With its sun-kissed landscapes, luxurious resorts, and variety of outdoor activities, Greater Palm Springs offers an array of experiences to make your spring break memorable. It's the perfect season to soak up the destination's wide-open spaces, chill poolside vibes, and endless blue skies — not to mention the colorful wildflowers that often blanket the mountains during this time. Looking for fun places to stay and things to do for spring break? We've got you covered with trip inspiration for the whole family! 

Make a Splash

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Surrounded by a 425-foot lazy river and featuring two 100-foot-long waterslides, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa’s Splashtopia waterpark is fun for all ages. Adults can relax in the cliff-side hot tub while the younger ones play at the sandy beach or splash around in the watery play zones.  

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

Over at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, the HyTides Waterpark is perfect for water thrills. Slide down two dueling waterslides, enjoy the splash pad, or float down the lazy river. Need a little chill time? Their adults-only pool offers a serene escape from all the waterpark action. 

Relax Poolside

If relaxing under a shady cabana or umbrella is more your speed, there are plenty of chill, poolside spots to escape in Greater Palm Springs. The luxurious pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage offers a serene space to relax and soak in the cliffside views, while exclusive beach room cabanas with extra amenities at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells will keep you cool when you need a break from the sun. If you're looking for a wellness-infused pool scene, spend the day at The Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs, where you can unwind in a cabana by the outdoor mineral pool fed by the Agua Caliente tribe's sacred hot mineral spring. For a mesmerizing mountain backdrop, you'll want to book one of Chiki Palm Pool's cabanas at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. And you can't go wrong taking in the breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains at La Quinta Resort & Club, home to an impressive 41 pools. If you're looking for an intimate experience with a pop of pink, stay at the Villa Sierra, also known as "That Pink Door" by Natural Retreats (as seen in the header image above). For more homes-away-from-home with an ultra-luxe ambiance, check out this full list of vacation rentals in Greater Palm Springs. 

Find Excitement at an Arcade Zone

Dave & Buster's Rancho Mirage

From the moment you step into Dave & Buster’s at Rancho Mirage, prepare for an abundance of spring break fun! You'll be greeted with over 100 awesome video games, from classic arcade favorites to the latest in virtual reality experiences. Get ready to unleash your competitive spirit, challenge your friends, and create unforgettable memories.

JW Entertainment Zone at Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Unique and filled with energy, the JW Entertainment Zone is a gaming emporium featuring new and retro arcade games. This vibrant gaming haven offers a captivating blend of new and retro arcade games, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled adventure for guests of all ages. Test your skills, challenge your friends, and embark on thrilling gaming quests as you compete for fantastic prizes and rewards. Whether you're seeking family-friendly entertainment or an exhilarating solo experience, this dynamic destination promises endless thrills and excitement for everyone.

The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa

Pinz and Pints, located within the prestigious Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, offers a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for all ages. Lace up your bowling shoes and aim for a strike at their state-of-the-art duckpin bowling alley, or try one of the 10 beers on tap at the bar while indulging in delicious brick-oven pizza and other classic brewpub bites. 

Explore Outdoors

For adventure enthusiasts, Greater Palm Springs offers a variety of outdoor activities to satisfy your craving for excitement. From (seasonal) hot air balloon rides over the desert to off-road Jeep tours through rugged canyons, there's no shortage of adrenaline-pumping adventures to embark on.

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

At The Living Desert, visitors can enjoy unique wildlife encounters like feeding giraffes, walking with wallabies, and exploring the wonders of desert life in a whole new way. The Rhino Savanna exhibit is a must for first-timers, featuring two black rhinos, Nia and Jaali, alongside 12 African species, including waterbucks and pelicans.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Get up, up, and away from it all by taking a trip on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. Your journey on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway runs from the desert floor more than two-and-a-half miles along the rugged crags of Chino Canyon, depositing you safely at Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 feet) and among the pristine alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park. 

The ride takes about 10 minutes, with the cars rotating slowly to give you a bird’s-eye view of the nine cities of Greater Palm Springs below. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy a bite at one of the two restaurants, snap some photos from the sweeping observation decks, step inside the fascinating natural history museum and two documentary theaters, or head out on foot to explore over 50 miles of hiking trails.

Joshua Tree National Park  

Just a short drive from Greater Palm Springs lies the otherworldly beauty of Joshua Tree National Park. Explore its rugged terrain, iconic Joshua trees, and stunning vistas. From scenic hikes to rock climbing adventures, Joshua Tree offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

If you want to get even closer to nature, Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours is the way to do it. Step up into one of the company’s signature open-air red Jeeps and enjoy the ride as your expert driver takes you through spectacular desert lands. Marvel at geologic forces, amazing desert plants, and awe-inspiring landscapes up close. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the area, so come prepared to ask any burning questions.

Discover Greater Palm Springs Arts & Culture

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art and culture scene of Greater Palm Springs. Explore the destination's eclectic art galleries, discover midcentury modern architecture, and stroll through quaint downtown streets lined with boutiques and cafés.

Modern Tours Palm Springs

Modern Tours Palm Springs lets you take one of its self-driving tours at your own pace and in your own vehicle. Select your tour, and the built-in mapping will steer you from one stop to the next to see some of the most iconic modernist homes, buildings, and celebrity estates in Greater Palm Springs. Helpful and fascinating voice narration at each stop will fill you in on the (sometimes scandalous!) history.

Palm Springs Vintage Market

The first Sunday of each month from October to May, vendors set out their best vintage and collectible wares at the Palm Springs Cultural Center for the Palm Springs Vintage Market. This market is a treasure trove of retro finds ranging from clothing and furniture to jewelry and even classic cars.

Farmers Markets 

Spend your mornings hitting up the farmers markets that happen almost daily throughout Greater Palm Springs. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local community, and you'll be fascinated by everything the vendors have to offer, from locally grown fruits and vegetables to homemade treats and handcrafted wares. You'll also want to check out Palm Springs VillageFest, held every Thursday evening in downtown Palm Springs — it's like a farmers market, but with food trucks, street performers, and lots of local vendors. 

Play Golf Under the Stars

Shots in the Night

Indian Wells Golf Resort’s popular Shots in the Night is back! With special lighting and golf technology, this after-dark experience offers a whole new take on the game. Try glow-in-the-dark golf on the driving range or take in the laser light show as you tap it out on the putting green. Food truck dining and bar service makes this outdoor activity perfect to enjoy with friends. Because it’s not at all like a traditional round of golf, Shots in the Night is also ideal for getting kids into the game or for pals who don’t normally have the time to commit to a full round. 

As you plan your Spring Break 2025 getaway to Greater Palm Springs, prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty, cultural richness, and endless opportunities for adventure that await!