be-seen brunch spots like Spencer’s Restaurant. And of course, classic steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris Steak House Palm Desert. Native American cuisine shines at restaurants like Sherman’s and Trio.
End the night sipping craft cocktails in a dim lounge like Ms. Margo’s or Seymour’s, where you may even catch live music as the evening unwinds. With so many temping options in Palm Springs, you’ll want to stay awhile.
Pampering Pool Days in Paradise
It wouldn’t be a Palm Springs getaway without long afternoons spent poolside, soaking up sunshine and sipping colorful cocktails. Luckily, most every hotel and resort boasts at least one onsite pool surrounded by swaying palms, lounge chairs and poolside bars.
Splash and sunbathe alongside skyscraper palms in The Saguaro Hotel’s vibrant rainbow-hued pool. Join the see-and-be-seen crowd in the modern minimalist pools at Kimpton Rowan Hotel. Hang out in a laidback 1950s pool scene at the historic Oasis Hotel Courtyard. Or live out your old Hollywood fantasies lounging in a bungalow at the legendary Parker Hotel.
Wherever you choose, order a mezcal Negroni from the cabana bar, slather on sunscreen, pull on shades and bliss out poolside while soaking up those year-round desert rays. What could be better?
Tee Off on Pristine Golf Courses
If lounging poolside all day isn’t your thing, test your swing on Palm Springs’ numerous prestigious golf courses instead. With over 100 courses in the Coachella Valley, ranging from luxury resort greens to municipal courses, you’ll be spoiled for choice no matter your skill level or budget.
Play the same course as former presidents and celebs like Barack Obama, Bill Clinton or Jennifer Aniston at classic West coast golf clubs like Tamarisk Country Club or Porcupine Creek Golf Club. Sign up for lessons and rentals at public courses like Indian Canyons Golf Club set at the foot of towering palms right in downtown Palm Springs. Or book a tee time on one of many hotel courses like that of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, featuring a long winding waterway and views of purple peaks dusted with snow in winter. Playing in cooler temperatures against such striking backdrops makes golf here even more phenomenal.
Rejuvenating Hot Springs and Desert Spas
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper desert escape without a bit of rejuvenation for your mind, body and spirit too. After all your golfing, hiking, sightseeing and revelry, now it’s time to relax and unwind completely.
The original Desert Hot Springs resorts utilized the area’s natural geothermal mineral waters, believed to have healing and restorative properties. Treat yourself to a soak in these cozy hot springs resorts like The Spring, renovated to mid-century modern coolness or classic Two Bunch Palms with it’s grotto-like stone pools and spa treatments.
Nearly every hotel from towering Ace Hotel to the Riviera Palm Springs also boasts revitalizing spas, whether simple poolside treatment spaces or Zen commercial spas like Estrella at Hotel Paseo. Recharge with classic treatments like therapeutic desert stone massages, hydrating facials and purifying full-body scrubs using indigenous ingredients like clay, salts or nuts. You’ll leave feeling brand new again.
Planning Your Escape
With so much to see, do and indulge in Palm Springs, you’ll want to start planning your desert escape! Here are some tips to make your getaway planning smooth and successful.
When to Visit
One of Palm Springs’ biggest draws is it’s year-round sunshine and temperate weather. However, the area does see some seasonal variation in temperatures and events.
- Winter (December to February) sees daily highs around 70°F (21°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C), perfect for hiking and walking around. Nights can dip below freezing occasionally. Attractions are less crowded and room rates/airfares are lower (aside from spikes around New Years and Palm Springs Modernism Week in February).
- Spring (March to May) warms up to highs as warm as 90°F (32°C) and cool nights, with wildflowers blooming through April. Pleasant weather and festivities like Coachella draw big crowds, so book early.
- Summer (June to August) is very hot, with max temps over 100°F (38°C) in July/August. Lower lodging rates but be prepared for blazing days. June is the best time for pools and water fun before extreme heat hits.
- Fall (September to November) cools again, with warm sunny days and cooler nights perfect for hiking. September/October sees less oppressive daytime heat but still perfect pool/patio weather into November. Along with spring, the area’s second “high season.”
Getting There
Palm Springs sits about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, making it around a 2-hour drive from LAX or Hollywood. Those not wanting to rent a car can catch a cheap shuttle from LAX or take a Amtrak or Greyhound bus entering the city.
Once in town, you can get around via taxis, ride shares like Uber/Lyft, a rented car or the free Buzz trolley system downtown. Though having a car makes accessing attractions like trailheads and Joshua Tree much easier.
Visitors flying into Palm Springs International Airport will find themselves already in the heart of it all, with a huge choice of hotels, resorts and inns minutes from the runways. Direct flights come into PSP from cold-weather hub cities like Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and various airports all over Canada.
Where to Stay
With over 100 hotels and resorts among nine distinct neighborhoods, ranging from huge high-rise towers to quirky mid-century motels, choosing Palm Springs lodging can be overwhelming.
Those wanting vibrant nightlife, shopping and dining on their doorstep should consider staying downtown in neighborhoods like Movie Colony East or Design District Bungalow Heaven. Boutique options like The Weekend Palm Springs set you walking distance from all the action. For a quiet escape focused on scenery, consider lodges nearer the San Jacinto Mountains like Sparrows Lodge tucked into the foothills of Mount San Jacinto but still just a 5-minute drive into downtown.
If R&R poolside or golf course proximity tops your list, larger chain resorts grouped south around the airport like JW Marriott Desert Springs or Westin Desert Willow Suites sport huge multi-pool complexes with endless amenities and activities. And for an iconic mid-century modern escape, book a famed architectural gem like thetriangular masterpiece Desert Riviera, Doug Huskey-designed Orbit In or plush ONLY Palm Springs dripping in Hollywood Regency style.
Indulging in Local Cuisine & Libations
Beyond standard resort and hotel restaurant fare, be sure to sample authentic local cuisine and craft libations that speak to Palm Springs’ locale and legacy.
Tuck into Native American inflected dishes like smoked salmon tostadas, mesquite-grilled bison or quail, chickpea frybread and cactus fruit crepes at eateries like Canyon Breeze, Native Foods Cafe or Sherman’s. Cool off with tropical cocktails bursting with sunshine flavors, like spicy mango margaritas, tequila lime palomas or tangy tangerine mojitos. Or try an authentic icy aguas frescas sweetened with dates instead of sugar. And don’t forget to grab date shakes made from the region’s bounty of dates, as well thick, milkshafte-like dessert drinks in flavors like honey mesquite or pink rose. Locals recommend Shields Date Garden, the Date Shack Palm Springs and Great Shakes Palm Desert for authentic farm-fresh versions.
Activities & Attractions For Every Type of Traveler
The variety of attractions and adventures across Palm Springs means every type of traveler can craft their ideal itinerary, whether that means soaking up rays poolside or trekking through canyons.
For History & Architecture Buffs
From Native American heritage to mid-century modern architectural gems, history echoes through the sights of Palm Springs. Culture lovers shouldn’t miss these attractions:
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum: Examine Native American artworks and cultural objects from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, from ancient petroglyphs and basketry to modern paintings.
- Tahquitz Canyon: Explore remnants of irrigation systems built by the Agua Caliente tribe and check out the 60-foot seasonal Tahquitz Falls.
- Palm Springs Historical Society: Get the backstory on Palm Spring’s Hollywood heyday, foundational architects and pioneer families at this extensive local history museum.
- Architectural Tour: Book a guided or self-drive tour to make sense of mid-century modern architectural highlights like Frey House II, Kaufmann Desert House, Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, Palm Springs City Hall and other gems.
For Outdoor Adventurers
Nature lovers traveling to the land of relentless sunshine and striking scenery won’t run out of outdoor adventures to undertake:
- Hike Tahquitz Peak: Bag your first desert summit ascending steep switchbacks up Tahquitz Canyon past a seasonal 60-foot waterfall to reach the 8,500-foot (2,591 meter) summit overlooking Palm Springs below and the Salton Sea beyond.
- Stargaze Joshua Tree Nights: Camp overnight amid the trippy Tree of Life formations of this biodiverse preserve, then crane your neck after dark to pick out glittering meteors, Mars, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy.
- Off-Road in Mecca Hills: Book an ATV excursion through the volcanic upthrusts of Mecca Hills Wilderness east of Palm Springs. Ride over rutted terrain and navigate narrow slot canyons seeing bighorn sheep and petroglyphs.
- Mountain Bike Skyline Trail: Test your technical riding skills on this intermediate/advanced ride climbing from Palm Springs Museum trailhead. Sweeping overlooks of the valley reward the lung-busting, rocky ascent.
For Golf & Tennis Lovers
With so many pristine courses and courts, Palm Springs is a sporting paradise with spectacular backdrops:
- Golf at Westin Mission Hills: Play either the Pete Dye Resort Course or Gary Player Signature Course winding through arroyos and water features with stunning mountain views at this premiere resort.
- Tennis Clinic at JW Marriott: Sign up for private and group tennis clinics held on the JW Marriott resort’s 7 courts. Brush up on your backhand or volleys framed by the Santa Rosa Mountains.
- Day Pass at Indian Canyons: The 36 holes at Indian Canyon Golf Club thread through indigenous palms and across the Indian Canyons crease of the San Jacinto Mountains. Even if you aren’t golfing, the country club offers spa and pool passes.
For Shoppers & Foodies
The Palm Springs area serves up bounties of boutique shopping and creative cuisine:
- El Paseo Shopping: Lined with high-end international boutiques like Gucci and Escada, this shopper’s paradise spanning 8 blocks in Palm Desert makes for fabulous window shopping or splurging.
- Uptown Design District: Browse mid-century furniture stores, indie galleries, design studios and avant garde clothing shops in downtown Palm Spring’s retro-fab central hub. Don’t miss Thursday’s hip Uptown Street Fair either.
- Tripp’s Burgers: Sink your teeth into creative gourmet burgers made from angus, bison, salmon or veggie patties at this retro family-owned Palm Springs staple open since 1959.
Relaxing Palm Springs Retreats
Palm Springs overflows with fabulous hotel options for every style and budget. Here is a sampling of favorites across different categories and neighborhoods:
Boutique
- The Weekend Palm Springs: Downtown hipster minimalism near dining and nightlife
- Alcazar Palm Springs: Intimate 34-room property saturated in Hollywood glamour.
- La Serena: Villas exude bohemian Palm Springs vibe through vibrant colors and eclectic decor.
- Sparrows Lodge: Rustic-luxe vibe on the foothills of San Jacinto Mountains, 5 mins to downtown.
Mid-Century
- Hotel Lautner: Live in an architectural icon within a John Lautner-designed gem.
- Orbit In: Instagram darling property set in a 1960s futurist Space Age dwelling.
- Ingleside Inn: Historic 1920s inn mixed with groovy mid-century additions and Melvyn’s Ingleside Tavern.
- The Purple Palm: Former Howard Johnson turned hip hotel oozing mid-mod panache.
Resort
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas: Splash down 27 water slides or play tennis at this family-friendly Spanish hacienda themed resort.
- JW Marriott Desert Springs: Elegant and activity packed properties with golf course, spa, 7 pools and immaculate grounds.
- Ace Hotel Palm Springs: Hip yet upscale with modernist architecture housing great music venue, bars and spacious rooms surrounding pools.
- Renaissance Palm Springs: Recently renovated large-scale property focused on design, dining, fitness and prime location.
Budget/Value
- Riviera Palm Springs: Highly rated budget option with lush gardens, fire pits, poolside breakfasts and cocktails.
- 7 Springs Inn & Suites: Humongous budget suites with full kitchens in a family-friendly resort.
- Caliente Tropics: Tiki-themed bungalows and suites dripping with 60s/70s flair. Outdoor pool bar/cafe onsite.
- Highland Springs Resort: Enormous pine shaded campgrounds to spacious motel rooms at value rates with tons of pools.
Day Trips & Side Adventures
While life moves at a slower pace in the desert, Palm Springs also serves as a great home base from which to take scenic day trips like these epic options:
Joshua Tree National Park
This otherworldly park protecting the unique Joshua tree basin mashup of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts lies just over an hour drive from Palm Springs. Here, you can camp, stargaze, ponder trippy Tree of Life formations, scramble over boulder fields, spy elusive desert bighorn sheep, descend into hidden palm oases, discover abandoned gold mines and hike amid vivid wildflower blooms in spring.
Inner-Tubing Down Snow Creek
When summer temps peak, cool off tubing in the snow-melt fed flow of Snow Creek just 10 miles northwest of Palm Springs. Ride secure inflatable inner tubes for 2.5 miles through the stimulative canyon passing swimmers and cascades plunging into crystalline pools.
Aerial Tram Ride Up Mt. San Jacinto
Embark on a remarkable 10 minute ascent up the steep escarpment of the San Jacinto range aboard the Aerial Tramway – one of the largest rotating tram cars on the continent. At the 8,516-foot (2,596 meter) Mountain Station, frolic in snow or access over 50 miles of alpine hiking trails that traverse out of sight beneath surreal boulder formations.
Outlet Shopping in Cabazon
About a 25-minute drive along Interstate 10 lands you in the Desert Hills Premium Outlet mall housing shops like Adidas, Fendi, Prada Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch and over 130 more all with savings between 25 to 65 percent off regular prices. Shop then snap an Instagram at giant outlet mascot, Mr. Rex and Ms. Dinny the roadside dinosaur statues.
Bringing the Desert Vibe Home
Once your Palm Springs vacation ends, prolong the desert vibes by bringing home chic, creative souvenirs like these options:
- Citrus Cactus Candle – Choose subtle scents like grapefruit bergamot or bright banana palm infused into hand-poured soy candles.
- Retro Luggage Art Print – Recall mid-century wanderlust with these retro travel poster prints showing swanky jetsetters with vintage luggage.
- Sunny Succulent Plant – Select a living souvenir from the abundant area succulent nurseries like a creeping burro’s tail, ruffled Echeveria or spiky cactus plant.
- Desert Landscape Photo Print – Capture stunning snapped pics of local landmarks like windmills, Salton Sea or Mountains then frame the landscapes to admire back home.
- Native American Jewelry – Bring home the heritage of desert tribes through authentic, artisan-crafted jewelry like a carved mesquite bangle, delicate silver cuff with turquoise inlay or colorful beaded necklace.
- Retro Palm Springs Tees – Sport some iconic mid-century modern architecture, pool party cocktails, funky flamingos and other Palm Springs vibes on your chest after your trip ends.
Approximate Budget for a Palm Springs
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roundtrip flights | $300 | Based on midweek flights from LA area in March |
| Airport shuttle or rental car | $100 | For airport/resort transport plus some sightseeing |
| Hotel – Sparrows Lodge (4 nights) | $800 | Boutique property in mountains |
| Food & Dining Out | $600 | Mix of casual & mid-range restaurants |
| Activities & Entertainment | $500 | Includes gardens entry, museum, hiking access fees |
| Shopping/Souvenirs | $200 | Assuming moderate souvenir & gift shopping |
| Total Trip Cost | $2,500 | For 2 people, 5 nights in Mar/Apr timeframe |
This shows an approximate budget for a Palm Springs getaway for 2 people staying near downtown at a nice boutique property like Sparrows Lodge. It includes reasonable costs for flights from the LA area in shoulder season, some dining out at mix of cafes and nicer restaurants, select activities and events like gardens and museums, plus moderate souvenir/gift shopping and rental car for duration. Total for 2 people for 5 nights works out to around $2,500. Costs would vary based on factors like hotel class, seasonal rates and activity choices.
Final Tips for An Epic Palm Springs Getaway
Follow this last bit of advice to ensure your Palm Springs vacation checks every box:
- Book hotels/activities early if visiting during popular times like winter holidays, Spring Break or Coachella fests.
- Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen daily to prevent dangerous overheating and burns.
- Consider rental cars for the freedom to explore Joshua Tree, Salton Sea or neighborhoods away from downtown.
- Make some restaurant reservations ahead especially for trendier spots like Workshop Kitchen + Bar.
- Avoid sitting out midday during summer’s intense sun and heat; focus instead on mornings/evenings.
Whether you’re looking to lounge poolside sipping cocktails, shop for the latest fashions, golf on golden greens, explore striking natural landscapes or simply soak up some old Hollywood vibes, Greater Palm Springs serves as the ultimate sunny escape where the mid-century modern architecture is perhaps second only to the reliably perfect weather and abundance of ways to indulge in relaxation. Let the desert oasis work it’s rejuvenating magic and you’ll no doubt depart feeling refreshed.