Blog created in partnership with the Meet the Mentor Program. Sarah Clark visited Greater Palm Springs in April and shared her experiences below.
Long before Greater Palm Springs was dotted with pools and palm trees, this Southern California oasis was the floor of a vast prehistoric lake. Over time, the water vanished, but its legacy lingers; it’s revealed in the mineral-rich hot springs, the lush palms in sunbaked canyons, and even the occasional fossilized seashell found beneath the sand.
Today, water continues to shape the region in ways both surprising and refreshing, with a vibrant collection of aquatic escapes. Here, you can surf perfect waves without ever touching the ocean, lounge beside a turquoise pool carved into the desert floor, or sink into hot mineral springs older than the mountains around them.
The contrast feels surreal at first glance. But in Greater Palm Springs, it’s a lived reality, and a signature of the region’s unique appeal. These water wonders don’t just cool the skin — they soothe, recharge, and offer a deep connection to the destination’s natural history.
Surfing the Desert at Palm Springs Surf Club
The search for water in Greater Palm Springs starts with something no one expects: a surf break.
Tucked into the northern edge of the city, Palm Springs Surf Club turns desert recreation on its head. The sleek, modern complex is built around a deep-blue wave pool that generates surfable waves on command, delivering the ocean’s energy straight to the sand. Riders of all levels can paddle out under the shadow of the San Jacinto Mountains. Trade tidepools for cacti and palm trees and catch a perfect wave… without ever seeing the ocean.
The pool’s cutting-edge wave technology offers something for everyone. From gentle rollers perfect for beginners to faster, more technical waves designed to challenge seasoned surfers. Whether you're learning to pop up for the first time or dialing in your cutback, the setting is as supportive as it is scenic. And the vibe? Pure stoke. The staff, many of them local Californian surfers, are as enthusiastic as they are encouraging, cheering you on and celebrating every wave ridden. Even if you’re not paddling out, lounge chairs and daybeds line the pool's perimeter, inviting you to relax, refuel, and watch wave after wave roll through. It’s part surf spot, part social hub, and unmistakably Greater Palm Springs.
Sunning in Style at The Parker
Set among towering hedges and citrus groves, the Parker Palm Springs is a boutique hotel that delivers a timeless kind of escape which is equal parts playful and polished.
At the heart of the property, the hotel’s pool shimmers like a turquoise jewel. It's here, under the butter-yellow striped umbrellas and towering palms, that guests float listlessly, read on daybeds, or unwind as retro tunes drift across the peaceful stillness of the valley.
The poolside drinks menu includes craft cocktails and local wines, but the real treat is simple: a tall glass of fresh, house-made lemonade. Tart, cold, and served with a fresh lemon wedge, it’s exactly what the desert ordered. Between sips and swims, the atmosphere here feels like a scene from another era, sun-drenched and unhurried.
And it’s not just the Parker. In Greater Palm Springs, swimming pools aren’t an afterthought; they’re a way of life. Since the 1920s, when Hollywood stars first began retreating here for dry heat and privacy, pools have been at the center of it all: garden parties, technicolor photoshoots, lazy afternoons with cocktails and gossip. Today, that legacy lives on in sparkling rectangles that dot nearly every backyard, hotel courtyard, and hillside resort. They’re not just for cooling off — they’re a visual signature of the region’s Hollywood history.
Soaking in Stillness at Azure Palm Hot Springs
North of Palm Springs, a short drive leads to Desert Hot Springs, a town built atop one of the most geothermally active areas in California. Long before resorts arrived, the region’s hot and cold springs were known to the Cahuilla people, who settled here for the water’s healing properties and steady supply. Today, a different kind of water experience awaits… one rooted in geology, wellness, and tradition.
Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis draws its water from a natural aquifer deep beneath the earth. The geothermal flow emerges at a steady 174 degrees Fahrenheit and its temperature is unchanged by time or season. Once cooled, it’s circulated throughout the property: into outdoor soaking tubs with mountain views, indoor spa features, private showers, and even the drinking fountains. The result is an immersive experience that is restorative and relaxing.
Guests soak in private tubs overlooking the San Bernardino Mountains, letting the warm water ease sore muscles and quiet the mind. That same source flows throughout the spa, from the mineral-infused showers to bottles of crisp, chilled water offered throughout the day. It’s a place where silence is shaped by the rustling of palm fronds and the gentle ripple of warm water.
Ready to treat yourself to some relaxation? Greater Palm Springs' spas offer everything you need to unwind during your getaway!
