Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Palm Springs

Palm Springs has long been the luxurious hideout of the rich and famous. Since the 1920s, A-listers have been flocking to the desert city whenever they needed a break from their demanding schedules. Not much has changed since; celebrities continue escaping their routine by vacationing in Palm Springs. The only difference? It’s not just A-listers coming here anymore. With close proximity to other major cities, it comes as no surprise that Palm Springs is now everyone’s go-to getaway destination.

World-class spas, chic hotels, delicious restaurants, and fancy local boutiques make visiting Palm Springs extra luxurious and comfortable. One can hike the trails during the morning, admire Palm Springs’ architecture in the afternoon, and take the tramway to watch the sunset in the evening. Whatever your preference is, you’ll never run out of things to do. 

Before you start packing your bags, you need to know a thing or two about visiting Palm Springs to make sure you’re not missing out on anything.   

This Is The Best Time of the Year To Visit Palm Springs

When it comes to desert getaways in the Golden State, Palm Springs is the first destination that comes to mind. Naturally, you start thinking: “When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?” On one hand, you don’t want to be indoors the whole time to escape the scorching sun, but on the other, you don’t want your visit to be limited to restaurants. As relatable as your concerns are, we believe there’s absolutely no right or wrong time to visit Palm Springs. You can easily have the perfect weekend getaway any time of the year—it all depends on your preferences. 

You might be an outdoor lover hoping to spend more time in the desert; you could be a major Coachella fan hoping to attend the festival; you might not even have the budget for every activity, but you’re hoping to find cool and free things to do in Palm Springs. If you relate to any of these situations, sit tight because we’re about to break it down for you.   

The Best Time To Go To Palm Springs For Ideal Weather

If your definition of a fun vacation mainly consists of hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors, the best time of the year to visit Palm Springs is between January and April. Summer months are too hot to spend your afternoons outside the whole time—you might get heatstroke if you don’t hydrate enough. But during the winter and early spring months, the weather is perfect for doing all the things you love without worrying about heat exhaustion.  

The Best Time To Visit Palm Springs For Local Events

The best month to visit Palm Springs depends on which event you like the most. The Palm Springs Film Festival takes place in January, Modernism Week in February, Coachella in April, Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in October, Greater Palm Springs Pride in November, and Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in December. Therefore, the best time to go to Palm Springs is based entirely on which festival you don’t want to miss.   

The Cheapest Time To Visit Palm Springs

The hotter months are usually low season in the city, making summer the cheapest time to visit Palm Springs. While everyone else is planning their winter vacation, you can take advantage of the affordable prices in the city and plan your stay. Enjoy desert glamping, check out some of the most incredible places to stargaze in California (*cough* Joshua Tree, we’re looking at you), and spend hot afternoons at amazing and affordable spa resorts being pampered to the max.  If you ask us, three-digit temperatures don’t stand in the way of fun, and frankly, we’re grateful.

The Top Things to Do in Palm Springs

Explore the Great Outdoors

Since the best time to visit Palm Springs weather-wise is between January and April, spending time in the heart of nature is a no-brainer. Fun activities that’ll help you have an authentic experience include hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Exploring trails like the Victor Loop, the Murray Canyon Trail, and the Indian Canyon West Fork Trail expose you to great panoramas and beautiful waterfalls. 

On days when you don’t feel like putting in the work to view the vistas, opt for hot air balloons, biplanes, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. All you’ll have to do is watch and marvel.

Tour the Museums

Palm Springs is home to some of the best museums in the Golden State. The great thing about them is that you can visit them any time of the year. Make sure to check out the Palm Springs Air Museum, a space museum in California that you just can't miss. Touring the Palm Springs Art Museum is also something you want to add to your itinerary—as one of the best art museums in the Golden State, it’s the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley. And if you’re the kind of person who likes visiting weird tourist attractions, drive a bit south to pay a visit to the International Banana Museum. 

Admire the Beautiful Architecture

If you’re in Palm Springs during February, don’t miss out on attending Modernism Week to learn about mid-century modern architecture and the Eichler homes of Palm Springs. But if you’re not visiting then, you’ll still have the chance to view the iconic houses. Simply stroll through the gorgeous neighborhoods of Palm Springs and search for the house you like the most. The Palm Springs City Hall, the Hope Residence, and the Twin Palms are iconic examples to check out.

Pamper Yourself

Palm Spring is all about self-care—top-notch hotels, high-end boutiques, exclusive restaurants, and fancy spas will make you want to go on a digital detox. Hotels like The Rowan Palm Springs and Korakia Pensione give a whole new meaning to luxury, whereas restaurants like Birba Palm Springs and The Pink Cabana offer the best dining experience ever. For an otherworldly spa treatment, soak in the mineral pools at Two Bunch Palms; the contemporary wellness escape is as therapeutic as it gets.