The Ultimate Palm Springs Weekend Getaway Guide: 2-Day Itinerary + Tips for Your Visit

I’ll always say yes to a trip to vibrant Palm Springs. Growing up in San Diego, it was the destination that my family would flock to for a sunny getaway. Now living in Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the perfect, easy spot for an escape to the desert.

There’s so much to love about Palm Springs, including the stunning mid-century architecture, the fun dining scene, and the opportunities for outdoor adventures. Of course, it’s also the ideal setting for a lazy day by the pool.

My comprehensive Palm Springs weekend getaway guide will help you plan your visit to this iconic Southern California oasis. I’m sharing my favorite restaurants and hotels, as well as an itinerary that includes the best spots in Palm Springs.

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A white mid-century modern house with an orange door in Indian Canyons. There are desert plants in the front yard, and palm trees behind the house.

A collection of four palm trees behind a house in Palm Springs. You can see the house's white breeze blocks in the bottom of the photo.

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Where to Stay in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is famous for its stunning, impeccably designed hotels. There are many to choose from, but these are my top recommendations:

Terra Palm Springs – a serene, wellness-focused boutique hotel with a pool on-site located within walking distance of some of the best shops and restaurants downtown.
Korakia Pensione – a gorgeous Mediterranean and Moroccan-inspired 3-star hotel with two pools on-site that’s a short walk from downtown’s main drag.
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – a modern 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool centrally located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs.
Parker Palm Springs – a chic Jonathan Adler-designed 5-star hotel featuring three pools and two on-site restaurants.
Azure Sky Hotel – a modern boutique adults-only 3-star hotel with a pool on-site.
Les Cactus – a peaceful and pink-hued adults-only 3-star hotel with a pool on-site.
Sands Hotel & Spa – if you’re open to staying outside of Palm Springs, I highly recommend this picture-perfect 3-star hotel in Indian Wells. It’s an ideal choice if you’re planning on a more laid-back, pool-centric vacation to the desert (or if you don’t mind driving a bit to explore the sights of Palm Springs!). Read my Sands Hotel review for more details.

There are also so many fun, beautifully designed vacation rentals in Palm Springs. This is a great way to go if you’re traveling with a group!

The pool at the Sands Hotel, which is surrounded by palm trees and other greenery. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas around the pool.

Sands Hotel in Indian Wells

When to Visit Palm Springs

The best time to visit Palm Springs is from the late fall to early spring. This is when the desert heat has cooled down a bit, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without getting uncomfortably (or dangerously!) hot.

The later spring is also a great time to visit, especially if your priority is soaking up the sun and lounging by the pool. Just note that it typically starts getting uncomfortably hot once June hits. It’s not uncommon to see days hitting above 100 degrees in the late spring into early summer.

Keep in mind that the spring is also a popular time to visit, meaning accommodations can be pricier and the area gets busier. This is especially true around the Coachella (two weekends in April) and Stage Coach (the weekend immediately following Coachella) music festivals in nearby Indio.

Of course, you can still visit in the summer or early fall…you just need to be very mindful of the heat! A summertime visit will be much more relaxed, and you’ll probably spend most of your day in the pool. That said, there are a couple other summer-appropriate things to do in the area, including riding the Aerial Tramway (it’s typically about 30 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain!) and visiting some of the local museums.

The Perfect Palm Springs Weekend Getaway Itinerary

Here’s my guide on how to spend a weekend in Palm Springs. I’ve designed it to hit the top highlights in the area while still allowing for time to chill out and soak up the sun.

If you want to customize this itinerary (or have more time to spare!), I’ve also included additional recommendations for things to do in Palm Springs and the surrounding area at the end of this guide.

Friday Evening: Go Out for Dinner & Drinks in Town

Kick off your weekend getaway with dinner and drinks in town! Here are my Palm Springs restaurant recommendations:

Bar Cecil – this is one of the hardest reservations to get in Palm Springs…and there’s a good reason why! This impeccably designed restaurant serves American and French-inspired dishes and incredible cocktails. Be sure to order the bread with date and sage butter…it’s delicious! There are vegan and vegetarian options (I love the vegan ratatouille). Reservations can be made 14 days in advance.
Tac/Quila – this eclectically decorated, upscale restaurant serves delicious Mexican food (I love their jackfruit enchiladas) and great cocktails. There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Reservations recommended.
Rooster and the Pig – this chic restaurant has a delicious Vietnamese fusion menu. There are also lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Note that they don’t take reservations.
1501 Uptown Gastropub – this modern and cozy gastropub puts an elevated spin on classic comfort dishes. There are vegan and vegetarian options. Reservations recommended.
The Tropicale – a classic Palm Springs spot serving global cuisine in a retro, neon-lit dining space. Reservations are recommended.

A booth table at Bar Cecil. There is light green seating, and plates on the table that read Bar Cecil. The wall is wood paneled and there is a picture hanging above the table.

The entryway at Bar Cecil. There is a table by the main door with a large bowl of citrus fruit, and a blue painted door leading into the dimly lit bar area.

Bar Cecil (Left and Center) | The Tropicale (Right)

Saturday: Do an Architectural Tour, Explore Downtown, & Relax by the Pool

On the first day of your Palm Springs itinerary, you’ll see some of the city’s best mid-century modern architecture, explore downtown, and soak up the sun by the pool.

If you need a place for breakfast, I recommend:

Farm – this homey restaurant serves Provencal fare. They have really nice outdoor dining, as well as a lovely indoor space.
Boozehounds – I love this beautifully designed restaurant, which has an excellent brunch menu with both sweet and savory dishes (just note they don’t open until mid-morning on weekends!).
Cravings Coffee & Pastries – for something a bit quicker, head to this coffee shop, which has a great sweet and savory pastry selection.

See the Iconic Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern Architecture with a Tour (Guided or Self-Guided)

Palm Springs’ popularity began to soar in the 1930s, becoming a go-to getaway destination for the Hollywood elite. Architects like Richard Neutra, William Krisel, Albert Frey, and Donald Wexler came to the area to build what we now know as mid-century modern homes for movie stars, musicians, and other entertainment industry leaders.

Today, many of the structures built from the 1930s to 1960s still stand in their original glory. You’ll also see plenty of more recently built homes that take inspiration from this style. It’s definitely worth doing either a guided or a self-guided tour around some of the most famous neighborhoods to take a peek at some of these gorgeous homes.

I highly recommend booking a guided bike tour. You’ll get a chance to ride through some of the most famous Palm Springs neighborhoods, seeing the former homes of celebrities and amazing examples of mid-century modern architecture.

Prefer to go solo? There are a few different neighborhoods that you can choose to explore (either by car or on bike).

One of the most historic neighborhoods is Old Las Palmas and Vista Las Palmas. This is where you’ll find iconic Old Hollywood homes, including Elvis’s Honeymoon Hideaway, the Liberace House, and Marilyn Monroe’s home.

Another Palm Springs neighborhood with a rich architectural history is Deepwell Estates. You’ll see a mix of mid-century modern, ranch, and Spanish colonial revival architecture. Visit Palm Springs has created a nice self-guided bike tour guide if you want to read more!

In addition to these two classics, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Palm Springs to drive around is Indian Canyons (which is on the south end of Palm Springs, just south of La Verne Way). This neighborhood was originally built in the 1960s, and the overwhelming majority of the homes are built in the mid-century modern style. It’s also the best place to see some of the photo-worthy Palm Springs colorful doors, including the famous “that pink door”.

Note: keep in mind that these are all residential neighborhoods! Be respectful of the neighborhood, and do not disturb the residents. Remember to stay off of any private properties – you can admire them from the street!

Two lion statues on either side of a white and glass door. There are yellow and white striped inner tubes on the lion statues, and palm trees in the background.

An entry path with a low fountain leading up to a pink door at a home in Palm Springs.

Colorful Doors in Indian Canyons | The Liberace House in Old Las Palmas

Explore Downtown Palm Springs (& Stop for a Date Shake)

Next, spend some time exploring Downtown Palm Springs. There’s plenty to do, so you can pick and choose what sounds fun to you!

(Depending on your timing with the architectural tour, you might want to stop for lunch first – you’ll find restaurant recommendations in the next section!)

As you’re walking through town, you’ll want to stroll by the massive Marilyn Monroe statue, called Forever Marilyn. You’ll also see the Walk of Stars, which honors notable residents.

Art fans may also want to stop at the Palm Springs Art Museum. It features special exhibits and a large collection of work, including Native American, western, modern, and contemporary art.

There are also plenty of excellent local shops in town, especially vintage stores. A few of my favorite spots include:

Bon Vivant – a vintage home decor store
Iconic Atomic – a vintage clothing store with a focus on pieces from the 1950s-70s
Mojave Flea Trading Post – a marketplace with home decor, handmade goods, clothes, and more
The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five – a collective of shops and galleries
The Frippery – a vintage clothing store (located a bit south of downtown)

You’ll also find plenty of amazing local art galleries. A few highlights include The Shag Store (if you just have time for one gallery, let this be the one – it’s so fun!), The Art of Nat Reed Gallery, Rubine Red Gallery, and Michael Weems Collection.

While you’re downtown, I also highly recommend stopping for a date shake! Great Shakes is a go-to for a classic date shake. If you need a dairy-free version, I love the date shake at Fruit Wonders!

A circular orange and blue seat in the middle of the gallery. There are colorful paintings on the wall.

The Marilyn Monroe Statue in Downtown Palm Springs

Stop for Lunch

In addition to Boozehounds and Farm (which I recommended for breakfast – both spots also have great lunch menus!), there are some excellent lunch spots around town, including:

El Patron – a fun Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown serving tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. There are vegan and vegetarian options.
Nature’s Health Food & Cafe – located about a 5-minute drive outside of Downtown PS, this popular health food store has a great cafe serving made-to-order wraps, sandwiches, bowls, smoothies and shakes (their date shake is great), and more. There are vegan and vegetarian options.
Chef Tanya’s – this restaurant is a bit out of the way (it’s about a 10-minute drive from downtown), but it’s worth the stop…particularly if you’re vegan/vegetarian! The fully vegan eatery has really delicious sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. I order their BLTA almost every time I visit!

Enjoy an Afternoon by the Pool (Or Choose an Alternative Activity!)

Of course, a Palm Springs itinerary isn’t complete without some pool time! Spend the rest of the afternoon lounging by the pool at your hotel or vacation rental.

If your accommodation doesn’t have a pool, I highly recommend booking a day pass at a local hotel through ResortPass. There are multiple hotel partners in Palm Springs, and you’ll have the opportunity to access their pool (and in some cases, other amenities!) with a pass. Some popular options include The Saguaro (great if you’re looking for a party vibe…they have a live DJ on the weekends!), Casa Cody, and Yara Hotel.

If the weather isn’t pool-friendly (or if you’d prefer to do something else), there are plenty of other activities you can choose from. I dive into more details on additional Palm Springs activities and attractions at the end of this guide, but here’s a quick look at other things you can do:

Enjoy a San Andreas Fault Red Jeep Tour
Tour a local date farm
Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert
Explore Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage

Grab Dinner and Drinks in Town

For dinner, head to one of the restaurant recommendations from my Friday evening list. If you want to enjoy drinks in town, here are a few of my favorite spots:

Bootlegger Tiki – brighten up your night with a stop at this popular tiki bar. Space is limited, so reservations are highly recommended.
Truss & Twine – for cocktails, make your way to this industrial-chic bar. The menu includes cocktails for all tastes, as well as beer and wine.
Las Palmas Brewing – if you’re in more of a beer mood, head to this local brewery. They also have a good wine selection, and both an indoor and outdoor space.

Sunday: Hike Through a Palm Oasis, Visit Moorten Garden, & Ride the Aerial Tramway

On the second day of your Palm Springs trip, you’ll get a chance to do an easy hike before visiting a local garden and riding up the aerial tramway. Before heading out for your hike, stop for breakfast at one of the restaurants mentioned in Saturday’s itinerary.

Hike the Palm Canyon Trail

Start your morning off with a hike at Palm Canyon Trail, which is located in Indian Canyons on Agua Caliente tribal land. This 1.9-mile easy out-and-back trail is one of the coolest hikes in the area, as it takes hikers through the world’s largest oasis of California fan palms! Note that you will have to pay a day hike fee at the entrance.

I highly recommend doing this hike in the morning (the earlier the better, especially when the weather is warm!). Beyond trying to beat the heat, they only let a certain number of people in per day, and I’ve heard they sometimes need to turn people away. Visiting earlier will ensure you’re able to experience the trail!

Palm Trees surrounding a shallow body of water

A view looking up at dense palm trees at Palm Canyon

Explore Moorten Botanical Garden

Next, drive back north to Moorten Botanical Garden. This family-owned garden dates back to 1938, and is home to the world’s first “cactarium”!

As you walk around the picturesque property (which is small…you only need to spend about half an hour here!), you’ll see cacti and rare desert plants from around the world. If you’re looking for a souvenir, you can also pick on a plant from the on-site nursery!

Note that there is an entry fee, which you can pay when you arrive.

A variety of cacti in pots inside of a cactarium at Moorten Garden

A garden of cacti, palm trees, and other desert plants

Grab Lunch in Town

After the garden, make a stop for lunch. You can stop by any of the spots mentioned in Saturday’s itinerary (Boozehounds, Farm, El Patron, Nature’s Health Food & Cafe, or Chef Tanya’s). If you want a sweet treat, I also recommend stopping by Shop(pe), which is located on the north end of town, for ice cream!

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Once you’re done with lunch, it’s time to end your trip to Palm Springs with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It’s famous for being the world’s largest rotating tramcar.

On the ten-minute ride up the mountain, you’ll travel over 2.5 miles and up 8,516 feet. As the tramcar slowly rotates, you’ll take in the beautiful views of the desert floor and Chino Canyon before making your way up to Mount San Jacinto State Park.

At the station at the top, there are observation decks where you can take in the views of the Coachella Valley. If you are up for more hiking, there are also trailheads that start from the station. Two of the most popular options are the Desert View Trail (1.7 miles, easy) and the Discovery Nature Trail (1.2 miles, easy).

You’ll also find two restaurants in the center at the top of the mountain (although I’d personally skip these…you can enjoy the views from the observation decks, and get better food back in Palm Springs!).

As noted above, it’s typically around 30 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain. Be sure to bring some layers!

Travel Tip: I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weekend. While they do have standby tickets, on my last visit (which was on a Sunday afternoon), the riders who hadn’t bought tickets in advance had to wait about an hour and a half before they could ride. If you buy tickets in advance, I recommend arriving no less than half an hour before your ride to give yourself time to park and walk up to the station.

A view from Mount San Jacinto State Park. There are pine trees and rocks in the foreground, and the desert floor in the background

A view through a window of a tramcar descending to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway station

Additional Things to do in Palm Springs & the Surrounding Area

If you want to customize my Palm Springs weekend itinerary, here are some additional ideas on things you can do in the area.

Check Out Other Palm Springs Museums

I mentioned the Palm Springs Art Museum above, but there are other excellent museums in the area. This includes the very popular Palm Springs Air Museum, as well as the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

Visit the Living Desert Zoo

A cool spot worth visiting in Palm Desert is the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. It is dedicated to conservation and education, and is designed to represent desert environments within North America, Australia, and Africa. There are around 1200 plant species at the property, as well as more than 600 animals.

Explore Sunnylands Center and Gardens

Located in Rancho Mirage, the beautiful Sunnylands estate was once the home of Walter and Leonore Annenberg. The center (which houses art and history exhibitions) and impeccably maintained gardens are both free to visit.

If you’d like more of a guided experience, there are also numerous paid tours of the estate. This includes the popular historic house tour, where you’ll get to see the Annenberg’s home.

The gardens at Sunnylands. There are rows of round cacti on the ground, underneath green trees.

The gardens at Sunnylands. There are a variety of cacti and other desert plants.

Do a Red Jeep Tour of the San Andreas Fault

If you’re seeking more adventure, book a San Andreas Fault Red Jeep Tour. On this small group tour (which departs out of Indio), a naturalist guide will teach you about the geology and history of the San Andreas fault and the desert land. You’ll get a chance to walk through a slot canyon, and will see a recreation of a Native American site, where you’ll learn more about the Cahuilla tribe.

Visit a Date Farm

Date crops were imported to the greater Coachella Valley area in the 1800s, and have since become a symbol of the region. I recommend visiting Sam Cobb Date Farm in Desert Hot Springs, where you can tour the farm to learn more about how dates are grown. You’ll also get a chance to try date samples! These tours can be booked online.

Another popular spot is Shields Date Garden in Indio, which is definitely a bit more touristy. They have a cafe on-site where you can order a date shake, and they continuously play a free movie where you can learn more about dates. There’s a biblical-themed walking path through part of the farm, where you can get a closer look at the date palms.

Spend a Day in Joshua Tree

If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, consider taking a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park! The park is just about an hour away, and you can see a good amount of the area with just a day. Add a few Joshua Tree hiking trails to your itinerary, and enjoy a day exploring the otherworldly desert landscape!

Read my Joshua Tree guide for more helpful tips for your visit!

Enjoy your time in beautiful Palm Springs! Here are some additional Southern California travel guides you may be interested in:

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