Eight Reasons to Visit Greater Palm Springs This Summer

April 25, 2024

Ready for a summer getaway to Greater Palm Springs? The warm, sunny season packs plenty of fun opportunities for a one-of-a-kind summertime experience that only this SoCal oasis can offer. From leisurely vacations for the entire family to exciting activities throughout the region, it’s all here waiting for you! So pack your sunscreen, sandals, and swimsuits: Here are 8 reasons to plan your summer getaway to Greater Palm Springs.

1. Places to Stay

The first step of any great vacation is choosing where to stay. Many of these will have you not wanting to leave the premises with all the luxurious amenities like world-famous spas and golf courses. Whether you choose to stay right in the heart of downtown minutes away from shopping or a more secluded oasis resort, there is something for every type of traveler to enjoy.

Need some help choosing? Find the full list of resorts in Greater Palm Springs.

2. Experience Local

Experience the local side of Greater Palm Springs this summer. Family-owned, locally sourced businesses and products are what give the destination its personality. From a thrilling Red Jeep tour through Joshua Tree National Park or the San Andreas Fault Line to freshly made toffee from Brandini Toffee, there are tons of experiences waiting to be had in Greater Palm Springs. Start your day with a cup of locally brewed coffee at one of our many local coffee shops. Later, balance your mind and soul with a yoga session at Power Yoga Palm Springs, because why not, you are on vacation. If you are ready to shop for hand-crafted body lotions and elixirs, visit the Body Deli for all things skincare. For more, we've rounded up the best ways to shop, dine, play, and love local during your stay.

3. SPLASH-WORTHY WATER PARKS

Fun for the whole family awaits as you zip down waterslides, float through lazy rivers and make memories under cabanas.

Dive into summer at one of the many water amusement venues below:

4. SWEET TREATS

There's no better way to savor summer than by checking out the sweetest Greater Palm Springs ice cream spots. Each location serves up unique desserts and chilled treats while also providing ideal backdrops for Instagram-worthy shots. The ever-popular Ice Cream & Shoppe is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, featuring a Palm Springs-inspired gift shop and a rotating flavor list of ice cream that includes champagne sorbet, brownie sundae and a variety of vegan options. More must-try flavors and vegan indulgences is Kreem. Here, summer days consist of hand-crafted ice cream, coffee floats and caffeinated drinks from Heart Coffee Roasters. Other ice cream establishments worth screaming for include Great Shakes , Nitroinfusions , Lappert's Ice Cream Palm Desert, Lappert’s Ice Cream Palm Desert, and La Michoacana Ice Cream Parlor & Candy Shop.

5. FAMILY FUN UNDER THE SUN

Summer break is the perfect time to grab the family, make new memories and explore! History lessons come to life at the Palm Springs Air Museum, where you can discover vintage planes and aviation history. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is the perfect place for little ones to learn about desert conservation while also enjoying the zoo's newest attraction, Rhino Savanna, where you can admire two black rhinos, Nia (pronounced Ny-a) and Jaali (pronounced Jolly). Looking for those after-dark activities? Stargazing may be the option for you! Find family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities in Greater Palm Springs, the perfect place to vacation with your loved ones. Here is your ultimate guide for the best ways to optimize your family fun in Greater Palm Springs.

6. FOOD ADVENTURES

Dive into the essence of summer at Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, inviting you to savor every poolside bite, sip on chilled cocktails, and soak in sunset dinners with awe-inspiring views. Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated return of this annual extravaganza, gracing us from May 31 to June 9, 2024, promising residents and visitors alike 10 days of unmatched dining experiences across our enchanting nine-city oasis. As a heartfelt gesture, Visit Greater Palm Springs pledges to donate $1 to your local FIND Food Bank for every reservation made through dineGPS.com, allowing you to relish the taste of summer while making a meaningful impact in our community

7. CRAFT COCKTAILS AND LIBATIONS

Summertime calls for chilled cocktails (or mocktails) by the pool. Cool down with cocktails poolside at High Bar at The Rowan or indulge in pink themed spritz in a girly ambiance at The Pink Cabana . If you're looking for the classics, try local restaurants and bars that offer the best Bloody Mary to accompany brunch or a mid-afternoon margarita on the rocks. If you're looking for fun themed bars, be sure to take flight at PS Air Bar which is a fun speakeasy offering a unique experience or Bar Cecil that brings the Roaring 20's back to life. For a paw-perfect saloon, bring your furbaby to Boozehounds to sit by your side at this dog-friendly bar and enjoy an Aunt Donna's Dirty Poodle. Hear from some of the destination's top mixologists as they share their libation secrets in our video series (then try some of their specialties for yourself!).

8. SPA DAY

Relax, rest, and reset in this wellness oasis. The Spa at Séc-he complex is more than 73,000 square feet. This includes the interior and an expansive outdoor pool area. Schedule a massage, or a sound bath, or spend time soaking in our area's natural hot mineral springs. Need help deciding? Try one of these beautiful spas below:

Ready for sunshine? It's time to pack your bags because Greater Palm Springs is calling! Start planning your summer vacation to this Southern California oasis.