Dog-Friendly Hotels, Dining, Parks, and Things to Do
With sunshine nearly every day and plenty of outdoor spaces to explore, Palm Springs has become one of Southern California’s most welcoming destinations for travelers with pets. Nearly 40% of U.S. travelers say they travel with their pets.
The city is recognized as a Certified City in the Better Cities for Pets program, a national initiative that encourages communities to create safer and more welcoming environments for pets and their owners.
From pet-friendly hotels and patios to scenic parks and unique attractions, Palm Springs offers countless ways to enjoy a desert getaway with your four-legged companion.
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Palm Springs Animal Shelter
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter plays a vital role in supporting pets and pet owners throughout the community.
Located in the heart of Palm Springs, the shelter offers adoption programs, community education, and essential services designed to improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
Visitors and residents can also take advantage of helpful services, including:
- Weekly low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics
- A Pet Food Bank supporting families in need
- Adoption programs that help animals find loving homes
The shelter partners with local organizations, including the Mizell Center, AAP Food Samaritans, Well in the Desert, and Bloom in the Desert Ministries, to help distribute pet food throughout the region.
Choosing to adopt rather than buy from breeders or pet stores is one of the best ways to help reduce pet homelessness.
Pet-Friendly Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Palm Springs is an easy destination for travelers with pets because many hotels and vacation rentals welcome four-legged guests.
Several local properties even go above and beyond with pet amenities.
👉 Get the list of all Pet-Friendly Hotels
Many vacation rentals across Palm Springs neighborhoods also welcome pets, offering private yards, pools, and space to relax.
Dog Parks, Walking Trails & Outdoor Spaces
Palm Springs offers several parks and green spaces where pets can stretch their legs and enjoy the desert sunshine.
The Palm Springs Dog Park is located behind City Hall and features 1.6 acres of fenced grassy play areas. The park includes:
- Separate areas for large and small dogs
- Drinking fountains for dogs and humans
- Shade structures and seating areas
- Solar lighting and recycled-material benches
Palm Springs Parks
Another popular spot is Ruth Hardy Park, a 22-acre park located near downtown. Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on leash while exploring the walking paths and open lawns.
One of the city’s largest parks, Demuth Park features wide walking paths, open lawns, and plenty of space for leisurely walks with dogs. The park also offers spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Located just off Palm Canyon Drive by the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Downtown Park is a small but lively green space in the heart of the city. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and it’s a convenient stop while exploring downtown shops, restaurants,
Araby Trail
Located in South Palm Springs, the Araby Trail offers a scenic desert hike with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail, making it a good option for more adventurous hikers visiting with pets. The first 1.5 miles of this hike are dog-friendly, and you will see signs prohibiting you from walking with dogs further.
There are also common areas throughout Palm Springs where humans can hang out with their pets, including Koffi North's outdoor space.
Dog-Friendly Dining in Palm Springs
With its warm climate and vibrant patio culture, Palm Springs offers many restaurants where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
One of the most popular is Boozehounds Palm Springs, a stylish restaurant designed with dogs in mind. The spacious open-air atrium allows guests to dine with their pups, and the restaurant frequently hosts dog-friendly events.
Other great pet-friendly dining spots include:
- Spencer's Restaurant – elegant patio dining beneath historic fig trees
- Jake's Palm Springs – a beloved local favorite where dogs receive water bowls and treats
- Cheeky's – a popular brunch destination in the Uptown Design District
- Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge – a spacious patio with mountain views
- Lulu California Bistro – colorful downtown patio dining
- Escena Lounge & Grill – scenic outdoor dining overlooking the golf course
Palm Springs has dozens of restaurants that welcome dogs on outdoor patios. Explore our complete guide to pet-friendly patios in Palm Springs to discover even more places to dine with your dog.
👉 Best Patio Dining in Palm Springs
Dog-Friendly Things To Do in Palm Springs
Palm Springs makes it easy to explore the city with your four-legged companion. From lively weekly events and scenic outdoor attractions to walkable shopping districts and unique museums, there are plenty of dog-friendly things to do in Palm Springs.
Many of the city’s most popular experiences take place outdoors, which means well-behaved, leashed dogs can often join their owners as they enjoy the desert sunshine, mountain views, and welcoming local atmosphere.
Moorten Botanical Garden
Leashed dogs are welcome to join you while you visit Moorten Botanical Garden. This dog-friendly, historic botanical garden opened in 1938 and features several rare cacti. Visitors can also view crystals, colorful rocks, ancient fossils, pioneer and gold mining relics, and cacti of varying sizes, from miniature to giant!
Strolling Down Palm Canyon
Palm Canyon Drive is a great place for a relaxed walk with your dog. This stylish neighborhood features modern furniture galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants with dog-friendly patios. Many businesses keep water bowls outside for visiting pups, and the wide sidewalks make it a comfortable area to explore with pets.
VillageFest Palm Springs
Every Thursday evening, downtown Palm Springs transforms into a lively street fair during VillageFest. Several blocks of Palm Canyon Drive are closed to traffic and filled with local artists, food vendors, entertainers, and shops.
Palm Springs Air Museum
The dog-friendly Palm Springs Air Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft from Korea and Vietnam. All exhibits in the air-conditioned hangars are rope-free, allowing visitors to get up close to these historical marvels. In addition to the aircraft, exhibits, and activities allow visitors of all ages to gain a fresh perspective on World War II. Friendly, leashed dogs are allowed to tour the attractions.
Credit: No Home Just Roam
Pet-Friendly Shopping and Services
Visitors traveling with pets will also find several businesses in Palm Springs that cater specifically to animals.
Local favorites include:
These shops offer everything from gourmet pet treats to grooming services and adoption opportunities.
Tips for Visiting Palm Springs with Pets
Palm Springs’ desert climate means pet owners should plan ahead, especially during warmer months.
Helpful tips include:
- Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset during warmer seasons
- Bring plenty of water for pets during outdoor activities
- Check restaurant patios for pet policies before visiting
- Always keep dogs leashed in public spaces unless otherwise posted
- Most hiking trails do not permit dogs, so check for signs
With a little planning, Palm Springs can be a wonderful destination for both pets and their humans.
Planning more adventures in the desert? Explore our Things to Do in Palm Springs guide for hiking, architecture tours, museums, and outdoor activities across the city.
FAQ: Visiting Palm Springs with Pets
Is Palm Springs a pet-friendly destination?
Yes. Palm Springs is widely considered one of Southern California’s most pet-friendly destinations. Many hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and parks welcome pets, making it easy to travel with dogs.
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Palm Springs?
Many Palm Springs restaurants allow dogs on outdoor patios. Popular dog-friendly dining spots include Boozehounds Palm Springs, Spencer's Restaurant, Jake's Palm Springs, and Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge. Policies can vary, so it’s always best to check with the restaurant before visiting.
Are dogs allowed on Palm Springs hiking trails?
Most hiking areas do not allow leashed dogs to protect the wildlife and the bighorn sheep. Trails within protected areas such as Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon do not allow pets. However, dogs are welcome in public parks and park paths.
Do Palm Springs hotels allow pets?
Yes. Many hotels welcome pets. Some properties may charge pet fees or have size limits, so it’s best to check each hotel’s policy before booking.
What should visitors know about the desert climate when traveling with pets?
Palm Springs is a desert environment, so temperatures can rise quickly during warmer months. Visitors should plan walks for early morning or evening, bring water for pets, and avoid walking on hot pavement during the day, especially in the summer. If it's too hot for your bare feet, it's too hot for your pet's feet.