Palm Springs Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Palm Springs, California, with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Palm Springs

Located in Riverside County in Southern California, Palms Springs is a picturesque desert resort city that offers an exceptional experience for travelers. Surrounded by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs is famous for its warm temperature, over 100 world-class golf courses, stylish boutique hotels, and thousands of palm trees that adorn the city, providing a unique desert oasis feel. This travel guide will help you discover everything you need to know about Palm Springs, from the best places to visit to the most delicious local dishes to try.

List of Places to Visit in Palm Springs

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palm Springs Art Museum
  • Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
  • Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
  • Palm Springs Air Museum
  • The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Palm Springs is known for its appreciation and preservation of art and culture. One notable museum is the Palm Springs Art Museum, where visitors can marvel at exhibits ranging from contemporary art to Native American artifacts. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is a must-visit for those desiring an understanding of the Cahuilla people and their way of life. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is another favorite attraction, showcasing a desert paradise filled with flora and fauna that add to the city’s allure.

Natural Attractions of Palm Springs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Indian Canyons
  • Tahquitz Canyon
  • Coachella Valley Preserve

Palm Springs’ natural attractions offer more than just a view of the picturesque mountains and desert. Visitors can take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which ascends 8,500 feet above sea level, providing breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley and Mount San Jacinto State Park. Joshua Tree National Park showcases the largest Joshua tree forest, while Indian Canyons offers an immersive experience for hikers. Visitors to Tahquitz Canyon can hike and swim in a gorgeous desert canyon, and the Coachella Valley Preserve provides an opportunity to spot the city’s various wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palm Springs

Palm Springs is popular among hikers, thanks to its many scenic trails. The most popular hiking trails include the Palm Canyon Trail, Andreas Canyon Trail, and the Murray Hill Loop Trail. Biking enthusiasts should head to the dedicated bike lanes along Indian Canyon Drive, and the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve offers guided bike tours through various trails.

Best Things to Do in Palm Springs: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides
  • Guided Jeep Tours
  • Horseback Riding Tours
  • ATV Adventure Tours
  • Golfing

Palm Springs offers various activities and tours for visitors to experience the city in different ways. Visitors can enjoy hot air balloon rides over the city or take a guided Jeep tour to explore the mountainous desert landscape. Meanwhile, horseback riding and ATV adventures can be found near Joshua Tree National Park and the Coachella Valley Preserve. For those who enjoy golfing, Palm Springs boasts over 100 world-class golf courses that offer picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palm Springs

Day 1: Explore the city’s art and culture scene with visits to Palm Springs Art Museum and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Day 2: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride and play golf in some of the world-class courses in the city. Day 3: Take a tour of the national parks and canyons near the city, including Joshua Tree National Park, Indian Canyons, and Tahquitz Canyon. Day 4: Take an ATV adventure tour to explore the desert landscape and enjoy nature walks in the Coachella Valley Preserve. Day 5: Take a guided Jeep tour to experience the city’s mountainous landscapes and enjoy a horseback riding tour. Day 6: Relax at Palm Springs’ famous spas and enjoy a day of shopping at El Paseo Shopping District or Cabazon Outlets. Day 7: End the week with a trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Food and Drink Scene of Palm Springs

Must-Try Dishes

  • Date Shakes
  • California Burgers
  • Tacos
  • Craft Beer
  • Palm Springs Wine

Palm Springs’ food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering a variety of cuisines, from Mexican to American. Visitors must try the famous date shakes, a local drink made from the city’s trademark fruit, the date. The California burger is another popular dish in Palm Springs, topped with avocado, bacon, and cheese. The city’s love for tacos is exhibited in various restaurants, with the Palm Springs Wine and Craft Beer Scene providing options for a great beverage experience.

Local Beverages

  • Date Shakes
  • Palm Springs Wine
  • Craft Beer

Palm Springs is famous for its refreshing and unique date shakes, and visitors must try one while in the city. Meanwhile, the Palm Springs Wine Trail provides visitors with a chance to explore California’s wine country, with vineyards located nearby where visitors can sample everything from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay. For beer enthusiasts, Palm Springs’ Craft Beer Scene has a variety of local and international options to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Palm Springs offers various options for accommodation, including stylish boutique hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs. Some of the best luxury hotels in Palm Springs include the Parker Palm Springs, the Kimpton Rowan, and the Hyatt Palm Springs. For more budget-friendly accommodation, consider staying in one of the city’s charming guesthouses, hostels, or an Airbnb.

What to Buy in Palm Springs: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Date products
  • Desert-inspired art and pottery
  • Mid-century modern furniture and collectibles
  • Local handicrafts

Palm Springs offers a wide range of local products that visitors can take home as souvenirs, including various date products, straight from the farms. Desert-inspired art and pottery can be found in various stores and galleries, while mid-century modern furniture and collectibles can be bought from stores on Palm Canyon Drive. Visitors can also purchase local handicrafts, including woven tapestries and pottery, at various local shops and arts and crafts fairs.

Local Culture and Customs of Palm Springs

The Cahuilla people were the first inhabitants of Palm Springs, and the city reflects their heritage and story in its artwork, museums, and cultural events. The city embraces a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as outdoor adventures, fine dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit Palm Springs

The best time to visit Palm Springs is between November and May, when temperatures are the most pleasant, and the city sees less heat. Visitors can also enjoy various events during this period, including film festivals, music festivals, and food and wine tours.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palm Springs

Do:

  • Pack sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun.
  • Bring comfortable hiking shoes and clothes for outdoor adventures.
  • Try local cuisine, including date shakes, California burgers, and tacos.
  • Book accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Respect local traditions and culture.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash in the parks and natural landmarks.
  • Ignore the heat and fail to stay hydrated.
  • Disrespect the natural wildlife and desert landscape.
  • Smoke indoors or inappropriately dispose of cigarettes.
  • Forget to tip service industry workers appropriately.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is relatively safe to visit, with low crime rates compared to other cities in California. However, as with any city, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety, such as locking doors and windows when leaving their accommodation, being aware of their surroundings, and following common safety practices.

Health in Palm Springs

Palm Springs experiences hot temperatures, especially during the summer months, so visitors must stay hydrated to avoid heat-related illness. Water is the best option for hydration, while drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, or sugar can dehydrate visitors, leading to health complications.

Getting to Palm Springs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Palm Springs

  • Palm Springs International Airport
  • Los Angeles Inter-national Airport
  • Ontario International Airport.

Palm Springs International Airport offers frequent flights from major cities in the US while Los Angeles International and Ontario International airports provide indirect options to the city.

Bus Stations Near Palm Springs

  • Greyhound
  • SunLine Transit Agency

Greyhound offers various bus services to Palm Springs from other major cities in the US, while SunLine Transit Agency serves public transport within the city.

Other Options

Visitors can also get to Palm Springs through car rentals and taxi services, such as Uber and Lyft.

How to Get Around in Palm Springs

While exploring Palm Springs, visitors can rent a car, ride a bike, take a shuttle, book a taxi, or ride the free Buzz Trolley that circles through the city’s popular attractions. Visitors can also walk to explore the Downtown area, where various restaurants and shops are located.

Where to Go Next from Palm Springs: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • Santa Barbara
  • Joshua Tree National Park

Palm Springs is located near various destinations visitors can visit after their time in the city. Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara are all nearby, while Joshua Tree National Park is a short drive from Palm Springs.

Conclusion

Palm Springs offers a unique desert oasis experience that visitors should not miss. With beautiful natural landscapes, a rich cultural scene, diverse cuisine, and various activities and tours, Palm Springs guarantees a memorable vacation for all. Visitors can explore the city’s beautiful museums, natural landmarks, and enjoy the outdoors while staying in top-rated accommodation and sampling local cuisine. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can make the best of their time in Palm Springs, ready for a perfect, unforgettable vacation.

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