Palm Springs: Enjoy the Ultimate Southern California Year-Round Vacation Spot
Curated By
Francesca Zanetti
Curator’s statement
I have been visiting and living in the Palm Springs area for over 10 years. When I am here, it feels like being on vacation. It has great relaxing vibes while you can be very active enjoying the amazing scenery and weather year round.
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Where to stay in Palm Springs
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Things to do in Palm Springs
So much to see and do in the Palm Springs and Coachella area. Use the local website to find detailed information and suggestions at www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
Relax by the pool.
Go on a hike — so many beautiful hiking trails. Bring your boots and look out for the wildlife.
Play golf at one of the many beautiful courses.
Play tennis or take a tennis clinic at one of the many tennis resorts or even at the Indian Wells tennis garden where the BNP Paribas Open is hosted.
Drive around and enjoy the beautiful scenery and architecture.
Make time for some shopping on El Paseo or make a trip to the Cabazon outlets.
Visit one of the hot springs spas near Palm Springs.
Visit the local museums: Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs Art Museum, Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and the Living Desert Zoo and Garden.
Visit Sunnylands, the Annenberg residence or if tickets are not available, tour the Visitor Center and watch the video. Usually open during the weekends.
Gamble at one of the casinos
Day trips
There are a few day trip options:
Take the tram to the top of Mount Jacinto to admire the view and hike.
Plan a full day excursion to Joshua Tree National Park. Plan a driving loop from Palm Springs going up Route 62 all the way to the entrance to the National Park. Make time to park and walk around, exploring the beautiful scenery. If you are into climbing, you could plan ahead for a climb.
Plan a full day exploration to the wild side of Salton Sea and then Salvation Mountain outdoor art monument with a stop at Bombay Beach where a few art installations from Burning Man are housed and a stop in Indio at one of the date farms for a date shake.
Places to eat & drink in Palm Springs
In Palm Desert:
Il Corso - Best Italian restaurant
Wally's - American continental, elegant setting
Cuistot - Best French restaurant
Mamma Gina - Best happy hour at the bar
Las Casuela Nueva - Very good Mexican restaurant
In Palm Springs:
Spencer's - Classic, always great American restaurant
Palmina by Puglia - Great Italian restaurant
Le Vallauris restaurant - Very nice and very good French restaurant, beautiful settings
Melvyn at Ingleside Inn - Nice restaurant and bar and check out the live music schedule
In Indian Wells:
Vicky Santa Fe - For the live music
Need to know
Palm Springs is a great spot to visit year-round. Keep in mind that summer will be very warm and usually very dry.
Travel Advisor
Francesca Zanetti
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Palm Springs page.