If you live in Los Angeles, chances are you’ve either been dreaming of a getaway to Greater Palm Springs or you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to return. Once you hit the open road, that boundless feeling of freedom sets in. Every mile brings you closer to long, easy days of mood lifting sunshine and warm, sweet evenings that seem to stretch on forever and pool time just a few steps away. You know you’re almost there when the ancient mountains rise around you and the iconic windmills come into view, spinning like a welcome sign. Fill your sun-drenched trip with as much or as little as you like. Whether you’re after total relaxation or a little adventure, this three-day guide is your sign: It’s the right moment to craft your own unforgettable escape in Greater Palm Springs.
DAY 1 — EASE INTO THE OASIS
Bright mornings and poolside relaxation for the win.
Start your morning at an indie favorite like Ernest Coffee, Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Café, Desert Kid Coffee, or IW Coffee, where you can sip your fun (hot or iced) and get on desert time. By the time that cup is empty, the warm sunshine is calling your name. Most hotels and vacation rentals offer afternoon check‑in, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to unwind. Claim a few blissful hours by the pool — either at your hotel or with a day pass at a major resort or boutique hotel like Ace Hotel & Swim Club or The Saguaro.
If you’re up for a little exploring before dinner, wander through the cool galleries of the Palm Springs Art Museum or duck into a niche experience at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Palm Springs Air Museum, or the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture + Design Center, a one-exhibit outpost in a restored 1961 bank building designed by E. Stewart Williams. As the sun begins to mellow, be among the first to dine at one of the region’s newest icons – Bar Issi, Bohemios Prime, or Platinum Cowboy Dancehall & Saloon.
DAY 2 — CHOOSE YOUR BEST ADVENTURE
Spa, golf, or the great outdoors? Design a day that matches your mood.
Spa Escape
If your ideal getaway leans restorative, make today a full‑body exhale. Luxuriate any stress away at a rejuvenating day spa — think The Spa at Séc‑he, Azure Palm Hot Springs, or Spa La Quinta at La Quinta Resort & Club — where mineral pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, a full treatment menu, and plenty of lazy day sun loungers are made for lingering. With every amenity at your service, let hours drift you into a state of peace.
Golfer’s Game
Early risers can score a sunrise a tee time at one of the premier courses including Indian Wells Golf Resort, PGA West, or Desert Willow Golf Resort. On a wide fairway in the morning light, the mountain backdrop seems quietly to cheer you on. Refuel with lunch at the clubhouse, then cool off back at your hotel or vacation rental with an afternoon swim or a cocktail in the shade.
Outdoor Living
If movement is your love language, the destination meets you where you are. Greet the day – and a host of desert animals – at The Living Desert, where private hiking trails join giraffe feeding, a meerkat colony, and the new patas monkeys habitat. You don't need an ocean to catch a wave at Palm Springs Surf Club, where state-of-the-art wave technology, resort-style amenities, and exquisite dining come together or plan to visit DSRT Surf slated to open in summer 2026. During the warmer months, take the 2.5-mile ride up the mountain on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Just 12 minutes later, embrace the refreshing shade of a pine forest and the valley’s most talked-about views.
A day your way deserves a dinner that plays the same. Try a spot made for sharing and sipping at your own pace: Del Rey at Villa Royale (tapas‑style, moody, intimate), Counter Reformation at Parker Palm Springs (wine bar with small plates and a speakeasy feel), Lola Rose Grand Mezze at the Thompson (Middle Eastern feasts for two) or Lola’s at the Cove (modern tapas in La Quinta).
DAY 3 — SAVOR THE DESERT
Dip into the Coachella Valley’s celebrated design and style.
Your final day invites a leisurely, sun-kissed brunch on the patio, the kind that sparks conversation about picking up your own getaway someday. FARM, Wilma & Frieda's, and Grapefruit Basil are everyday brunch faves. Of course, shopping always follows a great brunch.
Wander the Uptown Design District for vintage finds and midcentury treasures or head to Perez Road for a deep dive into vintage furniture galleries and one‑of‑a‑kind pieces. Handmade and locally designed goods fill the lofty, maker‑centric Market Market and The Place, both rife with creative energy. Designer fashion houses line the El Paseo esplanade, while vintage fashion hounds can browse Mitchells Palm Springs, Iconic Atomic, and Melody Note Vintage in Palm Springs or Peach Whiskers Goods, The Fine Art of Design, and Atelier No. 27 in Palm Desert.
In the afternoon, find serenity somewhere architectural. Greater Palm Springs is one of the best places in the world to admire midcentury modern design. Several guided tours make it easy to soak it all in year-round. From Elvis' Honeymoon Hideaway to Frank Sinatra's piano-shaped pool at Twin Palms Estate, knowledgeable guides bring the era vividly to life.
Wind down your getaway with a finale dinner in stylish environs. Workshop Kitchen + Bar remains a chefly, design‑forward classic; The Pink Cabana is as fun as the garden at Lavender Bistro is romantic; and there’s a good reason for the line out the door at Paul Bar/Food, hiding in a Palm Springs strip center.
OPTIONAL: AFTER DARK
Photo courtesy of Beaton's
Looking to add a little nightlife to your stay? Some of the most hyped places are relative newcomers or newly redone. Find your groove at Rosemary Hi-Fi vinyl lounge, the eclectically reimagined Red Barn, the Parisian chic at Beaton’s at Bar Cecil, the sleek-as-New-York Tailor Shop, or over craft beers and live music at The Dune Room.
Ready to plan your next foodie adventure? From sun-drenched patios to cozy hidden gems Greater Palm Springs is overflowing with incredible brunch spots waiting to be discovered. Start exploring and find your new favorite table!
