The comprehensive guide to Palm Springs, California

Located approximately two hours east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley of the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs, California, has long been a beloved retreat for Southern Californians and visitors from across the nation.

Due to its desert setting, Palm Springs — along with nearby towns like Palm Desert, Indio, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells — enjoys delightful weather nearly every day of the year, framed by breathtaking mountain scenery.

While Palm Springs has seen steady popularity over the years, its appeal surged during the pandemic. The abundance of open-air venues, outdoor adventures, rental homes, resort properties, and fantastic dining options made it an ideal escape for those seeking a break from pandemic restrictions.

Airlines have taken notice as well. Major carriers have increased flights to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).

Even with worries about the omicron variant, travel is rebounding, and many international borders are reopening. If history is any indication, Palm Springs will continue to be a sought-after destination. Here’s what you should know for planning your trip to Palm Springs.

Best times to visit Palm Springs

There isn't really a wrong time to experience Palm Springs. Regardless of when you visit, expect sunshine and warmth. It ultimately comes down to how much heat you can handle. Traditionally, the peak season is winter, from January to March, when much of the country is cold. Although it’s warm in the desert, it’s not overwhelmingly hot... yet. However, this season tends to be busy in Palm Springs, so anticipate crowds and waits at most places.

As spring transitions into summer, temperatures in Palm Springs and the surrounding areas can soar, often surpassing 100 degrees. The upside is that the desert heat is significantly drier than what many are accustomed to, so humidity isn’t a major issue. Plus, with fewer visitors during this time, you may enjoy a more relaxed experience.

From around October to December, this period is an ideal time to visit the area, as temperatures are milder compared to the summer heat, and there are fewer visitors due to the winter holiday season.

Getting there

As previously noted, airlines have been steadily increasing flights directly into Palm Springs throughout the pandemic. Here’s a snapshot of the current commercial services available at PSP, organized by airline:

• Air Canada: Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR — seasonal).
• Air Canada Rouge: Toronto (YYZ — seasonal).
• Alaska Airlines: San Francisco (SFO); San Jose, California (SJC); Seattle (SEA); Boise (BOI — seasonal); Everett, Washington (PAE — seasonal); Portland, Oregon (PDX — seasonal); Reno (RNO — seasonal).
• Allegiant: Bellingham, Washington (BLI); Boise (BOI — seasonal); Eugene, Oregon (EUG — seasonal).
• American Airlines: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), Chicago (ORD — seasonal), Philadelphia (PHL — seasonal).
• Delta Air Lines: Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Salt Lake City (SLC), Atlanta (ATL — seasonal), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP).
• Frontier Airlines: Chicago (ORD — seasonal), Denver (DEN — seasonal).
• JetBlue: Boston (BOS — seasonal), Fort Lauderdale (FLL — seasonal), New York (JFK — seasonal).
• Southwest Airlines: Denver (DEN); Las Vegas (LAS); Oakland, California (OAK); Phoenix (PHX).
• Sun Country: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP — seasonal).
• United Airlines: Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD — seasonal), Houston (IAH — seasonal).
• WestJet: Calgary, Alberta (YYC); Vancouver (YVR); Edmonton, Alberta (YEG — seasonal); Winnipeg, Manitoba (YWG — seasonal).

Additionally, since Palm Springs is close to Los Angeles, you can choose to fly into any of the LA-area airports — such as LAX, Ontario (ONT), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Hollywood Burbank (BUR), or Long Beach (LGB) — and then drive to the desert.

Alternatively, Palm Springs is about two and a half hours away from San Diego, making it a convenient option if you find better flight deals there — just keep in mind the need for a rental car once you arrive.

Accommodation options

The Palm Springs area boasts a wide array of fantastic places to stay. You might opt for one of the charming midcentury modern homes during your trip, but if you prefer a hotel, you'll be spoiled for choice. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa: Starting at 17,000 World of Hyatt points (Keep in mind that Hyatt has introduced peak and off-peak pricing.)
• Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs: Award rates vary.
• La Quinta Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort: Award rates vary.
• Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection: From 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage: From 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa: From 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: From 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• Hotel Paseo, Autograph Collection: From 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
• Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells: From 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Attractions and activities

No one will blame you for wanting to lounge by the pool and enjoy a different restaurant for dinner each night in Palm Springs, but if you're eager to explore, there’s plenty to see and do. Here are some ideas to spark your wanderlust:

Golfing

Thanks to its desert climate, Palm Springs is a golfer's paradise, and if you enjoy the sport, prepare to be amazed by the abundance of courses available: the area features nearly 125 courses. Some top-rated options include the Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort & Club, Indian Wells Golf Resort, Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, SilverRock Resort, and many more.

Enjoy a day trip

Palm Springs is ideally located for day trips to discover the stunning natural beauty nearby. Embark on a hike to a desert oasis featuring a 50-foot waterfall in Tahquitz Canyon, or venture further to Joshua Tree National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes, iconic yucca plants, and otherworldly terrain. The park offers a variety of hikes suitable for all skill levels and, naturally, ample photo opportunities.

Explore the architecture

One of the key attractions in Palm Springs is its impressive collection of midcentury modern architecture. The city transformed a 1960s gas station into a visitor center, which has since become a midcentury landmark. You can arrange guided tours through the visitor center or embark on a self-guided drive to explore neighborhoods like Tennis Club and Araby Cove, showcasing numerous architectural gems.

Cultural and artistic experiences

Palm Springs has established itself as a vibrant center for art and cultural experiences. Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum, which showcases contemporary artworks and exhibitions highlighting the region's history and culture. Don't miss the Palm Springs International Film Festival, a staple since 1989. The city also boasts numerous art galleries, design studios (most featuring a midcentury flair), and antique shops — whether you're browsing or looking to furnish a new 1960s bungalow, there's plenty to see.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

A trip to Palm Springs isn't complete without a ride on its iconic tram. In operation since the early 1960s, it transports visitors from the hot desert floor to the mountain summit in about 10 minutes. Bring a few layers, as snow at the top is not uncommon. The panoramic views of the Coachella Valley are truly breathtaking.

Conclusion

Palm Springs remains a beloved American destination, and it's easy to understand why. With consistently warm (though sometimes hot) weather year-round, a diverse array of restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences; abundant golf and tennis facilities; easy access to stunning natural landscapes; renowned midcentury modern architecture; and so much more, the city and its surroundings have something to offer everyone.

With the expanded air services into the city, accessing this Southern California desert retreat has never been more convenient.