Palm Springs
Desert luxury meets family adventure in California's oasis
Highlights
Ride the world's largest rotating tram car for breathtaking mountain views and alpine exploration
Explore otherworldly boulder formations and desert landscapes with dramatic rock formations and hiking trails
Experience African and North American wildlife with interactive experiences like camel rides and close encounters
Stroll Palm Desert's premium shopping village with upscale boutiques, galleries, and dining options
Indulge in world-class spa treatments featuring healing mineral waters in Desert Hot Springs
Discover Palm Springs' renowned modernist architecture and contemporary art museums in a culturally vibrant setting
Where to Stay
3 picks
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
Legendary 1926-established resort with massive grounds, unique private casitas with individual pools, lush landscaping, and exceptional service. Where Frank Capra wrote Lost Horizon and celebrities have gathered for nearly a century.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Mesmerizing luxury resort featuring lush green lawns, pristine lakes, mountain views, and comprehensive spa facilities with an elegant lobby that sets the tone for luxury.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Ultra-luxury resort in nearby Rancho Mirage with impeccable service, premium amenities including Harry Josh hair dryers, luxury bedding, great restaurants, and excellent family-friendly activity options.
Where to Eat
9 picks
Restaurant at La Quinta Resort & Club (on-site fine dining)
Upscale on-site restaurant featuring refined desert cuisine with seasonal menus and excellent wine pairings in an elegant setting.
El Paseo Dining District - Palm Desert Fine Dining
Premium shopping village on El Paseo featuring multiple upscale restaurants with diverse cuisines; adventurous family-friendly options with fresh local ingredients.
Village Fest Upscale Vendor Dining - Downtown Palm Springs
Weekly street fest featuring gourmet food vendors with elevated casual cuisine and local artisan products.
Downtown Palm Springs Restaurant District
Walkable area featuring James Beard-nominated restaurants and upscale casual dining with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative preparations.
Spa Resort Lunch at Desert Hot Springs
Upscale spa resort dining featuring light, healthy cuisine paired with spa treatments; overlooking natural mineral water features.
Desert Spa Mineral Water Lunch Experience
Specialized wellness dining combining light gourmet cuisine with natural mineral water treatments at Desert Hot Springs spa resorts.
Resort Poolside Gourmet Dining
Premium casual dining at La Quinta or Ritz-Carlton with sophisticated cuisine available poolside; family-friendly with kids' options.
Upscale Desert Cuisine at Indian Wells Resort
Fine dining at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells with contemporary desert-inspired menus and award-winning service.
Breakfast at Resort - Full Spread
Luxury buffet or à la carte breakfast featuring fresh pastries, local produce, gourmet preparations, and premium beverages.
What to Do
14 picks
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride the world's largest rotating tram car from desert floor (2,643 ft) to Mountain Station (8,516 ft) with panoramic views; explore alpine trails and dining at the summit.
Resort Recreation - Lazy Rivers and Waterslides
Enjoy world-class resort pool facilities at family-friendly luxury properties; many feature lazy rivers, waterslides, and children's pool areas.
Joshua Tree National Park - Skull Rock Trail
Natural playground featuring massive boulder formations, scenic hiking trails, and otherworldly desert landscape; visit the famous Skull Rock area.
Village Fest Street Performances and Markets - Downtown Palm Springs
Weekly community event featuring street performers, local vendors, live music, and entertainment in downtown area.
The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens
25-acre zoo in Palm Desert featuring African and North American wildlife; includes camel rides, eagle encounters, turtle petting, and botanical exploration.
Palm Springs Art Museum and Architecture & Design Center
World-class art museum featuring contemporary and classical works; explore the Architecture & Design Center showcasing modernist design.
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
Interactive museum in Rancho Mirage designed for hands-on learning through play; features exhibits for multiple age groups.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Experience - Premium Mineral Water Resort
Multiple five-star spa resorts featuring natural healing mineral waters; book VIP spa packages with treatments for entire family.
El Paseo Shopping District - Palm Desert
Upscale shopping village featuring designer boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor spaces; explore quaint shops and browse fine art.
Pro Golf Tournament - ANA Inspiration or SilverRock Championship
Attend professional golf tournaments held in the Coachella Valley at world-class courses; watch elite golfers and experience luxury spectator amenities.
Private Resort Spa Services - In-room or Poolside
Book private spa treatments at your resort; available options include massages, facials, and wellness treatments for the entire family.
Pioneertown - Historic Movie Set and Western Town
Preserved 1940s movie set featuring authentic Old West buildings; explore unique shops, galleries, and experience Old West atmosphere.
Salton Sea Exploration - Nature and Birdwatching
Unique inland sea southeast of Palm Springs; excellent for birdwatching, photography, and experiencing unique desert ecology.
Bear Creek Trail Biking - La Quinta Area
Scenic biking trail in the Coachella Valley near La Quinta; family-friendly route with beautiful desert and mountain views.
Good to Know
8 picks
Timing is Everything
Visit November through early spring for comfortable temperatures (65-75°F). Summer heat exceeds 110°F, making outdoor activities dangerous. Plan early morning outings (7-11 AM) before heat peaks, rest during afternoon (12-4 PM), then resume activities in late afternoon and evening.
Rent a Car for Flexibility
A vehicle is essential for exploring the wider Coachella Valley region, including Joshua Tree National Park, Pioneertown, and Salton Sea. Downtown Palm Springs is walkable, but attractions are spread across a large area.
Resort Loyalty and Concierge Services
Five-star resorts offer concierge services to arrange VIP experiences, private tours, restaurant reservations, and activity bookings. Use their expertise to skip lines and secure premium access.
Water and Sun Protection
Desert sun is intense; bring high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+), reapply frequently, wear UV-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Carry substantial water (3+ liters per person daily) and electrolyte beverages.
Spa Booking and Wellness Packages
Book spa treatments in advance, especially during peak season (November-March). Many luxury resorts offer family wellness packages combining treatments, meals, and activities.
Desert Hot Springs Day Trip
Drive 20 minutes to Desert Hot Springs for world-class spas featuring natural mineral waters. Many offer day-use packages with lunch; book VIP experiences for private pools and exclusive treatments.
Michelin-Caliber Dining Reservations
Make restaurant reservations 30-60 days in advance for premium dining. Use OpenTable or call directly; mention special occasions (anniversaries, celebrations) for potential upgrades.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Take advantage of free downtown exploration, weekly Village Fest, art gallery browsing on El Paseo, and self-guided resort grounds tours. Many attractions offer family combination packages.
Map
Map unavailable
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.