palm springs tourism guide

Palm Springs   Travel Guide

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16 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs

Updated February 6, 2024

This isn't a place where you should pack your schedule: Embrace Palm Springs' relaxed mentality by enjoying time by the pool and at the spa. But if you're interested, there's more to do than just sunbathing and unwinding with a

• All Things To Do

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The city of Palm Springs rests in the shadows of the San Jacinto Mountains. The towering, snow-topped peaks of Southern California's second-highest mountain range are beautiful to behold from the valley floor, but many visitors say that a mountaintop experience is incredible. To reach the summit, you'll take a 10-minute ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Once you rise 8,516 feet to the top, you can hike (there are more than 50 miles of trails, including to San Jacinto Peak ), or snowshoe and cross-country ski during the winter, before heading back down the mountain via its rotating tram cars.

To avoid waiting in long ticket lines, several travelers recommend purchasing your tram passes in advance on the attraction's ticket page. If tickets are not available online for your arrival date, you will need to buy them on-site. Adults will be charged $28.95 for standard tram tickets; tickets for children ages 3 to 10 cost $16.95. Keep in mind: The weather at the top is typically 30 to 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor, so you'll want to wear layers to stay comfortable.

Coachella Valley Preserve Coachella Valley Preserve free

The Coachella Valley Preserve may seem like a barren desert, but keep your eyes peeled and you'll see that its 20,000-plus acres are more than just sand and brush. The preserve encompasses the smaller, 880-acre Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, which boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails. Along the trails you'll spot rare wildlife, such as the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, lush palm woodland oases and desert wetlands, which at different times of the year blossom with wildflowers.

Previous visitors said a stop here is worth a few hours of your time to view the unique geography of the Thousand Palm Oasis and to hike the trails. Reviewers also appreciated the free admission. Additionally, some suggested arriving early before temperatures become unbearable and the small parking lot fills up.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is part zoo and part botanical garden, all in the extraordinary setting of the desert. Along with animals like rhinos, bighorn sheep and meerkats, there are a handful of gardens that showcase more than 1,600 species of plants, including multiple varieties of cacti, prickly pear and agave. If you're visiting between October and May, you can also explore the attraction's three trail loops.

Past visitors enjoyed seeing The Living Desert's animals, but recommended arriving early, since the park offers little shade and temperatures often rise above 100 degrees in the summer. Many also suggested paying an extra $8 to feed the giraffes, and if you're traveling with little ones or don't want to walk between exhibits, consider purchasing a ticket for a two-hour private tour. Passes start at $79 for adults and $49 for children between 3 and 12 and include general admission, a guide and a shuttle.

Popular Tours

Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour

(209 reviews)

from $ 149.00

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket

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from $ 30.00

Joshua Tree Open Air Hummer Adventure

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from $ 179.00

Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an oasis in the center of the desert. From Hidden Valley (which features a nice, easy hike) to the Cholla Cactus Garden (home to many a photo-op at sunset), Joshua Tree caters to a variety of active travelers. Meanwhile, with its perch in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the Keys View lookout is another great place for a spectacular view of the Coachella Valley.

Whether you're planning on hiking or just driving through, the park rangers recommend bringing plenty of water – this is the desert, after all. What's more, recent travelers suggested bringing food to enjoy at one of Hidden Valley's picnic tables.

Indian Canyons Indian Canyons

Located 6 miles south of central Palm Springs, these canyons, which consist of Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon and Andreas Canyon, sit on the reservation lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. All three canyons offer hiking trails with breathtaking desert scenery, but other activities are also available. At Palm Canyon, purchase authentic Native American artwork or pottery at the trading post. Andreas and Murray canyons, meanwhile, are best for wildlife-watching; if you're lucky, you may even spot endangered species like the Peninsular desert bighorn sheep and the Least Bell's Vireo bird while exploring Murray Canyon. The new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, Tahquitz Canyon and three resorts – Indian Canyons Golf Resort, the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage and Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs – are also situated on or near the reservation.

According to recent travelers, the Indian Canyons are "peaceful" and "stunningly beautiful." Some, however, cautioned that temps often soar above 100 degrees in the summer, so bring lots of water and sunscreen. Many also recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes and skipping the Murray Canyon Trail if you don't want to get your feet wet as it ends at the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Palm Springs Art Museum Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum, which was founded in 1938, contains a stunning collection, like works from the landscape painter Thomas Moran and glass artist Dale Chihuly. You'll also find an ever-changing list of rotating exhibits, which have included studies of impressionism, contemporary sculpture, pop and graphic art, and architecture. The facility's permanent collection is not to be missed either as it contains more than 12,000 works across its 28 galleries. The museum also owns the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, which sits less than a mile south of the art museum, as well as Frey House II, the longtime residence of architect Albert Frey.

According to recent visitors, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a "cultural oasis" with "wonderful" exhibits. Many also appreciated its small size, adding that it's easy to see everything in an hour or two. Plus, the property offers free entry every Thursday evenings, no reservations required.

Palm Springs Air Museum Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum boasts an extensive collection of aircraft from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, including aircraft that range from the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress to the Grumman F7F Tigercat to the Douglas DC-3 Skytrain. The aircraft are positioned throughout the museum, not unlike the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C .

Several previous visitors said this attraction was "one of the best museums in Palm Springs" and served as a "great place to beat the heat," adding that its kids area, where children can sit in airplane cockpits, is a must if you're visiting with little ones. What's more, many appreciated the property's informative and friendly volunteers.

Tahquitz Canyon Tahquitz Canyon

For stunning scenery and a look at Native American history and culture, check out the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian's Tahquitz Canyon. Situated less than 2 miles southwest of downtown Palm Springs, this area of the reservation boasts the 60-foot Tahquitz waterfall (accessible via the Tahquitz Canyon Trail), rock art and a variety of flora and fauna. You'll also find the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center, where you can watch a movie about the canyon, peruse various artifacts, buy souvenirs and take a guided walk. Additional facilities, including three resorts, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (opening soon) and the Indian Canyons , can be found on or near the reservation as well.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking the nearly 2-mile-long Tahquitz Canyon Trail, which past visitors said was relatively easy to traverse, despite its lack of shade and occasional changes in elevation (as much as 350 feet). What's more, temps can climb into the 100s at times, so pack plenty of water. Several previous travelers recommended carrying at least one liter of water per person.

Palm Springs Drag Brunch

(59 reviews)

from $ 85.00

San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Desert

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from $ 150.00

The Legends & Icons Tour of Palm Springs

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from $ 125.00

Palm Springs Golf Courses Palm Springs Golf Courses

With 300 days of sunshine and more than 100 courses – many designed by celebrity architects like Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus – Palm Springs is a golfer's paradise. No matter where you decide to play, you'll be surrounded by stunning mountain and desert vistas and towering palm trees.

Some of the top-rated courses include Indian Wells Golf Resort , which offers 36 holes and sits next to the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, originally founded in 1957 by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Players say Indian Wells is in excellent condition and enhanced by the incredible views. For golfers staying in downtown Palm Springs, the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort offers two 18-hole golf courses that recent visitors called challenging.

Sunnylands Center & Gardens Sunnylands Center & Gardens free

For a curated desert landscape that hosted royalty, world leaders and old Hollywood stars, explore Sunnylands Center and Gardens, the 15-acre parcel that's part of the 200-acre Rancho Mirage estate of former ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife, Leonore. The Sunnylands Center and Gardens features a 9-acre garden with reflecting pools and more than 50,000 arid-adapted plants, some from North and South America, Africa and the Mediterranean. Along a 1.25-mile walking trail, visitors can enjoy views of the nearby mountains and several free audio tours are available for download on smartphones. The Sunnylands Center and Gardens features free activities throughout the year, such as a guided 60-minute birding walk on Friday mornings from November to May. The main house, a midcentury modern classic, is located within the 200-acre estate that also includes 11 human-made lakes and a nine-hole golf course. The home is open by tour only (reservations are required several months in advance) and other guided tours are also available.

Recent visitors marvel at the precision of the gardens, where " no flower or bush or cactus is out of place." Other visitors added that the Sunnylands Center and Gardens offered lots of bird-watching opportunities, in addition to plenty of benches for resting. Reviewers also encouraged visitors to plan ahead and book tickets to the home tour well in advance, as tickets are often sold out.

Palm Canyon Drive Palm Canyon Drive free

With shoulder-to-shoulder restaurants (many with outdoor dining), designer boutiques, locally owned shops and galleries, Palm Canyon Drive is a pedestrian-friendly destination in downtown Palm Springs. Anchoring downtown, Palm Canyon Drive is also the home to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, a collection of more than 400 granite squares embedded in the sidewalk bearing the names of celebrities and well-known locals. Sprinkled along the Palm Canyon Drive sidewalk, artists have painted more than 50 concrete benches for a splash of color and a place to sit. Palm Canyon Drive also hosts the weekly street fair known as VillageFest, where vendors take over the street and the thoroughfare is closed to cars every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Nearly every visitor enjoyed walking up and down Palm Canyon Drive seeing the sights and window-shopping. However, reviewers warn that drivers need to take care when parking in the area as parking limitations are strictly enforced.

Cabot's Pueblo Museum Cabot's Pueblo Museum

Drawing inspiration from the Hopi Native American tribe, Cabot Yerxa, a homesteader in the area that became known as Desert Hot Springs, spent decades creating a four-story, 35-room pueblo. Using reclaimed and found materials from the surrounding Coachella Valley, Yerxa did everything from dismantle abandoned cabins to craft adobe-style sun-dried bricks. Visitors are drawn to the home not only because of the meticulous craftsmanship, but also because of the artifacts on display. The home is filled with Native American art and artifacts, souvenirs of Cabot's travels and Cabot's own works of art. Another highlight of Cabot's Pueblo Museum is Waokiye. Lakota for "traditional helper," Waokiye is a 22-foot-tall sculpture made from donated Sequoia redwood.

A self-guided, 45-minute audio tour is accessible on mobile devices. The tour guides visitors through the building while explaining how it was constructed, as well as Yerxa's role in developing Desert Hot Springs.

Moorten Botanical Garden Moorten Botanical Garden

Established in 1938 by former actor Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten and his wife, Patricia, Moorten Botanical Garden is a 1-acre privately owned botanical garden and plant nursery. When not tending to their botanical garden, the couple designed gardens for a who’s who of Palm Springs, including Walt Disney. Meander the garden's nature trail to marvel at more than a dozen biodomes and more than 3,000 desert plants. For gardeners, the plant nursery is located on the property and offers a knowledgeable staff.

Recent visitors enjoyed the setting of Moorten Botanical Garden and felt it offered an escape from the surrounding development. Others described the attraction as small and not worth more than an hour of your time.

Professional Stargazing in Joshua Tree

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Joshua Tree National Park Offroad Tour

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Joshua Tree National Park Driving Tour

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San Jacinto Peak San Jacinto Peak free

As the backdrop to the Coachella Valley, San Jacinto Peak is part of the San Jacinto Mountains and the second-tallest peak in Southern California. Unique to this summit – and a benefit to mountaineers – is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that carries hikers up nearly 6,000 feet on the way to the 10,834-foot summit. When climbers exit the tram at the mountain station at 8,516 feet, the elevation gain is just over 2,300 feet to the summit.

After exiting the tramway's mountain station, hikers start their 5.5-mile one-way hike to the San Jacinto Peak as they enter Long Valley. After hiking along Long Valley, hikers enter Round Valley, a more open section of the trail. Wellman's Divide is home to the steepest section of the trail, with a 600-foot elevation gain over one mile. According to past visitors, the San Jacinto Peak Trail is well marked to the summit.

Cabazon Dinosaurs Cabazon Dinosaurs

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Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

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Trending Blog Articles

The traveler's guide to downtown palm springs.

Visiting Downtown Palm Springs? This redesigned downtown plaza has something for everyone to enjoy. From fine foods and casual dining to upscale shopping and small mom-and-pop shops, it’s all available here!

For details on what to do, see and taste in Downtown Palm Springs, check out our guide and get ready to experience why the region has become a hotspot for travelers.

Where to Shop

One-of-a-kind stores and boutiques are what you can expect to find in Downtown Palm Springs. The retail region is ideal for shopping for stylish gifts, your next favorite fashion statement and unique Palm Springs mementos to bring home.

Also, nearby is the trendy West Elm Palm Springs , which showcases contemporary designs in bedding, furniture, room decor and dinnerware. Be sure to stop by the West Elm if you’re in the mood for major design and color inspiration as this place truly has it all! End your shopping experience in Downtown Palm Springs by bringing home a memorable keepsake or two at Destination PSP where you can find unique, originally designed Palm Springs home decor for yourself and your whole crew.

A few more shops to add to your list include:

• Wabi Sabi Japan Living
• The Frippery
• Just Fabulous
• Mojave Flea Trading Post
• Havaianas Palm Springs

Where to Eat/Drink

On top of having two streets lined with fantastic restaurant selections in the area, Downtown Palm Springs also boasts an impressive number of locally-owned and operated eateries. So, if you’re looking for where to eat in the plaza, we’ve got you covered there too!

Lovers of Mexican cuisine can savor enticing plates at Las Casuelas Original , while those who enjoy reinvented comfort foods can find their slice of paradise at Wilma & Frieda Palm Springs .

Pizza and pasta enthusiasts also have plenty of delicious options to choose from when dining at NYPD Pizza , Il Corso , or the brand new I Heart Mac & Cheese which is a haven for all cheesy lovers alike. In addition to these options, downtown visitors can also stop by the stylish 4 Saints at The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel . Here, patrons can feast on seasonal, Mediterranean dishes and sip on stellar drink choices.

Check out more additional eateries:

• Clandestino
• French Miso Cafe
• Tailor Shop
• Juniper Table at the Rowan
• Pomme Frite
• King's Highway at Ace Hotel and Swim Club
• Thai House Restaurant
• Bill's Pizza Palm Springs
• El Patio Palm Springs
• V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar
• Zin American Bistro

Some other notable locations a short distance away that encapsulate the feeling of Downtown Palm Springs are:

• Boozehounds
• Gabino's Creperie

What to Experience

Aside from all the shopping and irresistible dining that can be done in the region, Downtown Palm Springs is also known for its exclusive experiences, events and opportunities!

VillageFest

Palm Springs Art Museum

Another must-visit attraction in the area is the Palm Springs Art Museum , due to its ever-changing interesting exhibitions and programs. Drop in during Thursday evening’s VillageFest in Downtown Palm Springs for free admission and make the most out of your night out on the town.

Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Once the playground to a plethora of movie stars, artists, performers and political elites, the Palm Springs area is recognized today as a location of old Hollywood glitz and glamour. Walk the streets of Downtown Palm Springs (along Palm Canyon Drive, Museum Way and Tahquitz Canyon Way) to get a glimpse of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars , which honors over 400 accomplished and cherished celebrities.

BIKE Palm Springs Rentals

Pop into BIKE Palm Springs Rentals to rent a bike for a few hours or the whole day, if you’d like, to explore the downtown area. There’s no better way to get a glimpse of the destination than by peddling your way through the palm tree-filled region, as you feel the wind through your hair and take in the sights!

Moorten Botanical Garden

Just a quick drive away from Downtown Palm Springs, The Moorten family have converted their Palm Springs residence estate into a living museum for all to enjoy. Stroll through a plant lovers paradise where over 3000 varieties of plants live in Moorten Botanical Garden . Besides the beautiful cacti and succulents available to enjoy, guests can also look forward to purchasing their own from the nursery. Bring a little piece of Greater Palm Springs home with you. 

Architecture Tours

Experience the world-famous midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs. PS Architecture Tours   gives an in-depth tours of the city's world-famous collection of midcentury homes and buildings. Explore the rich and fascinating history of the city from expert and tour operator, Trevor O'Donnell and his team. 

Uptown Palm Springs

There is plenty of free parking to choose from, however, times of day may affect parking availability. Visiting earlier in the day is always a good idea as some shops close early during the week.

It is also recommended to make reservations for dinner as the region can get a little busy come evening and nightfall. You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes as your meander through downtown, as you’ll be doing lots of walking as you explore everything the area has to offer!

From Signature Events ,  delicious dining and outdoor activities to everything else in between, Book your next getaway in Greater Palm Springs.

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Cynthia Serna, Notes by Cin

Cynthia Serna is a Greater Palm Springs local who enjoys writing about all things fun and delicious in the desert. She has a passion for writing, editing and creating amazing content, which is what led her to become a Palm Springs lifestyle blogger. In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys spending time with family and discovering new places to explore. Follow along with her on Notes by Cin , where you can find her notes on nearby fun, food, entertainment and travel.

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Palm Springs Visitor Information Center

2901 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily 800-347-7746 | 760-778-8418

The soaring roof of Albert Frey’s Tramway gas station is a Palm Springs landmark, and home to the Official Palm Springs Visitor Information Center. The iconic soaring roof building welcomes visitors each year from all over the world to discover where to stay, play, shop and dine in Palm Springs. The guest services staff can assist you with accommodations, dining, shopping, museums, attractions and events. In addition, the Visitors Center has gift items, maps, souvenirs and Palm Springs-logo apparel for sale.

Welwood Murray Memorial Library

100 S. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Hours: 10 am-6 pm daily except on Thursdays: 10 am- 8 pm 760-323-8296

Another classic gem designed by modernist architect John Porter Clark sits in the heart of downtown. Visitor information and periodicals are available. This branch of the Palm Springs Public Library is also home to the Palm Springs Historical Society’s Research Archive.

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Palm Springs

Palm springs travel guide.

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Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Palm Springs, California is located about 100 miles east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley area of the Sonoran Desert. A popular resort city for many years, Palm Springs is known for its natural hot springs, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and sunny weather. It's been a favorite destination for Hollywood stars since the 1930s, and many celebrities maintain homes in the Palm Springs area.

The climate is one of the most attractive features of Palm Springs, and desert communities have spread eastward as the demand for homes has increased. Until relatively recently, many Palm Springs hotels, restaurants, and attractions closed during the hot summer months. Now, however, Palm Springs and the nearby communities are home to year-round residents as well as snowbirds and second home owners.

Palm Springs is a welcoming community with one of the largest numbers of same-sex households in the country. A number of resorts cater to LGBTQ+ tourists, and the city hosts the annual White Party in April and the Greater Palm Springs Pride Celebration every November with a parade and a number of events.

Downtown Palm Springs is always evolving, with new shops, restaurants, hotels, and neighborhoods, like the development of the north end as the Uptown Design District. The annual Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals have brought attention to the desert cities, and the January Palm Springs International Film Festival attracts top names and a growing number of visitors.

Pacific Standard Time. (Daylight Savings Time is observed seasonally)

The weather is sunny and dry most of the year, and temperatures are mild from October through May, with cooler nights during the winter months. Summer temperatures are typically around 100℉ and can reach as high as 115℉, with humidity less than 10%. Many visitors enjoy the hot, dry summer weather, especially if there's a pool nearby.

High season is from December through April, when snowbirds arrive from Canada and cold parts of the U.S. Hotel prices are generally higher, and restaurants, golf courses, and attractions are more crowded. December, January, and February are considered the rainy months, but precipitation is normally around just an inch or so, although there have been years with heavier rains.

Festivals like the Palm Springs International Film Festival in early January, Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals in April, Pride events in November, the PGA Tour's American Express Men's Golf Tournament in January, and the LPGA ANA Inspiration Tournament in April bring in more visitors during those times. The BNP Paribas Tennis Open is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

"Greater Palm Springs" encompasses eight cities in addition to Palm Springs: Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, LaQuinta, Indio, and Coachella.

Tourism is the area's largest employer and the number one contributor to the local economy.

Dates have been cultivated in the Coachella Valley since the early 1900s, and 95% of the U.S. dates come from this area. Other agricultural products are grapes, citrus, artichokes, lettuce, carrots, and many others.

Mid-century modern homes, inns, hotels, and even a former gas station make Palm Springs popular with fans of the era. The annual February Modernism Week celebrates mid-century modern design, architecture, art, fashion, and culture, with a fall preview in October.

The Greater Palm Springs area is home to nearly 125 public, municipal, and private golf courses.

More than 2,000 years ago, Palm Springs' first residents were the ancestors of today's Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians . Today, they are the largest landowners in Palm Springs with nearly 6,700 acres within city limits. Many major hotels and facilities are located on leased tribal lands.

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is about 20 minutes from downtown.

From the airport: Car rental company counters ( Enterprise , Hertz , Alamo , Budget , Thrifty ) are in the terminal near the baggage claim area. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available at the terminal.

AM-PM Shuttle Service : Provides transportation in Greater Palm Springs area.

Skycap Shuttle Service : Provides luxury SUV, town car, and van service.

Prime Time Shuttle : Provides service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Palm Springs.

Lin Lines and Cardiff Limousines : Provide transportation with professional, uniformed drivers.

SunLine provides bus service on nine lines in the Coachella Valley. Check the routes and schedule for planning.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

Address: 888 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-6000 Book Now

Steps from downtown, the hotel boasts one of the area's largest pools, with poolside private cabanas and pool bar. Comfortable guestrooms and suites, a spa, and casual restaurant make this a popular spot.

Address: 150 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-9676 Book Now

Located in walkable downtown, the Hotel Zoso offers a spa, supper club with entertainment, fitness center, and casual dining spot along with stylish guestrooms and suites.

Hyatt Palm Springs

Address: 285 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-9000 Book Now

Set in the center of downtown Palm Springs, the Hyatt offers luxury guestrooms and suites along with a pool, bistro, patio restaurant and bar, and balconies overlooking lively Palm Canyon Drive.

Address: 555 Warm Sands Drive, Palm Springs, CA 9226 Phone: (760) 422-5500 Book Now

This new boutique hotel for adults (21 and over), set in a quiet Palm Springs neighborhood, boasts stylish decor, comfy beds, outdoor fire pit, pool, hot tub, complimentary bicycles, and continental breakfast.

Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs

Address: 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 327-8311 Book Now

Minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the hotel offers a casual-luxe island feel, tropical-inspired drinks, and the town's largest resort spa. Guestrooms include refrigerators, microwaves, and Keurig coffee makers for convenience.

Kimpton Rowan

Address: 100 West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 904-5015 Book Now

Conveniently located in the midst of downtown Palm Springs, the hotel offers 153 spacious guestrooms and suites. The rooftop pool and bar boast spectacular views, as does its rooftop restaurant, along with well-prepared seasonal dishes.

Ingleside Inn

Address: 200 West Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 325-0046 Book Now

This romantic retreat was once a private estate for Hollywood's Golden Age. Thirty renovated and uniquely designed rooms and suites include a variety of features like fireplaces, patios, and vintage-style furnishings. Amenities include pool and hot tub along with the Palm Springs classic Melvyn's for superb dining and cocktails.

Villa Royale

Address: 1620 South Indian Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 327-2314 Book Now

This adults-only hotel combines the atmosphere of Hollywood's Golden Age with modern comforts and an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings, stunning art, and clever style. Lush landscaping, pool, intimate dining at Del Rey, and a variety of unique guestrooms provide relaxation and fun.

Truly, there may be no one doing better things with rattan.

Address: 1586 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 323-2231 Book Now

This adults-only boutique hotel features 11 unique rooms, landscaped grounds, a restored vintage pool, cabanas, and a 12-person hot tub. Inviting outdoor areas, a koi pond, and cushy daybeds ensure a relaxing stay. The vibe is 1960s French beach culture a la St. Tropez. "Palm Springs is full of boutique hotels, and I've been to many of them," said T+L editorial director Nina Ruggiero . "There's definitely a certain formula: one level, rooms surrounding a pool, bouganvillea-covered outdoor common areas. Dive fits that mold, but its chic St. Tropez-esque design makes it memorable. Truly, there may be no one doing better things with rattan."

Hilton Palm Springs

Address: 400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 320-6868 Book Now

Located downtown, the Hilton offers an expansive pool and deck, spa, and dining at Al Fresco in the pool courtyard. Cocktails and small plates are on the menu, and room service dining is available as well.

Address: 1551 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 507-1650 Book Now

This small, friendly, casual hotel offers 32 comfortably furnished rooms, a pool with fire pits, poolside bar, and lounges. The stylish hotel has bicycles to borrow for a ride around the neighborhood.

Parker Palm Springs

Address: 4200 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 770-5000 Website

This mid-century retreat lets you choose from a variety of guestrooms and suites on its exquisitely landscaped property, whether you want a poolside room, one with a private hammock, a standalone private villa, or expansive one- or two-bedroom residence. Dine at swanky Mister Parker's or al fresco at Norma's.

Address: 196 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 778-0017 Website

This excellent dining spot reflects the cuisine of Austrian-born chef/owner Johannes Bacher. The creative menu includes a variety of meats, seafoods, and side dishes artfully presented, and the wiener schnitzel is a favorite of the restaurant's long-time customers. (Reservations recommended)

Kaiser Grille

Address: 205 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 323-1003 Website

In downtown, the restaurant offers a variety of seafood, steaks, salads, and desserts in a comfortable atmosphere with outdoor tables overlooking the lively Palm Canyon Drive scene. (Reservations suggested)

Address: 6 La Plaza Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-2724 Website

Set in downtown Palm Springs in the courtyard of La Plaza, this casual restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the traditional Provencal style that transports guests to the South of France. They use only fresh seasonal ingredients, house-made jams, and local produce. (Reservations required for dinner; walk in for breakfast and lunch)

Spencer's

Address: 701 West Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 327-3446 Website

This picturesque restaurant is set against the San Jacinto mountains, with both indoor and outdoor dining in elegant surroundings. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch are served with the focus on American cuisine. (Reservations recommended)

Address: 707 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 864-8746 Website

This popular dining spot in the Uptown Design District focuses on American cuisine with an Italian flair and a varied menu based on local, seasonal ingredients. Locals love its lively atmosphere, creative cocktails, and delicious dishes. (Reservations recommended)

Address: 664 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 327-4400 Website

Set in the Uptown Design District, Jake's offers indoor, courtyard, and streetside dining. This upscale casual spot is known for great service, fresh ingredients, and creative presentations. Cocktails, wine, and atmosphere make it a favorite for all-day dining and weekend brunch. (Reservations suggested)

Lulu California Bistro

Address: 200 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 327-5858 Website

This hip dining spot boasts streetside tables open to Palm Canyon Drive, upper levels, and indoor seating with an energetic atmosphere and varied menu. Generous servings and quality food offers good value and makes this a popular lunch and dinner go-to for visitors and locals. (Reservations suggested)

Las Casuelas Terraza

Address: 222 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-2794 Website

This Palm Springs classic Mexican restaurant has been a long-time local favorite, with patio dining, an extensive menu, outdoor bar, dance floor, bandstand, and cocktails featuring more than 100 varieties of Tequila.

Zin American Bistro

Address: 198 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-6300 Website

This sophisticated restaurant in the heart of lively downtown offers indoor seating as well as outdoor tables for those who enjoy watching the action on Palm Canyon Drive. Known for tasty, creative cuisine for dinner and weekend brunch, Zin's menu includes a charcuterie board, burrata appetizer, seared branzino, and their "famous fried chicken dinner." (Reservations recommended)

Sherman's Deli and Bakery

Address: 401 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-1199 Website

This New York-style deli has long been a favorite for locals and visitors who feast on specialties like hot pastrami sandwiches on rye bread, Nova lox and cream cheese on bagels, generously sized salads, soups, and dinners like "Mom's Meatloaf," and roast brisket of beef with potato latkes. Desserts include mile-high layer cakes, cheesecakes, and cookies.

533 Viet Fusion

Address: 1775 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 625, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 778-6595 Website

This popular restaurant offers a creative menu of Asian-style dishes with tasty sauces, artful presentations, and friendly service. Some examples of their fusion style include Ahi Viet Nachos and the Bahn Mi Dog, a beef frank served Vietnamese banh-mi style. There's a cocktail lounge, spring roll bar, and traditional items like Pho, Green Papaya Salad, and egg rolls. (Reservations recommended)

Address: 1556 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 537-1022 Website

This uptown, upscale sushi bar is helmed by award-winning chef Engin Onural and billed as "Sushi and Whiskey" for their extensive selection of cocktails and Japanese spirits as well as outstanding sushi. An intimate space with outdoor seating as well as indoor, Sandfish receives accolades for both the quality of sushi and the service. (Reservations recommended)

Roly China Fusion

Address: 1107 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 548-0041 Website

This uptown restaurant features modern Chinese cuisine with a creative menu of small plates and cocktails. Dim sum, served with house sauces, includes pork potstickers, shrimp dumplings, and lobster dumplings with shiitake mushrooms and truffle butter sauce. Traditional Chinese dishes like wonton soup, beef and broccoli, and kung-pao chicken are delicious, and vegan choices are on the menu as well. (Reservations recommended)

Address: 849 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-8490 Website

This stylish Uptown spot offers indoor and outdoor dining, serving modern California cuisine made with the freshest seasonal ingredients and creative global flair. The eclectic menu includes Chilean sea bass, grilled Cubano sandwiches, smoked portobello mushroom pappardelle, and breakfast chilaquiles. Cocktails, wines, and desserts add to the experience. (Reservations recommended)

Purple Room

Address: 1900 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 322-4422 Website

This supper club set in the Club Trinidad Hotel offers retro-style glamor that takes guests back to the swinging '60s Rat Pack era. Weekend dinner and a show means quality entertainers, and during the week, there's music and dancing. Look for weekday happy hours with special drink prices and piano music. (Reservations recommended)

Rooster and the Pig

Address: 356 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 832-6691 Website

This popular restaurant services Vietnamese dishes by chef Tai Spendley who combines his Asian heritage with French technique to come up with his uniquely delicious cuisine. The menu includes five spice crispy chicken, shaking beef, and starters like lemongrass wings, spicy okra, jasmine tea leaf salad, and coconut black mussels. (Reservations recommended)

Village Green Heritage Center

Address: 219–221 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 323-8297 Website

In the center of downtown Palm Springs, the Heritage Center is dedicated to the Native Americans and early settlers of the area. The McCallum Adobe and Miss Cornelia White's House are early homes, and Ruddy's General Store is a recreation of a typical dry goods shop. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum features photographs, artifacts, and jewelry of the indigenous Cahuilla Indians.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Address: 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-4800 Website

The downtown museum features three floors of art in various media, including painting, sculpture, and artifacts. The Annenberg Theater, housed in the building, is home to performances, lectures, and films. In Palm Desert, a branch of the museum displays painting, photography, and temporary exhibitions in a stunning building surrounded by a four-acre sculpture garden.

Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

Address: 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-4897 Website

This downtown Palm Springs museum features exhibitions, community programs, archives, and serves as the creative hub for mid-century architecture and design exploration.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Address: 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, Ca 92262 Phone: (760) 778-6262 Website

Exhibits include aircraft from World War II, Korea, and the Vietnam War, most in flying condition. Permanent and temporary exhibits, artifacts, artwork, and literature tell of the role of air power in American history.

Indian Canyons

Address: 38500 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 323-6018 Website

This beautiful and culturally sensitive area in the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation offers native wildlife, plants, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, streams, and a seasonal 60-foot waterfall. A variety of picturesque hiking trails wind through the canyons.

Additional Hiking Trails

Hiking Guide - Visit Palm Springs

A variety of hiking trails from easy to difficult, short to full-day hikes, are available within the city of Palm Springs as part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Address: 1 Tramway, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-1391 Website

It's the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, taking guests along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station at 8,516 feet in about 10 scenic minutes. Spectacular views, restaurants, nature exhibits, hiking trails, and mountain air await at the top. In summer, cool weather is welcome, and in winter, there's often snow.

Smoke Tree Stables

Address: 2500 Toledo Avenue, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Website

Near the Indian Canyons, Smoke Tree offers guided rides by the hour or the whole day. Enjoy a peaceful ride through the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons among streams, trees, and a palm oasis.

Moorten Botanical Garden

Address: 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 Phone: (760) 327-6555 Website

This privately owned arboretum features desert trees, plants, and cacti from around the world set in the family's residence estate. More than 3000 varieties are displayed in their habitats along a nature trail. Some plants are available for purchase in their shop.

Elvis Presley's Honeymoon Hideaway

Address: 1350 Ladera Circle, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-1192 Website

Elvis and Priscilla Presley lived in this mid-century modern home in 1966-67, and honeymooned there. The unique house was designed in four perfect circles at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains with panoramic views. Half-hour tours are available with advance reservations.

Greater Palm Springs Area Attractions

Joshua tree national park.

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277-3597 Phone: (760) 367-5522 Website

About an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park's spectacular rock formations, wildlife, plants, and cacti make it a popular attraction for hiking, camping, and driving through its miles of roads. An International Dark Sky Park, it's the place to enjoy starry nights especially when the moon is not brightening the sky.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Address: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: (760) 346-5694 Website

More than 450 animals at the zoo include mountain lions, leopards, bighorn sheep, warthogs, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, and birds. The botanical garden illustrates the deserts of the world and the mission of conservation. Animal shows, interactive exhibits, giraffe feeding, carousel, and model railroad add to the fun.

McCallum Theater

Address: 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: (760) 340-2787 Website

This 1,127-seat theater, adjacent to the campus of the College of the Desert, hosts concerts, plays, shows, and a variety of events.

Sunnylands Center and Gardens

Address: 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Phone: (760) 328-2829 Website

The former Annenberg Estate is a 15-acre site with gorgeous landscaping, a modern building with art exhibits, cafe, gift shop, and multimedia offerings that tell of the estate's history and founders. A self-guided audio tour is available, and guided tours may be arranged with advance reservations.

BMW Performance Center

Address: 86030 62nd Avenue, Thermal, CA 92274 Phone: (760) 984-5200 Website

Drive the latest BMWs in a variety of on-track experiences or take advantage of BMW experts for a private lesson.

Agua Caliente Resort Casino & Spa

Address: 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Phone: (760) 321-2000 Website

This gaming casino, resort, and spa also features restaurants and The Show, a venue for concerts, comedy shows, and music events.

Just Fabulous

Address: 15 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite A4, Palm Springs, Ca 92262 Phone: (760) 864-1300 Website

It's fun to browse in this upscale gift boutique and book store where you can find unique items, gift books, greeting cards, and more. The store also holds special events and book signings for its diverse clientele.

Antique Galleries of Palm Springs

Address: 505 East Industrial Place, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-8740 Website

This two-story building houses the collection of more than 40 vendors with items that include jewelry, mid-century furniture, lighting, original artwork, and military collectibles.

Address: 901 North Palm Canyon Drive, #101, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-3999 Website

This upscale shop features table mats, flatware, service pieces, home decor, furniture, and lighting, as well as jewelry, handbags, and accessories. All items are carefully selected for an attractive and well-curated selection.

The Shag Store

Address: 745 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-3400 Website

Mid-century modern art, design, and lifestyle are depicted in artist Shag's work for sale in his gallery. His prints, paintings, clothing, and home design items are colorful and fun.

Address: 891 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Ca 92262 Phone: (760) 416-2856 Website

This boutique offers women's apparel, accessories, handbags, footwear, Mr. Turk menswear, and swimwear in a 1960s glass-walled building, a destination in itself.

Crystal Fantasy

Address: 268 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-7799 Website

Located in downtown Palm Springs since 1987, this shop features jewelry, minerals, crystals, incense, crystal bowls, and gifts from around the world. It's the place to learn about chakras, sound healing, meditation, and more.

British Invasion

Address: 155 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 327-6367 Website

This premier menswear clothing store has been a downtown Palm Springs fixture for more than 15 years, now offering women's fashions as well as stylish imported menswear.

Cold Nose Warm Heart

Address: 187 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 424-2006 Website

Everything a dog-lover could want is at this store, from toys to clothing to food and treats.

Address: 301 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 322-5049 Website

Greeting cards are just the beginning at this shop where browsing is fun and you can find retro Palm Springs postcards, modern books, boxed cards, prints, home decor, and unique gifts. Complimentary gift wrapping with beautiful papers and ribbons is a plus.

Elena Bulatova Fine Art

Address: 232 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (844) 353-6200 Website

This fascinating venue presents the artwork of Elena Bulatova and other artists in a striking setting. Mixed media paintings, abstracts, large scale works, and sculptures are displayed.

La Plaza Palm Springs

Address: 115 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Website

In the heart of downtown Palm Springs, this historic shopping and dining area features landscaped courtyards and a variety of boutiques and restaurants.

Palm Springs VillageFest

Phone: (760) 320-3871

Every Thursday night, a wide variety of entertainment, art, food, and shopping is set up on about three blocks in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Many of the stores stay open that night for even more shopping options.

Greater Palm Springs Shopping Malls

The river at rancho mirage.

Address: 71800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Phone: (760) 341-2711 Website

This attractive outdoor mall includes CineMark Theaters, retail shops, and a variety of restaurants including P.F. Changs, Flemings, The Cheesecake Factory, and Acqua California Bistro.

Westfield Palm Desert

Address: 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: (760) 346-2121 Website

This large indoor mall features Dick's Sporting Goods, Macy's, Tristone Palm Desert 10 Cinemas, and a wide range of retail stores.

The Shops on El Paseo

Address: 73061 El Paseo, Suite 200, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: (760) 341-4058 Website

This elegant shopping street is lined with palm trees, public art, boutiques, and designer stores including Escada, Ralph Lauren, St. John, and more, along with a variety of restaurants.

The Gardens on El Paseo

Address: 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: (760) 862-1990 Website

This outdoor mall features lush landscaping, inviting rest areas, and retail stores that include Apple, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Eileen Fisher, Kate Spade, Loft, Pottery Barn, and Tommy Bahama. Restaurants include Pacifica Seafood, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and Sammy's Woodfired Pizza.

The City of Palm Springs has designated 37 neighborhoods within its borders, each having a distinctive sign to let visitors know exactly where they are as well as to foster local pride. We'll describe several of the neighborhoods here.

The Movie Colony : This neighborhood is named for the film stars, studio heads, and celebrities who vacationed and built homes in this area that became known as "Hollywood's Playground."

Old Las Palmas : Close to downtown, this neighborhood also attracted Hollywood elites. The area was once a citrus grove and home to the Cahuilla Indians.

Andreas Hills : This neighborhood in the southwest corner of the city is elevated, so many of the homes boast spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the lights of the city. Hiking trails originating in the area lead to mountain trails, and one path leads to the former estate of Bob Hope.

Araby Cove : This hillside area, encircled by a nature preserve, offers stunning mountain and desert views as well as plentiful wildlife including bobcats, coyotes, rabbits, snakes, and lizards.

Demuth Park : This neighborhood overlooks a 60-acre recreation area, the city's largest greenspace consisting of tennis and pickleball courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, walking paths, and basketball courts.

El Mirador : Once home to a plush hotel and later a favorite destination for Hollywood stars, the area is now the location of Desert Regional Medical Center.

Gene Autry : Named for the famous singing cowboy and Palm Springs resident who appeared in 93 films as well as his own TV show, this residential neighborhood is close to the Whitewater Wash, a popular walking trail.

Historic Tennis Club : This neighborhood is the heart of downtown Palm Springs is named for the Tennis Club Resort where Marilyn Monroe was often seen lounging poolside. Historic homes and buildings date from the 1920s to 1950s and include today's Ingleside Inn and LeVallauris Restaurant.

Escena : This new neighborhood is a 450-acre resort community with the public Escena Golf Course and Escena Lounge and Grill. It's the first neighborhood to connect to the CV Link, a trans-valley hiking and biking path.

Palm Springs has a desert climate, with little humidity and minimal rainfall during the year. The months of April through June have virtually no rainfall at all. The weather is sunny about 350 days a year.

The winter months of December through March are cooler at night, and occasionally temperatures may drop to freezing overnight. Days begin to warm even before spring arrives, and by June, temperatures may exceed 100, with low humidity. In some areas, winds develop in spring, but the mountains generally keep precipitation to a minimum even when there's rain in coastal regions.

Summers are very hot and dry, and fall brings almost ideal weather conditions with temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

Total annual rainfall is less than five inches, occurring mostly during the months of December through February

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 45 - 74 February 48 - 74 March 52 - 80 April 57 - 88 May 64 - 96 June 71 - 104 July 78 - 108 August 78 - 107 September 72 - 102 October 62 - 91 November 52 - 78 December 44 - 69

SunBus Tracker : For trip planning; check on bus arrival; general information

Uber , Lyft : Ride sharing apps

Palm Springs Modernism App : Guided tours of mid-century landmarks in Palm Springs

Palm Springs by Trip Bucket : Maps, hotels, restaurants, tours

Palm Canyon Drive: Interactive directions, GPS; retail, restaurants, hotels

The Ultimate Palm Springs Travel Guide

Less than two hours from los angeles, palm springs has long been the city’s popular desert getaway, welcoming both hollywood stars and less famous visitors..

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Majestic palms and the San Jacinto mountains set a dramatic scene in this storied desert getaway.

Photo by Lisa Corson, AFAR Media

The human history of Palm Springs dates back more than 2,000 years when the Agua Caliente Indians first settled in the area. Its history as a vacation destination goes back longer than many realize, too: The springs that are part of the city’s name and the dry desert climate drew the wellness travelers of the 19th century, and the Palm Springs Hotel (the first in the Coachella Valley) opened in 1886.

It was, however, in the 1920s and 30s that Hollywood royalty began to make the 100-mile drive from Los Angeles and in the process spread the city’s reputation beyond Southern California. Its mid-century modern buildings—many built as homes for Hollywood stars like Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra—continue to be a major draw for those interested in architecture.

For many Angelenos, Palm Springs is primarily a long weekend getaway, a place to lounge by a swimming pool with a good book in hand. The city, however, rewards those who make time for a longer visit. There’s downtown Palm Springs, with Palm Canyon Drive its major artery. There you’ll find the famous Visitor Center built in 1963 which is both an architectural masterpiece and a source of information for your stay, while the same street includes the Architecture and Design Center , part of the Palm Springs Art Museum . A trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to near the top of San Jacinto Peak provides bird’s-eye views of the area.

While Palm Springs may be the most familiar name, it is just one of nine towns in Greater Palm Springs. Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and the area’s other communities all have their own highlights and attractions. Finally, one of the gems of the national park system, Joshua Tree , is just 45 minutes away by car.

What to do in Palm Springs

• If you are passionate about midcentury architecture, Modernism Week with its busy schedule of lectures and exclusive house tours takes place in late February.
• Whenever you visit, the Architecture and Design Center of the Palm Springs Art Museum provides an introduction to the city’s remarkable buildings. The museum’s main location in downtown Palm Springs has nearly 30 galleries displaying everything from centuries-old Native American pieces to recent works by contemporary artists.
• The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers stunning views of the desert landscape. A walk through Indian Canyons, an oasis dotted with palms, provides a glimpse of how the desert looked when the earliest Agua Caliente Indians arrived here.
• A very different stroll, along Palm Canyon Drive, can include stops at the lively bars and restaurants that are oases for today’s travelers.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Palm springs.

With Palm Springs’s long history that includes Indian Canyons and the city’s Hollywood connections, it is the best known of the nine communities in the Coachella Valley. Its downtown has many popular restaurants and resorts range from venerable favorites to gleaming new additions. It’s not the most populous of the cities in Greater Palm Springs, but it is the largest by area.

Palm Desert

This city’s El Paseo gives Palm Canyon Drive some competition when it comes to the title of the Coachella Valley’s best shopping street. With three different college campuses, there’s a definite student vibe here compared to other retiree heavy communities. A plus is restaurants that cater to the budgets of students—and those of frugal travelers. The fascinating Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Garden is also located in Palm Desert.

Cathedral City

Sitting between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City’s family attractions include an IMAX theater and the Big League Dreams Sports Park. A vast city revitalization project begun in the 1990s included a new city hall and other projects. The effort paid off and Cathedral City now often appears on lists of America’s most livable communities.

The largest city of Greater Palm Springs in terms of population, Indio has become famous in recent years as the location of the Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival—simply Coachella, to many attendees. There are, however, many other events throughout the year in this self-described “City of Festivals.”

Rancho Mirage

Many Rancho Mirage residents live behind the gates of private communities, but the city does include a few stops of interest to travelers. Foremost among them is the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands , a beautifully designed conference center that is open for tours.

When to Visit Palm Springs

The population of Greater Palm Springs is decidedly seasonal. By some estimates there are four times as many residents in January compared to August. This is with good reason: Daily highs in July and August are usually above 100°. When the temperatures soar that high, the fact it is dry heat isn’t much of a consolation. In December and January, on the other hand, they are typically in the low 70s. Winter is undeniably more appealing though also more expensive. (Rain is not an issue in any season—this desert region typically receives less than two inches of precipitation each year.)

Food + Drink

Remember that many of Palm Springs’ visitors are coming from Los Angeles, where diners accustomed to farm-fresh produce prepared by celebrated chefs, and the excellence of the area’s culinary offerings makes sense as Palm Springs resorts and restaurants are in an ongoing competition. Finding a memorable meal is an easy task. Some currently popular options where you’ll want to reserve a table are Workshop Kitchen + Bar , in a repurposed 1920s movie theater; King’s Highway , a retro diner attached to the Ace Hotel ; and the adventurously creative Sandfish by Engin Onural .

Architecture dominates the cultural scene here. A variety of tours of mid-century modern sites are offered—the Visitor Center can lead you through options. The Palm Springs Art Museum has speaker and film series in addition to exhibitions. If you plan on attending Coachella , in late April, make your plans far in advance, but don’t overlook other events from the Stagecoach Country Music Festival (also in April) to the mouth-watering International Tamale Festival in December.

Getting Around Palm Springs

For a small city, Palm Springs is surprisingly well connected with the rest of North America. In the high season, there are non-stop flights from Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and other northern cities with residents looking to flee the cold. From Los Angeles, it’s less than two hours by car. While there are public buses, their limited schedule and routes mean they are not ideal for exploring the area and may want to rent a car. Uber and Lyft, as well as local taxi companies, operate in the city, including at the airport.

Practical Information

Incidents of valley fever, a disease with flu-like symptoms caused by a fungus in the soil in parts of the Southwest (including Palm Springs), have been increasing in recent years. Travelers over 60, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems may want to discuss it with their doctor.

Local Resources

• The bookstore Just Fabulous has an extensive selection of guidebooks to the area, as well as coffee-table volumes of photos of mid-century modern buildings.

The Best Places to Stay

• Palm Springs Airbnbs
• The Best Luxury Hotels and Accommodations in Palm Springs and the Desert
• Search Airbnb for Palm Springs vacation rentals

The Best Things to Do

• Where to Go Off the Beaten Path in Palm Springs and the Desert

The Best Restaurants

• Where the Locals Eat and Drink in Palm Springs

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