Why Go to Palm Springs
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Palm Springs has been a desert playground for Hollywood since the 1920s. Stars came to film and escape for the weekend, Frank Sinatra was a regular, and Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned here in 1967. That glamorous history lives on in the city's iconic midcentury modern architecture, and some former celebrity homes are now vacation rentals.
Today, Palm Springs is a favorite for families, couples and a thriving LGBTQ community, with sparkling pools, relaxing spas and restaurants with outdoor patios. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto for cool air and sweeping views, explore the architecture on a midcentury modern tour, and hike the palm-filled oases of Indian Canyons. In the surrounding Coachella Valley, visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert and the palm-lined trails of the Coachella Valley Preserve. Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour away.
The colorful desert sunsets rival any on the coast, and spring wildflower blooms can be spectacular. The best way to do Palm Springs is to slow down, lounge by the pool and enjoy. I'll find the right resort or midcentury rental and plan your desert days.
BEST FOR
Architecture fans, couples, hikers and wellness travelers
BEST MONTHS
November–April
EXPLORE
Downtown Palm Canyon Drive has shops and restaurants; the Uptown Design District features midcentury style; neighboring Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage extend the resort area.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Palm Springs
North America › Southwest › USA › California
Desert modernism, mountain views and relaxing poolside escapes
Urban & Culture
Architecture
Golf
Spa
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Take the aerial tramway with a warm layer, and schedule Indian Canyons hiking early in the day.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Book ahead when possible and pack a jacket even on warm desert days.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride a rotating tramcar from the desert floor into the cooler Mount San Jacinto high country. Forest trails and wide valley views contrast sharply with the city below.
Carry ample water and check tribal visitor hours and trail conditions.
Indian Canyons
Explore Agua Caliente Cahuilla ancestral landscapes, flowing streams and native palm groves at Palm, Andreas and Murray canyons. Trail length and exposure vary.
Pair the museum with galleries and shops on Palm Canyon Drive.
Palm Springs Art Museum
See modern and contemporary art, photography, sculpture and regional works in a downtown museum. Temporary exhibits change throughout the year.
Go in the evening during hotter months and check for street events.
Palm Canyon Drive
Stroll downtown Palm Springs for design shops, public art, cafés and mid-century storefronts. The corridor is especially lively in cooler evening hours.
Allow time for the hangars and outdoor aircraft displays.
Palm Springs Air Museum
Discover restored aircraft and exhibits interpreting aviation history, including World War II and later eras. Aircraft access and special programs may vary.
A distinctive design-oriented resort on the southern side of Palm Springs, suited to travelers seeking a secluded leisure stay. Confirm amenities, reservations and transport to downtown.
Parker Palm Springs
South Palm Springs / East Palm Canyon Drive
Hotel Tags
An upscale boutique resort known for its low-rise desert setting, appealing to guests who favor a quieter retreat. Check current age policies, room selection and wellness offerings.
L’Horizon Resort & Spa
South Palm Springs / East Palm Canyon Drive
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel near the Uptown Design District, convenient for independent dining and shopping. Compare bungalow and guestroom options when booking.
Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows
Uptown Design District / North Indian Canyon Drive
Hotel Tags
An intimate villa-style hotel close to downtown Palm Springs restaurants and boutiques, useful for a pedestrian-friendly getaway. Verify current guest policies and parking.
La Serena Villas
Downtown / South Belardo Road
Hotel Tags
A contemporary hotel on the North Palm Canyon corridor, convenient for Uptown shopping and central attractions. Review room category and any parking or resort charges.
Thompson Palm Springs
Uptown / North Palm Canyon Drive
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Palm Springs
High 79°F · Low 51°F · Rain 0.3 in
Pleasant weather returns, and the busy desert season begins.
October through April is usually most comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. Summer desert heat can be extreme; check weather and trail advisories.
Best Times to Visit Palm Springs
WHEN TO GO
06
Aerial tramway and park access
Build extra flexibility around aerial tramway and park access when visiting Palm Springs. Verify access, cancellations, road or sea conditions and the return journey before committing to an excursion.
05
Downtown walking in desert heat
Plan time for downtown walking in desert heat in Palm Springs. Check terrain, weather, accessibility and local restrictions; allow an alternate transfer where walking is impractical.
04
Licensed taxis and app rides
For more flexible journeys, licensed taxis and app rides may be relevant in Palm Springs. Use authorized providers, confirm the pickup location and agree on payment arrangements before travel.
03
Rental cars for desert drives
Consider rental cars for desert drives when organizing trips beyond your accommodation. Confirm the exact boarding location, advance booking requirements and any transfer between terminals.
02
SunLine buses
For travel within Palm Springs, investigate sunline buses. Verify route coverage, ticket rules, operating dates and the last return service before relying on it for sightseeing.
01
Palm Springs International Airport
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is just minutes from downtown, making it one of the easiest resort airports in the country.
A car or rideshare is practical beyond the walkable downtown corridor; plan outdoor activities early during warmer months.
Getting Around Palm Springs