Before we finish this sentence, we’re guessing you can name the number one reason everyone loves Palm Springs.

The Weather ☀️

You guessed it—it’s the weather.
With 350+ days of sunshine a year, Palm Springs invites you to leave your jacket behind and soak in the good vibes. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hiking through canyons, or sipping cocktails under the stars, our warm desert climate is the ultimate host.

Ready to plan your perfect sunny escape? Here's how to make the most of your weekend:

Day 1: Arrive in Style (and Sunshine)

As you approach Palm Springs, you'll be greeted by one of the desert’s most iconic sights: the massive wind turbines dancing against the mountainscape. Why not start your visit with the Palm Springs Windmill Tour? This 90-minute guided experience dives into the renewable energy that powers our valley.

windmills

🛍️ Shop & Stroll at La Plaza

After the tour, head downtown to La Plaza, a walkable open-air shopping center with everything from artisan boutiques to cocktail bars. Grab lunch on the shaded patio at L’Atelier Café, a French-style bistro known for its quiches, fresh salads, and espresso drinks. 

la plaza

🛏️ Where to Stay

Check into one of Palm Springs’ chic boutique hotels:

sparrows pool

Spend your afternoon poolside or explore the design-forward shops along North Palm Canyon Drive. Don’t miss Just Fabulous, a bookstore and gift shop that’s... well, fabulous.

🍸 Dinner & Drinks

Head to Trio for a lively dinner with modern American dishes in a vibrant, art-filled setting. Or head to Birba, a trendy open-air eatery with wood-fired pizzas and seasonal plates

Wrap up your night with a cocktail at Seymour’s, a cozy speakeasy tucked behind Mr. Lyons Steakhouse.

🚶 Day 2: Explore the City – Foot, Fork, and Flashback

☕ Breakfast Picks

  • Ernest Coffee – Great espresso and patio vibes

  • Cheeky’s – Famous for bacon flights and inventive scrambles

  • FARM – Hidden French café with garden seating and lavender lemonade

Farm Palm Springs

👟 Put Your Best Foot Forward

Drop by Running Wild to grab some comfortable kicks before heading out on a walking tour with the Palm Springs Historical Society. Choose from themes like "Stars & Scandals" or "Midcentury Modern," and explore the legacy of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

OR

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mt. San Jacinto for panoramic views and cool mountain air.

 

palm springs history image

🥗 Lunch Options

Sherman's Deli_Visit Palm Springs_KF

 Afternoon Ideas: Choose Your Own Adventure

For Art Lovers:

Palm Springs Art Museum Interior with guests.

For Vintage Shoppers:

For the Wellness Seeker:

  • Book a massage or mineral soak at The Spa at Séc-he, the brand-new luxury spa built over ancient hot springs

The-Spa-at-Sec-he-Walking-Ladies.jpg

🍽️ Dine Under the Stars

For dinner, treat yourself to Workshop Kitchen + Bar, a James Beard–nominated favorite serving farm-to-table fare in an architecturally stunning former movie theater. Craving tacos instead? Try Tac/Quila for elevated Jalisco-style cuisine and amazing margaritas.

Dinner Options

workshop kitchen

🍸 Nightcap Ideas

  • Bootlegger Tiki – Tropical cocktails in a tiny speakeasy

  • Seymour’s – Classic and cozy cocktail lounge behind Mr. Lyons

  • The Amigo Room (inside Ace Hotel) – Hipster-chic and often has DJs or live music

Amigo Room at Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

Day 3: Trails, Tours & Tee Time

🥐 Early Bite

🥾 Hit the Trails

Next, head south to the Indian Canyons for a morning hike. Choose Andreas Canyon for a moderate walk along streams and palms, or Palm Canyon for a longer, shadier trek with sweeping views and waterfalls.

Tahquitz Canyon – A shorter hike with a stunning 60-foot waterfall

Tahquitz Canyon waterfalls

Prefer bikes over boots?

Rent from Bike Palm Springs Rentals or book a scenic Big Wheel Tours cycling or Jeep experience to explore:

  • San Andreas Fault

  • Coachella Valley Preserve

  • Joshua Tree National Park

bike palm springs

⛳ Optional Tee Time

escena golf

Final Meal Options

Until Next Time...

As your 48 hours draw to a close, soak in one last golden sunset over the San Jacinto Mountains. You came for the sunshine—but you’ll return for the style, serenity, and sense of discovery that defines Palm Springs.

Where the sun always shines and the fun never ends… we’ll see you again soon.

Man in patterned shirt taking a photograph of a woman in an orange dress posing among large red heart sculptures outdoors.

Movie Colony Hotel

Palm Springs Tennis Club

Extended Stay America