There’s a rhythm to Palm Springs that you feel the moment you arrive, a mix of sunshine, mountain views, and midcentury charm that makes everything seem brighter and slower all at once. First-time visitors often start by exploring downtown’s palm-lined streets, where vintage neon meets chic design shops, open-air patios, and the hum of live music at night. From there, the city unfolds in every direction, desert trails to the south, colorful neighborhoods to the west, and sparkling pools tucked behind classic architecture everywhere you look.
Getting Around Palm Springs
One of the best surprises about Palm Springs is how easy it is to explore. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is just a few minutes from downtown so you can go from runway to resort in no time. Once you’re here, the city’s compact layout makes it perfect for walking, biking, or a short rideshare between neighborhoods. You can rent bikes or scooters to cruise the palm-lined streets. Many hotels also offer bikes, making it effortless to go car-free during your stay.
Discovering Palm Springs, North to South
To truly get a feel for Palm Springs, think of the city as a ribbon of distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm, scenery, and personality. From its retro northern edge to its art-filled Uptown and vibrant Downtown, every area reveals a different side of the desert lifestyle locals love.
North Palm Springs - The Retro Gateway
Welcome to Palm Springs! If you arrive from I-10, you’re greeted by windmills and midcentury flair. North Palm Springs sets the tone for the city’s blend of history and hip energy. The Palm Springs Visitors Center, located in a vintage midcentury gas station designed by Albert Frey, is the perfect first stop for maps, information, and insider tips. They also have a lovely gift shop.
Top Picks for First-Timers:
- Climb high above the canyon on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It’s one of the best introductions to the city, a ride from warm desert floor to cool alpine forest, with sweeping views that make the whole valley feel like yours to explore.
- Shop at the Modern Way and Haus of Re[x], which has the largest showroom of midcentury modern decor in the valley, for vintage decor.
- Take a Palm Springs Windmill Tour and explore the giant wind turbines that have become an iconic symbol of renewable energy in Southern California.
Uptown Design District - Midcentury Meets Modern Chic
Heading south, you’ll hit the Uptown Design District, where Palm Springs’ love of style and design truly comes alive. This stretch along North Palm Canyon Drive is a feast for the eyes, featuring a mix of sleek galleries, playful boutiques, and restaurants with expansive outdoor patios that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect place to wander and window-shop.
Top Picks for First-Timers:
- Pop into The Shag Store for colorful art prints that capture the Palm Springs vibe
- Check out Trina Turk’s flagship boutique for California-cool fashion, also a resident.
- Sip a craft cocktail at Bootlegger Tiki, tucked into the city’s original Don the Beachcomber restaurant
- Enjoy dinner at Copley’s on Palm Canyon, Eight4Nine, or Trio, all locally owned and loved.
Learn more about our Tiki Lounges: Palm Springs Tiki Lounges: Where to Sip and Sway in Style.
Get the Uptown Design District Vintage Shopping Guide.
Downtown Palm Springs - The Heart of It All
Downtown is where everything converges: food, fun, art, and nightlife under swaying palms and neon lights. It’s a leisurely stroll from most hotels, and ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience the full Palm Springs energy.
Top Picks for First-Timers:
- Start the day with a stroll through the Palm Springs Downtown Park and visit Forever Marilyn.
- Next to the downtown park is the Palm Springs Art Museum, which offers compelling art exhibitions, diverse collections, and engaging community programs.
- Lulu California Bistro is a very popular and well-known for its pre-fixe meals and 3-course weekend brunch. It features a large outdoor patio.
- For Palm Springs branded merchandise, browse locally inspired finds at Destination PSP.
- Learn about Native Palm Springs at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
Learn more about Palm Springs' native culture and heritage at Visit Native Palm Springs.
Don’t miss an evening show at the newly restored Plaza Theatre or a stroll along the Walk of the Stars, celebrating the legends who helped shape Palm Springs’ fame.
South Palm Springs - Nature, History, and Architecture
Further south, Palm Springs opens onto its most dramatic landscapes, the Indian Canyons, part of the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. This area embodies the natural soul of Palm Springs, with hiking trails winding through palm-filled oases, waterfalls, and rugged desert vistas.
Top Picks for First-Timers:
- Hike the Tahquitz Canyon Trail and discover a 60-foot waterfall
- Explore the expansive Indian Canyons, one of the desert's most breathtaking natural attractions, located on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' tribal land.
- Take a self-guided bike tour of the South Palm Springs neighborhoods. This is the home of Canyon View Estates, where Don't Worry Darling was filmed.
- Dine at Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, a dining destination where the elegance and sophistication of the 1940s supper clubs come alive.
Underrated Spots
Take the Palm Springs local advice. These are must-visits. Charming attractions that definitely should be on your itinerary for an insider’s perspective on Palm Springs’ lifestyle and history.
- Moorten Botanical Garden: Like a desert Garden of Eden, this one-acre private arboretum teems with thousands of trees, plants, and cacti from around the world. Follow the shady trail past rare plants you won’t see anywhere else. Take a few home from the Nursery. Marvel at the Cactus Castle, the Moorten family’s home since 1938.
- Palm Springs Air Museum: Discover the world's largest collections of static and flyable aircraft spanning from World War II to the War on Terror. It is also home to Walt Disney's private plane, as well as other various exhibits and installations. Very family-friendly.
- Escena Gold Club and Grill offers expansive views of the San Jacinto Mountains while golfing or having brunch on the large outdoor patio at the clubhouse.
Get the list of Top Insta-Worthy Spots in Palm Springs.
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs
Palm Springs shines year-round, but the vibe shifts beautifully with the seasons. Spring (March–May) bursts with color, outdoor Coachella Music festivals, and perfect pool weather. Summer (June–August) brings long, sunny days ideal for lazy pool afternoons and fewer crowds. Think pool parties like Splash House. This is also the slow season and brings the best values, especially Sunday through Thursday. Fall (September–November) offers crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and a full lineup of events, from film festivals to Palm Springs Pride. Winter (December–February) is classic Palm Springs: blue skies, balmy days, and cozy nights under desert stars. January leads with the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Gala, followed by the popular Modernism Week in February. This is also our busy season, and you can expect longer wait times at attractions and restaurants. Whatever time you visit, there’s always sunshine waiting.
The Weather and Packing by Season
Whatever time of year you visit, Palm Springs buzzes with energy, from sunrise hikes and poolside lounging to vibrant festivals, art shows, and cultural events. The desert’s beauty remains constant, but the experience changes with the seasons and even from day to night. Here’s how to plan and pack for your trip.
Spring (March - May)
Spring is one of the most comfortable and colorful times to visit Palm Springs. Days are warm and sunny (highs in the 80s), while nights cool to the 60s. Wildflowers bloom across the desert, and mountain trails are ideal for hiking before summer heat sets in. Light layers are key, think shorts or sundresses during the day, and a light jacket or sweater for evenings.
What to Pack: Lightweight tops, layers, swimsuit, shorts, sundresses, a light sweater or jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Summer (June - August)
Summer brings long, sunny days and hot desert temperatures, often reaching above 100°F (38°C). Reserve mornings for outdoor activities like hiking or biking, but afternoons are best spent relaxing in the shade or by the pool. The air is dry, so hydration, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat are essentials. Many visitors escape the heat with indoor attractions or a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where it’s 25 to 30 degrees cooler at the top.
What to Pack: Breathable, sleeveless tops and shorts, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sandals, a swimsuit, and light layering for indoor air-conditioning.
Fall (September - November)
By fall, the desert begins to cool, offering crisp mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons (highs around 80°F / 27°C). It’s a great time for outdoor dining, biking, or exploring the canyons without the summer heat. A light jacket is handy for evenings, which can dip into the 60s. This season also marks the return of many annual events, including film festivals, Modernism Week in October, and Palm Springs Pride celebrations.
What to Pack: Short-sleeved shirts or blouses for days, a light jacket or shawls for evenings, a light-weight sweater, and comfortable shoes for walking and biking.
Winter (December - February)
Winter is Palm Springs at its most classic, with clear skies, mild sunshine, and cool evenings (daytime highs from the mid-60s to mid-70s). It’s perfect for spa days, hiking, golf, or simply soaking up the sun by a heated pool. You’ll want layers, such as a light sweater or jacket, for early mornings and after sunset, when the desert air cools quickly.
What to Pack: Long-sleeved tops, lightweight sweaters and jackets, layered outfits for cooler mornings/evenings, and closed-toe shoes for evening events.
Tipping & Reservations
Tipping
Like everywhere, tipping is the customary way to express gratitude to the individuals who enhance your stay. Usually 15% - 20% for bartenders and waiters. $3 - $4 for drivers. $2 for valets and doormen. $3 - $5 per day for hotel housekeepers. On tours, $5 - $20 per day for guides, depending on the length. If you enjoy a spa treatment, you can expect to pay 15% - 20% of the service cost. Be sure to check your bill. If a gratuity or “service charge” has automatically been added, it’s not necessary to tip a second time.
Reservations
Plan. Contact your restaurant, activity, and event choices before you go. Not all eateries take reservations. But many do. So, it’s wise to lock in reservations as early as possible, especially with “in” spots like Bar Cecil, Johannes, Le Vallauris, and Copley’s on Palm Canyon. If a timely date isn’t available, ask your hotel concierge if they can work the magic.