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Palm Springs
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Palm Springs Overview
Palm Springs is a desert oasis located approximately 2 hours from Los Angeles and other metropolitan regions. Originally known as Agua Caliente, Palm Springs was inhabited by Native American Indians who flourished throughout the Coachella Valley. In the early to mid 1900's Hollywood discovered Palm Springs and it soon was referred to as "The Playground of the Stars". Big celebrities have played a role in the growth and expansion of Palm Springs including Bob Hope, Sonny Bono and many, many more.
Today, Palm Springs is known for its luxury resorts and abundance of golf courses. Many of its residents are wealthy retirees that enjoy a life of luxury with all the afforded amenities. In recent years, a growing gay population has enhanced the downtown region with art and entertainment venues. Local indian tribes have built Vegas-style casinos throughout the region offering gambling, entertainment and accommodations.
Palm Springs' on season is during the cooler months of Spring and Winter. The high temperatures of Summer keep most visitors away but offer the least amount of crowds. We recommend avoiding Palm Springs during the Summer if you plan on outdoor activities such as hiking or golfing. The best plan for Summer is to relax by the pool and enjoy a perfect California day.
TIP: For more detailed information and current events, check out the Palm Springs Life website.
 Check our La Quinta Resort blog for more details.
 See our La Quinta Resort photo album on Flickr.
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Joshua Tree is located approximately 1 hour north of Palm Springs. Joshua Tree is named after its plentiful desert plants that stand 10' to 20' tall. Sightseeing, road & mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing and camping are the major activities to be enjoyed in Joshua Tree. A half-day trip from Palm Springs through the park is definitely doable including stops at sites. MORE DETAILS
Tahquitz Canyon is a desert oasis of palm trees and sycamores tucked into a narrow canyon. Follow Tahquitz Creek until it ends at Tahquitz Waterfall and a refreshing freshwater pool. MORE DETAILS
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Jeep Tours are available in a variety of group tours and activities including jeep eco-tours. Navigate backroads and canyons where no other vehicle can. View the wildlife and fauna in its natural surroundings. MORE DETAILS
Golfing is available at hundreds of public and private courses throughout the Palm Springs region. Many of the courses are PGA approved and host professional tours. Lessons are readily available for those looking to try it for the first time or improve their technique. MORE DETAILS
Hot Air Balloon ride above the California desert in vibrant colored balloons. Take in the views of vineyards, polo fields, world famous golf courses, exotic orchards and Southern California's tallest mountain peaks. MORE DETAILS
Horseback Riding through canyons and oasis' surrounding Palm Springs or through the canyons of Morongo Valley, with beautiful views of the San Gorgonio mountains and Mt. San Jacinto. Multiple riding adventures are available at several times throughout the day. Rides range from 1 to over 4-hours. MORE DETAILS
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Miscellaneous Recommendations
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Palm Springs Air Museum pays tribute to the men and women that fought in war, particularly WWII. It has one of the largest collections of WWII warplanes and artifacts in the world. In addition, many modern-day fighters and bombers are on display. MORE DETAILS
The Living Desert is a moderate sized zoo and gardens featuring desert dwelling plants and animals from around the world. Succulents, cacti and drought tolerant plants are intermingled with aviaries throughout the gardens. Local species of wildlife including coyote, rattlesnakes and eagles are on display with animals from other desert regions including giraffes, ostriches, leopards and more. MORE DETAILS
Palm Springs Tram climbs two and a half miles from the desert floor at 2,600 feet to over 8,500 feet in under 30 minutes. At the top is a restaurant offering views of the desert community of Palm Springs and a winter adventure center for snow shoeing and cross-country skiing. MORE DETAILS
Hadley's fruit stand is famous for its date shakes. This is one of our favorites and practically a tradition among Californians to stop when passing by. MORE DETAILS
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Agua Caliente Casino indian casino & resort offers a hotel, restaurant, bar & grill, buffet and pool. Entertainment includes live bands and shows in indoor and outdoor venues.&MORE DETAILS
Spa Resort Casino indian casino & resort offers multiple dining options and an adjacent hotel & spa. Entertainment includes live performers in one of many lounges or larger acts in an outdoor venue.&MORE DETAILS
Casino Morongo indian casino & resort offers a four-star hotel, restaurant, bar & grill, entertainment club, upscale bowling alley and more.MORE DETAILS
Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino indian casino & resort offers accommodations, restaurants, gambling and entertainment.MORE DETAILS
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort amenities include 20 tennis courts, 5 swimming pools, a multitude of restaurants, bars & coffee shops, shopping and a championship golf course. Hop aboard the gondola that waits inside the lobby to ferry guests to hotel restaurants and pools.MORE DETAILS
Las Brisas is located off Highway 111 in downtown Palm Springs. You can't ask for a better deal in the best location in Palm Springs located one block from the famous Plaza Theatre, museums, shopping, restaurants and more. MORE DETAILS
Desert Hills Hotel is located off Interstate 10 or Highway 111 near the Ramon Road exit. This 1956 resort hotel is situated near shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and galleries in the heart of Old Palm Springs. Amenities include a pool, jacuzzi, complimentary bikes, barbeques and most rooms have full kitchens. MORE DETAILS
Coyote Inn is located off Interstate 10 or Highway 111 near the Ramon Road exit. This Spanish mission-style resort features a inner courtyard with a pool, jacuzzi, pool-side bar and thatch-roof cabanas. All rooms have full kitchens and fireplaces. MORE DETAILS
Calla Lily Inn is located off Interstate 10 or Highway 111 near the Ramon Road exit. Reminiscent of a desert oasis with its palm and citrus trees, this 1950's inn is situated in the heart of downtown Palm Springs village offering easy access to multiple shopping, dining and entertainment options. MORE DETAILS
La Quinta Resort & Club is located off Interstate 10 south on Washington Street. This historic resort has served as the playground of the rich & famous since 1926. This gorgeous resort is reminiscent of a Spanish mission with towering bell towers, garden courtyards, fountains and adobe casitas. The all-inclusive resort features several restaurants, spas and shops. Nine golf courses surround the resort offering over 150 holes. A professional tennis arena is included with 22 other courts giving reason why it has been repeatedly voted a top-ten tennis resort for the nation. A plethora of pools are located among hundreds of villas, casitas, suites and vacation homes. Much of the resort is original with arched doorways, heavy wood doors and woodbeamed ceilings. Staying at La Quinta Resort is just as much a historical experience as it is luxury pampering. Staying at La Quinta Resort is just as much a historical experience as it is luxury pampering. MORE DETAILS
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Palm Springs Tram is located at the top of a 8,000 foot peak accessible by aerial tram. Dine at the top of Southern California's second highest peak with panoramic views of the entire Palm Springs basin. Three dining options are available including a Restaurant, Cafe and Lounge. MORE DETAILS
Wang's in the Desert is located in downtown Palm Springs near the intersection of Ramon and Indian Canyon. They specialize in Pan Asian cuisine and feature and indoor pond and outdoor patio. MORE DETAILS
Native Foods is located near the intersection of Palm Canyon and Sunrise in Palm Springs and in Palm Desert at El Paseo and Lupine. They specialize in vegan cuisine. MORE DETAILS
Europa @ Villa Royale Inn is situated in the luxurious Villa Royale Inn at Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Trail. They offer international fine dining in a Spanish-style villa, complete with fountains and wood burning fireplace. MORE DETAILS
Johanne's is located in downtown Palm Springs at Palm Canyon and Tahquitz Canyon. Hints of Austrian fare are intermingled with international cuisine. MORE DETAILS
Kobe is situated in Rancho Mirage off Highway 111. Blue-tiled roofs sweep down to beautifully manicured Japanese gardens, complete with a koi pond bridges and statuary. Meals are served teppan-style, which means they're cooked on large hot griddles in front of the guests. The chef's are highly skilled with knives and put on a show while preparing the meals. MORE DETAILS
Fisherman's Market & Grill has three locations throughout the Palm Springs vacinity. These laid-back restaurants offer some of the freshest seafood in the desert and you have the choice of taking it with you to prepare yourself, or have them cook it for you. They've been voted #1 seafood restaurant at all locations. No frills atmosphere where you order at the counter and the food is brought to your table. MORE DETAILS
The River is a large shopping, dining and entertainment center nestled among beautiful streams, waterfalls, fountains and lake. Many popular chain restaurants are situated over and surrounding the lake including P.F.Chang's China Bistro, Flemming's Prime Steakhouse, Cheesecake Factory, Babes Bar-B-Que & Brewery and Yardhouse. MORE DETAILS
Armando's Bar & Grill is located in the very upscale shopping region known as El Paseo and The Gardens. Armando's is very popular with the locals and serves some of the best Mexican food in the region. Their margaritas are a great way to cool off in the unrelenting desert heat. MORE DETAILS
Picanha is located in the very upscale shopping region known as El Paseo and The Gardens. They specialize in Brazilian barbeque fare in an elegant dining atmosphere. Mix barbequed meats with grilled or steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes or salad. MORE DETAILS
Adobe Grill is located within the beautiful and historic La Quinta Resort & Club. They are situated on the second floor of the Plaza with views of bell towers, fountains, immaculately manicured gardens and the Santa Rosa Mountains. They serve traditional Mexican fare. MORE DETAILS
Hog's Breath Inn is located in the small and quaint Old Town La Quinta. This is the second location of the famous Hog's Breath Inn of Carmel-by-the-Sea along California's central coast. The Carmel location was previously owned by actor/director Clint Eastwood. The restaurant features an Old West ambiance with a steak & seafood menu. MORE DETAILS
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Soak City Water Park is located in Palm Springs and features water rides like Pipeline Point, Surfrider Rapids and Rip Tide Reef. Are you looking for 'The Oasis' waterpark? This is it with a new name and even larger than before. MORE DETAILS
Casino Morongo includes a casino with machines and table games, a four-star hotel, a restaurant and bar & grill. MORE DETAILS
Agua Caliente Casino offers a casino, hotel, restaurant, bar & grill and buffet. Entertainment includes live bands and shows in indoor and outdoor venues. MORE DETAILS
Spa Resort Casino is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. This indian casino & resort offers an adjacent hotel, multiple dining options and entertainment including an outdoor venue. MORE DETAILS
Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino offers accommodations, restaurants, gambling and entertainment. Their concert venue hosts top rock and country bands as well as comedy shows and more. MORE DETAILS
The Annenberg Theatre hosts performances of ballet, classical music and theatrical plays. The theatre is located in the Palm Springs Art Museum in beautiful downtown Palm Springs. MORE DETAILS
The Plaza Theatre is the center point of activity in downtown Palm Springs. This historic theatre is home to the critically acclaimed Palm Springs Follies and hosts the Palm Springs International Film Festival awards ceremony each year in January. MORE DETAILS
Palm Springs Pavilion Theatre is a huge Big Top structure situated across the street from the Palm Springs Art Museum and features live, Cirque-style performances with colorful effects and amazing artistry. MORE DETAILS
McCallum Theatre large music venue that has hosts world-class artists that have included Tony Bennett, Sheryl Crow, the St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet, the New York City Opera Company, Ray Charles and more. MORE DETAILS
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The Gardens on El Paseo spans several blocks and is reminiscent of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. High-end shops and restaurants line the streets. Semi-secret gardens are nestled between shops. MORE DETAILS
Palm Canyon Drive in beautiful downtown Palm Springs, the very heart of the city of Palm Springs. Nearly 300 businesses including shops, galleries, and restaurants stay open late during the weekly Villagefest event. MORE DETAILS
The River is an outdoor mall with shops, top restaurant chains and entertainment like movies and live music. MORE DETAILS
Palm Springs Mall is an indoor mall conveniently located between the Palm Springs Airport and downtown. Many of the typical mall chain stores can be found here. MORE DETAILS
Westfield Palm Desert offers nearly 200 stores and restaurants. MORE DETAILS
Desert Hills Premium Outlets is a collection of nearly 150 outlets for stores like Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Polo Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent and more. MORE DETAILS
Cabazon Outlets is situated adjacent to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets and offers additional outlet store options. MORE DETAILS
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Palm Springs International airport offers convenient access to the Palm Springs region. MORE DETAILS
Ontario International airport offers convenient access to all of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties as well as Los Angeles County, Orange County and the desert communities. Ontario is located approximately one hour from Palm Springs. MORE DETAILS
TIP: This is a large, international airport with few crowds. It is one of the most convenient and usually inexpensive airports in the Southern California region.
Other options to consider would be
Orange County, Long Beach, or Los Angeles airports.
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Traffic & Transportation
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Interstate 10 runs east and west from Santa Monica to Blythe on the Arizona border and beyond. Traffic is only an issue west of Palm Springs where commuters travel from the Inland Empire into the Los Angeles basin for work. Be aware of rush hours during the week.
TIP: At the time of this writing in 2007, heavy construction was taking place on Highway 215 between the 91 and 60. If heading to Palm Springs from the 91, we highly suggest passing the 215/60 interchange and taking the 10 instead.
Highway 111 passes through most of the populated regions of Palm Springs including the popular downtown area. Heavy traffic along with many traffic lights can create conjestion during the Spring peak season.
Highway 74 (Palms to Pines Hwy.) traverses from east to west from Palm Desert to Idyllwild and Hemet. This is a longer but less traveled and picturesque route into Palm Springs.
Highway 62 heads north from Palm Springs up to the northern entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. High winds are common through the pass.
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Winter brings average lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's. Heavy rains, thunderstorms and flash flooding are common. Light snow is a rare occurrence in the high desert regions.
Spring brings average lows in the 70's and highs in the 90's. Occassional thunderstorms with flash flooding.
Summer brings average lows in the 90's and highs in the 120's. Thunderstorms are a rare occurrence.
Fall brings average lows in the 50's and highs in the 70's. Thunderstorms increasing with hail and heavy flash flooding.
NOTE: See our TIPS page for desert precautions.
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Jan 6-17, 2011 - Palm Springs International Film Festival shows independent films at several Palm Springs area theatres. The awards ceremony is held at the historic Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs. WEBSITE
Feb 18-27, 2011 - National Date Festival is held at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio. This annual celebration pays tribute to the area's Arabian heritage. Celebrate the date fruit and see events like Ostrich & Camel racing, hypnotist shows, live music and more. This event also features carnival games and rides. WEBSITE
Apr 2011 - Wildflower Viewing is best in early Spring when the normally stark deserts explode with color. Many varieties including Joshua trees, poppies, lupine, cream cups, ocotillo and more combine to create perfect photo opportunities. Joshua Tree National Park is a popular wildflower viewing region. WEBSITE
Apr 16-18, 2010 - Coachella Music & Art Festival is held at the Polo fields in Coachella. This massive event features two days of top alternative bands on multiple stages. This event is so large and yet so remote, they offer on-site camping and Amtrak schedules a temporary stop at the Polo fields the week of the event. WEBSITE
Apr 24-25, 2010 - Stagecoach Festival is held at the Polo fields in Coachella. This massive event features two days of top country bands on multiple stages. This event is so large and yet so remote, they offer on-site camping and Amtrak schedules a temporary stop at the Polo fields the week of the event. WEBSITE
Dec 4-5, 2010 - Indio Tamale Festival is held in Indio and features an endless variety of tamales. Entertainment includes live music, mariachis, carnival rides and games, a tamale eating contest and more. WEBSITE
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