Palm Springs

Desert oasis oozing modernist glamour

Palm Springs is a vibrant Southern Californian desert oasis: part dramatic mountainscapes, part pool party, a dash of mid-century modern architecture, and plenty of gently swaying tropical trees. With nine distinctly compelling cities, it’s easy to see how this one region has so much to celebrate. Not only home to world-renowned events like Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Palm Springs is also a hub for Native American, Latino, and LGBTQ culture.

Luxury Holidays to Palm Springs

Palm Springs is not just an excellent Vegas-bound pit stop; it is a luxury holiday destination in itself. Stay in Desert Hot Springs at one of nearly 20 boutique spa resorts, where healing mineral waters have drawn in relaxation-seekers for centuries. Indulge in a luxurious treatment, or zen out with a yoga or Pilates session designed to refresh and recalibrate. Palm Springs is also home to over 120 golf courses, so those looking to tee off in style also won’t be left without.

Great Reasons to Holiday in Palm Springs

Brilliant Buildings – Palm Springs has the most mid-century modern residential architecture in the world. Take a tour of Palm Springs' Uptown Design District any time of year, or visit for Modernism Week.

Retail Therapy – From weekly farmer’s markets and outlet stores in Palm Springs to the sprawling high-fashion El Paseo shopping district, there is something for every brand and budget.

For Art’s Sake – Culture vultures will have a field day with an impressive range of museums, galleries and arts festivals. Check out Palm Springs Art Museum, La Quinta Arts Festival, and Coachella Festival.

Family Fun – Palm Springs welcomes families with open arms. From making a splash at the Wet 'n' Wild Waterpark to stargazing at Rancho Mirage Observatory, kids are sure to be entertained. A variety of free museums and tours also mean family fun doesn’t have to break the bank.

Things to See and Do in Palm Springs

Go Off-Road – Discover an incredible desert ecosystem whilst hiking in the Joshua Tree National Park, on horseback in the Indian Canyons, or at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Pick up the pace with a Quad ATV rental at Windy Point, a Jeep tour safari of the San Andreas Fault, or a spin around that BMW Performance Centre track.

Eat Like a Local – We suggest Desert Tasty Tours, Indio International Tamale Festival, and Shield’s Date Farm if you’re intrigued about Palm Springs’ rich culinary tapestry. For your everyday amazing eateries, we recommend beginning your day with eggs or pancakes at Cheeky’s or Wilma & Frieda. Stop at Jake’s or Heirloom Craft Kitchen for contemporary American cuisine at lunch or dinner.

Drink Like a Local – Visitors will be pleased to know that in Greater Palm Springs, happy hour specials run early, late and sometimes even all day. Satiate cocktail cravings at an Ace Hotel pool party, a Cathedral City LGBT event, or Melvyn’s Restaurant and Lounge, which has nightly live entertainment. If your drinking style is more hop-orientated, head to Coachella Valley Brewing Company, or the La Quinta Brewing Taprooms.

Get Higher – Increasing altitude is an incredible way to get a full scope of the impressive landscape. If hiking won’t quite cut it, why not experience the thrill of rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, take a hot air balloon ride above Greater Palm Springs, or enjoy the panoramic views from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?

Palm Springs Weather

The fact that Palm Springs has more swimming pools per capita than anywhere else in America, says it all. The Coachella Valley is famed for its temperate and mild winters, and arid heat in the summer. With roughly 300 days of sunshine a year, you’ll be pushed to find a better winter sun destination. Meanwhile, between June and September, visitors can take advantage of discounts from attractions to resorts.

Facts about Palm Springs

• Population– approx. 450,000
• Primary Airport – Palm Springs (PSP)

Palm Springs Holidays 2024 / 2025

Whether your holiday is part of a So Cal Triangle visit, or the end of the ideal Californian road trip, book your 2024/2025 Palm Springs holiday ahead of time to secure your stay. Our USA experts at Kenwood Travel have the specialist knowledge you need to help you arrange the holiday of a lifetime. With 45 years of experience and an ATOL membership, your next adventure is best booked with Kenwood Travel.

Top Picks

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel

4* out of 5 stars

Experience a vibrant blend of arts, culture, and thrilling mountain escapades at the exquisite Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs

4* out of 5 stars

With a bright and upbeat atmosphere and plenty of family-friendly features, this is a fantastic home base for your explorations of Palm Springs.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

4* out of 5 stars

Discover a haven of luxury at Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. Every aspect of your experience is meticulously crafted to ensure a truly memorable and serene retreat.

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Useful information

  • Local time GMT (-7)
  • Currency US Dollar ($)
  • Language English
  • Location California
  • Flying time 10 hours & 35 minutes

Destination map

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Things to do

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Traversing 2.5 miles of the spectacular Chino Canyon, a ride on this tramway will take you straight up high to the Mountain Station on the side of Mount San Jacinto. Watch the landscape change before your eyes, transforming from baking desert heat to the cool, forested highlands up the mountain. Take incredible pictures of the breathtaking views, if you can stand to take your eyes away for even a second.

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

One of the greatest destinations for those who love the beauty of nature, this park comprises so many wonders to see that you'll be spoiled for choice. Discover walking trails that will show you the iconic flora that give the park its name, marvel at the spectacular rock formations along the Arch Rock Trail, visit the naturally-occurring cactus grove, or even take a guided tour by a local expert. Top off your visit by watching the sun go down from Keys View, whose vistas of the park's scenery are not to be missed.

Play golf at one of the 124 golf courses

Play golf at one of the 124 golf courses

Full to bursting with the names of top pros, the golf roster at Palm Springs is as impressive as its array of courses. With an outstanding 124 golf courses in this valley, Greater Palm Springs is thought of as having one of the greatest concentration of courses in the entire world, making it a perfect destination for anyone who's eager to tee off. Whether you're searching to improve your game and take lessons, or just enjoy some of the best courses in the world, you certainly won't be short on options.