If you’ve heard anything about Palm Springs, it’s probably when a celebrity or wealthy Angeleno talks about going to their desert house. And it’s true that everyone from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley to Mary Pickford to Bob Hope has lived here, not to mention some of the Real Housewives and former President Obama.
In fact, the desert community is tied to Hollywood because actors had to remain close enough to set to return quickly, but wanted the privacy that this area could provide. It is still popular for this reason. You can see the names that made this place at the Palm Springs Walk of Stars or the statue of Sonny Bono.
This post contains affiliate links that can earn this website a small income. They will not cost you anything to use.
But many people don’t know anything else about Palm Springs. The area was settled by Native Americans thousands of years ago. These days, the Greater Palm Springs area is fairly large and made up of smaller towns and neighborhoods beyond downtown Palm Springs. Palm Springs has the Uptown Design District and South Palm Springs. There’s also Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and the country clubs beyond.
When to Go to Palm Springs
Many people flock to the desert for its festivals, especially Coachella, which is named for the national forest near Palm Springs and is held every April. But it’s not the only one. Stagecoach is a country music festival also in April and in Indio. Palm Springs Pride celebrates the LGBTQ community that lives in the greater community.
The arts scene is best experienced during Desert X when installations pop up all over the valley. Modernism Week is the only time of year when visitors can tour the iconic midcentury modern houses, including privately owned homes.
Because of the extreme temperatures during the summer (120 Fahrenheit!), some businesses are closed for the season. But this is also when you can get great deals on hotels and attractions. Just check the hours before you go and drink plenty of water!
What to Do in Palm Springs
Cabazon Dinosaurs 
Desert Adventures
Cabazon Dinosaurs– While technically not in greater Palm Springs, Cabazon is a must-see stop on the way in from Los Angeles. The quirky attraction was featured in Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.
Moorten Botanical Garden– Originally a private garden, this desert botanical garden focuses on succulents and cacti. Admission is only $5 and it’s popular with photographers.
Palm Springs Art Museum– With three locations around the valley, the impressive collections include works by Picasso, Warhol, and Chagall. They also have the Architecture and Design Center and the Sculpture Garden in Palm Desert.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway– The world’s largest rotating tramcar soars over two and a half miles along the cliffs over the valley to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The journey takes around 10 minutes and reaches over 8,000 feet. The attraction has observation decks, a museum, and hiking trails. Get your Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ticket before you go.
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum– The home of homesteader Cabot Yerxa is now a museum in Desert Hot Springs. The 25-room home features photos, Native American artifacts, and souvenirs from his travels. The museum opened in 1949.
Midcentury modern homes- Unless you’re visiting during Modernism Week or renting one out, most homes are not open to tours. The exception is the Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway where Elvis and young bridge Priscilla lived for a time. Sunnylands, the winter home of Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, also offers tours, but only during part of the year. You can also learn about the architecture on a MidMod Tour.
Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory– This facility in Rancho Mirage employs a full-time astronomer. Visitors can go to see the stars and planets up-close and enjoy space-related programming.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens– This Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility in Palm Desert has animals like African wild dogs and desert plants in their garden. Get your Palm Springs General Admission to The Living Desert before you go.
Salvation Mountain– I didn’t make it that far south, but this longtime landmark is one I’d love to see. It was created by visionary artist Leonard Knight.
San Andreas Fault Small-Group Jeep Tour from Palm Desert– Visit the fault line that runs along California with a jeep tour. Guides discuss the Native American tribes that inhabited the valley.
Hiking- The area has miles of hiking trails, especially when you get further out of Palm Springs. Indian Canyons is a popular spot. Joshua Tree National Park is a short drive. Some trails are also accessible on horseback.
Hot air balloons- A number of companies operate out of Indio and surrounding areas that provide great views of the valley. HAVNFUN, Balloons Above, and Magical Adventure are just a few of the operators.
Golf- There are over 100 courses in greater Palm Springs designed by names like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer for all levels of expertise. There’s also a foot golf course.
Spas- Most major hotels have some sort of spa offerings but there are also thermal hot springs open to visitors. Desert Hot Springs, Miracle Springs, and The Spa at Two Bunch Palms are just a few of the places to enjoy treatments.
Where to Eat in Palm Springs
Farm 
Wilma + Freida
Palm Springs and its surrounding towns have an incredible food scene including Rat Pack classics and new, modern eateries. Some require reservations, so plan ahead.
Wilma & Freida– This Palm Desert restaurant has one of the best breakfasts in town like eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, and French toast. Later in the day, enjoy sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
King’s Highway Diner– Located at the Ace Palm Springs, this 70s-style diner has Stumptown coffee, avocado toast, burgers, and fish tacos. They also have dinner and drinks, which can be enjoyed poolside or in the adjoining Amigo Room.
Melvyn’s– A favorite of celebrities like Frank Sinatra, this restaurant at the Ingleside Inn is the best place for a martini and live music. Menu highlights include chicken pot pie and shrimp scampi.
Farm– The French-inspired Palm Springs cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and popular Bloody Marys. They also have crepes, omelets, salads, and sandwiches. Their dinners are prix fixe.
Piero’s PizzaVino– As the name implies, this Palm Desert restaurant serves Neapolitan-style pizzas in a wood burning oven. They also have sandwiches, pasta, and a full bar.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar– Located in a former movie theater, this is one of the most popular restaurants in Palm Springs and has won a James Beard award for its design. Come here for craft cocktails and dishes like duck leg confit and saffron risotto.
Cheeky’s– Don’t miss the bacon flights and cinnamon rolls at this Palm Springs restaurant. Breakfast is served all day and the menu changes weekly. They also have burgers and other bites.
Purple Palm– Located at the Colony Palms Hotel, the New American restaurant serves items like grilled tuna, roasted beets, and crab fritters. Happy hour is offered starting at 3 pm.
Las Casuelas– The family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican food for over 60 years. Enjoy dishes like ceviche, menudo, fresh guacamole, and tacos.
Where to Drink in Palm Springs
Believe it or not, I didn’t actually drink much while in greater Palm Springs. Maybe it was the heat and constant dehydration or just general exhaustion. But I did make time for one place and researched the rest.
Tiki bars- There are a number of Polynesian-themed drinking establishments that date back to World War II. Some are new and others are original to that period. I loved The Reef, located inside Caliente Tropics. The Tonga Hut and Bootlegger are others in Palm Springs.
Juice shops- Looking for something alcohol-free? The desert has an abundance of juice bars. Raw Remedy, Luscious Lorraine’s, and Fruit Wonders are all options.
Coffee shops- Start your day at one of Palm Springs’ local coffee shops. Koffi has four locations around town. Ernest and Cartel Coffee Lab are also popular.
Where to Shop in Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs is a mecca for shopping, especially if you’re looking for vintage clothing, artwork, and midcentury home decor.
El Paseo Shopping District– Visit the “Rodeo Drive” of the desert in Palm Desert. It has over 200 luxury stores like Trina Turk, Anthropologie, and Escada.
Just Fabulous– This Palm Springs store is appropriately named, selling gifts like Taschen books, quirky pool inflatables, Sugarfina candies, and home decor.
Revivals– With three locations around the valley, this thrift store is the best place to pick up funky festival wear. Best of all, they support local LGBTQ charities.
Mitchell’s– Visiting this designer vintage store is like going to a fashion museum. Scour the racks for incredible finds for men and women as well as shoes and accessories.
Dazzles– The vintage department store sells antique furniture, clothing, and jewelry. Visit the “beauty bar” for acrylic baubles, broaches, and cufflinks for men.
Dazzles 
Mitchell’s
Iconic Atomic– This vintage shop sells clothing and furniture from the 50s to the 70s. The helpful staff can help you find the perfect outfit and accessories.
The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five– Thirteen trendy stores are located in a historic midcentury building designed by E. Stewart Williams. Here you can find furniture, art, jewelry, and clothing.
The Frippery– The Palm Springs vintage boutique carries the best of desert fashion. Clothing and accessories are mod, resort wear, bohemian, and rocker style.
Desert Hills Premium Outlets– Located near the Cabazon Dinosaurs, this outdoor outlet mall has discounted luxury goods from brands like Kate Spade, Prada, and Gucci.
Thick as Thieves– Browse for stylish home decor and gifts at this Palm Springs shop. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Hotel Paseo– This Palm Desert Autograph Collection boutique hotel has a popular restaurant, pool, fitness center, and spa. The rooms have mini fridges, coffee makers, and balconies overlooking the mountains.
The Saguaro– This colorful hotel is popular with the Instagram crowd for its stunning pool with cabanas. They also have a popular bar and restaurant. You can find a room here for under $100.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club– The king of millennial hotels celebrates 10 years. They have stylishly furnished rooms and suites, a pool, spa, and a trendy bar and restaurant.
Parker Palm Springs– Celebrities love the hedge-lined property for its privacy and art-covered rooms. There’s also multiple pools, lawn games, and an onsite restaurant.
Ingleside Inn 
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Ingleside Inn– The hotel dates back to the 1920s and has hosted guests like Debbie Reynolds. Spanish-style rooms have courtyard entry. There’s also an onsite pool and Melvyn’s Restaurant.
ARRIVE Palm Springs– The “neighborhood hotel” has studio rooms with patios. They also have multiple restaurants including a Jewish-style deli and a pool.
Kimpton Rowan– Located in the heart of Palm Springs, the hotel has over 150 guest rooms, a rooftop bar and pool, two chef-driven restaurants, and a AAA Four Diamond award.
The Weekend Palm Springs– This boutique hotel resembles a 1960s apartment complex. The renovated property has smart TVs in the one and two bedroom suites, a courtyard pool, and complimentary daily breakfast.
The Riviera Palm Springs– This affordable resort was inspired by the midcentury-era Las Vegas hotels. There is a pool with cabanas, restaurants, a spa, and chic guest rooms and suites.
Glamping- The area around Palm Springs and Joshua Tree has funky glamping options including treehouses, domes, and Airstreams. Glamping Hub has a good selection.
Camping- If you’re traveling by campervan or with a tent, you can stay nearby at Palm Springs/Joshua Tree KOA, which is between the two with sites and cabins. Joshua Tree National Park and Mount San Jacinto State Park also have campgrounds.
Rentals- If you want to stay in one of the trendy midcentury houses, you’re in luck. Acme House Co. has some incredible homes, including those formerly owned by celebrities. You can even rent the Dinah Shore House, currently owned by Leonardo DiCaprio! Airbnb also has some options.
Further Reading
- The Ultimate Palm Springs Girls Trip, Kayl Chip
- The Best Palm Springs Boutique Hotels: 10 Hip Hotels in Palm Springs, Bridges and Balloons
- 10 of the best places to eat in Palm Springs, 10Best
Have you ever been to Palm Springs?
My stay at Hotel Paseo and some of my meals and activities were included within the SATW Eastern Chapter Conference I attended.
Leave a Reply