This page contains links to Third Party websites. Clicking on the Third Party links within will transfer you to their websites and may result in commission paid to Gwen's Getaways. Gwen's Getaways does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information provided on their websites. Purchasing decisions should be made at the purchaser's discretion.
Palm Springs
You have arrived!
Palm Springs is always a good idea.
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
It's hard not to like Palm Springs. With beautiful weather, scenery, and vibe, it's a great retreat to relax and enjoy everything this desert oasis has to offer.
When
How
Palm Spring International Airport (PSP) is conveniently located a short drive from downtown Palm Springs with direct flights from most major cities in the US and Canada. It's also about a 2.5 hour drive mostly east from LA.
The desert location provides almost daily sun, but with that also comes heat. Winter is a great time to visit with highs in the low 70s F and lows in the 40s. Average temperatures reach highs in the high 80s by April and 100s June-September. The second half of February is a great time to visit to experience Modernism Week.
Where
to stay...
1) Villa Royale - The Villa Royale is one of my favorite hotels. It has a super cool vibe and California mid-century modern atheistic across the property. Rooms are the size of small apartments great for groups or an extended stay. The property is across two buildings each with their own outdoor courtyard pool complete with lounge chairs and cabanas. The bar has a great intimate setting for a cocktail and snacks in the evening. Stays also include a continental breakfast in the courtyard. The hotel is located a quick drive or bus ride from downtown Palm Springs. For more information and the ability to book, click here.
2) Parker Palm Springs - The Parker is pretty much the Palm Springs hotel. The Parker was created by hotelier Jack Parker in 2003 and with the help of Jonathan Adler's design became the Palm Springs hotel. Prior to that, the site served as the first Holiday Inn in California and Merv Griffin's Resort Hotel. The hotel is located on 13 acres with beautiful Alice In Wonderland like grounds filled with pools, tennis courts, croquet, and a "yacht club"/ spa. A place to stroll while you sip on lemonade.
The ground are only accessible to hotel guests and worth the splurge to experience at least once. Rooms are very spacious with mid-century modern designs, including villas and rooms pool side and with private courtyards with hammocks. Rooms are also equipped with the most impressive designer toiletry set I've ever seen. The hotel also has 3 restaurants and a bar each uniquely designed and open to the public. More details on the hotel, along with the ability to book is accessible here.
3) Sands Hotel & Spa - If you don't mind being further away from Palm Springs, then the Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells is a lovely option. It has a California meets Moroccan chic aesthetic designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard featuring with black and white tile and pink highlights throughout. It's the type of place you can come for a few days and not leave spending time across the outdoor courtyard pool, restaurant and spa. The beautiful designs carry throughout the rooms, each equipped with a balcony or terrace. If you don't stay here, still experience The Pink Cabana restaurant to get a snippet of what the hotel offers. More details on the hotel, along with the ability to book is accessible here.
​
*Looking for an apartment stay? Click here to see what chic apartments Sonder has available.
What
Do
to...
Aside from enjoying fun in the sun with time for the pool, golf, tennis, shopping, and dining, these are some suggestions to make the most of your time in Palm Springs:
1) Tour Mid-Century Modern Homes - A highlight of Palm Springs is its mid-century modern architecture that makes you feel like you stepped back in time to a swinging Hollywood '50s-'60s party. Palm Spring's architecture is highlighted each February during Modernism Week. Modernism Week typically runs for 10 days from mid to late February. It provides the opportunity to tour homes and attend events highlighting the yesteryear of mid-century modern architecture. If you're there outside of Modernism Week, architecture tours can be booked like the one here.
​
2) Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram - Soar over Palm Springs on the world's largest rotating tramcars for aerial views of the desert. Ascending over a mile high to the San Jacinto Mountains where you'll have access to 54 miles of hiking trails for hiking in warm weather or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter. There's also a mountain station with a cocktail lounge, restaurant and observation deck to eat, drink and enjoy the views. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures at the high elevation. Admission tickets can be purchased through Viator here.
3) Visit Joshua Tree National Park - About an hour drive outside of Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park. The park has two distinct desert ecosystems - the Mojave and the Colorado. Covering nearly 800,000 acres, a driving tour is an efficient way to cover the most ground. This tour will transport you from Palm Desert and back via a 4x4 to go into the rugged back country to see portions unreachable on foot.
Eat
I haven't come across one specific food to recommend in Palm Springs, but always enjoy a trip to Las Casuelas Terraza​ for Mexican food.
Drink
Palm Springs Paloma. The refreshing taste and hint of color from grapefruit juice mixed with tequila seems like the perfect drink to enjoy in the hot Palm Springs sun. *If of legal drinking age to drink responsibly
Wear
Mid-century modern chic
Watch
Palm Springs Weekend
by Norman Taurog
Listen
"Palm Springs"
by Constellation Prize
Gift
Click here for Gift ideas