Palm Springs Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Palm Springs is more than just a getaway; it is a time capsule of mid-century elegance set against a dramatic prehistoric landscape. For decades, this desert oasis has served as the playground for Hollywood royalty, fleeing the city for privacy and sunshine. Today, the city retains that glittering allure, welcoming visitors with a unique mix of retro kitsch, high-end luxury, and raw natural beauty.

From the moment you arrive, the stark contrast between the jagged San Jacinto Mountains and the manicured, palm-lined streets creates a visual drama found nowhere else in America. Whether you are here to admire the architecture of a bygone era, hike through Indigenous palm oases, or simply sip a martini by a kidney-shaped pool, Palm Springs invites you to slow down and embrace the desert heat.

The Playground of the Stars

Palm Springs didn’t become a world-famous destination by accident. In the golden age of Hollywood, actors under studio contracts were required to stay within a two-hour drive of Los Angeles in case reshoots were needed. Palm Springs fell exactly within that radius. As a result, legends like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Bob Hope built lavish vacation homes here, turning the dusty desert town into a haven of modernist architecture and wild parties.

This history is still palpable today. You can sleep in the same bungalows where stars hid from the paparazzi, dine in their favorite booths, and tour neighborhoods that feel like open-air museums of the 1950s. The city has fiercely preserved this legacy, making it the epicenter of Mid-Century Modern design in the United States.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - This is the signature experience of the region. The rotating tram car travels 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting you from the desert floor to the pristine alpine forest of Mt. San Jacinto State Park in about 10 minutes (prices approx. $30.95 USD).

Palm Springs Art Museum - Located in the heart of downtown, this brutalist concrete structure houses a sophisticated collection of modern art, glass, and Western American art. It is a cool retreat from the midday sun and often features major traveling exhibitions (admission approx. $16 USD).

Moorten Botanical Garden - Established in 1938, this family-owned living museum showcases thousands of desert plants from around the world. The ‘cactarium’ is a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike ($5 USD entry).

Tahquitz Canyon - Managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, this canyon features a spectacular 60-foot waterfall. The 2-mile loop trail is steep but rewarding, offering history, culture, and nature in one hike (admission $15 USD).

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Palm Springs is remarkably easy. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is unique for its open-air design, you walk off the plane right into the sunshine. It is located just two miles from downtown, meaning you can be poolside within 20 minutes of landing. Alternatively, the drive from Los Angeles takes about two hours, though traffic can extend this significantly on Friday afternoons.

Once you arrive, a car is recommended if you plan to explore the Indian Canyons, the Tramway, or Joshua Tree. However, the downtown area is very walkable, and rideshare services are plentiful. Remember that the desert environment is extreme; carry water everywhere, wear sunscreen even on cloudy days, and plan your outdoor activities for the early morning during the warmer months.

Palm Springs is a destination that transforms with the seasons, offering a different vibe depending on when you visit. Whether you are chasing the energetic pool parties of summer or the cultured film festivals of winter, the desert is always ready to welcome you with warm winds and stunning sunsets.