Upscale retreats, fine dining, and gorgeous desert sunsets - Palm Springs is an ideal weekend destination for residents of Los Angeles (just 2 hours away) and San Diego. But while this SoCal oasis is mainly associated with resort life and annual events like the Coachella Music Festival, more and more people are discovering that Palm Springs has an event calendar that never slows down. No matter what time of year you visit, Palm Springs can offer from parties and nightlife to outdoor activities and cultural events. We've rounded up below the best restaurants, activities and cultural highlights! 

Photo of one of our properties in Palm Springs. Click HERE to book it!

Things To Do In Palm Springs

The Tramway – the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. Rising 8500 feet above the desert floor, the Palm Springs Tramway offers access to hiking and camping trips in this famous San Jacinto state park wilderness. Website:  www.pstramway.com

Historic Walking Tour – Enjoy an entertaining and informative stroll through the heart of historic downtown Palm Springs with a professional tour guide.  Explore the architecture of Palm Springs and learn of the history past to present. Website:  http://pswalkingtours.com/

Knott’s Soak City Water Park – If a family adventure is what you are looking for then check out this water park with wave pools, water slides of all kinds, a Lazy River and more, plus eateries and a gym. Website:  https://www.wetnwildpalmsprings.com/

Joshua Tree National Park – Located about one from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park intersects two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado. The park offers many hiking trails, bird-watching expeditions, rock climbing and historic tours. Everyone should go at least once! Website:  www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Cultural Events/Activities

Palm Springs Air Museum – Where history flies through the skies.  The Palm Springs Air Museum is rated as one of the top 14 Air Museums in the world by CNN Travel.  Visit the 65000 square foot non-profit facility.  The extensive library and crew of trained volunteers can provide you details on the aircraft and a sense of the experience of flying them. Website:  www.palmspringsairmuseum.org/

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum – Fascinating man, incredible experience.  Few have left such an indelible legacy as Cabot Yerxa.  When you tour his remarkable Pueblo you’ll be inspired by his life story. Website:  http://www.cabotsmuseum.org/

Village Fest Street Festival – This event takes place in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive every Thursday night.  The street is closed to traffic and is transformed into a festive, pedestrian street fair.  Vendor booths are set up on both sides of the street, and visitors are able to stroll through the traffic-free event. Website:  http://villagefest.org/

Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center – 13,000 square-foot cultural hub at the heart of Palm Springs. Website:  www.psmuseum.org/architecture-design-center

Seasonal/Yearly Events

Palm Springs Pride Festival – Nov 4-6, 2016.  The unique two-day festival is the largest LGBT gathering in the Coachella Valley.  Beautiful downtown Palm Springs will serve as the gathering spot for friends, family and visitors from around the world to celebrate the diversity and unity of the community.  The festival includes music stages, cutting edge DJ stages, dancing in the streets, food vendors, exhibitors and non-profit organizations. Website: https://pspride.org/

White Party – May 5-8, 2017.  One of the biggest Gay parties in the country.  The Jeffrey Sanker holiday getaway event for gay couples and singles. Website: www.jeffreysanker.com

Palm Springs International Film Festival – Jan 6-16, 2017.  This is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming over 135,000 attendees.  The Festival is also know for its annual Black Tie Awards Gala, honoring the best achievements of the year. Website: www.psfilmfest.org

Restaurant Suggestions

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH:

Norma's:  Located at the iconic Parker Hotel, Norma's is a classy breakfast restaurant in Palm Springs. Website:  www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/dine/normas.php

Cheeky's:  As one of Palm Springs' most popular brunch spots, Cheeky's focuses on transforming ordinary breakfast items into extraordinary dishes. Website: www.cheekysps.com

LUNCH & DINNER:

Lulu's California Bistro: Centerpiece of downtown Palm Springs with a lively atmosphere and value-priced menus. Website:  www.lulupalmsprings.com

Trio: Solid American cuisine served in a lively modern space with patio & rotating for sale artwork. Website: www.triopalmsprings.com