Palm Springs epitomizes the gorgeous desert resort paradise portrayed in movies. This southern California community has its own distinct appeal, thanks to its oasis-like surroundings and outstanding mid-century modern architecture. Palm Springs may not have any beaches, but its pools, hiking trails, and desert landscapes more than compensate.
palm springs
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Palm Springs is best visited between October and December. Temperatures stay around 75 F on average, and rarely go below 70 F. It’s also a good time to avoid crowds. However, September is the greatest month to save money because resort prices are lowest. Spring is also a popular time for travelers because of the Coachella Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
TOP TIPS
— Bring sunscreen and a hat because the sun is almost always shining.
— Don’t miss out on Downtown Palm Springs, which features upscale shopping, dining, art, museums, and wonderful public areas.
— There are several bike rental shops where you can rent some wheels.
— It can get cooler at night than you’d expect, so bring a jacket just in case.
WHAT TO SEE
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
The temperature decreases around 30 degrees from the desert floor up to the peak. Two cafes, viewpoints, and over 50 miles of trails are available for exploration.
PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM
The Palm Springs Air Museum houses a huge collection of military planes, many of which are still operational. There are planes from World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
Just under an hour’s drive east of Palm Springs is the beautiful Joshua Tree National Park, located at the junction of the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. It’s a delight to explore.
VILLAGEFEST
Every Thursday, a section of Palm Canyon Drive is shut off to traffic as hundreds of sellers set up stands and stalls for VillageFest, a street market with a party atmosphere.
DID YOU KNOW…?
Palm Springs is home to the world’s biggest aerial tramway. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which opened in 1963, will transport you from the Coachella Valley bottom all the way up to San Jacinto Peak in just 10 minutes. This means you get a spectacular view without having to hike.
WHERE TO STAY
DOWNTOWN
- Palm Mountain Resort (see on Trip Advisor)
- The Hideaway (see on Trip Advisor)
CATHEDRAL CITY
- Desert Oasis (see on Trip Advisor)
- The Ritz-Carlton (see on Trip Advisor)
THE MOVIE COLONY
- 7 Springs Inn & Suites (see on Trip Advisor)
- Los Arboles Hotel (see on Trip Advisor
TOURS TO BOOK
5 Free things to do in palm springs
- Indian Canyons -The three canyons, located just 10 minutes south of the city, are hidden in the San Jacinto Mountains and provide picture-perfect landscapes and scenery.
- Cabazon Dinosaurs – Cabazon Dinosaurs are a well-known roadside sight in southern California. As you drive past, you can’t miss the two gigantic dinosaurs. Inside, there’s a dinosaur-themed gift shop as well as a dinosaur display. Even one of the dinosaurs can be climbed.
- Coachella Valley Preserve – The Coachella Valley Preserve is a hiker’s paradise, with over 25 miles of hiking paths. The paths range from short and simple to lengthy and tough, so there is a trek for everyone.
- Uptown Design District – This neighborhood is known for its vintage clothes stores, mid-century contemporary furniture stores, art galleries, and fashionable eateries.
- Palm Springs Art Museum – The Palm Springs Art Museum offers free entry to the flagship site, sculpture garden, and all activities every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and the second Sunday of the month.
what to eat in palm springs
Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel
Townie Bagels makes all of their bagels, bread, muffins, and scones in-house.
Where: Townie Bagels
Tacos
Crazy Coyote Tacos offers both standard and large tacos, and a vacation to California wouldn’t be complete without Tacos.
Where: Crazy Coyote Tacos
Vietnamese Crispy Rolls
The menu at Rooster And The Pig is full of fantastic, sharing items that are unlike anything else you’ll find this deep into the desert.
Where: Rooster And The Pig
