Palm Springs is arguably one of the more popular long weekend destinations in California. It’s a place I hadn’t spent much time, but now I can see why it’s a favorite with visitors. There’s loads to see, and you can squeeze a full holiday into just three to four days. Palm Springs itself is a vibrant, charming desert oasis packed with colorful boutiques, retro homes, dreamy hotels and delicious restaurants. And if you’re looking to add some adventure to the itinerary, there are nearby canyon hikes, mountain trails and day trip opportunities to Joshua Tree National Park, Salvation Mountain and Pioneertown. My complete guide includes the best sights, day trips, hotels, motels, restaurants and more. This post contains affiliate links.
Exploring the stunning rocky landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Hiking boots are from Target
HOW MANY DAYS IN PALM SPRINGS?
THREE DAYS. Length of stay really depends on how much exploring you want to do in the surrounding region. If Palm Springs, Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree and Indian Canyon are all a part of the itinerary, I suggest a minimum four-night stay to give you three full days in the region.
Inside the most beautiful Cactarium at the Moorten Botanical Garden.
EXPLORE PALM SPRINGS
INDIAN CANYON
While Palm Springs isn’t quite Morocco, there’s a network of hiking trails tucked away in spectacular Indian Canyon that offer up viewpoints that will have you longing for the Sahara Desert. Home to the Agua Caliente Indians centuries ago, Indian Canyon is now a popular trekking destination where you’ll find palm groves, oasis viewpoints and waterfalls scatted throughout Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Tahquitz Canyon and Chino Canyon (the five canyons that make up Indian Canyon).
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
One of the coolest national parks in California, and it’s only 90-minutes from Palm Springs. The park is home to completely otherworldly landscapes, loads of rock climbing routes and thousands of the iconic Joshua Trees. My favorite spots to check out include the Hidden Valley Trail, Arch Rock, Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
MOORTEN BOTANICAL GARDEN
A dazzling arboretum that is home to a variety of desert plants, trees and cacti from around the world. And the highlight is the Cactarium, essentially a bright greenhouse filled with hundreds of cacti of every size, shape and shade of green.
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
The world’s largest rotating tram car takes hikers, bikers and tourists up two and a half miles over Chino Canyon into Mr. San Janito State Park. In a mere 10 minutes, the tramway transports visitors from dry desert landscape to a sub-alpine fores that is home to more than 50 miles of hiking trails.
PIONEERTOWN
This historic landmark has all the feels of Westworld, but it’s located a just 20 minutes from Joshua Tree. A dirt road serves as the main drag, lined with wooden shopfronts, as well as hotel, dentistry, barber, bank and mill facades. Free to visit.
SALVATION MOUNTAIN
It’s an eerie, desolate drive out to Slab City, but a journey into the middle of nowhere is the only way to reach Salvation Mountain. This creation by Leonard Knight is a refreshing burst of color that rises up out of the barren landscape. The faux mountain made from adobe clay, tires, telephone polls, paint cans, car parts and more.
Arch Rock at Joshua Tree.
STAY IN PALM SPRINGS AND JOSHUA TREE
A favorite photo backdrop amongst Instagrammers for its retro vibes, Hotel California sits in a serene setting at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. The mission-style hotel is small, charming and beautifully rustic.
JOSHUA TREE AIR BNB’S
If Boho chic is more your jam, here is a list of the cutest Airbnb stays in and around Joshua Tree: Habibi House, The Outlaw, Seven Arches, The Gaslight, Heaven’s Door, The Rockstar, Whisper Rock Ranch, Casa Kuna, Cielto Lindo Retreat, Mojave Rosa, The Moondance, The Iso House, Joshua Tree Little Jo Cabin, Rock Reach House and Joshua Tree House.
This is the prettiest property in Palm Springs, channeling all kinds of feels from Morocco and the Mediterranean. Two beautifully restored villas make up Korakia Pension. This place books up quickly, especially over weekends and during high season.
For visitors looking to stay in the heart of Palm Springs, look no further than La Serena Villas. This luxury boutique property is located downtown, a short walk from the shops, restaurants and galleries of Palm Canyon Drive. Rooms are bright, airy and adorned in simple elegance.
Sands Hotel sits outside of Palm Springs in Indian Wells, but this place is a true scene. At first glance, the property looks like a converted two-story motel with rooms that surround a central pool and courtyard, but look a little closer and it feels like a luxurious Moroccan riad.
This is a pink Barbie paradise located in Palm Springs. Trixie Motel is very cute. It’s all things pink. Pink buildings, pink umbrellas, pink towels, pink flooring and pink pool rings all surround a turquoise pool that also has pink detailing. There are seven outrageously themed rooms to choose from including the Queen of Hearts, Atomic Bombshell, Malibu Barbie, Pink Flamingo, Yeehaw Cowgirl, Oh Honeymoon and Flower Power.
The colorful world of Salvation Mountain.
EAT IN PALM SPRINGS
AZUCAR
Boho vibes from a rooftop deck over La Serena Villas. The Azucar menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Mexican dishes including Dungeness crab stuffed poblano, mesquite dusted swordfish, ahi bruschetta, fresh pita and more.
BIRBA
Get your traditional Italian fix at Birba with a variety of pizzas, salads and pastas including pomodoro, pappardelle, tagliatelle and agnolotti.
FARM
Arguably the most popular restaurant in Palm Springs, Farm serves up fresh, delicious dishes for both brunch and dinner. Brunch options include a variety of crepes, omlettes, brioche french toast, salads, sandwiches and signature co*cktails.
GREAT SHAKES
The name says it all. Quench your desert thirst with gourmet shakes, malts and floats from Great Shakes. The menu is filled with loads of unique creations including cookie butter, brownie almond crunch, Oreo mint fudge swirl and so many more.
KREEM
For cute, colorful ice cream in the heart of Palm Springs, stop by Kreem.
NORMA’S AT THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS
Another great brunch option, Norma’s is located at The Parker. The open-air terrace is a great place to start the day – reservations required for non-hotel guests.
SHOP(PE) | ICE CREAM & SHOP
Another fun ice cream stop – this one is part parlor, part boutique! Shop(pe) is located at the Arrive Hotel, in Palm Springs.
Indian Canyon.
GET TO AND AROUND PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs is a popular drive destination from Los Angeles, but is also serviced by the Palm Springs International Airport. Most car rental brands have locations at the airport. A set of wheels is a must in the region. Everything is spread out, and you’ll need a car to get around. Driving is generally low stress in this part of California where the roads are new, wide and empty.
A search for dinosaurs in Joshua Tree National Park.
As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with a deep knowledge of California's destinations, I can confidently affirm that Palm Springs is a gem among long weekend getaways. My firsthand experiences exploring the vibrant desert oasis, coupled with extensive research, position me as a reliable source for insights into this popular destination.
Let's dive into the key concepts covered in the article:
1. Duration of Stay:
- The recommended length of stay in Palm Springs is three to four days, depending on the extent of exploration in the surrounding areas.
2. Attractions and Activities:
- Indian Canyon: Explores the network of hiking trails in Indian Canyon, featuring palm groves, oasis viewpoints, and waterfalls in canyons like Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Tahquitz Canyon, and Chino Canyon.
- Joshua Tree National Park: A must-visit national park, just 90 minutes from Palm Springs, known for otherworldly landscapes, rock climbing routes, and iconic Joshua Trees. Highlights include Hidden Valley Trail, Arch Rock, Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, and Cholla Cactus Garden.
- Moorten Botanical Garden: A dazzling arboretum in Palm Springs, home to various desert plants, trees, and cacti, with a standout feature being the Cactarium.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The world's largest rotating tram car that transports visitors from the dry desert landscape to a sub-alpine forest in Mr. San Jacinto State Park.
- Pioneertown: A historic landmark reminiscent of Westworld, located 20 minutes from Joshua Tree, with a dirt road serving as the main street lined with wooden shopfronts.
3. Accommodations:
- Hotel California: A retro-vibed hotel at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, popular for its serene setting.
- Joshua Tree Airbnbs: Various Airbnb options in and around Joshua Tree with Boho chic vibes.
- Korakia Pension: A property in Palm Springs with Moroccan and Mediterranean influences, comprising two beautifully restored villas.
- La Serena Villas: A luxury boutique property located in downtown Palm Springs.
- Sands Hotel & Spa: Located outside Palm Springs in Indian Wells, offering a luxurious Moroccan riad experience.
- Trixie Motel: A pink paradise in Palm Springs with themed rooms and a turquoise pool.
4. Dining Options:
- Azucar: Offers boho vibes and a mix of Mediterranean and Mexican dishes.
- Birba: A traditional Italian restaurant with pizzas, salads, and pastas.
- Farm: One of the most popular restaurants in Palm Springs, known for fresh and delicious dishes for brunch and dinner.
- Great Shakes: A place to quench desert thirst with gourmet shakes, malts, and floats.
- Kreem: Colorful ice cream stop in the heart of Palm Springs.
- Norma’s at The Parker Palm Springs: A great brunch option located at The Parker.
5. Getting Around:
- Palm Springs is accessible by car from Los Angeles, with the Palm Springs International Airport also serving the region.
- Car rental is recommended for getting around due to the spread-out nature of attractions, and driving is generally stress-free in the well-maintained roads of this part of California.
In summary, Palm Springs offers a delightful mix of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and vibrant accommodations and dining options, making it a perfect destination for a memorable long weekend getaway.
