Palm Springs, California is one of the prettiest cities in America. It’s easy to see why it was the weekend playground of Hollywood elite from the 1930s through the ’60s. Snow-capped mountains tower over a manicured town full of colorful flowers, retro architecture, and shops. Sure, it’s a bubble, but it’s quite simply one of America’s most unique and charming towns.
Things to Do in Palm Springs
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of the Coachella Valley from 8,500 feet. Even in the spring, you’ll find snow at the top of the San Jacinto Mountains. Stay to admire the views or even camp.
Take a self-guided architecture tour to see the former homes of Elvis, Sinatra, and Monroe, as well as mid-century modern gems like the Tramway Gas Station (pictured). Also check out the colorful and kitschy Saguaro Palm Springs (pictured).
Stroll Palm Canyon Drive, the main drag downtown, for hundreds of shops and restaurants.
Golf is a huge deal in Palm Springs and reportedly one of the primary reasons the Obamas moved to nearby Rancho Mirage.
I spent two days in Palm Springs and left wanting more. It lives up to its reputation as a desert oasis and resort town. Hoever, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy it. Admire the hypnotic wind turbines, stop to smell the flowers, sit under Jurassic-looking palms, or hike the mountains — there’s lots of ways to experience nature in Palm Springs. Be sure to stay long enough to catch a desert sunset — you won’t be disappointed.
Comments 32
May 21, 2017 at 8:51 pm
As a nature lover who is keen on hiking and camping, Palm Springs looks to me like an absolute ‘must-do’. Such a beautiful place and your really lovely photographs show this so clearly. I really need to visit, explore and experience what you describe in this post so well.
June 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Thanks, Nicole.
May 21, 2017 at 11:19 pm
Oh! I’ve been wanting to visit Palm Springs for years! It seems like such a glamorous destination for a girls weekend! Your photos definitely capture that Hollywood Glam feel!
June 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Yes, would be so fun for a girls weekend.
May 22, 2017 at 2:21 am
Palm Springs looks so beautiful and like a movie scene. I like so many windmills amidst palms and mountains. Which is the nearest international airport or big city to go there and we need a rent a car to go there or any public transport is there?
June 12, 2017 at 11:59 am
I would rent a car. Palm Springs has an airport or you could fly into Ontario or LAX.
May 22, 2017 at 2:56 am
I’m currently trying to book a room at the saguaro for a weekend getaway haha. definitely one of my favorite hotels. love all the colors of it!
June 12, 2017 at 11:58 am
Cool. I haven’t stayed there. Just stumbled upon it while driving around.
May 22, 2017 at 3:41 am
Palm Springs must have been amazing from the 30’s to the 60’s. I love playing golf and it would be a dream to play at a course in Palm Springs and a bonus if I spotted Obama! As always you took some fantastic images, the architecture of Palm Springs is unique and perfect to photograph!
June 12, 2017 at 11:58 am
Thanks so much, James!
May 22, 2017 at 4:55 am
Once more I must say, I totally love your photographic impressions. They have this beautiful, calm touch and these amazing colours – really beautiful!
Palms Springs looks truly so “californish”, pity just that I did miss to have a closer look when we had a Cali road trip last year.
The wind turbines shot is great, somehow a bit surreal with this natural surrounding…
June 12, 2017 at 11:58 am
Thanks for your comment!
May 22, 2017 at 5:04 am
I’m sold – these are beautiful!!
June 12, 2017 at 11:57 am
Thanks, Erin!
May 23, 2017 at 8:26 pm
Your photos are so beautiful Jess! Great talent you got there. 🙂
June 12, 2017 at 11:56 am
Thank you, Jessica!
May 23, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Omg the photos though…! This makes me fall in love with Cali even more than I already have. I like the idea of catching a desert sunset you mentioned too.
June 12, 2017 at 11:56 am
Thanks, Ashley!
May 24, 2017 at 12:55 am
I’ll actually be in Palm Springs this weekend for Memorial Day. Your amazing photos are inspiring me to do more than just chill in the pool at the resort. I’ve heard a lot of great feedback about the Aerial Tramway, but haven’t been yet. Maybe this weekend will be the time I finally experience it?
June 12, 2017 at 11:56 am
Cool. How did your visit to PS go?
June 26, 2017 at 1:25 am
Well, at least I thought about leaving the hotel. HAHA We were having too good of a time in the pool to leave the resort. The only time we ventured out was to grab some groceries and dinner at a local burger joint recommended by the hotel. Smokin’ Burgers & Lounge. The service was so-so, but the burgers were good. My friends got some burger with jalapenos and it was crazy hot. Totally recommend it if you have the stomach for spicy food.
May 24, 2017 at 2:40 am
You have definitely captured the beauty of Palm Springs, it looks so colourful and charming. I am yet to visit California, but Palm Springs will definitely be on my travel list when I do! 🙂
June 12, 2017 at 11:55 am
Thanks for reading GGT!
May 24, 2017 at 3:30 am
Palm Spring looks like a tropical paradise and you have captured its beauty perfectly. Thereis no wonder Obama moved there. Tself-guided architecture tour to see the former homes of Elvis, Sinatra, and Monroe, as well as mid-century modern gems like the Tramway Gas Station (pictured). A
May 24, 2017 at 3:34 am
Palm Spring looks like a tropical paradise and you captured its scenic vista perfectly. There is no wonder Obama moved there. The colorful buildings and modern architecture is another plus. If I ever had a chance to visit California again, I would definitely put Palm Spring on my list.
June 12, 2017 at 11:55 am
Yes! It’s wonderful. Thanks for reading, Julie.
May 24, 2017 at 6:04 am
Palm springs is a dream! This summer we are so passing by there before our road trip on route 66! Your pictures are amazing and would make anyone want to go! Can’t wait for it!
June 12, 2017 at 11:55 am
Cool, what a fun trip. Be forewarned Route 66 gets up to 120 degrees in places. We experienced it about a month ago!
May 25, 2017 at 8:01 am
Amazing Pictures! After going through your blog, really want to go at Palm Springs. It’s like dream now.
Thanks!
June 12, 2017 at 11:52 am
Thanks, Nitin!
May 26, 2017 at 4:41 am
It’s pretty bad that I’ve never dwelled in Palm Springs despite being less than two hours away. I know there’s more to Palm Springs than casinos, retirement homes and windmills. Your posts show very vibrantly that there’s a lot to see, so hopefully it’ll make me go one day!
June 12, 2017 at 11:52 am
I hope you see it too, Ling!