Thinking of taking a trip to Greater Palm Springs for the first time? Find out what to pack and all the things to see, do and experience in this SoCal oasis. 

Make the most out of your stay by taking note of all of these tips and recommendations for the best time in sunny Greater Palm Springs!

What to Pack

Palm Springs Attire

Lucky for you, Greater Palm Springs offers a desert escape that is sunny year-round, making packing to the destination pretty easy, simple and most importantly, light. The laid-back desert vibes you’ll experience here call for casual attire like comfy and floral-print dresses, colorful tank tops, shorts, sandals and of course a few swimsuits for lounging by the pool.

Other must-brings include big sun hats, fun accessories, vintage sunglasses and sunscreen. It is also recommended to pack some jeans, closed-toe shoes, a light jacket or sweater for evening and nighttime exploring in this beautiful oasis, as temperatures tend to get a little cooler as the day turns to dusk. In addition, if visiting during the colder winter months of December through February, it is best to dress accordingly by packing pants, long-sleeve options and sweaters for a pleasant time in this region.

Finding Places to Stay

Hotel Paseo Palm Desert

If your visit includes booking a stay at a nearby hotel or resort, check out all the different places to stay in Greater Palm Springs. Here, you can find everything from luxurious resorts to chic boutique hotels and historic inns and vacation home rental properties.

Here are a few Instagram-worthy and unique hotels to choose from, including the Saguaro Palm Springs, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa,  Les Cactus, Sands Hotel & Spa, Hotel Paseo and La Quinta Resort & Club. For great offers and discounts, view featured hotel deals.

How to Get Around

ARRIVE Hotel bikes

There are a number of ways to get in and around Greater Palm Springs, making navigating the destination a breeze.

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Those thinking of flying in can plan to arrive at the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which now features new and increased air service for travelers.

Lyft

Once in Greater Palm Springs, visitors can schedule a Lyft to take you to your next stop on your vacation. Be sure to download the Lyft app, which matches you with local drivers at the tap of a button.

Social Cycle

Social Cycle

While exploring downtown Palm Springs, be sure to take advantage of fun options like Social Cycle – a cycling experience unlike any other that offers tours, sightseeing and handcrafted drinks and brews for you and your group.

This pedal-powered vehicle is known as the “party on wheels” in the area and it is not to be missed! Reservations are required for all public and private tours and booking early is recommended.

Pedego Electric Bikes

If looking for a more traditional, yet stand-out way to tour Greater Palm Springs, book with Bike Palm Springs Rentals & Tours or Pedego Electric Bikes in La Quinta. Bike Palm Springs offers bike rentals for half the day, a full day or a full week. The company also provides guests with free maps, touring routes, locks and helmets. Bikes to choose from include electric, standard pedal, full-suspension mountain bikes, premium road bikes, kid bikes and tandem bikes.

Pedego provides visitors with colorful, fun bikes that are a lot like regular bikes; however, once you get tired, you can let the bike do the work for you and experience even more than you had originally planned for in the region. Visit the store and choose from a variety of bike options like beach cruisers, off-road and commuter bikes, as well as tandem bikes.

What to Do

Ice Cream & Shoppe

Whether you’re traveling to the region during the ultra-popular music festival season of Coachella and Stagecoach, or just spending a few days getting away from it all, check out these reasons why you should visit, as well as read our round-up of things to experience locally below.

Play Some Golf

When you think of Greater Palm Springs you can’t help but also think of golf, which is a definite must-do activity when in the area. Altogether, the destination includes over 100 renowned golf courses through the Coachella Valley, making it a top sport to enjoy during your upcoming visit.

Popular places to practice your swing at include The Golf Club at Terra Lago, The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, Indian Wells Golf Resort, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort.

Visit Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Garden is a true staple to the Greater Palm Springs region for its amazing display of native desert plants, trees and cacti on the property. The locale is a living museum of desert lore and has something of interest for everyone with glistening crystals, colorful rocks and ancient fossils. The botanical garden also features a Cactarium — a special exhibition of rare plants seen nowhere else.

Go Hiking

South Lykken

A trip to the desert is not complete without some time spent hiking the great outdoors. Get an overview glimpse of the region when you reach the top of popular trails like South Lykken in Palm Springs, the Bump and Grind in Palm Desert or the Hike to the Palm Desert Cross.

Each trail offers its own unique views and the level of difficulty is moderate for all. Take advantage of fresh mornings in the oasis and begin your day with a hike; however, it’s best to avoid hiking when temperatures get too extreme during the summer season.  

Shop at Palm Springs VillageFest

In addition to shopping at a variety of retail stores and home-décor shops in downtown Palm Springs, visitors can experience Thursday night’s Palm Springs VillageFest. This weekly event brings the community together for an evening of arts, crafts, fresh produce, vendor offerings, food and entertainment. While there, also check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, which offers free admission every Thursday from 4-8 p.m.

In need of some delicious dining recommendations while in town? Check out new restaurants to visit in Greater Palm Springs.