Things To Do
in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a stylish desert resort city located in California, known for its hot springs, luxury spas, and vibrant arts scene. The city is famous for its mid-century modern architecture, with many well-preserved buildings from the 1950s and 1960s. Palm Springs offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking in the nearby mountains, golfing on world-class courses, and exploring the desert landscape.
Visitors can also enjoy shopping in the chic boutiques, dining in gourmet restaurants, and attending cultural events such as film festivals and art exhibits.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $500
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for breathtaking views of the desert landscapes. Hike one of the scenic trails at the top, like the Desert View Trail.
Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to see native wildlife and beautiful desert flora. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens and take your time exploring the various exhibits.
Unwind at a local restaurant on Palm Canyon Drive, savoring the flavors of Southwest cuisine. After dinner, stroll through the downtown area and explore unique shops and galleries.
Relax by the pool at your hotel, soaking up the sun with a refreshing drink in hand. If you're feeling adventurous, try a morning yoga class near the pool.
Head to the Palm Springs Art Museum to appreciate contemporary and classic art. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll around the downtown Palm Springs area to explore boutiques.
Catch a live show or concert at the famous Agua Caliente Casino. Enjoy dinner at one of the casino’s restaurants, followed by some gaming or entertainment.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Pleasant weather year-round, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
- A vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring galleries, music festivals, and theatre.
- Numerous outdoor activities including hiking, golfing, and swimming in beautiful desert landscapes.
- A popular retirement destination with a relaxed lifestyle and a strong sense of community.
- Luxury resorts, spas, and fine dining options for a lavish getaway.
- High temperatures in the summer can be extreme, making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
- Limited public transportation options, which can make getting around challenging without a car.
- Cost of living can be high, especially in desirable neighborhoods and areas near attractions.
- Seasonal fluctuations in tourism can affect the local economy and job availability.
- The area's desert environment can lead to water scarcity and concerns over sustainability.
Best Activities in Palm Springs
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area and explore hiking trails at the top.
Explore the unique desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park through hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Hike through the Indian Canyons to experience the natural beauty of palm oases, canyons, and waterfalls, and learn about the region's indigenous culture.
Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum to see a large collection of aircraft and learn about aviation history, especially from World War II.
Tours
Uncover the best of Palm Springs with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Palm Springs
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley
Scenic landscapes and rock formations for photography
Beautiful canyons with palm-lined paths and waterfalls
Lined with shops, restaurants, and beautiful desert scenery
Food in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Palm Springs treat, this milkshake made with Medjool dates and ice cream captures the essence of the nearby date farms. Notable places to try it include the Palm Springs Fudge & Chocolates and Shields Date Garden.
Must-Try!
A hearty burrito typically filled with carne asada, French fries, cheese, and guacamole, reflecting the city's proximity to the Mexican border. El Portal Cafe and Taqueria Tlaquepaque are popular spots to savor this local delight.
Featuring locally grown citrus fruits, this dish offers a refreshing and tangy flavor. Try this specialty at 849 Restaurant or Copley's on Palm Canyon.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Palm Springs better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Every Thursday, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a vibrant street fair featuring an array of food stalls offering a diverse selection of international cuisines and local specialties.
Explore fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally made food products at the Palm Springs Certified Farmer's Market, open on Saturdays in Palm Springs and on Sundays in nearby Palm Desert.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Palm Springs, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially in public places.
When addressing people, especially in business or formal settings, it's customary to use titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Dr. followed by the person's last name.
It's important to be mindful of and respect the local customs and traditions, such as following proper dining etiquette and understanding the significance of local festivals and events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Palm Springs with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Palm Springs
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Palm Springs, with 15-20% of the total bill being a standard practice in restaurants, bars, and for services such as taxi rides and hotel staff.
Payment methods commonly accepted in Palm Springs include cash, credit cards, and mobile payment options. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Palm Springs.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with comfortable temperatures and blooming flowers
Another great time to visit with milder temperatures and fewer crowds
Popular for snowbirds escaping colder climates
Hot with higher temperatures, but good for those seeking a desert experience
Palm Springs at Night
Hiking in Palm Springs
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic tramway that offers access to hiking trails in the San Jacinto Mountains, with stunning views and diverse terrain.
A beautiful area featuring multiple hiking trails through lush palm oases and scenic canyons, ideal for experiencing the local flora and fauna.
Located a short drive from Palm Springs, this national park offers various hiking trails amidst unique rock formations and iconic Joshua trees.
This area features a short, scenic hike to a beautiful waterfall, along with abundant native plants and wildlife.
A vast area with numerous trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, offering gorgeous views of the desert landscape.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Palm Springs through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Palm Springs by plane.
Major international airport serving Los Angeles, California, located approximately 110 miles from Palm Springs.
Primary airport serving San Diego, California, located about 140 miles from Palm Springs.
Airport serving Ontario, California, approximately 60 miles from Palm Springs.
Local airport serving Palm Springs, California, offering both domestic and limited international flights.
Airport serving Orange County, California, located about 90 miles from Palm Springs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Palm Springs, predominantly consisting of non-Hispanic Caucasians.
A significant portion of the population, primarily consisting of individuals with Mexican ancestry.
A smaller yet notable demographic group within Palm Springs.
Includes individuals with Asian ancestry; a relatively small population in the area.
Individuals identifying with multiple racial backgrounds; this group has been growing in recent years.
A very small percentage of the population, representing indigenous peoples.
This group is also quite small, representing people from various Pacific Islands.
The Soul of Palm Springs
Discover the essence of Palm Springs through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Palm Springs is renowned for its numerous golf courses, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world, especially during the winter months.
With ideal weather conditions, tennis is a popular sport in Palm Springs, featuring numerous courts and tournaments throughout the year.
This rapidly growing sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and has gained a massive following in the Palm Springs area.
The surrounding desert landscape offers numerous hiking trails, attracting outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the scenic views and unique terrain.
With nearby lakes and pools, activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming are popular, especially in the warm climate.
The flat terrain and beautiful scenery make Palm Springs a great location for both recreational and competitive cycling.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Palm Springs.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Palm Springs offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options ranging from plant-based comfort food to gourmet vegan cuisine. A notable option is the innovative vegan menu at Chef Tanya's Kitchen.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating menus at various restaurants, such as the gluten-free-friendly offerings at Lulu California Bistro and the Kitchen at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Palm Springs with these cultural adventures.
