Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert: Which is Best for Your Vacation? 

Palm Desert and Palm Springs…what exactly is the difference? The names are often (and mistakenly!) used interchangeably, but there are some major differences between the two Coachella Valley cities. 

The good news? You really can’t go wrong visiting either spot. Both have a lot to offer, and you’ll find incredible hotels and accommodations in each destination. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what kind of experience you want to have! 

Generally speaking, Palm Springs is more lively. It’s home to many of the most famous attractions in the area, and there is also a vibrant nightlife. Palm Desert has a calmer, more laid-back environment that is especially nice for a chill vacation. 

As a California native who has lived in SoCal the majority of my life, I’ve vacationed in both Palm Springs and Palm Desert numerous times (at this point, it’s been too many times to count!). Since I’m so familiar with the area, I know the ins and outs of each city. 

Let’s talk all you need to know when comparing Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert so that you can plan your perfect trip! 

How Far is Palm Desert from Palm Springs?

Let’s start by getting our bearings. Palm Desert is about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Palm Springs. That said, the journey can be about 10 to 20 minutes longer if you’re driving during rush hour traffic. 

Since the cities are pretty close to each other, you can easily check out the attractions in one, even if you choose to stay in the other. I typically bounce between the two when vacationing in the region! 

While I generally recommend having a car when visiting the area (I’ll talk more about why below), you can get between the two cities via rideshare if needed. Ubers and Lyfts are available in both Palm Springs and Palm Desert.  

Palm Springs, CA: Design-Forward Stays, Mid-Century Charm, & a Vibrant Cultural Scene

Palm Springs is the lively hub of the Coachella Valley, and an incredibly popular spot for a California desert weekend trip or a longer getaway. 

The popularity of Palm Springs started to grow in the 1930s, and it quickly became the go-to easy vacation destination for the Hollywood Elite. Architects like Richard Neutra, William Krisel, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler came to the city to build homes in what is now referred to as mid-century modern architecture. This architectural style still defines the city today! 

Palm Springs is known for having a fun and walkable downtown area with lots of incredible boutiques, vintage stores, and galleries. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, you can find them in Palm Springs! 

There’s also a top-notch dining scene, with everything from casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and fine dining spots. A few of my favorites include Bar Cecil, Tac/Quila, and Rooster and the Pig. 

Palm Springs also has the best nightlife in the area, and has an especially vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. 

Many of the top attractions in the region are located in Palm Springs…which is part of the reason why it’s such a popular place to visit! 

Take a ride on the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world’s largest rotating tramcar!), hike through Indian Canyons, and plan a visit to one of the museums in the city (like the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Air Museum). 

You can also get a closer look at the Old Hollywood neighborhoods by doing an architectural bike tour of Palm Springs!

As far as hotels go, you’ll find trendy, smaller boutique hotels as well as larger luxe properties. The area is especially design-forward, with many mid-century modern-style hotels that give a nod to the city’s history! Some particularly stunning spots include Parker Palm Springs and Korakia Pensione (I’ll dive into more hotel recommendations below). 

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

If you decide to stay in Palm Springs, here are a few of the top hotel options in the area:

• Parker Palm Springs – a chic Jonathan Adler-designed 5-star hotel with three pools and two restaurants. 
• Korakia Pensione – a stunning Mediterranean and Moroccan-inspired 3-star hotel with two pools on-site. It’s a short walk from downtown’s main drag. 
• Azure Sky Hotel – a modern and peaceful boutique adults-only 3-star hotel with a pool on-site. 
• Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – a sleek 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool that is centrally located right in Downtown Palm Springs. 
• Terra Palm Springs – a wellness-focused boutique hotel with a pool. It is located within walking distance of some of the best shops and restaurants downtown.
• Les Cactus – a peaceful and pink-hued adults-only 3-star hotel with a pool.

I also recommend looking at vacation house rentals in Palm Springs! There are some excellent options around Palm Springs, including many very well-designed properties. 

Palm Desert, CA: Modern and Quieter Feel, Family-Friendly, Amazing Resorts, & Excellent Luxury Shopping

Compared to Palm Springs, much of Palm Desert has a more modern, recently built vibe. It also has a quieter and more laid-back feel. This makes it a particularly popular option for families planning a desert getaway, or anyone looking for a relaxing vacation that’s largely spent by the pool! 

While it may be more chill than Palm Springs, there are still some cool things to do in Palm Desert. The very popular Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is well-worth a visit. If you like to hike, you’ll find plenty of great trails, such as the well-loved Bump and Grind Trail. For golfers, Palm Desert is a top-notch golf destination.

For shopping, there are luxury shops along El Paseo – Palm Desert’s version of Rodeo Drive. Beyond El Paseo, there are also more mainstream shopping malls featuring recognizable brands. On weekends, there’s also The Street Fair at College of the Desert. 

As far as the food scene goes, dining tends to be more upscale and elegant in Palm Desert. Of course, you can still find low-key spots (I love Chef Tanya’s for lunch!). 

For hotels, you’ll find some excellent larger resort properties in Palm Desert, many of which have multiple pools (which contributes to the family-friendly reputation!). That said, there are still some cool, beautifully-designed smaller gems, including Sands Hotel and Spa (one of my favorites!). 

Sands Hotel & Spa

Palm Springs or Palm Desert: Which is Better for Your Vacation? 

Ultimately, both cities are great vacation destinations…it all comes down to your priorities and travel style! Here is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each.

Very generally speaking, I’d tell a friend to stay in Palm Springs if it’s their first trip to the area. This is largely due to the fact that so many of the main attractions in the Coachella Valley are right there! The vibe of Palm Springs is also often what first comes to mind when people think of the area. 

That said, for those with younger kids, I’d suggest considering Palm Desert. If you’re purely looking for a relaxing poolside vacation, you can truly stay in either city…I’d prioritize finding a hotel that looks most exciting to you (you’ll have plenty to choose from in both destinations).