The fall season in Greater Palm Springs is known as one of the best times of the year to visit the Southern California oasis. From taking advantage of awesome hotel packages and deals to enjoying incredible weather and season-specific activities, Greater Palm Springs is where you need to be at this autumn.

Read on to discover seven reasons why visiting Greater Palm Springs in the fall is the quintessential time to discover the region.

Amazing Weather

green palm trees, purple mountains and blue skies in Greater Palm Springs

As the fall season progresses in the Southern California oasis, the weather begins to dip down to cooler temperatures, making for pleasantly sunny days and breezy nights. Those traveling during this time can enjoy a near-perfect climate when strolling through downtown Palm Springs, as well as while meandering through the El Paseo Shopping District and the distinct shops and eateries in Old Town La Quinta. Enjoy fresh-from-the-field flavors from one of several certified farmers markets happening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Dates are cultivated in Greater Palm Springs and learn about the fruit by visiting a date farm or trying a date shake at Shields Date Gardens.

Oasis of Art 

Hanging silver car art installation In Greater Palm Springs

From world-famous concerts and festivals to modern museums and art galleries to architecture tours and live entertainment, the destination’s vibrant arts and culture scene buzz with unique experiences. Discover over 100+ outdoor public art installations by downloading the artsGPS app which makes public art, exhibitions and art-related events easy to find on a self-guided tour.

Midweek Value

The Hotel ZOSO Pool With Mountains In The Background In Greater Palm Springs

If you are looking to score an unbelievable deal on hotel stays and vacation packages, travelers should plan a trip during October and November – a travel period between the peak and off-peak seasons. During this time, visitors to the SoCal oasis can expect to save big with deals on hotel rates, and not-to-miss offers at a number of local businesses. In addition to this, visitors can also tap into mid-week specials, happening between Monday-Thursday, in both rooms and exciting opportunities and activities all over town. To save on stay, see these 8 Budget-Friendly Stays in Greater Palm Springs.

Family Fun

Family Feeding A Giraffe at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens In Greater Palm Springs

Add more fun to your family vacation! Make a splash at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa which features its own 2-acre water playground with a lazy river and sandy beach, while The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa has multiple outdoor pools and side-by-side dueling waterslides that launch guests from a third-floor tower down into a crystal blue pool.

The Living Desert is home to over 500 animals representing over 150 species. Fill your morning or afternoon here by feeding a giraffe, petting the goats, riding on the carousel and walking among the wallabies at the Australian Adventures exhibit.

A visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum takes guests back in time to learn all about aircraft from World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. The museum is a fun activity for the whole family to experience and kids under 12 are free. There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Greater Palm Springs

Hiking

A Path At The Coachella Valley Preserve in Thousand PalmsThe return of the fall season in the Southern California oasis also means the return of hiking. Luckily for visitors, Greater Palm Springs offers some of the most ideal hiking options. Take your pick from a number of moderate to difficult trails and get ready to get a great workout in.  Once done with your hike, stand back and enjoy clear skies and the beautiful desert views that surround you on the mountaintop.

Top hiking options in the Palm Springs region include the North and South Lykken Trails. Located not too far from downtown Palm Springs, hikers here can enjoy moderate-level hikes and impressive views of the nearby area. Another pretty easy hike to take on is the Coachella Valley Preserve in Thousand Palms – a true hidden gem in Greater Palm Springs – which offers a flat walkabout area that leads you to a lush palm tree scenary. Or, if you are looking to experience a hiking adventure that is unique to Palm Springs, journey to the ultra-popular Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon. These areas are a part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian reservation and are home to countless ancestral artifacts, rock art and native wildlife and plants.

Tramcar-Palm Springs Aerial TramwayIf you are more of an avid hiker, you should test your skills at the Bump and Grind Loop in Palm Desert or the Homestead Trailhead, which is also known as the Palm Desert Cross Loop. Both trails are regarded as local favorites, so you can’t go wrong with either. To see incredible vistas, hop aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway! Once up to the tram station, which is located 8,516 feet above sea level, visitors can enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails, plus go on self-guided nature walks.

Fall Events

The autumn months always usher in a variety of fun things to do in Greater Palm Springs, and this season is no exception! Get ready to have an unforgettable fall vacation by attending these upcoming oasis events and activities!

Greater Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Pride | November 4-6

La Quinta Art Celebration | November 10-13

Hot Air Balloon Festival & Food Truck Fiesta | November 19

Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival | November 19

Día de Los Muertos Events in Greater Palm Springs

Wellest Season

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis Pool

Greater Palm Springs truly has something for everyone, including those who take great care of their health and overall well-being. This fall, travelers to the destination are invited to celebrate their wellness, which brings activities like hiking, meditation and yoga to the forefront of self-care. A key component of the Wellest Season is becoming better in-tune with your body and finding ways to relax the mind, body and soul. There's no better way to chill than soaking in hot springs in Greater Palm Springs. Desert Hot Springs is home to an assortment of independently-owned boutique hotels. The pools at these properties are filled with spring waters, which are said to improve health, reduce pain and increase metabolism. 

Need more reasons to plan your trip to Greater Palm Springs this autumn? Check out our things to do page for more information on top attractions and locales to experience while in town.

Top

Signature Events

Whether you’re into outdoor music festivals or professional sports, our SoCal oasis...

Read More

Things To Do

From amazing art and culture to incredible outdoor adventures, you'll find plenty of...

Read More

Holiday Happenings

Be jolly and make merry at these festive events and experiences in Greater Palm...

Read More

Blue banner with What Will You Find? script