Palm Springs in 7 days

Desert chic: mid-century modern style, poolside glamour, hot springs and dramatic mountain scenery. Best time to visit: October-May (warm, sunny, comfortable). Average daily budget: $180 to $350 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Downtown & Uptown Design District, Walkable heart of restaurants, galleries, mid-century design shops and the Saturday VillageFest.

Morning: Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Rotating cable cars climb to the cool pine forests atop Mount San Jacinto, with stunning desert views.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown & Uptown Design District, Walkable heart of restaurants, galleries, mid-century design shops and the Saturday VillageFest.

Evening: Tour mid-century modern architecture. Palm Springs is a mecca of modernist design, explore its iconic homes and buildings, especially during Modernism Week.

Eat: Date shakes (a Coachella Valley specialty)

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: The Movie Colony, Historic neighbourhood of classic mid-century homes once owned by Hollywood stars.

Morning: Relax poolside or at a spa. The city's resorts and hot springs (especially in nearby Desert Hot Springs) are made for unwinding.

Afternoon: Explore The Movie Colony, Historic neighbourhood of classic mid-century homes once owned by Hollywood stars.

Evening: Hike Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyon. Palm-lined desert canyons with streams, waterfalls and trails on Agua Caliente tribal land.

Eat: Poolside California cuisine

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Las Palmas, An upscale enclave of iconic modernist estates beneath the mountains.

Morning: Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum. A strong collection of modern and contemporary art and design in the heart of town.

Afternoon: Explore Las Palmas, An upscale enclave of iconic modernist estates beneath the mountains.

Evening: Soaking in the natural mineral hot springs of Desert Hot Springs.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Farm-to-table desert dining

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Palm Canyon Drive, The main strip of dining, nightlife, shopping and people-watching.

Morning: Sunset cocktails at a retro mid-century hotel bar.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Palm Canyon Drive, The main strip of dining, nightlife, shopping and people-watching.

Evening: The surreal sculptures and outsider art around the desert.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Craft cocktails at retro lounges

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Greater Coachella Valley (nearby), Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta extend the resort, golf and spa scene.

Morning: A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, under an hour away.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Greater Coachella Valley (nearby), Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta extend the resort, golf and spa scene.

Evening: Dinner at Date shakes (a Coachella Valley specialty), then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Greater Coachella Valley (nearby).

Eat: Date shakes (a Coachella Valley specialty)

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Downtown & Uptown Design District, Walkable heart of restaurants, galleries, mid-century design shops and the Saturday VillageFest.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Downtown & Uptown Design District, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown & Uptown Design District, Walkable heart of restaurants, galleries, mid-century design shops and the Saturday VillageFest.

Evening: Dinner at Poolside California cuisine, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Downtown & Uptown Design District.

Eat: Poolside California cuisine

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: The Movie Colony, Historic neighbourhood of classic mid-century homes once owned by Hollywood stars.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in The Movie Colony, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore The Movie Colony, Historic neighbourhood of classic mid-century homes once owned by Hollywood stars.

Evening: Dinner at Farm-to-table desert dining, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in The Movie Colony.

Eat: Farm-to-table desert dining

Hidden gems

Soaking in the natural mineral hot springs of Desert Hot Springs.
Sunset cocktails at a retro mid-century hotel bar.
The surreal sculptures and outsider art around the desert.
A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, under an hour away.

Getting around

Downtown Palm Springs is walkable, but the wider Coachella Valley is spread out, so a rental car is recommended for reaching the canyons, neighbouring resort towns and day trips to Joshua Tree. Rideshare works for getting around town and to dinner. The Aerial Tramway and many attractions have parking. In the warmer months, plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening and rely on the car's air conditioning midday.

Safety

Palm Springs is a very safe, relaxed and welcoming destination, including for LGBTQ+ travellers, with normal low-key precautions sufficient. The main risk is the desert heat: summer temperatures are extreme, so hike early, carry water and use sun protection year-round. Watch for flash floods in rare desert storms, and never underestimate the sun, even in the pleasant winter season.

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