CALIFORNIA ✦ TRIP PLANNING

Last Updated On: February 28, 2024
Posted by: Highly Likely Out of Office

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palm springs, california

when is the best time to visit palm springs?

There is relatively warm weather to be enjoyed all year round so when you choose to visit will depend on the activities you’re interested in. If it’s your first time in Palm Springs, I would recommend visiting outside the busy months to fully enjoy the best spots without the crowds.

Palm Springs in Summer

Summer temperatures can reach over 38°C (100°F) making Palm Springs one of the hottest cities in the US. If you plan to spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities, it’s best to visit between October and May when temperatures are milder.

Palm Springs Peak Season (Coachella Music Festival, Villagefest)

If you don’t want to be surrounded by crowds, plan your trip outside the months of April and October as these are the busiest months in Palm Springs. Events such as Coachella Valley Music Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival and the BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament attract tourists from all over.

how to get to and around palm springs, ca?

You can get to get to Palm Springs several ways: by car, by plane, or by joining a tour. The best way to get around however is by car – this will give you maximum flexibility and convenience especially if you’re interested in venturing further out into the Greater Palm Springs area. And what’s great is because it’s warm here throughout, you don’t have to worry about driving in snowy conditions.

Flying to Palm Springs
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is a popular airport that serves many travelers who are flying into Palm Springs. From there, you can take a shuttle, a taxi, or rent a car.

Public Transportation & Ridesharing Apps
If driving is not an option for you, SunLine Transit has several bus routes that go around the city and Palm Springs area. Alternatively, Uber and Lyft are available as well.

Cycling
Getting on a bike is also a such a GREAT way to explore the beautiful streets of this city, especially in winter when the day is clear and beautiful but the air is cool and comfortable. You can rent a bike from a variety of rental stores in the city and some hotels like Arrive Palm Springs will even have some for guest use!

Tours
Viator has a few tours you can take from Los Angeles that will include the convenience of transportation and a guide.

where to stay in Palm springs, ca?

Palm Springs is the perfect paradise for winter vacations, with its combination of sun-drenched days and cool evenings. Booking.com is always a good place to start to get an idea of prices, see some current deals, and also book free cancellation options.

Resorts: For a truly luxurious winter vacation, stay at one of the top resorts where you can enjoy five-star amenities and services. If you’re in the mood to really treat yourself, consider staying at Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, or Hyatt Regency Indian Wells.

Boutique Hotels: For bespoke stays with instagram-worthy spaces, stay at a boutique hotel 😉 What I love about Palm Springs is you’ll find plenty of stylish places to stay without having to break the bank. Check out The Saguaro Palm Springs, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, and Arrive Palm Springs. I really loved staying in Arrive and I’ll have a full review of Arrive Palm Springs coming up soon!

Budget Hotels: You really don’t have to be in a fancy resort to enjoy Palm Springs. Most of the time it makes sense to save more on accommodations especially when you plan to be out and about the entire day or are not interested in particular amenities that usually hike up the costs. Luckily, budget doesn’t mean you have to skip out on style. Check out Vagabond Motor Hotel, Skylark Hotel, and Caliente Tropics.

Image credit: Airbnb

Airbnbs: Stay in a home away from home! I always love staying in Airbnbs to get a real feel of local living. Choose from cozy private homes to luxurious villas with incredible mountain views. Timeout has this really cool article of the 15 Best Airbnbs in Palm Springs.

Camping: There are many beautiful campgrounds located throughout Palm Springs that offer spectacular desert views and amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Start your research by checking out this page.

great things to do in palm springs in winter

From the snow-capped mountains to the lush, cloud-kissed deserts, Palm Springs offers a variety of captivating attractions even throughout winter time. Here are my favorite things to do in the winter!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is unique way to explore the San Jacinto Mountains. This tramway has been operating since 1963! Enjoy the 10-minute ride up and prepare to see some stunning views of the entire Coachella Valley. In winter, you can even expect to see snow at the top of the tramway.

✦ Location: 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 (Google Maps)
✦ Tickets: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (US$29.95/adult, US$17/child)
✦ Pet-friendly: No

Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers visiting Palm Springs. The museum houses an impressive collection of modern, contemporary and traditional art spanning six centuries. I particularly enjoyed their collection and it’s also worth heading the level below to check out their outdoor exhibition areas! There is a covered parking garage across the museum (free). Check out their latest exhibitions and reserve your tickets here.

✦ Location: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (Google Maps)
✦ Tickets: Palm Springs Art Museum (US$16/adult, US$8/students, FREE Thursday nights)
✦ Pet-friendly: No

Visit Moorten Botanical Garden

This beautiful garden contains more than 3500 species of unique desert plants including cacti and succulents. The garden also offers informative tours and educational programs throughout the year. Make sure to visit the Cactarium at the back which is the oldest of its kind in the world. Also a lot of funny looking ones in there 😉

✦ Location: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (Google Maps)
✦ Website: Moorten Botanical Garden (US$5/adult)
✦ Pet-friendly: Yes

Admire Mid-Century Modern Architecture

This unique desert city is especially famous for its mid-century modern architecture that was popularized during the 1950s and 60s. Iconic architects such as Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, and E. Stewart Williams each left their mark on the city’s history, creating a unique look that Palm Springs is now known for.

Do a self drive or walking tour at Movie Colony East, Old Las Palmas and Little Tuscany neighborhoods to explore Palm Springs’ renowned mid-century modern architecture. These neighborhoods are filled with spectacular examples of Palm Springs’ iconic palm-filled homes, designed by renowned architects such as Albert Frey and William Cody.

If you’re interested to learn more about these homes, every February the city holds Modernism Week, a week-long event celebrating the city’s architectural history with lectures, bicycle tours, walking tours, bus tours of homes are that not usually open to the public.

Relax at the Pool

Take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some time at the pool. Palm Springs has a variety of resorts from luxurious, boutique, to affordable all with stunning pools and perfect for lounging in the sun. When traveling in winter, look for year-round heated pools.

Go Hiking

Palm Springs in winter is a great time to explore the trails as the weather is a lot milder. From the name of the city, you can expect to find yourself immersed in palm oases – quite the unique view in California!

Andreas Canyon
Here, you’ll find breathtaking palm oases, spectacular rock formations and unique desert flora and fauna. This is a quick an easy trail to squeeze in for someone looking for a more relaxed Palm Springs winter weekend. Check the Indian Canyons and Palm Canyon website for updated list of entrance fees.

✦ Trail difficulty: Easy, 30 mins
✦ Length: 1.0 mile loop with 173ft elevation
✦ Trailhead location: Andreas Canyon Trailhead, S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (Google Maps)

Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail
Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail follows a stream and offers views of palm oases, rock formations, and panoramic views of Palm Springs and you’re rewarded with a beautiful waterfall at the end of the trail. The fee as of writing is USD$15/pp. Check their website for area updates and fees.

✦ Trail difficulty: Easy, 1 hour
✦ Length: 1.9 mile loop with 328ft elevation
✦ Trailhead location: Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, Palm Springs, California (Google Maps)

Murray Canyon Trail to Seven Falls
Another popular hiking destination is the Murray Canyon Trail which shares the same entry location as Andreas Canyon. You can expect a series of open, unshaded sandy footpaths with intermittent palm oases before you make it to the Seven Sisters – a beautiful cascading waterfall at the end of the trail.

✦ Trail difficulty: Moderately challenging, 2 hours
✦ Length: 3.7 mile out-and-back with 708ft elevation
✦ Trailhead location: Murray Canyon Trail, E Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA (Google Maps)

For more popular hikes, Alltrails is a great resource.

where to eat in palm springs, ca?

Top Rated Restaurants: Some of Palm Springs top rated restaurants for a culinary experience that you won’t forget include: Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Birba, The Tropicale, and Mr. Lyons Steakhouse. Make reservations ahead of time as these are very popular spots.

Pet-Friendly: Palm Springs is very pet-friendly and there are lots of restaurants for you and your pup to enjoy a bite to eat. The some of the most popular pet-friendly restaurants include: Boozehounds, Norma’s at Parker Palm Springs, Kings Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club, and Wilma & Freeda’s.

Bars: Palm Springs nightlife offers something for everyone with its happening bars and exciting events. Popular bars in Palm Springs include Bootlegger Tiki, Toucan’s Tiki Lounge, and The Edge.

Coffee: If you’re like me constantly looking for the next best cup of coffee in every town, pay a visit to Cartel Coffee Lab (location) in Arrive Hotel for your morning dose of caffeine. Kreem further down S Palm Canyon Drive has a really good cold brew for anyone looking for an afternoon pick-me-upper.

essential tips

If you’re Visiting Palm Springs in Winter
Be sure to pack plenty of layers – While Palm Springs is a desert oasis, winter temperatures can be surprisingly cold.

If you’re Visiting Palm Springs in Summer
Bring your sunblock – Palm Springs is known for its hot and sunny climate. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and your sunglasses, so that you can protect yourself from the harsh desert sun. It’s also a very dry climate, so it’s important to stay hydrated while exploring the area.

To Avoid Crowds
Plan your visit during the shoulder season – Palm Springs is a popular destination all year round and can get quite crowded during peak season and months with events such as Coachella.

Make Reservations Where Possible
Palm Springs is home to some amazing restaurants and attractions, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance.

Follow Leave No Trace Practices
Palm Springs is a fragile desert environment, so be sure to follow all leave no trace practices while exploring Palm Springs. This means packing out all trash and respecting the wildlife that inhabits palm springs.

palm springs things to do: when you have extra time

Explore Joshua Tree National Park
Located just over an hour’s drive away from Palm Springs, this arid desert park offers some of the most stunning views in California and is also a great . In this post you’ll know all about how to plan the perfect Joshua Tree weekend getaway and how you can easily add this on to your Palm Springs winter trip.

Check Out the Cabazon Dinosaurs
This quirky roadside attraction is definitely worth a quick detour if you’re driving between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park.

Visit Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain
The Salton Sea is a man-made lake located in the middle of the desert and is located about another hour and a half from Palm Springs. It’s a beautiful lake from afar but as you get closer you’ll notice a different whiff in the air and maybe even a few abandoned infrastructures – that’s because this is also the most polluted inland lake in California. It’s beautifully deserted with a strong art presence for anyone interested in seeing quirky desert installations. I’ll have a post up soon on how to make a trip out of Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain 😉

Take in the View from the Coachella Valley Vista Point
The Coachella Valley Vista Point offers stunning views of Palm Springs and the surrounding desert landscape. Here you can take a break from exploring Palm Springs and enjoy the views of palm trees, rugged mountains and palm desert in the distance.

San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm
The San Gorgonio Pass is home to one of Palm Springs’ most impressive sights – the wind farm. This vast array of wind turbines is an incredible sight and provides Palm Springs with clean, renewable energy. For nice photo op without having to leave Palm Springs, try visiting this pinned location on Google Maps.

FAQ

conclusion

Palm Springs is a place that offers so much for any traveller, no matter the season. With its hot springs and picturesque desert landscapes, it’s the ideal destination for anyone looking for some winter sunshine in beautiful surroundings. So clear your diary, grab your passport and escape to this delightful desert oasis for some well-deserved rest and relaxation – you won’t regret it!