Palm Springs Travelers Recommend

A popular weekend trip from Los Angeles, Palm Springs offers an easy escape from the city, as well as a roster of outdoor activities for nature lovers and more leisurely pursuits for laid-back travelers. From Jeep excursions to architectural tours, this desert oasis has something for everyone. Here’s how to spend two days in Palm Springs.

Day 1: Drive Out to the Desert

**Morning:**A huge draw for Palm Springs visitors, Joshua Tree National Park provides a somewhat surreal experience with its famous groves of spiky trees (for which the park is named) and its rock formations. Join one of the many guided half-day tours that explore the park via air-conditioned vans, SUVs, Jeeps, and even Hummers.

**Afternoon:**While in Joshua Tree, take a rock climbing class and learn the fundamentals of the sport such as knot tying, belaying, and the proper lingo. (No experience is necessary.) Alternatively, visit a working wind farm to see some of Palm Springs’ 2,000-plus windmills, find out why this renewable energy source is important to the Coachella Valley, and check out the latest technology.

**Night:**In the evening, head back out into the desert to do some stargazing. Since it’s not affected by the light pollution of a city such as Los Angeles, the dark night sky here offers the perfect chance to score a clear view of planets and stars, aided by a telescope on a guided tour.

Day 2: Town Highlights

**Morning:**A must-do in Palm Springs, the aerial tram ascends 5,783 feet (1,790 meters), offering unparalleled views of the San Jacinto Mountains and Chino Canyon. Plus, you’ll experience the change in temperature from hot and dry to cool and crisp. At the top, take in the surrounding scenery from the observation deck.

**Afternoon:**Known for its mid-century modern designs, this desert destination attracts plenty of architecture enthusiasts, as well as fans of old Hollywood. Learn about the city’s history on a guided tour of the former homes of stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, and see why it was a popular getaway from La La Land. 

**Night:**Take a sunset tour of the desert in an open-air Jeep. The excursion typically starts a few hours before the sun sets, so you’ll be able to see the magical time before the desert is covered in darkness. Also, be on the lookout for local wildlife emerging at night.

Located about a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles, Palm Springs serves as a popular weekend getaway for Southern Californians, as well as a relaxing destination for tourists looking for vintage vibes and desert adventures. With three days, you can explore the full range of attractions and activities this sunny locale has to offer. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: Explore the City

Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway high up into the San Jacinto Mountains inside a revolving gondola. The temperature in the mountains can be up to 40℉ (4℃) cooler, making this a great escape from the desert heat. Up top you can hike, picnic, or just enjoy the views of Mount San Jacinto State Park and the surrounding wilderness. Winter activities include tobogganing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Palm Springs’ celebrity homes, including the former residences of Marilyn Monroe, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley, and learn about the area’s history along the way. Alternately, ride the aerial tram in the evening hours, followed by dinner at the restaurant located at the top.

Day 2: Head Into the Desert

Now that you’ve seen those endless skies and the ever-changing rugged landscape from the tram, head farther afield to Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert. (Get an early start in the summer to beat the heat.) Alternatively, stay closer to town and hike into the scenic Indian Canyons, ancestral home of the Cahuilla tribes; bring your swimsuit in case the streams are running. Those interested in geology can venture to the San Andreas Fault, and adventurous travelers can bike along the faultline on a guided cycling tour. In the evening, take advantage of the lack of city lights to view stars in the dark desert sky. With the help of a telescope and your guide, you’ll learn how to spot celestial objects like a pro.

Day 3: Day-Tripping

On your final day, head about 1.5 hours out of town to Temecula, taking in views of the Syrah- and Tempranillo-vine-covered countryside along the way. Once there, visit a series of wineries, sampling some of Southern California’s best wines, including the popular almond-infused sparkling wine. Book a guided tour with round-trip transportation for added convenience. Another easily accessible day trip option, the Salton Sea (which is twice as salty as the Pacific) is a little more than an hour away from Palm Springs. Outdoor activities like boating (boats float better here because of the salt content) and fishing are the main attractions, as well as bird-watching, and the colorful outdoor art installation Salvation Mountain is located nearby.

Located in the Colorado Desert, 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is an oasis of sun, fun, and money that’s not just for retirees anymore. Thanks to events such as the Coachella music festival, it’s taken on a hip, laid-back vibe that attracts all ages. Here’s how to get the most out of one day there.

Morning: Take a Ride

Begin your day with expansive desert views from Palm Springs’ Aerial Tramway. Ascend 5,783 feet (1,790 meters) into the San Jacinto Mountains and experience the transition from hot and dry to cool alpine temperatures. At the top, enjoy the scenery from the observation deck or restaurant, then head out to hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on the trails around the station. Alternatively, join a Jeep tour and explore the surrounding desert before the afternoon sun becomes uncomfortable.

Afternoon: See the Stars’ Homes

Once known as “Hollywood's Playground,” Palm Springs boasts an impressive lineup of celebrity homes, including the former residences of Marilyn Monroe, Nat King Cole, and Elvis Presley. Join a guided tour to view some of these properties, as well as learn about the architecture and history of the area, which is renowned for its mid-century modern designs. Another trademark of Palm Springs is its windmills. Take a tour of the town’s 2,000-plus windmills and learn why this renewable energy source is so important to the region. Along the way, try a date milkshake, the signature treat of the California desert.

Night: Catch the Other Stars

One of the big advantages of being out in the desert, away from the city lights of Los Angeles, is the chance to see the stars—in the nighttime sky. Come evening, small-group tours venture out into Palm Desert via 4WD vehicles to do some stargazing. In addition to learning about desert wildlife and geology, get a clear view of the visible planets and stars, with the help of a telescope and your guide. Alternatively, you can book an aerial tram ride for the evening, then enjoy dinner at the Mountain Station restaurant or café and grab a drink at the lounge.