Palm Springs
Take a trip to Palm Springs for fun in the sun, and plenty to keep you entertained regardless of if you're looking for activities or a chilled out time.
Palm Springs in a nutshell
It’s been called ‘Hollywood’s Hideaway’ for good reason – Palm Springs was a favorite haunt for Hollywood stars who came to escape and rejuvenate.
This beautiful California desert resort town is a veritable oasis that still offers a relaxing escape, but not only for super stars anymore. Situated in the Coachella Valley, nestling at the foot of a number of mountains, it’s a modern, lively city, close to LA (just a 2-hour drive or a short flight).
Filled with luxurious resorts and hotels, Palm Springs offers a diverse dining and entertainment scene, superb modern buildings, warm, sunny days and numerous cultural activities.
Evidence of Hollywood is found on the city’s star-studded Walk of Fame, situated along South Palm Canyon Drive as well as in the numerous luxurious homes owned by former stars and celebrities that have been transformed into superb restaurants and hotels.
These days, the city is filled with visitors who come to enjoy the famous music fest Coachella, be pampered at luxury spas, dine in superb eateries, play golf at a selection of 100 golf courses and shop in fabulous boutiques.
The quintessential Palm Springs experience involves lazing in the sun poolside, with a cocktail in hand. But there’s plenty of other activities to enjoy. So come and visit, and enjoy a Palm Springs adventure.
Best time to visit: The weather is glorious all year round, but winter, spring and fall are by far the best times to travel here.
Best Area for Sightseeing: There is so much fun to be had in Palm Springs. See Things to do in Palm Springs below for some inspiration.
Shopping in Palm Springs: Head for Palm Canyon Drive to scour its antique stores, specialty shops and art galleries. You’ll find superb boutiques and galleries in the Uptown Design District. Corridor Shops is a great place to visit, with specialty stores and an outdoor courtyard where you can enjoy coffee or a snack.
Food & Restaurants in Palm Springs: You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to dine in this vibrant city, and can enjoy a variety of global cuisines, too.
Nightlife: Most of the bars and restaurants are located in the city’s hotels and resorts, but there are some independent bars and clubs, too.
Things to do in Palm Springs:
- See the incredible collection of planes from the Second World War at the Palm Springs Air Museum and try out the flight simulator there.
- Hike the 1-mile long hiking trail at Indian Canyons.
- Discover unusual trees at spectacular Joshua Tree National Park.
- Take the kids to explore the interactive Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert.
- Visit the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, where Hollywood stars from the 1920s onwards left their mark.
- Explore the vast Palm Springs Art Museum.
- Learn all about the city’s first inhabitants at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
Best way to get around: Take a taxi when you’re in the city. During Coachella there are special buses that operate between Palm Springs and the festival.