Palm Springs, a desert oasis of endless allure, beckons with its irresistible charm and year-round sunshine. This hidden gem nestled in California’s Coachella Valley offers a captivating blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. This Palm Springs Travel Guide includes personal insights, insider recommendations, and invaluable tips to ensure your visit to this desert paradise is truly unforgettable. Uncover the hidden treasures of Palm Springs, from the world-renowned mid-century modern architecture to the rejuvenating hot springs and outdoor adventures, with this ultimate Palm Springs Travel Guide.
When to visit Palm Springs
The weather in Palm Springs is sunny most of the year. From October to May, you may find mild temperatures and cooler nights. During summer it can get really hot, around 35°-40°C, 95°-104°F. December to April tends to be high season. Hotel prices get higher during and everything is more crowded.
Some festivals you can attend are the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, Modernism Week in February, Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals in April, Pride events in November.
Where to stay in Palm Springs
You can find really cool hotels in Palm Springs with the best decor and vibe. From boutique hotels to big resorts, Palm Springs has something for everyone. Here are a few options here you can stay that are Instagram worthy, check their availability:
Where to eat in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has a great culinary scene with many innovative and diverse options. It’s also a great place to enjoy some fun cocktails. These are a few options you have to try:
What to do in Palm Springs
Moorten Botanical Garden
This is an arboretum featuring plants and cacti from around the world; it’s a must when you are in Palm Springs. I was really impressed by how beautiful it is and how someone can keep so many plants alive (I can’t even keep one) They even have a little store so you can take a little cactus home and you might even see some desert tortoise.
Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr
Entrance fee: $5
Opening hours: from 10 to 4 everyday except Wednesday
Indian Canyon
This beautiful place is filled with palm trees. Here you can visit three different canyons: Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon and Palm Canyon. As you enter, the first road to your right will take you to Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon, if you stay on the main road it will lead you to Palm Canyon. You can hike any trail based on your goals. Andreas Canyon Trail is 1.2 miles, Murray Canyon Trail is 4 miles round trip, and Palm Canyon Trail is 15 miles.
Palm Canyon is one of the largest fan palm oasis in the world and the whole trail can take up to 8 hrs. It begins in the Trading Post (next to the parking) and ends in Hwy 74. If you don’t want to do the whole thing, there are many trails of varying lengths that you can do.
Address: 38500 S Palm Canyon Drive
Entrance fee: $9
Opening hours: from 8 to 5
Palm Springs can get really hot during summer. Remember two bring a lot of water, specially if you are doing Palm Canyon Trail.
Tahquitz Canyon
One of my favorite hiking trails in Palm Springs. It’s an easy 2 mile loop with a beautiful 60 ft waterfall at the top where you can rest and freshen up a little. Be aware that this trail has a very little shade and no water, so come prepare.
Address: 500 W Mesquite Ave
Entrance fee: $15
Opening hours: from 7:30 to 5:00
Aerial Tramway
One of the city’s unique attractions. It will take you up into the mountains offering the best mountain views.
Art and Design
Palm Springs is the ideal getaway for the art lovers. It offers many galleries all around town like Desert X and Palm Springs Art Museum. Also, the city is known for its mid-century architecture, you can take a tour and shop for home decor around town.
Pool Parties
There’s nothing better than diving into a cool pool on a dry hot day with a DJ and a vivacious atmosphere. Some hotels offer day passes to use their facilities if you are not staying there.
Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
