A Palm Springs weekend getaway is the perfect way to unwind! It is a destination with so much to see and do but you can definitely take it slow and easy!
All our blog posts contain affiliate links that help us keep our blog running at no extra cost to you! When you click on our links to book accommodation activities or transport we earn a very small commission. This costs no extra to you but helps to keep our blog online!
We loved our time in Palm Springs, step back in time a little and really relax, it has something for everyone! From the stunning old suburbs with their mid century houses, adventures to be had discovering the desert or the excellent dining scene you will find what you crave here. But first let’s answer the burning questions I know you’ll have:
Best time to visit Palm Springs?
We went in February and it was cool and crisp during the early morning and late afternoons but the days were sunny, warm and perfect. Summer months do get really warm, bring sunscreen, a great hat and make use of the hotel pool.
Is Palm Springs expensive?
As with any destination it’s as expensive as you make it. Yes the accomodation can be a little more expensive than other destinations but it’s totally worth it and there’s tons of options.
Is Palm Springs worth visiting?
Yes! Palm Springs is one of our favourite places. There is so much to do here and it makes a great base to explore the area. We love a Palm Springs weekend getaway and highly recommend.
Where to stay in Palm Springs?
Our top Palm Springs hotels for every budget are:
Rainbow Hotel Palm Springs
The Sagurno Palm Springs – this is ‘the’ Palm Springs hotel. Think the perfect colourful hotel with the best pool. Enjoy your afternoons by the pool with great music and best people watching. It’s where you’ll want to get your insta pic. Tip – get down there early to reserve your sunbed.
Romantic Places to stay in Palm Springs
Kimpton Rowan– the most stylish and beautiful of the Palm Springs hotels. This is where you’ll have the most perfect time! Every detail is divine.
Hyatt Palm Springs – in the absolute centre of town this is the usual excellent Hyatt standard, you won’t be disappointed.
Palm Springs Boutique Hotels
Drift Palm Springs – Iconic styling, a gorgeous stay
Fleur Noire Hotel – super pretty and very plush, it’s a great location.
Hotels in Downtown Palm Springs
Delos Reyes – it’s a little below downtown (easy bus ride or stroll in) but has the colourful building and pool for that Palm Springs vibe on a budget. Tip -book a deluxe room for the better option. Rooms also include a microwave if you’re a budget traveller this can be handy!
Motel 6 Downtown – slightly more in town and slightly more expensive than the Delos Reyes.
Do you need a car in Palm Springs?
It’s always great to have a car to get around if you plan to visit some locations in Greater Palm Springs. We usually book through Rental Cars. There’s tons to see around the area which is easiest with a car. If you are planning on spending a couple of days here and sticking to the main Palm Springs area you can get by with buses, Uber, lyft, bikes and walking!
Palm Springs Weekend Getaway Itinerary
This is exactly how we spent our Palm Springs weekend getaway, it was perfect!
Day 1 Palm Springs Weekend Getaway
Head out to walk the Main Street of Palm Springs. There is a healthy art scene here. You will find great street art, statues and art galleries.
Follow the path of stars along the main drag, stopping to check out the Welmwood Murray Memorial Library. This is an old library from the 1919 that is really cute and quite often has free exhibitions to check out.
Strolling the northern end of the street you’ll find a plethora of art galleries, design stores, funky clothings stores all dedicated to the mid century style. Our favourite was the showroom of local artist SHAG, we were lucky enough to visit during his new release party and got to experience the art with the artist in residence! Free cocktails flowing and an upbeat band created a fun vibe to showcase the gorgeous artworks.
From here there is the obligatory PS I Love You sign for the vacay happy snap and the intriguing invisible lady sculpture. As you move around it the statue appears to disappear before your eyes as you move around it.
Make sure to check out the huge Marlin Monroe statue, the Palm Springs Art Gallery which is right behind (and free on Thursday afternoons!) is well worth a visit.
Learn about Albert Frey
The Architecture and design centre shows the history of Albert Frey, one of the most famous architects in Palm Springs who designed many of the famous buildings Palm Springs is known for. After learning about his career head out to experience it at the Palm Springs visitor centre. Once a service station designed by Albert Frey it now houses all the information you could need for a great stay in Palm Springs. There’s also a really pretty Welcome to Palm Springs sign here for your insta pics.
Head on around the corner to the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, let it take you up above the town to the mountain top. There’s tons of paths to hike and a restaurant at the top to enjoy the views over a coffee or meal. Tip- head up at 4pm to grab a ride and dine deal where you only pay a little more for a meal at the top! Head back to town for dinner and a drinks or a stroll along the street soaking up the upbeat vibes.
Day 2 Palm Springs Weekend Getaway
Today you’ll want to grab a bike hire from Big Wheels Tours to experience the best of Palm Springs. You’ll cover so much ground with their excellent electric bikes, there’s no better way to see the hidden gems of the Palm Springs neighbourhoods.
We picked up our bikes around 8:30am and were having so much fun we didn’t want to stop. We spent the day exploring the neighbourhoods of Palm Canyons, Old Las Palmas, the Historic Tennis Club District and The Movie Colony District. Stoping off at every stunning mid century house and colourful door we came across. Check out my colourful doors tour Palm Springs rideable itinerary to make sure you see all of the best! We spent hours finding each one, and have organised them so you’ll easily find them.
Stop off for lunch while you’re cycling around. The Parker has a great restaurant, you’ll need to book. Or lock your bikes up on one of the many Palm Springs bike racks around the town and pop into your favourite spot, we loved the sandwich spot.
Spend the morning in the Old Las Palmas area , make your way down through the Tennis Club and movie colony areas. Then spend the afternoon riding around Colony Palms neighbourhoods. This is the best time of day to capture the doors of Palm Sprigs s the light becomes softer once it hits the mountains and creates a hazy glow.
Head to Desert Springs for a tour and hot springs Palm Springs
Take a Red Jeep Tour out to the San Andreas Fault. This is a totally unique experience! You’ll learn about the fault line, local flora and fauna, the Chiluba Indians and how they survived here. After jumping in the back of a fun red jeep you’ll discover the desert with brand new appreciation, hike into slot canyons and visit a recreated Chios Indian village. We loved our SAN Andreas Fault tour with Red Jeep tours and highly recommend it! The guides are upbeat, informative, inclusive and fun. We went with Teresa who was a superstar tour guide, we had the best time learning from her! Read all about our tour on this blog to get all the details you’ll need!
Hot springs Palm Springs!
You can’t come to Palm Springs and not experience the therapeutic hot spring waters! The best place to do this is by visiting The Spring Resort in Desert Springs. Only a 20 minute drive from Palm Springs you’ll find the perfect spa resort. Desert Springs is known for its therapeutic mineral springs you can take a day pass or spend the night here and you’ll not only have a plush, relaxing room but the opportunity to soak in two mineral water spas, a mineral water pool and 2 saunas. Check out our full review to find out why this experience is a must do!
Day 3 Palm Springs Weekend Getaway
Could you sneak in a little 3 day weekend…
Start early and get down to the Indian Canyons national park for your morning exercise. There are several beautiful hikes you can do here, ranging from 1 – 7+ hours. Depending on your level of fitness and interest make sure to plan accordingly and bring water, approx 1 quart per hour, snacks and pick up a map at the entrance as you’ll lose signal once there. We did the shortest and easiest hike, Palm Canyon and it was incredible. You will walk down and easy hill into a palm oasis, and spend your time wandering along a stream amongst giant palms. Bring your lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables, there are toilets and rubbish bins here too.
For your last afternoon take time by the pool, grab souvenirs from your favourite store, we recommend visiting our favourite vintage store in Palm Springs, Market Market for unique thrift finds.
Enjoy a lazy dinner or evening drinks and toast to the perfect long weekend in Palm Springs. We loved our time in Palm Springs, with so much to do I know we will be back soon. The town has such an easy vibe to it, making it the perfect place to take a weekend getaway.
Check out our Palm Springs Vlog
Where Next?
The best place to stay in Vancouver? St Regis Hotel!
Stanley Park Vancouver Bike Rental
Things to do in Vancouver on a rainy day
Vancouver Airport Lounge – Plaza Premium Lounge Vancouver is a must!
Best Brewery Vancouver – Red Truck Brewery
Things to do in Merida Yucatan Mexico
Valladolid Yucatán – all the best things to do
Best hotel in Mahahual Mexico is Inkanto Luxury Hotel
Ragga Sailing Adventures – must do in Belize!
Caye Caulker must visit destination in 2025
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef – the best place to stay in Belize
The best itinerary for Belize!
