8 ideas for a Palm Springs Romantic Getaway

Love is in the sun.

By Melissa Daniels

Coming to Palm Springs with your significant other? This destination offers a number of surprising and delightful ways to woo your new sweetheart, or make new memories with your longtime soulmate.

Whether you’re here for an overnight, a weekend, or a weeks-long honeymoon, the city of Palm Springs has a little something for visitors of all interests and affinities if you’re looking to dine, adventure, or just stay in bed.

1.  Stay at a quiet boutique resort.

One of the most charming ways to experience Palm Springs is at a small boutique hotel. Some properties here have as few as 10 rooms, and often have a pool, courtyard and its own variety of charm. These are extra special places to stay for those couples who are looking for peace, quiet and privacy.

Hotels have a range of aesthetics and price points: places like Sparrows Lodge, Korakia Pensione, and Talavera Hotel give off romantic hideaway vibes and is an instant retreat to a bohemian paradise.

Those who want to be nestled next to the mountain and be able to walk downtown on your Palm Springs romantic getaway, we have you covered.  You might want to choose a small spot like Holiday House, Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, or Del Marcos Hotel, all of which feature quintessential Palm Springs design.

 For the couple looking for a luxurious adults-only getaway, the award-winning L’Horizon Resort and Spa will meet all of your rest and relaxation needs. This glamorous stay was designed by architect William F. Cody in 1952 as a private desert getaway for Hollywood producer Jack Wrather and his family and friends. Guests back then included big names like Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon. In our era, celebrity designer Steve Hermann has brought in modern touches and comforts to top off the midcenutry elegance.

 Whatever your taste, these smaller stays give you all the sunshine of the bigger hotels in town, but with a little bit more privacy for you and your sweetheart to enjoy the view together.

2.  Dine al fresco under the desert sky.

An outdoor meal is the classic way to kick off a Palm Springs romantic getaway, no matter your tastes. And, the Palm Springs dining scene has something for everyone, with many restaurants that are known for their spacious outdoor patios.

For those looking for that old Hollywood vibe, head to the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood for a taste of old Palm Springs at Spencer’s, which features American cuisine with a French twist. The heated outdoor patio makes for a lovely lunch or dinner spot no matter the time of year (reservations required). .

Or, you can check out Sugar High, the rooftop bar at Azucar. This spot is tucked behind the pool at La Serena Villas, a boutique hotel property tucked into the heart of downtown Palm Springs. The mountains cast a gorgeous backdrop any time of day, and the fun and flavorful cocktails and appetizers make it a sweet stop-off as you make your way through Palm Springs.

Pro guest tip: Special restaurants like Sugar High may have limited seating available! Call ahead for reservations, or check in with the front desk about availability if you are not a hotel guest.

3.  Explore the Palm Springs vintage scene.

For the cozy couple who loves to shop together – or for the dating duo that want to see how their new partner looks in vintage shades, Uptown Vintage Shopping is simply the best. It’s the epicenter of all things midcentury modern with a quality and selection that’s unbeatable.

Want a closer look? Book a Mod Squad tour and learn more about the architects the made Palm Springs the modern city it is today. For your Palm Springs romantic getaway, they offer a martini and midcentury modern tour, taking into the past and see the houses of some of the biggest stars in the 1960’s like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and even Marilyn Monroe.

4.  Head up to the mountains on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Want to get outdoors on your Palm Springs date? Capture a view you’ll never forget with your loved one on a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

The world’s largest rotating aerial tramway takes you more than two miles of the mountains in a ride of about 10 minutes up to the top, which also has dining and observation decks. Couples who like to hike together will find 50 miles of trails from the top that can take you all the way to the top of Mount San Jacinto.

5.   Take in the sights, sounds and tastes on Arenas Road.

There’s many LGBTQ-friendly spots in Palm Springs (all of them), but for the couple looking for a lively day or night out, head to Arenas Road.

There’s about a dozen LGBTQ+-owned businesses, including restaurants, clubs, and retail. Favorite spots like Hunter’s, Chill Bar and Blackbook, each have their own personality to suit their clientele, but having them all on one block means you don’t have to choose just one.

While it’s worth a trip any time of day, head to Arenas with your sweetie and you’re sure to have a night to remember. Come as you are and all are welcome.

Lots to see: Check out this rundown of Arenas Road destinations to help you plan your trip!

6.  Enjoy a relaxing couple’s spa treatment.

Between the midcentury modern décor and the lavish spa menu, you’ll definitely leave feeling full-on pampered with some self-indulgence at the Parker’s Palm Springs Yacht Club. This custom crafted, unique experience puts you and your partner in the spotlight. Estrella Spa at Avalon Hotel also offers a midcentury modern design and a range of treatments that will give you that Palm Springs romantic getaway happy glow.

St. Somewhere Spa at Margaritaville Resort is a soothing spa oasis that combines the aura of our dreamy destination with a dash of island energy. These beauty treatments will bring out your best self.

7.  Listen to some live music.

Check the Palm Springs events calendar and book your tickets or make your reservations prior to arrival. Supper Clubs like Purple Room and PS Underground offer dinner and a show. For Jazz lovers, Melvyn’s restaurant and bar has a Sunday jam session in the lounge, which pairs nicely with a martini.

For a very unique in-flight experience you can only find in Palm Springs, confirm your seat at PS Air. They offer a number of entertainment shows, but we’re sure you honey will like the Saturday night in-flight experience.

8.  Discover the majestic Tahquitz and Indian Canyons

Tahquitz Canyon is one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation, and great for couples to hike. It is home to a spectacular seasonal 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation systems, native wildlife, and plants. Located at the entrance to the canyon, the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits.

Indian Canyons is south of Palm Springs and is comprised of three separate canyons; Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon.  A scenic foot trail leads through the canyon passing groves of stately skirted palms, unusual rock formations and the perennial Andreas Creek.

Couples Escape to Fun!

Couples Escape to Fun!