Set against Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs is a sunlit retreat known for mid-century style, vintage glamor, and desert beauty. Once a Hollywood hideaway, it now mixes retro architecture with luxury resorts, outdoor escapes, and a laid-back vibe that draws design lovers, hikers, and creatives.
With TravelPal.ai, you can build the perfect Palm Springs itinerary with the best things to do—hiking, horseback riding, architecture, and golfing—without missing a beat.
Why Palm Springs Style Stands Out
Palm Springs offers something few destinations can: a seamless blend of architectural preservation, desert serenity, and vibrant cultural life.
Its proximity to nature, steady sunshine, and visual identity rooted in the 1950s and ’60s give it timeless appeal.
It’s a place where you can:
- Wake up in a mid-century home or boutique hotel.
- Hike red-rock canyons by morning and relax in a mineral spa by afternoon.
- Sip craft cocktails beneath swaying palms as the sun sinks behind the mountains.
Mid-Century Modern and Architectural Heritage
Palm Springs is a living museum of modernist architecture.
Clean lines, glass walls, and butterfly roofs define the city’s residential streets and public spaces. Homes by famed architects like Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler have become design pilgrimages for architecture fans.
Visitors can take architecture tours, visit the Art Museum’s Design Center, or stay in restored mid-century hotels like The Saguaro, L’Horizon, or Parker Palm Springs.
Modernism Week, held every February, is a must-attend event celebrating the city’s architectural legacy with home tours, talks, and exhibitions.
Outdoor Adventure in Every Direction
Beyond the pools and patios, Palm Springs is an ideal base for desert exploration.
Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto for alpine hikes with sweeping views. Stroll through lush fan palm oases in Indian Canyons, one of the best-preserved natural areas in the region.
Just outside town, Joshua Tree National Park offers striking rock formations, cactus gardens, and starlit skies. Nearby, explore Coachella Valley Preserve, ride horseback through the desert, or golf on world-class courses.
Poolside Culture and Boutique Escapes
Palm Springs practically invented the idea of the glamorous poolside escape.
Spend your days lounging at retro resorts or adults-only boutique hotels with shaded cabanas and curated playlists. Whether it’s a quiet spa retreat or a lively weekend with friends, the city’s hospitality scene fits every travel style.
Top hotel picks include Korakia Pensione, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, and the Avalon Palm Springs. Many properties include yoga classes, cocktail hours, and complimentary bikes to cruise around town.
Downtown Life and Local Culture
Palm Springs’ downtown is compact, walkable, and full of charm.
Expect art galleries, vintage boutiques, local cafes, and design stores that showcase the city’s creative spirit. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, enjoy farm-to-table dining on Palm Canyon Drive, or catch an indie film at the historic Camelot Theatres.
Each Thursday night, the weekly VillageFest brings live music, street food, and artisan markets to the heart of the city.
Events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Desert X (a biennial outdoor art exhibition) add extra energy and attract global visitors.
Day Trips and Nearby Gems
While Palm Springs offers plenty to do on its own, its location makes it easy to explore other cities and desert attractions.
Take a scenic drive to Idyllwild for pine-scented hikes and mountain air. Head to Palm Desert or La Quinta for upscale shopping and dining. Or, if you time it right, visit during the famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival just down the road in Indio.
When to Visit
The high season runs from November through April, when temperatures are mild and ideal for outdoor activities.
Summer offers deep discounts and fewer crowds, though it comes with triple-digit heat—best for travelers focused on spa time, pool days, and air-conditioned art.
Plan a trip to Palm Springs at TravelPal.ai.