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How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Palm Springs
About Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a beautiful desert destination located in southern California within the Colorado Desert’s Coachella Valley. Formerly known as the playground for the stars, Palm Springs was “put on the map” in the 1930’s as it became a popular destination for the rich and famous.
Palm Springs still preserves much of the mid-century modern architecture that arose in the 50’s and 60’s, which makes the town feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The “desert modern” style became the model for suburban living with high-end architectural style featuring open-design plans, wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows, A/C, and swimming pools.
I love this picture by photographer Slim Aarons - he so perfectly captures the luxurious, leisure vibes of Palm Springs. If you want to learn more about him, watch Slim Aarons: The High Life, a documentary on his life and work as he photographed jet-setters, movie stars, and beautiful people doing beautiful things in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Taken in 1970, Poolside Gossip shows Lita Baron approaching Nelda Linsk (right), wife of art dealer Joseph Linsk, and Helen Dzo Dzo as they chat by the pool at the Kaufmann house. Photo: Slim Aarons via Architectural Digest.
Known for its hot springs, stylish boutique hotels, and numerous recreational activities, Palm Springs is a great place to spend a long weekend.
In general, Palm Springs is a great destination for childfree travel because many of the boutique hotels and recreational experiences really cater to adults. Childfree adults love coming here as well because many establishments in Palm Springs are dog-friendly, so they can bring their fur babies without any worry.
More than 10% of Palm Springs is designated reservation land for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Typically, Indian reservation land is designated in chunks, but in Palm Springs, reservation land is plotted in smaller, numerous plots that form a checkerboard pattern.
When to Visit Palm Springs
The best time to visit Palm Springs for the best weather is between January and April. This time is also peak tourism season of course meaning that attractions will be most crowded and hotel rates will be at its highest.
In January, temperatures generally range from mid-40s to 60s. In April, temperatures generally range from upper 50s to mid-80s. I visited Palm Springs in early May, which was a pleasant time to go, but I could definitely tell that it was starting to get pretty hot in the afternoons.
Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs
Popular Events, January through April:
Palm Springs International Film Festival (January)
Modernism Week (February)
White Party Palm Springs (April)
Temperatures regularly are above 100 degrees in May through September. If you just plan to lounge poolside and go out in the evenings, this hot season may be tolerable. But if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, tennis, and golf, the summer months are ill-advised for a visit.
An alternative time to visit when the temperatures are pleasant is October through December. Temperatures are more mild (highs range from the upper 60s to the high 80s) ,and it’s less crowded than January through April. Hotel prices will be better as well at this time.
Popular Events, October through December:
Fall Preview (aka mini-Modernism Week) (October)
Greater Palm Springs LGBT Pride (November)
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade (December)
How to Get to Palm Springs
Palm Springs has its own airport, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). Flights directly to PSP may be more expensive than its counterparts like LAX, but I would recommend flying into PSP if you can. (I flew into LAX from DFW and waited over 2 hours outside to get my rental car.) PSP offers 11 airlines flying nonstop from PSP to 29 destinations, and connects to more than 500 destinations worldwide.
Alternatively, you can drive to Palm Springs from several large metropolitan areas in the Southwest.
Riverside - 1 hour drive
San Bernardino / ONT airport - 1 hour 15 minute drive
Santa Ana / SNA airport - 1 hour 30 minute drive
Anaheim - 1 hour 45 minute drive
Newport Beach - 1 hour 45 minute drive
Los Angeles / LAX airport - 2 hour drive
San Diego / SAN airport - 2 hour 15 minute drive
Las Vegas, NV / LAS airport - 4 hour drive
Phoenix / PHX airport / Scottsdale, AZ - 4 hour drive
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Simply put, you’re doing Palm Springs wrong if you’re not staying at a boutique hotel. I don’t always stay in boutique hotels when I travel, but Palm Springs is one of those places that you really should try a boutique hotel out. There are over 80 boutique hotels in the Palm Springs area, so needless to say, there are options!
Every boutique hotel in Palm Springs has its own personality - the hotel you choose will be a character itself in your travel experience. Each individual hotel has its own vibe and history. There really is something for everyone - whether you’re going for relaxing, fun, dog-friendly, clothing-optional, and more.
When it comes time to choose where to stay while in Palm Springs, I recommend choosing one that will best match the type of vacation that you’re going for. The best place to narrow down your choices is Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. This site provides the best deals and details about what each boutique hotel offers, so that you can easily take your pick. You can also see a helpful map of where each are located.
They even have categorized their boutique hotels by vibe (which I love!):
Nakedly Confident - clothing-optional desert resorts
Utterly Tranquil - ideal for quiet retreats and extended desert getaways
Fabulous & Fun - properties ideal for buy outs for exclusive gatherings
Culturally Queer - desirable destinations for the LGTBQ community and allies
Do Not Disturb - romantic boutique hotels
Style & Design - authentic examples of mid-century design
I can honestly say I loved them all; it really just depends on the type of trip you’re going for.
I loved that I was able to experience a whole different section of Palm Springs during each segment of my trip as I worked my way down Highway 111.
Here’s what I would recommend if you were to decide between the three properties I stayed at:
- If you want to explore the up-and-coming Uptown Design District of Palm Springs, stay at the Inn at Palm Springs, situated just off Highway 111 as you come into the city.
- If you want to be in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, go for Old Ranch Inn, located in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood.
- If you're all about hte poolside vibes closer to South Palm Springs, stay at BelleVue Oasis, with views of the Tahquitz Canyon.
What to Do in Palm Springs
Horse Riding with Smoke Tree Stables
Instead of hiking the Indian Canyons, you can ride a horse through them!
Smoke Tree Stables offers one hour trail rides, longer rides around Murray Canyon, private guided rides, and equine therapy.
I opted for the Murray Canyon Haul Ride, which was a beautiful 1 hour and 40 minute ride that allowed me to see one of the Indian Canyons. You’re assigned a horse depending on your experience level - I rode with Cole. Cole wanted to stay right behind the guide at all times, except for if he saw some shrubs that he wanted to eat!
Because of the desert heat, I would highly recommend going with the earliest option, which is 9:00 a.m. Smoke Tree Stables also offers an 11:00 a.m. ride and a 1 p.m. ride. On this ride, your guide will share with you interesting facts about the terrain and the history as you ride from Andreas Canyon to Murray and back. My favorite part of the ride was seeing the giant native Palm Groves towering above us.
Make sure to bring water and sunscreen with you on this trip as there are not lots of shaded spots during the ride.
Palm Springs Art Museum
The museum’s permanent collection has more than 24,000 objects. If you’re there on a Thursday, admission is free from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., but you’ll need to book a ticket in advance to gain access (timed-tickets have been put into place due to capacity limitations).
The showcased exhibit at the time of my visit was Agnes Pelton. Agnes was a visionary artist who settled in Cathedral City in 1932. Her landscapes as well as her desert transcendentalist works are on display.
My personal favorite exhibit while visiting was the glass artwork exhibit, part of the museum’s permanent collection. Another favorite of mine was the incredible light installation by Anthony James near the entrance of the museum.
Pool Day
No visit to Palm Springs is complete without some time relaxing by the pool. The Greater Palm Springs area has more than 50,000 pools, which is more pools per capita than anywhere else in the country, so needless to say, spending time by the pool is part of the Palm Springs way of life.
With over 80+ boutique hotels to choose from, there’s no shortage of chic pools available. My personal favorite are the pools that venerate their luxurious past with retro pagoda-style patio umbrellas and lush garden greenery.
A few pools that capture the essence of Palm Springs (in my opinion) include:
Explore Downtown
Spend an afternoon exploring Downtown Palm Springs. Grab a coffee at the Starbucks Reserve then do a little shopping at some of the boutiques in the area.
Palm Springs Walk of Stars
There are over 400 accomplished and cherished celebrities recognized along Palm Canyon Drive, Museum Way, and Tahquitz Canyon Way. I didn’t recognize a lot of the names but did stumble on the stars for Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley!
Ruddy’s 1930’s General Store
Admission is just $1. It’s a small museum filled with vintage products, like groceries and medicines, from the early 20th century. All of the packaging is original and approximately 60% of the items still hold their original contents. It’s set up like how a true General Store would have looked in that time period!
Jalama Wines
Formerly focused on solely red wine production, Jalama Wines has now recently introduced a white wine offering as well. A former chemist, Mark Cargasacchi, applied his chemistry skills to wine making starting in 1999, and as a result, he has created a portfolio of exceptional tasting wines. It’s very hard for me to pick a favorite (a first for me) since I really enjoyed the unique flavor profiles of each of Mark’s 6 red wines, but if I had to choose, I’d say it was the 2017 Pinot Noir - a smooth blend of cherry and vanilla with a hint of spiciness.
Finally, get some ice cream at either Lolli + Pops or at Lappert’s Ice Cream. They are local favorites and very refreshing in the desert heat!
Moorten Botanical Garden & Cactarium
Admission is just $5 to this Palm Springs treasure. I love the story behind this private, family-owned garden that’s now open to the public.
The 1-acre desert botanical garden was created by Chester “Cactus Slim” and Patricia Moorten in 1938. Today, Clark Moorten, the couple’s son, still lives on property in his family home (known as the Cactus Castle - and rightfully so, it’s beautiful)!
I met Clark, the garden’s second-generation caretaker, who opens the garden every day and greets guests - at times more than 200 a day. He’s both charming and witty, in addition to being wildly knowledgeable about the thousands of species in his garden, sourced from all over the world.
Clark shares his parents’ passion for cacti, saying, “I was born with stickers in my butt. My parents needed workers and I’m an only child. I must’ve been a good worker.”
You’ll likely want about an hour to explore this garden and cactarium. In addition to plant life everywhere, there are also tortoises and mourning doves on the property. Don’t leave without taking home a succulent or cactus of your own from their sizable nursery, also within the compound.
The gardens are closed Wednesdays and have a reduced schedule in the summer months due to the heat, so check their website for exact hours before your visit.
Tahquitz Canyon Trail Hike
The Tahquiz Canyon has been inhabited for at least 2,000 years by the Agua Caliente band of Native Americans.
I recommend going early in the morning to beat the hikers and the heat. The trail opens at 7:30 a.m. Admission is $12.50 and the hike is 1.9 miles, out and back. For me, it took about 30 minutes each way to and from the waterfall, with some occasional stops for pictures and water breaks. I'd say this hike is good for all skill levels.
There’s not much shade on the way up to the waterfall so bring plenty of water. When you arrive at this desert oasis, take some time to wade in the cold waters to cool down before making your way back - you may want to bring your swimsuit. If you try to venture closer to the waterfall, note that it gets very deep and the rocks are slippery.
I highly recommend this activity (even though my phone decided to take a permanent vacation at the bottom of the waterfall...doh!!)
Tour Historic Neighborhoods on Bike
Leisurely biking is a popular activity in Palm Springs. Many of the boutique hotels will offer you complimentary cruiser bikes during your stay so that you can tour the neighboring homes owned by Hollywood legends and built by world-class architects.
There are some beautiful neighborhoods worth checking out including:
Little Tuscany - starting in 1934 when architect Alvah Hicks built 7 Tuscan-style homes; the neighborhood now boasts notable midcentury homes such as the Kaufmann House, the May House, the Edris House, the Palevsky House, and the Kramer House
Old Las Palmas - approximately 290 detached homes that reflect nearly every period of Palm Springs (old Spanish, Western, midcentury, contemporary, and postmodern); notable residents include Judy Harland, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kirk Douglas, and more
Vista Las Palmas - stunning neighborhood of iconic mid-century homes; entertainment executives and performers still own homes in Vista Las Palmas today
Indian Canyons - built in the 1960s, this neighborhood boasts custom mid-century modern homes designed by architects like Dan Palmer, William Krisel, Stan Sackley, and others; it attracted celebrities like Bob Hope, Sinatra’s Rat Pack, and more; it’s near the largest grove of wild palm trees in the world.
Deepwell Estates - a large concentration of mid-century modern homes; the former William Holden estate is considered the most architecturally significant homes
Movie Colony / Movie Colony East - neighborhoods with notable residents including Gloria Swanson, Rory Calhoun, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Dorothy Lamour, Clara Bow, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra
My favorite sighting was Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway (aka. House of Tomorrow), an iconic mid-century modern home made by renowned architect William Krisel. Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned here after their wedding and lived in the house from 1966 to 1967. There used to be tours in this spacious 5,000-square foot home that consisted of four circular living spaces stacked on three levels, but the home is currently up for sale and therefore not open to the public.
I personally just biked around on my own, but there are also guided bike tours that may be of interest to you if you’d like to get a more detailed overview of the famous homes in the area.
- Modern and More Bike Tours Palm Springs - small group 2+ hour bike tour of three architecturally and historically significant residential neighborhoods in South Palm Springs
- Bike Palm Springs’ “Bike Like a Star” Tour - view incredible architecture, celebrity homes, and stunning scenery; see Palm Springs landmarks and hear fascinating tales of life in the desert oasis
- PS Architecture Tours’ “History & Architecture Bike Tour” - experience Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods for 2 to 2 ½ hours
Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Opened in 1963, The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. This tram ride offers over 2 ½ miles of picturesque views of the Chino Canyon. It starts at the Coachella Valley floor and reaches the top of San Jacinto Peak.
There’s not a “bad seat” on the tram ride because the car rotates slowly to allow you to see the landscape from every angle. After the 10-minute ride up the mountain, you’ll arrive at Mt. San Jacinto State Park with an elevation of 8,516 feet.
Once at the top, there are 50+ miles of hiking, observation decks, a museum, and two restaurants.
Golfing
Palm Springs is home to some beautiful golf courses that have desert and mountain views.
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort - 2 challenging championship courses, Resort & Legend; Legend was designed by William Bell in the 1950s and the Resort is a more modern desert layout, designed by Ted Robinson Sr.
Escena Golf Club - 2005 Jack Nicklaus design rests at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains; challenging course but plenty of room for average golfers; distinctive mid-century modern clubhouse that’s dog-friendly
Mesquite Golf & Country Club - value-driven course created in 1984 near Downtown Palm Springs
Indian Canyons Golf Resort - 2 championship courses, North Course (a traditional course) and South Course (a shorter, more scenic course) both under the San Jacinto Mountains
Spa Day
There are plenty of places to relax while in Palm Springs - many of the boutique hotels in the area offer spa services. Here are a few worth checking out:
Palm Springs Yacht Club (Parker Hotel) - receive sea-inspired treatments in this 18,000 square foot spa while wearing a white cotton terry robe and sipping on a thimble of cucumber infused vodka
Estrella Spa (Avalon Hotel) - decompress in the garden hacienda with a glass of bubbly while waiting for your spa treatments, including body scrubs with Vichy showers, Natura Bisse facials, and reflexology massages
Feel Good Spa (Ace Hotel) - Enjoy the steam room and massages as healers provide treatments using organic botanicals made from pure, natural ingredients
Le Spa (L’Horizon Resort & Spa) - try a Swedish, Deep Tissue, or Therapeutic Nirvana massage at this glamorous hotel with custom-designed bungalows
If you’re willing to drive 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs, you should visit Desert Hot Springs, a spa lover’s dream come true thanks to the natural hot- and cold-water aquifers that run underneath the city surface. Dozens of spas tap directly into these aquifers so that you can enjoy the benefits of rich mineral water in the pools and hot tubs. Many of the mineral spring spas offer day passes so that you can soak up the mineral waters for a few hours before heading back to Palm Springs.
- Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa - step into the forest-like Grotto pool with mineral water flowing from a 600 year old natural spring, after an aromatherapy massage, mud bath, or body wrap; adjust the mineral water temperature in three large teak tubs or step into one of the three concrete mineral water soaking pools
- The Good House - this intimate resort offers guests a tranquil mineral water pool to relax in within the confines of a private lush garden
Drive 40 minutes outside Palm Springs to Spa La Quinta at La Quinta Resort & Club for a holistic wellness escape. Boasting 41 swimming pools and 53 hot tubs, this Waldorf Astoria Resort property offers an unforgettable place to unwind and recharge.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round, with a busy season in October through May. But with 80,000 acres to explore, it’s never really too busy to drive through; busier for camping likely. You can hike, camp, rock climb, or drive through Joshua Tree. Note that cell service is not good within the Park so any important maps, tickets, or documents should be printed or saved to your phone.
I was worried that without phone service I’d get lost, but when you enter the park, you pay a fee for a private vehicle pass for $30, which is valid for the next 7 days, then you receive a detailed map. The lookout points and stops are all very well marked so, if you’re driving through the park, you shouldn’t have any issues with directions.
You can come in at any entrance but I found that entering the West (Main) Entrance then driving through and exiting the South Entrance was best for a round trip to and from Palm Springs. It’s about 40 miles northeast of Palm Springs, so about a one hour drive.
A few of my favorite areas within the Park included:
Cottonwood Spring Oasis - a desert oasis and bubbling spring with fan palms that live for 80 to 90 years, towering up to 75 feet tall (fun fact - the desert fan palm is among the tallest palms in North America and is the heaviest, weighing up to 3 tons)
Cholla Cactus Garden - spiny plants that some say look like teddy bears, but don’t be fooled by their fuzzy appearance!
Joshua Trees - twisted, spiky trees with an average lifespan of about 150 years that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book
Keys View - a viewing area at 5,185 feet in elevation where you can see the Colorado Desert, Coachella Valley, and San Gorgonio Pass
Where to Eat in Palm Springs
There are some incredible places to eat while in Palm Springs. Not only are the food and drinks delectable but many of the restaurants are so aesthetically pleasing. The mood and vibe that the restaurant creates is just as important as the dining experience itself.
Because evenings cool down in the desert, many of the restaurants offer patio or outdoor dining with refreshing misters so that you can continue to appreciate the beautiful desert surroundings as you eat. There are so many amazing places to eat while in Palm Springs, so for that reason, I created an entirely different post completely dedicated to where to eat in Palm Springs!
Here’s a quick overview:
Breakfast / Brunch
FARM - intimate, country-chic garden restaurant with French cuisine
Wilma & Frieda - farmhouse café serving comfort food with a twist
Cheeky’s - creative breakfast and lunch sandwiches, bacon flights, and specialty cinnamon rolls
Happy Hour
1501 Uptown Gastropub - seasonal food and drinks with indoor/outdoor dining
Boozehounds - globally-inspired dishes, hyperlocal cocktails, and a special menu for dogs
Eight4Nine - contemporary eatery with refined New American cuisine in a sleek setting
Dinner
FARM (yes, again) - traditional Provencial-style 5-course prix fixe dining with live music
Birba - modern restaurant with global eats, craft cocktails, & a chic, tree-filled patio
El Mirasol at Los Arboles - festive setting for classic Mexican fare & margaritas
Closing Thoughts About Palm Springs
It’s no surprise that Palm Springs has attracted some of the most glamorous celebrities from Hollywood over the years. It’s the perfect blend of kitsch and sophistication between the colorful mid-century modern accents and plethora of palm trees.
Palm Springs offers visitors a stunning setting for outdoor activities as well as posh, elegant interiors for social settings. A haven for creatives and free spirits, Palm Springs offers continuous inspiration to the local artists, architects, producers, designers, and performers. It’s easy to fall in love with Palm Springs and her relaxed glamor; I certainly have!
author bio
Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.
