This desert city in California's Coachella Valley has natural hot springs, mid-century modern buildings, and the world's largest rotating tramway ascending to Mount San Jacinto.
Palm Springs, a desert city in California's Coachella Valley, is recognized for its mid-century modern architecture, natural hot springs, and warm climate. This oasis in the Colorado Desert invites you to explore the San Jacinto Mountains and nearby Joshua Tree National Park. You can ride the Aerial Tramway, tour celebrity homes, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, or play golf on one of the many courses in the area.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Palm Springs has many sleek, low-slung buildings with clean lines, large windows, and seamless integration with the desert environment. You can take guided tours to see structures like the Kaufmann Desert House, designed by Richard Neutra, or the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway. Many hotels and vacation rentals also have this architectural style, allowing you to stay in a retro-inspired space. The annual Modernism Week in February celebrates this architectural heritage with tours, lectures, and special events.
Ascending Mount San Jacinto on the Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you 2.5 miles up in the world's largest rotating tramcar. As you ascend, you'll see the landscape change from desert to alpine wilderness. At the top station, at an elevation of 8,516 feet, you can enjoy cooler temperatures, hiking trails, and wide-ranging views of the Coachella Valley. The contrast between the arid lowlands and the forested mountaintop is striking. In winter, the upper station often receives snow, allowing for activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Art and Culture Scene
The Palm Springs Art Museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, Native American artifacts, and works by regional artists. Throughout the city, you'll find numerous galleries displaying local art. The annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, held in January, draws cinema fans from around the world. Other cultural events include the Palm Springs Pride Parade in November and the Native FilmFest in March, which focuses on Native American and Indigenous cinema.
Golfing in the Desert
The Coachella Valley has over 100 golf courses, many with views of the surrounding mountains and designed to integrate with the desert landscape. You can play at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, which has hosted several professional tournaments, or the Desert Willow Golf Resort, known for its challenging play and desert scenery. You'll find courses to suit your skill level, many of which are open for public play.
Spa and Wellness Experiences
Palm Springs' natural hot springs have attracted visitors for centuries. Today, you can enjoy these mineral-rich waters at various resorts and spas throughout the city. Many establishments offer treatments that use local ingredients like date palm extracts and desert herbs. The Two Bunch Palms resort in nearby Desert Hot Springs has lithium-rich springs and an extensive spa menu. After a day of pampering, you can relax by one of the city's many pools, taking advantage of the desert climate that makes outdoor relaxation possible year-round.
Exploring the Surrounding Desert
The areas around Palm Springs offer interesting natural landscapes. Joshua Tree National Park, about an hour's drive away, has distinctive rock formations and the iconic Joshua trees. Closer to town, the Indian Canyons have hiking trails through palm oases and rocky gorges. These areas provide opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The Coachella Valley Preserve, located between Palm Springs and Indio, protects a rare desert wetland habitat and has several hiking trails. For a different view of the desert, you can take a jeep tour into the San Andreas Fault zone or go on a guided night walk to observe nocturnal desert life.
Dining and Nightlife
Palm Springs' food scene offers a variety of options. You can find everything from classic steakhouses to contemporary farm-to-table restaurants. Many eateries have outdoor patios where you can dine under the stars. Workshop Kitchen + Bar, housed in a renovated movie theater, offers a seasonal menu focusing on local ingredients. For a taste of old Palm Springs, Melvyn's Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn maintains a classic supper club atmosphere. After dark, the city has a variety of bars and clubs. The Uptown Design District is popular for its mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, with many venues offering live music or DJ sets.
