Why Visit Palm Springs Midweek
Palm Springs shines brightest during the week. From lower hotel rates and fewer crowds to easy reservations at top restaurants and stress-free access to attractions, visiting Sunday through Thursday unlocks a calmer, more indulgent version of the city. It’s the ideal excuse to cash in some PTO and experience Palm Springs like a local—unrushed, relaxed, and effortlessly stylish.
This midweek Palm Springs itinerary is designed as a practical planning tool that balances iconic attractions, architecture, outdoor experiences, dining, and nightlife—without the weekend chaos.
Sunday: Arrival & Downtown Exploration
Morning / Afternoon
- Check in and settle in at your hotel. Consider downtown or Uptown Design District locations to stay close to shopping, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Stroll Palm Canyon Drive to get oriented. Midweek is perfect for browsing boutiques, galleries, and vintage shops without crowds.
- Discover Palm Spring's Walk of Stars
- Visit the Palm Springs downtown park and the Forever Marilyn Statue.
Late Afternoon / Early Evening
Ease into the trip with a casual happy hour or early dinner nearby. Midweek seating is plentiful, making this a great night to keep plans flexible. You’ll arrive to quieter streets, no or short waits, and a noticeably slower pace, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Happy Hour
- 1501 Uptown Gastropub – Cozy patio with mountain views. Happy hour 3–5 pm with $2 off house wine, draft beer, and well cocktails. Try the 1501 burger.
- Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar – Outdoor patio with umbrellas, misters, and heaters. Happy hour 3–5 pm with live music starting at 5 pm.
Evening
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Stroll downtown and enjoy low-key nightlife or a quiet dinner at local favorites such as Eight4Nine or Trio Palm Springs in the Uptown Design District. Both are locally owned and popular with residents.
Monday: Culture & Creative Exploration
Morning
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - Ascend over 8,500 feet for spectacular desert and mountain views. Midweek mornings are quieter, making them ideal for photos and short hikes at the top.
- Optional short hikes or lunch at the Mountain Station before heading back down.
- Walk through Uptown Design District – Discover midcentury modern architecture, art galleries, and unique vintage boutiques.
Afternoon
- Coffee at Koffi or Ernest Coffee – Midweek mornings are perfect for enjoying a quiet patio with specialty lattes.
- Hike a nearby trail – Try the Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon for a short scenic hike without the weekend crowds.
Evening / Dinner:
- LuLu California Bistro – Upscale yet relaxed spot for modern American cuisine with a vibrant patio, perfect for a midweek dinner.
- Kaiser Grille – Classic Palm Springs dining with steak, seafood, and cocktails in a polished, elegant setting.
- Check out Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ nightlife: Quadz for Show Tune Mondays
Tuesday: Outdoor Adventure & Relaxation
Morning
- Sleep in or enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
- Explore Historic Deepwell Ranch Neighborhood: Self-Guided Bike Tour. You can rent a bike at Bike Palm Springs. Many hotels and resorts also offer complimentary bikes.
Afternoon
- Relax poolside – Many midcentury resorts have serene pools perfect for lounging.
- Optional spa visit – Midweek is ideal for bookings at The Spa at Séc-he or Santé Spa at the Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs.
Evening
- Optional: Palm Springs happy hour hop (Eight4Nine, Trio, or Paul Bar) for light cocktails before heading back to your hotel.
- Dinner downtown or Uptown. Try Workshop Kitchen + Bar for seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine; it is also in the Michelin Guide.
Wednesday: Adventure & Nightlife
Morning / Afternoon
- Palm Springs Mod Squad Tour – Dive into Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury modern architecture with a guided Mod Squad tour. Learn the stories behind famous homes, architects, and neighborhoods.
- Lunch – Sherman’s Deli & Bakery for a classic Jewish deli menu or Cheeky’s for brunch-style fare.
- Take a self-guided downtown art walking tour.
Evening
- Dinner - Bar Issi – Start the night with craft cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired bites at this stylish downtown lounge inside the Thompson Palm Springs. It’s an ideal midweek pre-dinner or pre-show stop, when seating is easier, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet lively.
- Check out Palm Springs’ LGBTQ+ nightlife: Hunters Palm Springs drag nights and Bingo, or Oscar’s live entertainment.
See more Palm Springs Nightlife.
Thursday: VillageFest & Local Flavor
Morning/Afternoon
- Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a striking 48,000‑square‑foot cultural center owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and learn about the rich native history of Palm Springs.
Evening
- VillageFest – Open-air street fair along Palm Canyon Drive featuring food vendors, local artists, and live entertainment. Free to attend.
- Palm Springs Art Museum – Explore contemporary and Native American art. Free on Thursday evenings; otherwise, midweek mornings are quieter.
- Stop by a Tiki bar before or after:
Bootlegger Tiki – Two weekday happy hours with strong rum drinks in historic Don the Beachcomber space.
The Reef at Caliente Tropics – Poolside tiki cocktails open until 10 pm.
Tonga Hut – Iconic tiki lounge; best to book midweek for a less crowded experience.
Get the list of all the Best Tiki Lounges in Palm Springs
Why Midweek in Palm Springs Is Better
- Lower resort and hotel rates
- Easier reservations at top restaurants and bars
- Shorter lines (or none at all) for nightlife
- More personal experiences with performers, bartenders, and locals
- A calmer, more authentic vibe
Pro tip: Midweek gives you space to truly relax, explore at your own pace, and see Palm Springs beyond the weekend crowds.