Palm Springs, California City
Desert resort city known for golf courses
Palm Springs draws architecture fans to mid-century houses, sun-seeking golfers and spa-goers, hikers on Indian Canyons trails, and weekenders who ride the aerial tram for mountain views above the desert.
Palm Springs at a Glance#
California’s retro desert oasis - a sunny resort town of mid-century-modern architecture, poolside glamour and palm-lined streets beneath dramatic mountains, a Hollywood escape since the 1950s.
Why go / don’t miss: the mid-century-modern architecture (and Modernism Week), the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to alpine wilderness, the poolside hotel scene, the Coachella Valley, hiking in Indian Canyons and Joshua Tree, and the Saturday VillageFest.
Neighborhoods: the walkable downtown / Uptown design district; with resorts across the valley.
Getting around: a car is easiest; downtown is walkable, and the tramway climbs the mountain.
When to go: Oct - May is ideal; summers are scorching.
Where to stay: a mid-century boutique hotel with a pool.
Dining: a stylish dining-and-cocktail scene, date shakes, and California cuisine.
Local tips: ride the tramway for a temperature drop of 30°F, tour the modernist architecture, and it’s the gateway to Joshua Tree and Coachella.
Why Visit Palm Springs, California?#
Palm Springs attracts travelers seeking sun-soaked design, desert landscapes and a relaxed resort vibe. Mid-century modern architecture and the concentrated galleries along El Paseo offer a distinct aesthetic, while the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and nearby Joshua Tree provide dramatic desert escapes. Poolside leisure, world-class golf and local treats like date shakes round out the experience, especially during events such as Modernism Week.
Best Things to Do in Palm Springs, California#
Palm Springs, California Bucket List#
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - Rotating tram ride up the San Jacinto Mountains to cooler alpine hiking and viewpoints.
Palm Canyon Drive - Main downtown street lined with mid-century shops, galleries, restaurants, and sidewalk palm views.
Palm Springs Art Museum - Compact museum featuring modern art, photography, and regional history exhibits and sculpture.
Moorten Botanical Garden - Family-run desert garden showcasing regional cacti, succulents, and historic greenhouse displays.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens - Historic estate center offering tours, desert gardens, and 20th-century diplomatic history exhibits.
Indian Canyons (Palm Springs Indian Canyons) - Palm-fringed canyon trails on Agua Caliente land with waterfalls and indigenous cultural sites.
Joshua Tree National Park - Iconic desert park with distinctive rock formations, hiking, and climbing routes east of Palm Springs.
Salton Sea and Salvation Mountain - Offbeat day trip to the Salton Sea shoreline and the folk-art installation at Niland.
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs, California#
Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit Palm Springs to enjoy outdoor activities without extreme heat. Summers are intensely hot; winters are mild and comfortable.
November - February
10 to 22°C (50-72°F)
Mild, pleasant winters great for golf, pool time, and sightseeing-days are comfortable, nights can be cooler but rarely cold.
March - May
18 to 32°C (64-90°F)
Spring is sunny and warm-perfect for hiking and festivals; temperatures rise quickly, so plan outdoor mornings and poolside afternoons.
June - September
30 to 45°C (86-113°F)
Brutally hot desert summers-great for poolside retreats but uncomfortable for daytime hiking; avoid mid-day heat and check for AC availability.
Palm Springs, California's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 32 mm of rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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How to Get to Palm Springs, California#
Palm Springs International (PSP) is the easiest way to arrive; the airport is very close to downtown and well served by taxis, shuttles and rental cars. If you’re flying into LAX/ONT/SAN, expect a 1.5-3 hour road transfer depending on traffic.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): PSP is the closest airport to Palm Springs - it’s only a short drive from the terminal to downtown (typically 10-15 minutes). Taxis and ride-hailing trips into downtown usually run about $20-40; local shuttles and rental cars are plentiful.
Los Angeles International (LAX) / Ontario (ONT) / San Diego (SAN): Many visitors fly into larger Southern California hubs and drive or take a shuttle to Palm Springs. Driving times: LAX ~2-2.5 hours (without heavy traffic), ONT ~1-1.5 hours, SAN ~2-2.5 hours. Shared airport shuttles to Palm Springs typically cost $35-75 depending on pick-up point and operator.
Train / Amtrak: There is no direct Amtrak service to downtown Palm Springs; the closest Amtrak station with connecting bus service is in Palm Springs area (the nearest regular stations are in Indio or Beaumont depending on routes). Amtrak Thruway buses and private shuttles link regional rail stations with the valley.
Bus / SunLine: SunLine Transit operates local buses in the Coachella Valley. One-way fares are typically $1.75 (check current SunLine fares). Regional shuttles and private airport shuttles run between PSP and hotels; expect $5-25 depending on distance.
How to Get Around Palm Springs, California#
For most visitors a rental car or ride-hail is the easiest way to get around Palm Springs and the wider valley. Public buses are very cheap but slower; downtown itself is compact and best explored on foot or by bike.
- Rental car - A rental car is the most flexible way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley (Joshua Tree, Palm Desert). Parking is widely available at hotels and attractions. Rates vary seasonally - expect higher prices during peak seasons and festival weekends.
- Taxi / Ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft) ($20-40) - Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient for airport transfers and short trips around town. From PSP to central Palm Springs expect roughly $20-40; surge pricing can push fares higher during busy events.
- SunLine bus ($1.75) - SunLine runs local and intercity routes across the Coachella Valley; typical one-way fares are low (around $1.75). Buses are a cheap option for short hops but can be slow if you’re carrying luggage or want to reach remote resorts.
- Airport shuttle / Private transfer ($35-75) - Shared and private shuttles connect PSP, LAX and other airports with Palm Springs hotels. Shared shuttles are cost-effective for solo travelers; private door-to-door transfers are pricier but convenient for groups or heavy luggage.
- Bicycle / E-scooter - Downtown Palm Springs is bike-friendly with many short, flat routes; bike rentals and dockless scooters are common for short trips. Useful for quick errands and exploring the central area in fair weather.
- Walking - Downtown Palm Springs is compact and highly walkable - restaurants, galleries and shops are usually within a few blocks of each other. Bring sun protection in summer; sidewalks are good but shade can be limited.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs, California#
Downtown & Tahquitz - $60-130/night
Wide range of budget motels and small inns, many near downtown and Palm Springs Aerial Tram. Good value off-season and midweek.
Budget motels & inns (Booking.com) - Good selection of economical options.
Palm Springs visitor lodging guide - Helps find budget-friendly stays.
Downtown & Uptown Design District - $150-300/night
Lots of stylish mid-range choices: boutique hotels, established chains, and renovated mid-century properties close to dining and shopping.
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs - Rooftop pool and downtown location.
Ace Hotel Palm Springs - Trendy mid-century-modern vibe.
South Palm Springs & Golf Resorts - $300+/night
High-end resorts and famous boutique estates offering spas, pools, and golf. Popular for weddings and long-weekend getaways.
The Parker Palm Springs - Upscale property with gardens and spa.
La Quinta Resort & Club - Historic luxe resort with golf.
Where to Eat in Palm Springs, California#
Palm Springs mixes modern American bistros, brunch hotspots and desert-grown produce in a compact downtown dining scene.
- Workshop Kitchen + Bar - Seasonal New American menu in industrial space
- Cheeky’s - Popular brunch spot with creative small plates
- Lulu California Bistro - All-day bistro, lively outdoor seating
Casual breakfasts, Mexican favorites and hotel restaurants fuel downtown and neighborhood dining.
- King’s Highway at Ace Hotel - Retro diner fare inside boutique hotel
- Las Casitas - Salsa-forward Mexican and margaritas near downtown
- Wilma & Frieda’s - Comfort-food sandwiches and baked goods
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Palm Springs, California’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Palm Springs, California#
Palm Springs is known for stylish boutiques, mid-century decor stores and art galleries concentrated on Palm Canyon Drive. For higher-end shopping and designer outlets, nearby Palm Desert’s El Paseo is a short drive away. Weekend markets and vintage shops add variety.
Nightlife in Palm Springs, California#
Nightlife in Palm Springs is lively for its size, with late-night lounges, pool parties and a strong LGBTQ+ scene. You’ll find supper clubs, cocktail bars and seasonal events; the scene livens up especially during festivals and high season.
