Welcome to Palm Springs
Discover some cool places and things to do in this fantastic California desert resort
Palm Springs is an American Shangri-La in a unique desert environment. It boasts endless sun, rediscovered mid-century architecture and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It's really like no other place. Starting in the 1920s, Palm Springs became popular as a Hollywood stars' playground. It drew actors who wanted to escape the movie business spotlight but whose studio contracts said they couldn't go more than an easy car drive away from LA while in production.
Highway CA-74 is one of the most dramatic drives anywhere and drops thousands of feet down into the Coachella Valley. (Photo M. Harrower)
The city has the largest collection of modernist and mid-century homes in the world, which are celebrated by over 150,000 attendees at Modernism Week every February—not bad in a town with a population of only 48,000. Another quarter-million visitors come for the annual Coachella Music festival , held over two weekends in April. In a town where over half the residents are LGBTQ, it's no surprise that Palm Springs Gay Pride in November is popular, and attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. Throw in the Palm Springs International film festival , the BNP Paribis tennis open in nearby Indian Wells, numerous golf tournaments, not to mention year-round conventions, vacations and art events...I guess it's safe to say "the secret is out" about this once sleepy desert retreat.
The historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood has Spanish-Colonial and modernist homes once owned by stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, and Cary Grant. They sit dramatically against the backdrop of the 10,000 ft San Jacinto Mountains, with shops and galleries nearby. (Photo M. Harrower)
From Instagram influencers at pool parties, to snowbirds escaping winter, you'll find your own personal desert oasis here.
The desert landscape is stunning, slightly surreal, and not hard to access. Many of the best hiking trails start right in the city and climb up quickly. (Photo M. Harrower)
A generation ago, the vibe in town was mostly retirees and golf. Today younger travelers are discovering the charms of the area and come to relax in its laid-back, hip desert aesthetic. There are hundreds of hotels and resorts throughout the valley, including many smaller boutique properties that have retained their old Hollywood seclusion and charm. Or if you prefer a vacation rental property, thousands are available across all budgets. It's safe to say Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley have never been more popular.
Word to the wise: Summers are astonishingly hot here, with temperatures well above 100°F (38°C). Every. Single. Day. For 3+ months. It can even climb past 120°F (49°C), which is why the valley empties out and the summer population drops by about 75 percent from the winter high season. But the rest of the year we enjoy that famous Southern California indoor-outdoor living at its best. Expect plenty of sun, low humidity, hot or warm days, and cool nights.
Below are some of our favorite places to see and things to do in Palm Springs and the surrounding area!
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1
Palm Springs Convention Center
Our tour starts at the Convention Center. Its curved roofline, hammered copper, and local stone materials match the surrounding desert. Esri and many other organizations host events here. More Info
277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: Mark Harrower / Esri
2
Renaissance Hotel
Accommodation in town ranges from hip boutique inns to larger hotels, like the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, which is connected to the Convention Center next door. The colorful outdoor area has the largest hotel pool in town. More Info
888 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262
Photo: Mark Harrower / Esri
3
Sherman's Deli and Bakery
This bustling New York-style deli is a long-time favorite of locals, visitors, and convention attendees. Breakfast starts at 7am daily, so get there early! More Info
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 opposite the Hilton Palm Springs Hotel
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
4
Downtown / Palm Canyon Drive
It's easy to find shops, restaurants and nightlife in the lively, walkable downtown along Palm Canyon Drive. Every Thursday evening there's a popular street fair and market called VillageFest. More Info
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
5
Arenas Road Bars and Shops
It is estimated that over 50% of the residents of Palm Springs are gay and lesbian. Palm Springs has the highest per capita gay population in the US, if not the world, making it a must-see spot for many LGBTQ travelers. Many bars and businesses serving the community can be found here. Learn More
Photo: Cheryl Marland (Flickr)
6
Starbucks Reserve
This is one of the special Reserve Starbucks that showcases 21st century desert modern design inside and out. The outdoor seats provide a great place to people watch, and is close to the Convention Center and the downtown hotels. More Info
101 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 on the corner with Tahquitz Canyon Way.
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
7
Rowan Hotel
Anchoring an ongoing $400 million downtown renovation, the Rowan embraces an updated mid-century cool with killer views from its rooftop pool. More Info .
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
8
Lulu California Bistro
There are lots of great restaurants to choose from along Palm Canyon Drive, among them Lulu, with its glamorous multi-level interior, huge menu, and fun atmosphere. More Info
200 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: Mark Harrower / Esri
9
Architecture and Design Center
This new branch of the Palm Springs Art Museum is dedicated to the mid-century modern architecture and design for which Palm Springs has become rightly famous. The Architecture and Design Center is housed in a classic mid-century modern bank building, originally designed in 1961 by E. Stewart Williams. More Info
300 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
10
Palm Springs Art Museum
Much of the art collection here was donated or loaned by some of the town's wealthy and celebrity residents. Free admission every Thursday evening is part of the weekly Palm Springs Villagefest street fair. More Info
101 Museum Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: Werner Beyer ( Flickr )
11
The Museum Trail
Take a spectacular desert hike right from downtown! Just a few minutes up this steep trail gives you a superb view over the town and the mountains. It's easy to get to the trailhead by walking from any of the downtown Palm Springs hotels. Watch out for rattlesnakes, especially in the early morning and evening.
The trailhead is in the north parking lot of the Palm Springs Art Museum, just a few blocks directly west of the Convention Center.
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
12
Koffi
This local favorite coffee joint has four locations throughout the valley. At the back of the one in the Uptown Design District there's a secret garden courtyard known only to locals. With its beautiful mountain vista, it's a great place to hang out. The excellent art and design shop 'Just Fabulous' is next door where you can browse their big collection of books. More Info
1700 South Camino Real, Palm Springs, CA 92264. On the corner of South Camino Real and East Palm Canyon Drive.
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
13
Frank Sinatra House
One of many cool celebrity pads in town, the Sinatra house was designed by prolific local architect E. Stewart Williams in 1947. More Info
1145 E Via Colusa, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: Library of Congress
14
Uptown Design District
Palm Canyon Drive north of Alejo Road has a focus on modern art and design. You'll find design shops, trendy cafes, and art galleries.
North Palm Canyon Drive between Tachevah to the north and Alejo to the south.
Photo: Rupert Essinger/Esri
15
Trio
Along Palm Canyon Drive in the Uptown Design District you'll find several contemporary restaurants. One of the best is Trio, with a great modern interior and patio. Check their website for specials like their three-course fixed price menus. More Info
707 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
16
Farm
Inspired by a love of the south of France, this charming eatery offers yummy food in a rambling indoor/outdoor courtyard space tucked away off the street. More Info
6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
17
World-Class Golfing
Golf is a big part of the Palm Springs experience. There are dozens of championship-quality courses throughout the valley, including some close to downtown. Many resorts draw golfers from around the world. More Info
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
18
Indian Canyons
Historic home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. There are three palm-filled canyons here. Each is fed by reliable year-round springs, a rare and essential element in one of the hottest and driest places on earth. There is a deep sense of calm in the canyons, and they are one of the natural wonders of the American Southwest. More Info
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
19
Indian Canyons
...The canyons are so lovely they deserve a second photo. These small groves have the only indigenous palm trees in all of California; every other palm you see in California (and there are millions) was imported and planted. They also remind us that the name "Palm Springs" is no misnomer.
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
20
Palm Springs Visitor Center
If you drive into town from the west on Highway 111, the first building on your right is the excellent Visitor Center. It's in a landmark mid-century building that was originally a gas station. More Info
2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 at Tramway Road
Photo: Joel Muniz / Unsplash
21
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This spectacular cable car ride ascends 8,000 feet (2,500 m) into the San Jacinto Mountains where you can dine, hike, and play in the snow in winter. The elevation up top is 8,516 feet, so come prepared for the dramatic 30°F temperature difference. The 12-minute tram ride is like taking an elevator from Death Valley to Montana. More Info
1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Photo: © Billy McDonald , Adobe Stock
22
Mount San Jacinto State Park
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway makes it easy to access this alpine wilderness. From the Tramway's Mountain Station you can go hiking, snow-shoeing, and backpacking in the Park. The strenuous day hike to awesome San Jacinto Peak (10,834 ft) is a 10-mile round trip from the Mountain Station. More Info
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
23
Wind farms
Several thousand wind turbines are spread across the San Gorgonio Pass. Some of the largest are over 300 feet high. You'll see them from the highways in this area.
To get a close-up view of the turbines drive Interstate 10 west.
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
24
Sunnylands
Walter Annenberg's famous estate in Rancho Mirage has recently been opened to the public. There's a gorgeous visitor center, with an outdoor cafe, where you can discover the history of this remarkable place. Even if you don't have a reservation to tour the historic estate, the visitor center and gardens are worth the trip. More Info
37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Photo: Mark Harrower / Esri
25
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
For 50 years this much beloved zoo has showcased desert animals and ecosystems from Africa and North America (with an Australia section opening in 2020). A leader in conservation, the zoo has been instrumental in rescuing and rebuilding desert animal populations throughout US and Mexico. Learn More
47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
26
Roadrunner / Chukwala Hiking Trail
There are dozens of great hiking trails in the hills all around the desert cities. This is one of my favorites, and leaves right from Rancho Mirage City Hall (use the upper parking lot). It's a 3-mile loop, moderately difficult, with great views. It finishes at the very tony Ritz Carlton Hotel (seen in the distance here).
69825 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Photo: Mark Harrower/Esri
27
Joshua Tree National Park
This National Park preserves 800,000 acres of fantastic high and low desert ecosystem, with signature Joshua trees dotting the sweeping landscapes. Great sightseeing, hiking and backpacking awaits. Our photo here shows cholla cacti in the low desert Pinto Basin. The main visitor center and park entrance in the town of Joshua Tree is 36 miles from Palm Springs. More Info
The main visitor center is located at 6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, just off Highway 62
Photo: Sasha • Stories / Unsplash
Want to learn more? Have a look at the links below for more information about the Greater Palms Springs area.
