Palm Springs Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to California’s Desert Oasis
Looking for a fun and sunny vacation destination for a weekend getaway? Palm Springs, California is the perfect place to escape the cold weather.
With its beautiful desert scenery, trendy restaurants and hotels, and diverse activities, Palm Springs has something for everyone.
Check out this ultimate Palm Springs itinerary for everything you need to know before you go!
Summary
What is Palm Springs Known For?
Palm Springs is a Southern California desert oasis known for its natural hot springs, luxury resorts, and mid-century modern architecture.
The area was once a popular getaway for Hollywood celebrities for its sunny weather and luxury amenities. It still retains that glitz and glamour today.
Palm Springs is also home to a unique style of mid-century modern architecture, which can be seen in the homes that have been preserved in the area. In recent years, Palm Springs has undergone a renaissance, with new hotels, restaurants, and shops popping up throughout the city.
So, whether you’re looking to relax in a luxurious resort or set out to explore the desert landscape, Palm Springs has something to offer everyone!
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Best Time to Visit
If you’re looking for the best time to visit Palm Springs, there are a few things to consider.
The weather is usually best between winter to mid-spring, but prices are highest during these peak seasons. The summer can be sweltering and uncomfortable, but it’s also the best time to find deals on accommodations.
As a general consensus, the best time of year to visit Palm Springs is from November through April. Prices will be higher during this time, but you can’t beat the weather, and hotel deals can pop up occasionally.
If you do decide to visit Palm Springs from May through August, just understand it’s not uncommon for the temperature to reach triple digits during the day!
We went for Dustin’s birthday in June for Splash House, and it reached a whopping 116 degrees!
Where to Stay
When planning a trip to Palm Springs, one of the first things to consider is where to stay. Palm Springs offers a variety of accommodations to suit any price point, from budget to mid-range hotels, to even luxury hotels and resorts.
Budget Hotels:
If you’re on a tight budget, there are several options for budget-friendly hotels that won’t break the bank.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club. This hotel is a former mid-century modern motel that has been transformed into an eclectic 176-room hotel attracting hipsters, couples, and families. It offers two large pools, spa facilities, a restaurant, a bar, event spaces, and live entertainment. You can book your stay here.
Alcazar Palm Springs. This little boutique spot in the Uptown Design District is a prime base for exploring and is super budget-friendly! You can book your stay here.
The Saguaro. This hotel is the famous “rainbow hotel” in Palm Springs. The trendy, colorful motel-style property is featured all over Instagram as it’s a budget hotel, but the vibe here is FUN all the time! It’s also one of the hotels that host Splash House. You can book your stay here.
Mid-Range Hotels:
Many mid-range Palm Springs hotels offer comfortable accommodations and great amenities if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. A popular option, offering an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly rooms. You can book your stay here.
Riviera Palm Springs. This hotel has an on-site spa, and fitness center, and features two restaurants. You can book your stay here.
Dive Palm Springs. This is a newer boutique hotel with a rustic 1960s French Riviera aesthetic. You can book your stay here.
Renaissance Palm Springs. Where I stayed during my trip. I was very impressed with this hotel as it offered free Wi-Fi, a gorgeous pool, a fitness center, and a large bar and lounge area by the pool. You can book your stay here.
Luxury Hotels:
For those who want to splurge, there are plenty of luxury accommodation options in Palm Springs.
Hotel Zoso. A favorite among travelers, offering upscale rooms and suites, an award-winning spa, and pool party nightlife. You can book your stay here.
ARRIVE. For old-school Hollywood glamour, this mid-century modern four-star modern is the place to be. The overall vibe is the perfect combination of relaxation vs. partying. You can book your stay here.
Margaritaville. Just minutes from downtown, this resort includes 398 brightly decorated rooms, island-inspired drinks, delicious dining options, the soothing St. Somewhere Spa, and a beautiful oasis pool. You can book your stay here.
Where to Eat
When it comes to the grub, Palm Springs is home to some of the best restaurants in California, serving up everything from breakfast to dinner.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll find plenty of options. Some good eats I recommend are:
Breakfast/Brunch:
- Elmer’s Restaurant
- Cheeky’s
- Farm
Lunch:
- Shake Shack
- Lulu California Bistro
- The Sandwich Spot
Dinner:
- Eight4Nine
- Melvyn’s Restaurant
- Mister Parker’s
Best Plant-Based Restaurants in Palm Springs:
As someone who tries to eat as plant-based as much as possible, I like to know there are plant-based and vegan options wherever I go. Here are some eateries in Palm Springs I’ve found to have good plant-based and vegan options:
- Palm Greens Cafe
- Nature’s Health Food Cafe
- Chef Tanaya’s Kitchen
How to Get Around
There are many ways to get around the city, including by bus, car, and rideshare services. The best way to get around depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The bus is an excellent option if you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to get around Palm Springs. You can purchase a day pass for just $14, which gives you unlimited rides on all of the city’s buses. The buses run regularly and can take you to all the major attractions in Palm Springs.
If you’re renting a car or bringing your own, many parking options are available throughout Palm Springs.
Parking meters are available in most areas, and several parking garages and surface lots are available for use. Prices vary depending on the location and time of day but generally range from $2-20 per day.
Parking your car at the hotel can be costly as well. When Dustin and I went to Palm Springs for the weekend, parking our car at the hotel was a whopping $35 daily!
It’s best to consider the hotel’s daily parking fee when budgeting for a trip to Palm Springs.
If you’re staying in or around downtown Palm Springs, it’s the easiest and cheapest to get around on foot. While downtown, everything is close enough to explore by walking. Or, if you’re ready to give your feet a break, Uber and Lyft are available.
Things To Do
Grab a Cup of Jo at Koffi
Koffi is the perfect place to start your day while in Palm Springs. They have a wide variety of coffee drinks to choose from as well as pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and inviting, encompassing the laid-back vibes of Palm Springs. Koffi is also conveniently located near many of Palm Springs’ best attractions, so it’s easy to include on your itinerary.
Visit the Air Museum
For history buffs, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a must-see. The museum displays various aircraft, ranging from World War II-era planes to modern jet fighters.
In addition, the museum offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. The Palm Springs Air Museum is a great way to learn about the rich history of aviation in the desert region.
And for those looking for an exhilarating activity, the museum also offers plane rides!
Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Looking to spend a day in nature? Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect destination.
Located less than an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree offers visitors the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, hike through rocky canyons, and see native plants and wildlife up close.
In addition, the Park is home to some of the best stargazing in the country.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Your Palm Springs itinerary wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the Cabazon Dinosaurs! These massive sculptures were created in the 1960s by artist Claude K. Bell and have been a popular tourist destination ever since.
There is also a small museum on-site that offers information about the dinosaurs and their history.
Hang By the Pool
Palm Springs is known for its laid-back, luxurious lifestyle. So don’t forget to take a step back and kick it by the hotel pool.
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by ordering a refreshing drink from the poolside bar and spending the afternoon lounging in the hot desert sun. Don’t forget plenty of sunscreen!
Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum is a hidden gem with a lot to offer. This world-renowned museum features an impressive collection of artworks from around the globe, spanning a wide range of genres and styles.
Whether interested in contemporary art, Native American artifacts, or European masters, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
Visit Salvation Mountain
Salvation Mountain is a man-made hill in the desert about one hour drive from Palm Springs, made entirely of adobe, straw, and brightly colored paint.
It is the brainchild of Leonard Knight, who began building it in 1984 as a monument to his religious faith. Today, Salvation Mountain is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain or take a Jeep tour. The best time to visit Salvation Mountain is early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.
Admission to Salvation Mountain is free.
Vintage Shopping at Destination PSP
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out destination PSP. This vintage store in Palm Springs is a must-see for anyone who loves souvenirs, thrifty apparel, poolside wares, home décor, and more. Their merch is branded and inspired by the style of Coachella Valley!
Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the world’s largest rotating tram car—takes visitors on a 10-minute journey from the desert floor to a mountaintop station 3,500 feet above.
The ride affords passengers some of the most spectacular views in Southern California. The palm-studded valleys give way to rocky cliffs, and switchbacks ascend through five climate zones.
At the top, visitors can explore fifty miles of hiking trails or simply enjoy the views from the Observation Deck before returning to the desert below.
The Aerial Tramway is one of Palm Springs’ most popular attractions and should be included on any Palm Springs itinerary.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
A visit to Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a must-do for any palm springs itinerary. The zoo is home to a wide variety of desert animals, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and Gila monsters.
In addition to seeing these amazing creatures up close, visitors can also learn about the unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in the harsh desert environment.
The gardens at Living Desert Zoo are equally impressive, featuring a wide variety of desert plants, including cacti, agaves, and ocotillos.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the gardens or participate in one of the many educational programs offered by the zoo. It’s open seven days a week from 7 am to 1:30 pm.
Indian Canyons
The Indian Canyons are a must-see for anyone visiting Palm Springs. The canyons are home to various plants and animals, and the views are simply breathtaking.
There are several ways to explore the canyons, but the best way is to take a guided jeep tour. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the canyons and point out interesting facts along the way.
Party in the Palm Springs Nightlife
Palm Springs is a great party town, always evolving and bringing in the coolest of crowds, all looking to have a relaxing, epic good time. Head to the desert for pool parties and DJs, crafty cocktails, live entertainment, and colorful dance floors. The best nightlife hot spots in Palm Springs include:
- Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Head to the Amigo Room which hosts stand-up comedians and boozy bingo nights.
- Hotel Zoso for epic pool parties.
- High Bar. A luxurious rooftop pool bar at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
- Check out the many nightclubs including Shanghai Reds, Village Pub, Zelda’s Nightclub, and Hunter’s Nightclub.
See also:
Are you ready for your trip to Palm Springs?! I hope you found this itinerary helpful in planning your trip! Be sure to pin this post to refer to for later or share with your friends!
Reina Conboy
I am a full-time traveling registered nurse, fitness enthusiast, and plant-based nutrition expert. Every morning I wake up intending to bring awareness of the importance of health and spiritual wellness, especially to the traveling community. This blog is designed to bring you travel and health advice while sprinkling in some fun life stories.
