5-Day Adventure: Explore Hidden Gems of Palm Springs Outdoors

Palm Springs, California

5 days

Joshua Tree National Park
Mid century modern architecture
Modern architecture in desert landscape
Visitor information center
View of the Saguaro hotel

About Palm Springs, California

Experience the charm of Palm Springs, California, a desert oasis that blends natural beauty with mid-century modern culture. Nestled at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. Explore the Indian Canyons on foot or horseback, or ride the world's largest rotating tramcar at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Discover the city's rich history at the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Enjoy world-class golfing, shopping, and dining, or relax at a luxury spa. With over 350 days of sunshine, Palm Springs is an ideal destination for those seeking a warm, sunny getaway. Whether you're an art enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a relaxing retreat, Palm Springs has something for everyone.

5-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Indian Canyons and Palm Desert

Morning

Start your day with a hike at the Indian Canyons. These canyons offer a variety of trails for all levels of hikers. Enjoy the stunning desert landscapes and the rich cultural history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the canyons. Pack a lunch from a local deli and enjoy it while taking in the stunning views.

Afternoon

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert. This museum features an impressive collection of art and sculpture, as well as a beautiful sculpture garden.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant. Palm Springs is known for its fresh, locally sourced cuisine.

Evening

Take a leisurely stroll through downtown Palm Springs. The area is known for its unique shops, art galleries, and beautiful architecture.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Moorten Botanical Garden. This garden features a unique collection of desert plants and is a great place to learn about the local flora.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local café. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and delicious food.

Afternoon

Take a tour of the Palm Springs Air Museum. This museum has one of the world's largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a local bistro. Try some of the local specialties, such as date shakes or citrus-infused dishes.

Evening

Take a moonlit hike in the Indian Canyons. The canyons are beautiful at night, with the moonlight reflecting off the rocks and the sounds of the desert all around you.

Morning

Start your day with a bike ride through the Coachella Valley. There are many bike rental shops in the area, and the valley offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local food truck. Palm Springs has a vibrant food truck scene, with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from.

Afternoon

Visit the Palm Springs Historical Society. This museum offers a fascinating look at the history of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local pizzeria. Enjoy a delicious pizza made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Evening

Take a star-gazing tour. The clear desert skies of Palm Springs offer excellent star-gazing opportunities.

Morning

Start your day with a hot air balloon ride over the Coachella Valley. This is a unique and thrilling way to see the stunning desert landscapes.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local café. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and delicious food.

Afternoon

Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. This museum offers a fascinating look at the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Palm Springs has a number of excellent seafood restaurants, offering fresh, locally sourced seafood.

Evening

Take a night tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum. The museum offers special night tours that allow you to explore the museum in a different light.

Morning

Start your day with a hike in the Joshua Tree National Park. This park offers a variety of trails and stunning desert landscapes.

Lunch

Have a picnic lunch in the park. Pack a lunch from a local deli and enjoy it while taking in the stunning views.

Afternoon

Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This tramway offers stunning views of the Coachella Valley and is a thrilling experience.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local steakhouse. Enjoy a delicious steak cooked to perfection.

Evening

End your trip with a relaxing evening at a local spa. Palm Springs is known for its luxurious spas, offering a variety of treatments.

Attractions in Itinerary (9)

Indian Canyons

1
Indian Canyons

A group of canyons that are home to Palm Springs' indigenous people, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning desert landscapes.

Attractions
Parks
Tours
Palm Springs Art Museum

2
Palm Springs Art Museum

A regional art, natural science and performing arts institution for Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Moorten Botanical Garden

3
Moorten Botanical Garden

A family-owned garden that showcases desert plants from around the world.

Gardens
Attractions
Palm Springs Air Museum

4
Palm Springs Air Museum

A museum dedicated to educating the public about the role air power played in preserving American liberties and way of life.

Museums
Coachella Valley

5
Coachella Valley

A desert valley in Southern California which extends for approximately 45 mi in Riverside County southeast from the San Bernardino Mountains to the northern shore of the Salton Sea.

Attractions
Neighborhoods
Palm Springs Historical Society

6
Palm Springs Historical Society

A museum dedicated to the preservation of the history of Palm Springs.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

7
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

A museum dedicated to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Joshua Tree National Park

8
Joshua Tree National Park

A vast protected area in southern California featuring rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes.

Parks
Attractions
Tours
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

9
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The world's largest rotating tram car, travelling over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon.

Attractions
Tours

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Date Shake

Date Shake

A popular drink in Palm Springs made from locally grown dates, milk, and ice cream. It's a sweet, creamy, and refreshing treat perfect for the desert heat.

Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos

A Southern California staple, these tacos are typically made with grilled or fried fish, cabbage slaw, and a creamy sauce. Palm Springs' proximity to the ocean ensures fresh and delicious seafood.

California Roll

California Roll

A sushi roll that originated in California. It typically includes avocado, crab meat, and cucumber. Given Palm Springs' location in California, it's a must-try.

Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish in California, it's made with ripe avocados and various toppings on toasted bread. It's a healthy and delicious start to the day.

Carnitas

Carnitas

A Mexican dish of slow-cooked pork, often served with tortillas and salsa. Given Palm Springs' proximity to Mexico, this dish is a local favorite.

Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos

A traditional Mexican dish made of stuffed, roasted, fresh poblano peppers filled with cheese and sometimes meat, covered in an egg batter and fried. It's a popular dish in Palm Springs due to its Mexican influence.

California Burrito

California Burrito

A style of burrito that originated in Southern California. It typically includes carne asada, cheese, sour cream, and French fries or potatoes. It's a filling and satisfying meal.

Churros

Churros

A sweet dessert of fried dough coated in sugar, often served with chocolate dipping sauce. This dessert is popular in Palm Springs due to its Mexican influence.

Craft Beer

Craft Beer

Palm Springs has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering unique and flavorful brews. It's a must-try for beer lovers.

Street Tacos

Street Tacos

Small tacos typically served on corn tortillas with meat, onions, cilantro, and salsa. They're a popular street food in Palm Springs.

Guacamole

Guacamole

A traditional Mexican dip made from ripe avocados, lime, cilantro, and other fresh ingredients. It's a popular appetizer in Palm Springs.

Local Wine

Local Wine

California is known for its wine, and Palm Springs is no exception. There are many local wineries producing high-quality wines that are worth trying.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Palm Springs, California as a tourist is from January to April. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is also the peak season for tourism, so there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy. However, if you prefer a quieter vacation, consider visiting in the fall, from October to December, when the weather is still comfortable and the city is less crowded.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 15

Mon

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 19

Mon

Presidents' Day

May 27

Mon

Memorial Day

June 19

Wed

Juneteenth

July 4

Thu

Independence Day

September 2

Mon

Labor Day

October 14

Mon

Columbus Day

November 11

Mon

Veterans Day

November 28

Thu

Thanksgiving Day

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Palm Springs. There are several car rental companies located at the Palm Springs International Airport and throughout the city. This gives you the flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in Palm Springs. These services can be accessed through their respective smartphone apps and provide a convenient way to get around the city.

Palm Springs has a public bus system, operated by SunLine Transit Agency, that covers the city and nearby areas. The buses run daily, with reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Palm Springs is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and paths. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city.

Taxis are readily available in Palm Springs. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from designated taxi ranks.

Several hotels and resorts in Palm Springs offer shuttle services to and from the airport, as well as to popular tourist destinations. Check with your accommodation to see if this service is available.

Palm Springs is a walkable city, especially downtown where many attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within a short distance of each other.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a unique way to see the city. It takes you from the valley floor to the top of Mount San Jacinto, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding area.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ USD

Time zoneUTC-5

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Palm Springs, California as a first time visitor

1

Palm Springs is located in the Sonoran Desert, so it's important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially during the summer months.

2

The city is known for its mid-century modern architecture, so take some time to appreciate the unique buildings and homes.

3

Palm Springs has a dry desert climate with over 350 days of sunshine per year.

4

The city experiences very high temperatures in the summer, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), so plan your outdoor activities accordingly.

5

Winter is the peak tourist season in Palm Springs, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.

6

Palm Springs is a popular destination for retirees and has a slower pace of life compared to larger cities.

7

The city is very LGBT-friendly, with numerous events and venues catering to the community.

8

Palm Springs has a strict noise ordinance, so be mindful of your noise levels, especially at night.

9

The city is located near several natural attractions, including Joshua Tree National Park and the San Jacinto Mountains.

10

Palm Springs is a great place for outdoor activities, including hiking, golfing, and tennis.

11

The city has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and art festivals throughout the year.

12

Palm Springs has a wide range of dining options, from high-end restaurants to casual diners.

13

The city is known for its vintage shopping, particularly for mid-century modern furniture and decor.

14

Palm Springs has a small airport, Palm Springs International, which offers flights to several major cities.

15

The city is very walkable, but it also has a free trolley service, the Buzz, that runs through the main areas of town.

16

Palm Springs is a popular destination for music festivals, including Coachella and Stagecoach, which take place nearby.

17

The city has a number of luxury spas and wellness centers, many of which use natural hot springs.

18

Palm Springs has a dress code that leans towards casual, but some restaurants and events may require more formal attire.

19

The city is home to the world's largest rotating tramcar, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

20

Palm Springs is just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, making it a popular weekend getaway for Southern Californians.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Swimsuit

  • Sandals

  • Sunglasses

  • Sun hat

  • Evening wear for dining out

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Shorts

  • T-shirts

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Body wash

  • Deodorant

  • Razor

  • Shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Makeup

  • Makeup remover

  • Hairbrush

  • Hair styling products

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport/ID

  • Airline tickets

  • Hotel reservation confirmation

  • Car rental confirmation

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit cards

  • Cash

  • Emergency contact information

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Laptop

  • Charger for laptop

  • Adapter plug (if needed)

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Books or e-books

  • Travel guide for Palm Springs

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

  • First-aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Tissues

Weather Conditions

Palm Springs, California, is known for its hot desert climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The city experiences high temperatures, especially during the summer months, which can reach up to 108°F (42°C). Therefore, if you're planning a summer trip, it's essential to stay hydrated and wear sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The winter months, from December to February, are much milder and can be a great time to visit. Daytime temperatures typically range from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or golfing. However, the desert can cool down significantly at night, with temperatures dropping to around 40°F (4°C), so packing a light jacket or sweater is advisable. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C). These seasons are ideal for exploring the city's many outdoor attractions, including the Joshua Tree National Park and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Regardless of when you visit, remember that Palm Springs is located in a desert region, which means the climate can be quite dry. Be sure to pack moisturizer and lip balm to prevent dry skin and lips. Also, always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Lastly, keep an eye on the weather forecast during your visit. While Palm Springs is generally sunny, it can occasionally experience sudden weather changes, including rare rainstorms and wind gusts.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

20° / 7°

January is the coldest month in Palm Springs, but it's still relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 7 to 20 degrees Celsius.

February

22° / 9°

February sees a slight increase in temperature, ranging from 9 to 22 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasant time to visit.

March

24° / 11°

March is the start of spring with temperatures ranging from 11 to 24 degrees Celsius, perfect for outdoor activities.

April

28° / 14°

April is a warm month with temperatures ranging from 14 to 28 degrees Celsius, ideal for enjoying the beautiful desert scenery.

May

32° / 18°

May is the start of the hot season with temperatures ranging from 18 to 32 degrees Celsius, remember to stay hydrated.

June

37° / 22°

June is very hot with temperatures ranging from 22 to 37 degrees Celsius, perfect for poolside relaxation.

July

40° / 26°

July is the hottest month with temperatures ranging from 26 to 40 degrees Celsius, make sure to protect yourself from the sun.

August

40° / 26°

August continues the heat of summer with temperatures ranging from 26 to 40 degrees Celsius, a great time for indoor activities.

September

36° / 22°

September sees a slight decrease in temperature, ranging from 22 to 36 degrees Celsius, making outdoor activities more comfortable.

October

30° / 17°

October is a pleasant month with temperatures ranging from 17 to 30 degrees Celsius, ideal for exploring the city.

November

24° / 11°

November is the start of the cooler season with temperatures ranging from 11 to 24 degrees Celsius, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.

December

20° / 7°

December is a cool month with temperatures ranging from 7 to 20 degrees Celsius, a great time to enjoy the holiday festivities.

Did you know?

Did you know that Palm Springs, California is known for having over 350 days of sunshine each year?

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