One Day in Palm Springs Itinerary – Top Things to Do in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs, California has grown in popularity during the last decade and not just for its numerous golf courses. Host to the Coachella and multiple other festivals, Palm Springs draws in crowds of people from all around the world. In the early 1900s, Palm Springs became world-famous as a getaway for Hollywood stars, royalty, and rich business moguls, who all went to enjoy the endless sunshine that this desert city offered. Today, beautiful Palm Springs, California is called home by many snowbirds escaping Canadian winters, but also retirees taking advantage of the numerous golf courses. Check out this one day in Palm Springs travel guide for all of the necessary tips and info to make your trip as memorable and enjoyable as possible!

One day in Palm Springs Itinerary
READ
NEXT:
One day in Los Angeles Itinerary
One day in San Diego Itinerary

Plan your trip to Palm Springs

1. What’s the best time to visit Palm Springs?
2. A few facts about Palm Springs
3. One Day in Palm Springs Itinerary
3.1. Start your day in a tram
3.2. Walk down Palm Canyon Drive
3.3. Explore the beautiful houses
3.4. Check out the Air Museum
3.5. Have a fabulous dinner
4. Where to stay in Palm Springs, California?
5. Day trips from Palm Springs
6. Extra tips for visiting Palm Springs

What’s the best time to visit Palm Springs?

The best time to visit Palm Springs during the year is from October until May. In the summer, the valley experiences sweltering heat and dry weather, so make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. If you visit during the summer and plan on hiking, make sure to also get an early start on your hikes before the heat sets in! However, while it is generally sunny 350 days a year, the desert can get quite cold during the winter. Driving up into the surrounding San Jacinto Mountain Range or through Joshua Tree National Park, you may even get snow! 

Palm Springs
Palm Springs, Author: Erik Cooper, Source: Flickr

The busiest season for Palm Springs is from March to May, during the festival season where flocks of people come to Coachella and Stagecoach. However, flights from most major cities in Canada and the US arrive at Palm Springs International Airport almost daily. Due to the number of flights from November-April, it is very easy to find deals. 

Palm Springs Architecture
Palm Springs Architecture, Author: Ben Stiefel, Source: Flickr

For those that don’t mind the drive, you can also look into flying into LAX instead and renting a car to drive to Palm Springs. It is only a 2-hour drive (depending on LA traffic) and may be cheaper or easier for some people to find deals this way.

A few facts about Palm Springs

The combined scenic mountain views with a mix of mid-20th century modern buildings give Palm Springs a distinct look that appeals to many with an appreciation for architecture and nature. The place has the largest concentration of midcentury modern architecture in the world. Modernism Week’s annual festival takes place each year in February and highlights the mid-century modern architecture, art, interior design, and culture in Palm Springs. It features more than 350 events open to the public, many of which are free to attend.

Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Palm Canyon Drive, Author: Randy Heinitz, Source: Flickr

Greater Palm Springs lies within the Coachella Valley and actually is made up of nine cities in total. These cities are all linked by the way of Highway 111, which continues out towards the Salton Sea. The nine connected cities are: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella. 

Palm Springs’ core downtown area consists of the famous Palm Canyon Drive. It features a number of cafes, retro-themed shops, and boutique hotels that maintain the old motel style. However, since the nine cities are all interconnected and very accessible by car, it is easy to access this main shopping area no matter where you stay. The canyons that run along the south-west of the city offer visitors multiple hiking opportunities and trails. 

Palm Springs Architecture
Palm Springs Architecture, Author: Erik Cooper, Source: Flickr

Did you know that with over 50,000 pools, Greater Palm Springs can boast that it has more pools per capita than anywhere else in the country? Frank Sinatra’s former Twin Palms Estate in Palm Springs even boasts a famous piano-shaped swimming pool. In addition to pools, with over 100 renowned golf courses and 300+ sunny days each year, Greater Palm Springs certainly earns its reputation as a top destination for golf-lovers.

One Day in Palm Springs Itinerary

For first-time visitors in Palm Springs, there is no shortage of things to see and do! You could spend a week in Palm Springs and its vicinity and still not come close to seeing all this beautiful area has to offer. Even if you only have a day to visit, don’t be discouraged from trying to hit all of the key tourist spots first as many of them are still must-see spots. Here is an ideal itinerary for an action-packed day in Palm Springs California, from sunrise to sunset. 

Start your day in a tram

A trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is the world’s largest rotating tramcar, is just what you need to start your day. You will get to travel over two-and-one-half miles along the cliffs of the Chino Canyon to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. During this ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly to offer spectacular vistas of the valley below. The Tram’s Mountain Station at 8,516 feet elevation offers two dine-in restaurants, great viewpoints, over 50 miles of hiking trails, and a natural history museum.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway View
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway View, Author: Ben Stiefel, Source: Flickr

Alternative Option: If you don’t want to visit Joshua Tree or the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, then the Coachella Valley Vista Point offers great views of the entire Coachella Valley and is easy to access. Drive about five miles up Hwy 74 as it snakes its way out of Palm Desert and into the San Jacinto Mountains. On a nice clear day, you might see the north tip of the Salton Sea that lies to the southeast! There’s also a small visitor’s center for those wanting more information on the area.

Coachella Valley Vista Point, Palm Springs
Coachella Valley Vista Point, Author: cultivar413, Source: Flickr

Walk down Palm Canyon Drive

After this, make your way into old Palm Springs. Take a walk down Palm Canyon Drive and pop into some great shops to experience more Modernism-type art and retro vibes. 

Ruddy's General Store Museum, Palm Springs
Ruddy’s General Store Museum, Author: cultivar413, Source: Flickr

TIP: Find a cafe or ice cream shop and stop in for a “Date Shake”. These are vanilla milkshakes with dates from the multiple date farms located in the Coachella Valley. They may sound weird, but are delicious!

Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Palm Canyon Drive, Author: cultivar413, Source: Flickr

Explore the beautiful houses

From downtown Palm Springs, take a drive around some of the surrounding neighborhoods at the beautiful Midcentury Modern houses. People in Palm Springs take great pride in the upkeep and appearance of these houses. Keep an eye out for some of the beautiful houses that showcase colorful doors or retro cars as these often make great photo spots.

Midcentury Modern Houses, Palm Springs
Midcentury Modern Houses, Author: Ben Stiefel, Source: Flickr

Around this area, you can also find the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway. It is the nickname given to the iconic 1960 Alexander Estate that Elvis and Priscilla Presley had stayed in 1966. It’s not open for walk-in’s but you can book ahead for a tour.

Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, Palm Springs
Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, Author: Ben Stiefel, Source: Flickr

Check out the Air Museum

Finally, to finish off your one day in Palm Springs, you will need to spend a couple of hours of your afternoon at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Adjacent to the Palm Springs Airport, the Palm Springs Air Museum has an exceptional collection of WWII aircraft and flight memorabilia. Inside is a movie theatre and they even offer occasional flight demonstrations.

Palm Springs Air Museum
Palm Springs Air Museum, Author: David Ensor, Source: Flickr

You can climb inside a functioning Boeing B17 Flying Fortress, a bomber extensively used against Germans during WWII. For any aviation-enthusiasts especially, a stop here is a must!

Palm Springs Air Museum
Palm Springs Air Museum, Author: Jay Cross, Source: Flickr

Have a fabulous dinner

After your busy day, it’s time to treat yourself to a great dinner. Two popular spots in Palm Springs are Las Casuelas Nuevas and the Schnitzelhaus.

If you feel like having Mexican food while in Palm Springs, the best place to visit is the charming, Las Casuelas Nuevas. This restaurant has been a true local favorite for the 40+ years that they have been serving Mexican in the Coachella Valley. The restaurant is in an older building with a beautiful atmosphere and a wonderful patio. The food is all priced quite reasonably, making it great for groups. They often even have live music in the evenings! 

Las Casuelas Nuevas, Palm Springs
Las Casuelas Nuevas, Palm Springs

Or if you are in the mood for German you 100% need to visit Schnitzelhaus, located off of Country Club Drive! This is as authentically German as you can get in the Coachella Valley. It is not a large restaurant but is traditionally-decorated so you feel as if you are truly getting the full Bavarian experience. Even though the food is expensive, it is definitely worth it for the portions and quality! 

After that, head back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep! There are a number of great day trip options if you are looking to stay in Palm Springs longer.

Where to stay in Palm Springs, California?

If you’re looking for a true mid-century experience, then staying in one of the retro motels is highly recommended! There are numerous hotels/motels around the main part of the city and close to the main Palm Canyon Drive area. Many have an elaborate list of famous visitors, ranging from the 1930s and through the golden age of Elvis. Most hotels have been modernized and updated but have luckily still kept their original look that has changed little since the mid-1950s.

Del Marcos Hotel, Palm Springs

Del Marcos Hotel

225 West Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Del Marcos Hotel is only a 10-minute drive from the airport (PSP) and is an adult-only hotel, so this a great option to consider if you are wanting a weekend away without kids. Complimentary Palm Springs Art Museum Passes and Discounted Tram Tickets are available, as is a continental breakfast and parking with no resort fees. 

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Springs

Westin Desert Willow Villas

75 Willow Ridge, Palm Desert, CA 92260

If you are looking at staying in another area, then the Westin Desert Willow Villas, located in Palm Desert, is a place to consider. This villa resort offers many amenities for those looking for more of a resort experience. The rooms are up to 1400 square feet and full kitchens, balconies/patios, washers/dryers, and large separate living spaces. A great option for having more space available but without the greater expense of renting a house.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Paseo, Palm Springs

Hotel Paseo

45-400 Larkspur Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92260

If you really want to relax and enjoy yourself, Hotel Paseo is the place. Not only do you get free parking and access to free bikes, but this place also has an outdoor pool, hot tub, and even evening entertainment. The rooms are very well equipped, and you will also get free toiletries in them. Furthermore, Hotel Paseo also serves an excellent American breakfast, plus you are in the Palm Springs’ center. Prepare to enjoy!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Motel 6 Palm Springs

Motel 6 Palm Springs

660 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264

There aren’t many hostel options available in Palm Springs as it is generally not a backpacker spot. That being said, there are still a number of cheaper motels and more affordable options available that won’t break the bank. Check out Motel 6 Palm Springs if you are looking for accommodation on the cheaper side that is still in a great location!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Day trips from Palm Springs

Joshua Tree National Park

Just to the north of Palm Springs, you can find one of the United States’ most incredible National Parks, the Joshua Tree National Park. It is essential for any visitor to take the time for a beautiful drive through the Joshua Trees, distinct rock formations, and unique landscapes that the park offers. This otherworldly desert-scape makes you feel so far outside the city, but it only takes about an hour to drive to one of the main entrance gates. The varied landscape you’ll experience on the drive shows the contrast between the Colorado and Mojave Deserts that both make up the park.

Pioneertown

For fans of old western movies, a day trip from Palm Springs to Pioneertown in the Yucca Valley would be a great option! In 1946, Pioneertown was founded by a group of Hollywood actors and investors that dreamed of creating an Old West set that doubled as a town. Today, you can still visit Pioneertown and admire the 1880s-style facades. More than 50 films and television shows were filmed here throughout the years!

Salton Sea

Salton Sea is also an interesting option for a day trip. A result of an engineering accident is surrounded by a few towns that have been almost completely deserted, but there is a museum here which you can visit. In any case, a very interesting destination.

Extra tips for visiting Palm Springs

Remember that due to the size of the Coachella Valley, having a car is pretty necessary for fitting everything in during your visit! You can definitely use Uber, but this may rack up large bills if you use it for greater distances across the cities. 

There’s so much to do in Palm Springs. Whether you are spending a day, week, or month in the desert, you will not be at loss for new places to explore. The desert really has its charm! Whether you’re looking for a week in the sun, want to go shopping, love nature, or are a big architecture fan, Palm Springs has something for everyone! 

Palm Springs
Palm Springs

Pin for later!

A complete one day itinerary for Palm Springs CaliforniaBest of Palm Springs - What to do and where to stayHow to spend a perfect day in Palm Springs, California

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Palm Springs Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip?

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully.
Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times.
Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Kelly - The Weekend Wanderluster
Kelly
Travel Blogger at The Weekend Wanderluster

Kelly is a part-time travel blogger, full-time brand manager from Vancouver, BC. Her blog, The Weekend Wanderluster, started as a way of reminiscing over past trips and sharing tips about her favorite places. Due to her love of travel, writing, and having family in the airline industry, her travel blog continues to grow as she shares her experiences! She has traveled to 21 countries and hopes to make it to 30 by the age of 30!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.