Spending Thanksgiving in Palm Springs this year? This guide covers what’s open, where to eat, and how to make the most of the long weekend.
Where to Eat on Thanksgiving: Palm Springs Dining Guide
Finding a delicious Thanksgiving dinner in Palm Springs is easy, as several of the city's top spots offer special menus just for the occasion. However, be sure to book early, as tables can fill up quickly!
For a classic Thanksgiving feast in Palm Springs, consider restaurants like Spencer’s Restaurant in the Historic Tennis Club district, which offers a popular three-course menu, or the centrally located LuLu California Bistro, where you’ll find a multi-course prix fixe menu that runs from 11 am to 8 pm. Both options also offer outdoor patios and can accommodate group dining in case you're celebrating with a big crew.
For something a little different, you can (literally) take your dining experience to the next level on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (up to Mountain Station), where Peaks Restaurant and Pines Cafe serve Thanksgiving Day menus with a side of panoramic views, and, of course, plenty of pumpkin pie.
Other excellent restaurants open on Thanksgiving include Copley's, known for classic holiday dishes like oven-roasted turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, stuffing, and all the fixings, or Trio Restaurant, which adds a cool California touch to its refined recipes, all made from scratch and served in a family-style format.
Family-Friendly Activities & Events in Palm Springs
While some attractions may be closed for the holiday, spending quality time outdoors is an easy, stress-free way to enjoy the weekend.
Start your Thanksgiving Day in Palm Springs with a bit of exercise at the Wild Turkey Trot 5K. This annual downtown race encourages participants to “make room for that extra piece of pie” while supporting local charities. Another festive run for a good cause is the Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s 19th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K. Sign up now!
If you’re planning a family-friendly outing, there’s nothing quite like riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which stays open during the holiday weekend. The 10-minute journey takes you from the desert floor to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park, where you can enjoy over 50 miles of trails and a spectacular change of weather and scenery. A hike through Indian Canyons offers a peaceful Thanksgiving outing that’s easy to manage for adults and kids, with several options with natural shade and water access along the way.
Please browse our website to learn more about outdoor activities in and around Palm Springs, including golf, city parks, and bike rides.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs for the Thanksgiving Holiday
It’s no secret that Palm Springs has made a name for itself due to the many historic stays, boutique accommodations, and full-service hotels. Properties like Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs or L'Horizon Resort & Spa (an adults-only option) offer luxurious fixings like fire pits and pools where you and your loved ones can relax before and after your big Thanksgiving feast.
For larger groups or families, you’ll find a selection of stylish vacation rentals and around town, ranging from historic mid-century homes to modern villas for a home-away-from-home experience. For classic Palm Springs digs, The Saguaro and La Maison (adults-only) both run holiday deals well worth checking out!
Read more about where to stay in Palm Springs here.
Plan Your Thanksgiving Escape to Palm Springs
Beyond our local attractions and cultural offerings, spending Thanksgiving in Palm Springs offers a chance to escape the chilly weather and take a break from those long hours in the kitchen. Book your Thanksgiving getaway today, and explore even more fall and winter travel tips in Palm Springs with our seasonal blog.