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Plan Your Palm Springs Holiday: Best of Palm Springs

Explore Palm Springs

Visiting Palm Springs is like stepping into another world—with its rows of bleach-blue pools and mid-century modern houses surrounded by miles of desert and mountain skylines. It can sometimes feel like another time, too, whether you’re antique shopping on Palm Canyon Drive or cruising around neighbourhoods like Tennis Club to gawk at the architecture. Most welcome the escape, which is why disconnecting is pretty much top of the list here, from spas and resorts to outdoor adventures. Soak in a natural mineral hot spring, hike to a waterfall in Tahquitz Canyon, or take a day trip to nearby Joshua Tree National Park—you’re guaranteed to head back to the real world rejuvenated. Get inspired with more traveller faves below.
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Essential Palm Springs

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How to do Palm Springs in 3 days

Desert tours, drinks, and art at every turn
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A queer guide to Palm Springs

It doesn’t take me more than a moment in the crisp desert sun to succumb to the chill vibes of Palm Springs. This trendy hideaway proudly carries a storied legacy as a queer retreat that I’ve loved exploring with my husband over the course of myriad visits. Here are some of my favourite places where the legacy of queer culture lives on today.
  • Toucans Tiki Lounge
    45
    Delightfully tacky yet never out-of-fashion, Toucan’s Tiki Lounge is a go-to dive bar for top-tier drag queen shows. A rotating cast of high-energy queens—often with a few recognisable faces from RuPaul’s Drag Race—kick, jump, and death-drop their way through the tightly packed tables and dollar-spewing crowd. Plan ahead with a booking for their weekend shows so you don’t miss the next big wig reveal.
  • Trixie Motel
    30
    Now she hosts! Trixie Mattel, the mega-watt doll of quick wit, has a new upgraded feature, hospitality, at her new Trixie Motel. This pink and proud Palm Springs motel serves the most extra design you’ll find just about anywhere, with impeccable touches that serve Barbie Dream House vibes. The seven custom-themed suites are bursting with personality and dot the pool where you can show yours.
  • Cheeky's
    1,480
    But first, brunch. And specifically, brunch at Cheeky’s. Get there early or be prepared to wait for what I think is Palm Spring’s most-worthy brunch option. This unassuming modern diner has all the fare you’d expect at a place that closes at 2 p.m. daily and hits the spot after a night out at the bars. Their Mexican dishes are among my favourites, with a winning chilaquiles and filling breakfast quesadilla.
  • Tropicale
    1,456
    With a lively atmosphere that adds warmth to its comfort fare, dinner at Tropicale is a Palm Springs must. Make a booking and request a courtyard table, where towering palm trees and soft lighting create a picture-perfect setting and accentuate the dark desert sky. I’ve found the food here to be uniformly excellent, especially the crispy avocado and goat cheese flatbread. Cocktails are king here; special nod to the strong cosmo that’ll keep you bouncing.
  • Parker Palm Springs
    1,943
    Summoning the height of mid-century class, Parker Palm Springs has been the moment ever since its full refurbishment nearly two decades ago. I always enjoy lingering in the overstated lobby, often in one of the cosy chairs by the fireplace, before heading for a glass of red at the eclectic Reformation Bar.
  • Hunter's Video Bar & Dance Theater
    43
    Hunter’s is your go-to LGBTQ+ nightclub, newly shimmering following a recent renovation. The lesbian-owned and -operated space is welcoming to all, hosting drag revues, bingo, and weekend dance parties with go-go boys. Hunter’s anchors Palm Springs’ main gay bar strip on Arenas Road and is a great place to kick the night off, and then return to close it out.
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Palm Springs travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Popular Recommendations

According to forum posts, popular dining options in Palm Springs include Spencers for its reservations and good food, and Las Consuelas Mexican restaurant known for its lively atmosphere with Mariachis. Tropicale was also frequently mentioned for its fun and vibrant setting.

Specialty Dining and Atmosphere

Travelers have called out specific spots for their unique offerings and ambiance. The Purple Room Supper Club and Palm Canyon Roadhouse were recommended for enjoying live music. For a quieter, upscale experience, Miros, Le Vallauris, and Mr. Lyons were suggested.

Outdoor and Casual Dining

For those looking for outdoor dining with a casual vibe, users recommended Cheeky's for its convenient location and Tommy Bahama's Marlin Bar for tapa-style menus and people-watching opportunities. Lulus and Acqua California Bistro were also noted for their outdoor seating arrangements.

Health and Safety Considerations

Sammy G's was mentioned several times; however, it was also noted to have had poor health inspection results recently, affecting its recommendation status among users.

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Day Trip Destinations

According to forum posts, Joshua Tree National Park is a popular day trip destination from Palm Springs. Travelers enjoy the unique landscape and outdoor activities available there. Some users suggested spending a day in Santa Monica, exploring the beach and nearby attractions before heading to Palm Springs in the evening.

Local Attractions

Travelers have called out other nearby attractions for day trips, including the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and the aerial tramway for panoramic views. Additionally, the Palm Springs Art Museum and Indian Canyons offer cultural and natural experiences, respectively, suitable for a day’s visit.

Additional Recommendations

For those interested in historical sites, some users recommended visiting the Old Mission and the Cheech Museum in Riverside as part of a day trip. These spots offer cultural insights and are complemented by nearby shopping opportunities.

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Car Rental Services

According to forum posts, several travelers have discussed renting cars in Palm Springs. Major rental services like Avis, Alamo, National, Enterprise, and Hertz offer both airport and off-airport pickup options. Prices and policies vary, with some locations offering more flexible hours and potentially lower rates than those at the airport.

Off-Airport Rental Details

Some users noted that off-airport rentals might be cheaper and more convenient depending on the travelers' schedules. However, off-airport locations tend to have more restricted operating hours, which could influence the rental choice. It's recommended to check specific operational times as they might close early on weekends or be closed on Sundays.

Cost Considerations

Travelers have called out that renting directly at the airport might be more expensive upfront but can save money and time on additional transport costs to and from off-airport rental locations. For instance, one user mentioned a significant price difference when choosing between airport and neighborhood rental options.

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Ticket Purchase Options

According to forum posts, tickets for the Palm Springs tram can be purchased online in advance via the official tramway website to ensure a specific time slot. However, some travelers mentioned that only a limited number of tickets are available for pre-booking, and many are sold on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

On-Site Ticket Availability

Several users noted that arriving early at the tram station is beneficial, as tickets are also sold at the station for various time slots throughout the day. It's possible to purchase tickets upon arrival for immediate boarding or for a later time in the day, depending on availability.

Alternative Ticket Sources

While there was curiosity about secondary ticket sources, there are no indications from the posts that tickets are readily available through other channels like Craigslist. Most travelers recommend either pre-booking online or purchasing directly at the tram station.

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Tour Options

According to forum posts, several self-guided and guided tour options are available for exploring Joshua Tree National Park. Some travelers recommend self-driving tours, which can be enhanced with inexpensive audio guides that provide detailed commentary on the park's highlights. Additionally, various websites offer GPS self-guided tour options that start up again in February, entering the park via less-traveled back roads.

Guided Tours

For those preferring guided tours, some travelers have mentioned companies like Desert Adventures, although they note the prices can be steep due to the tours being private. Another recommended option is the Red Jeep tours, known for knowledgeable guides and thorough exploration of the park. Prices for guided tours like those from Wandering Mojave start around $90 per person for approximately 4.5 hours, but some tours require payment for a minimum number of participants.

Additional Tips

Travelers have called out the importance of planning, especially regarding the park's vast size (over 1200 square miles) and lack of amenities such as food, water, and cell service. They advise bringing sufficient supplies and starting early to maximize the experience.

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Preferred Weather Sources

According to forum posts, some travelers have recommended the National Weather Service for reliable and detailed weather forecasts in Palm Springs. It offers hourly updates and forecasts for specific grid points across the U.S., which can be particularly useful for precise locations like golf courses or specific areas within Palm Springs.

Alternative Recommendations

Other users have suggested Weather Underground as a better source compared to the Weather Channel, particularly for the Coachella Valley area. Additionally, local news websites like KESQ.com are also mentioned as good resources for local weather updates.

General Observations

Travelers have noted that weather predictions can be quite variable, especially when it comes to rain in desert locations like Palm Springs. Layering clothes is advisable due to significant temperature differences between sun and shade, as noted by some visitors.

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Family-Friendly Pool Options

Some travelers recommended the Marriott Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert for its multiple pool areas, appealing to families with children. Additionally, the Omni Splashtopia and Hyatt HyTides were highlighted for featuring mini water parks, making them ideal for family stays.

Adults-Only Pool Options

For travelers without children, several posts pointed to the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, both offering deluxe pool experiences with adult-only pools. These resorts cater to adults seeking quieter, more serene poolside relaxation.

Luxury Pool Amenities

The La Quinta Resort was praised for having 41 swimming pools and large rooms, providing a luxurious and expansive setting for pool enthusiasts. This resort combines a traditional luxurious feel with extensive pool options, ideal for relaxation and enjoyment.

Central Location with Pool Access

The Avalon Hotel in Palm Springs was mentioned for its proximity to downtown and family-friendly pool facilities, including a children's pool. This offers a balance of accessibility to local attractions and on-site amenities for both adults and children.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.