A Perfect Palm Springs Weekend Getaway: A First Timer’s Guide
Palm Springs is known for great resorts, loads of sunshine, and access to both arts and outdoor activities. We’ve got your guide on what to do and where to stay for a fun family weekend.
The stars of old Hollywood were onto something when they made the greater Palm Springs area famous.
It wasn’t just the area’s close proximity to Los Angeles.
Palm Springs also offers plenty to do and a perfect environment in which to do it.
So while it first became well-known as a desert playground for actors, it remains a top destination today. So much so that it earned a #5 spot on Travel and Leisure’s List of 25 Best Places To Visit in California.
It doesn’t just cater to couples or singles. Families can enjoy all there is to do too.
So grab your sunscreen, some walking shoes, and a taste for mid-century modern architecture.
We’re planning the perfect Palm Springs weekend getaway.
Downtown Palm Springs is just 10 minutes from the Palm Springs International Airport.
How to Get To Palm Springs For A Weekend Getaway
Nonstop flights to Palm Springs International Airport are available from 30 airports and one-stop flights service more than 300 cities. The flight path in shows off more golf courses than I’ve ever seen from the sky. And the airport welcomes travelers with open air concourses topped with tent like canopies. Because why wait to be in the sunshine for a second longer?
Unlike many destinations, Palm Spring’s airport is minutes from downtown, located only two miles from the action.
Can’t fly nonstop into PSP from your closest airport? Several other airports are located within a few hours drive as well.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is 10 minutes from downtown.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is an hour away.
John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) is under 2 hours.
San Diego International (SNA) airport is about 2 hours away. One route is a beautiful and windy drive over the mountain.
Los Angeles International (LAX) is 2 and 1/2 hours from Palm Springs.
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Spring brings beautiful blooming flowers in Palm Springs.
When To Go To Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers things to do year-round. But you might want to consider weather and crowds when deciding when is the best time to go.
What time of year has the best weather in Palm Springs for a visit?
Whenever you choose to go to Palm Springs, you’re very likely to see abundant sunshine and no rain. December through March sees just one to two days of rain. The other months of the year typically have no rain days.The area gets less than five inches of rain throughout the entire year. And in the last several years, it’s gotten less than two inches.
Yet, somehow, we managed to visit during a period of rain. But, the rain only lasted intermittently throughout half of one day.
The city is pretty notorious for very hot weather. In the summer months, June through September, the heat soars to triple digits. So, if you’re planning to go then, pools and water parks will be your likely go-to’s.
The fall and spring are often sweet spots for visiting the area. During our mid-March visit, temperatures were in the high 60s and low 70s, although this was lower than normal. It made for great walking around weather, though not the best pool weather.
Winter in Palm Springs typically brings daytime highs between 65° and 75°. Nighttime temperatures usually fall into the 40s though so the highs don’t last particularly long during the day.
What time of year has the lowest crowds and fun activities?
Different times of the year can also bring varying levels of crowds and things to do. But, the busy seasons don’t typically follow a school schedule like in some vacation destinations.
Palm Springs has three main tourism seasons:
Low Season: May through August
These hot months are also the months with the lowest crowds. Hotel prices are usually priced lower. Early mornings are the best times to be outdoors during this time of year. And afternoons are reserved for pool time or being in air conditioning.
Mid Season: September through December
Although September is still very hot, things tend to pick up a bit around this time of year. October, November and December are sweet spots for mid level crowds while beating the highest heat.
Peak Season: January through April
We experienced low crowds even though this is considered high season. However, one large hotel on our list was sold out.
Events like Coachella, an arts and music festival, and Stagecoach, a country music festival, both occur in April. Hotel prices are usually higher during these weeks, although this can be a good time to go if you want to attend the events.
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Snow-capped mountains can be usually be seen in the distance November through April.
Where To Stay In Palm Springs
Planning where to stay in Palm Springs for a weekend getaway can be a little confusing.
For starters, it’s an area literally known for resorts. So, there are a lot, as in hundreds if you include hotels and not just resorts, from which to choose.
Also, “Palm Springs” often refers to greater Palm Springs, meaning the city as well as the surrounding area.
Another way to think of it is by knowing that Palm Springs itself is a part of the Coachella Valley, which includes nine cities. They are Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage.
Seem a little overwhelming?
Don’t worry. We’ve got your cheat sheet on which area might match your vacation goals.
Family resorts with sprawling grounds and lots to do can be found outside the town of Palm Springs.
Staying outside the city of Palm Springs
We’re convinced that the Coachella Valley is the best location in Southern California for large resorts that cater to families. You won’t even need to leave your resort for a weekend getaway to Palm Springs with plenty to do. (Although, there are some fun things to do off property as well. We’ll get to that soon.)
Most families will want to stay a little out of town to really take advantage of Palm Spring’s resort game. This is where the area really shines for families. The resorts here are still a short drive from the airport too.
After tons of research, these are our top five resort picks. It’s for those who don’t want to schlep through the giant list on their own.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa
This was our pick for our Palm Springs weekend getaway. We all loved it. The upscale feel of the sprawling grounds was offset by our beautiful room.
The 450-acre resort features a spa, fitness center and a golf course. For kids and adults alike, pickleball, croquet, tennis, a basketball hoop, and pools provide tons of entertainment. The huge arcade provides fun out of the sun. The boat ride around the lake on property is unique and even starts inside. And seeing the flamingos and ducks around is a nice bonus.
Several restaurants are on-site, including a Japanese steakhouse, which was our favorite.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas
We especially love Omni Hotels because of their Say Goodnight To Hunger Program. And this one doesn’t disappoint thanks to Splashtopia, the on-site water park with a 425-foot lazy river and two 100-foot waterslides. There’s also a cliff-side hot tub, sandy beach, water-play zones, and an adults only pool.
Other amenities include on-site restaurants, a golf course, tennis courts, and kids’ activities. All this is located in Rancho Mirage, under 20 minutes from the Palm Springs Airport.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Spa
This massive resort is 25-30 minutes from the airport. It has seven pools, one of which features dueling water slides. There’s also two golf courses, multiple tennis courts and four eateries.
The resort houses 531 rooms. Among them are villas. They have extra space for things like a full barbecue experience. The in-villa meal can be prepared by yourself or by your own personal chef.
Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage
This choice is likely to be one of the priciest on the list. Although it just might be worth it if you want a refined experience that’s still family friendly. It has a smaller footprint, yet still has over 300 rooms and two pools.
There’s also an on-site fitness center, guided hikes, daily yoga, and Pilates. So it’s great for making your desert escape a wellness trip.
With things like misting stations. fire pits and private cabanas you’re sure to find a spot for some private family time.
La Quinta Resort and Club, Hilton Curio Collection
We love a historic property almost as we love accruing loyalty points for a stay. Both come together in this Hilton property that dates back to the 1920’s.
If pools are your thing, this resort will be your heaven. It boasts 41 of them, albeit a fair share are private pools that accompany their top-of-the-line suites.
In addition to swimming, guests can play tennis, golf, croquet, or take yoga. They can also go to the spa and fitness center, or bike around property. And if hiking the expansive grounds isn’t enough for you, actual hiking trails are nearby too.
Downtown Palm Springs has lots of adults-only hotels, but a few family friendly hotels as well.
Staying in the downtown area of Palm Springs
If you really want to be within walking distance of all downtown has to offer, this is a great place to stay.
As we discovered though, while many downtown boutique hotels look fantastic, a fair number are adults-only. But one stands out as a family hit.
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
This hotel’s claim to fame is its rooftop pool, which just so happens to be the only one in Palm Springs.
But there’s more to love here too.
With 159 rooms and suites, it’s not too big but also not too small to offer a fair share of amenities. It features two onsite restaurants, a hosted evening social hour, and fully stocked honor bars in every room. Although it’s walkable to all of downtown, guests can use the hotel’s complimentary bikes too. There’s also yoga mats in every room as well as a fitness center and multiple pickleball courts.
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ATV riding was our family’s favorite desert activity on our Palm Springs weekend getaway.
What To Do In Palm Springs
If you can pull yourself away from your resort, the greater Palm Springs area has a lot to do. Animal lovers, adventurers, and sightseers alike will be find plenty to keep them happy.
Go ATV Riding
Renting ATVs to ride was one of our family’s favorite activities during our Palm Springs weekend getaway. Several companies provide rentals, with most requiring children to be at least 12 years old to ride.
ATV rental companies are a bit outside of the Palm Springs area. We drove only about 50 minutes to ride with Steve’s ATV Rentals. We explored part of Joshua Tree National Park. Other companies also provide trails on private property to explore.
Ride the world’s largest rotating tram car
One of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs is to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The car travels two-and-one-half miles in a journey that takes about ten minutes. Riders see the Chino Canyon, which is part of the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been a staple in Palm Springs for over 50 years. And it continues to be a fun place for families. The zoo’s daily calendar is packed full of opportunities to learn about and view animals.
Visitors can explore the desert environments of North America, Australia, and Africa and see 150 animal species. It’s all on 1,200 acres that encompass miles of hiking trails. Kids will also love the petting zoo, splash zone, play areas, and special “Glow in the Park” nights.
Explore Joshua Tree National Park
ATVs are just one way to explore Joshua Tree National Park but it’s certainly not the only way to see it. Going on a Joshua Tree open air hummer adventure, a scenic driving and walking tour, or an off-road tour are other ways.
Our family loved seeing this unique landscape.
The landscape of the desert is a must-see.
Take a Covered Wagon Ride
Ride through the Sonoran Desert and along the Canyons of the San Andreas Fault on a Covered Wagon Tour. A naturalist guide will take you through a wilderness preserve, where you might spot owls, hawks, reptiles, and even coyotes.
You’ll also hear the history of the area. And if you choose the BBQ dinner tour, you’ll have a chuck wagon meal accompanied by live music.
Tour Downtown
Even though we recommend staying outside of downtown for your weekend family getaway, seeing downtown is not to be missed.
Downtown Palm Springs has great restaurants, fun shops and the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. The Walk of Stars began in 1992 as a way to immortalize some of the famous celebrities who were the town’s VIPs.
Visit a Museum
Palm Springs has a few fun museums for those blazing hot days or whenever you want some indoor time.
While art lovers will like the Palm Springs Art Museum, little (and big) aviators will enjoy the Palm Springs Air Museum. And when we were touring downtown, we loved spending a little time in the Palm Springs Historical Society. The small, free museum made a nice stop.
The fun, quirky Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is unique. And the Museum of Natural Wonders or the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum are good for museum enthusiasts too.
Take a bike Tour
Palm Springs is a great place to explore via bike. Sign up for a guided bike and hike with Aviator through the Indian Canyons. Take a bike tour of celebrity homes in town, available with manual or e-bikes. Or just see if your resort offers bikes for rent to explore on your own.
