Thinking of taking a trip to Greater Palm Springs for the first time? This sun-soaked Southern California oasis is known for its relaxed desert lifestyle, outdoor adventure, arts scene and vibrant dining culture.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay, this first-time visitor guide covers what to pack, where to stay, how to get around and the top things to do in Greater Palm Springs.
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.
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.
Some Instagram-worthy and unique properties to consider include:
Travelers can also check out featured hotel deals to find seasonal offers and packages.
There are a number of ways to get in and around Greater Palm Springs, making navigating the destination a breeze.
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.
Once in Greater Palm Springs, visitors can schedule a Lyft or Uber to take you to your next stop on your vacation. Be sure to download the Lyft or Uber apps, which match you with local drivers at the tap of a button.
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.
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.
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.
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, Desert Willow Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort.
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.
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 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.
Public art is at the forefront in Greater Palm Springs, with murals and sculptures throughout the region. Visitors can enjoy striking installations perfect for quick photos or learning about local history and culture. Here's a guide to aid your exploration!
Thursday night’s Palm Springs VillageFest features local artists, handmade crafts, fresh produce and food. Browse murals, sculptures and artisan booths for unique finds and a taste of the desert’s vibrant arts scene.
Greater Palm Springs offers a vibrant dining scene, from casual bites to upscale experiences and lively nightlife. Enjoy modern American fare at Lulu California Bistro in Palm Springs, savor authentic Mexican dishes at Las Casuelas Nuevas, or grab craft beers and small plates at Indio Taphouse. For cocktails, try Bootlegger Tiki for tropical drinks, Truss & Twine for expertly crafted cocktails or Kitchen 86 + Bar for creative mixology in Palm Desert.
For a full guide to the destination’s restaurants, bars and nightlife experiences, visit our Dining & Nightlife.
Before you go, here are a few helpful tips locals recommend:
Start outdoor activities early: Desert mornings are cooler and perfect for hiking, biking and golf.
Plan to explore beyond Palm Springs: Cities like Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Indio each offer unique dining, shopping and attractions.
Make reservations during peak season: Restaurants, tours and popular activities can fill up quickly, especially in winter and spring.
Stay hydrated: The dry climate means you’ll want to drink plenty of water while exploring.
In need of some delicious dining recommendations while in town? Check out new restaurants to visit in Greater Palm Springs.