About Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort city in Riverside County, California, United States, within the Colorado Desert's Coachella Valley. The city covers approximately 94 square miles (240 km2), making it the largest city in Riverside County by land area. With multiple plots in checkerboard pattern, more than 10% of the city is part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation land and is the administrative capital of the most populated reservation in California.
Places to visit in Palm Springs
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
ViewpointA rotating cable car climbs from the desert floor into the cool pine forests of Mount San Jacinto State Park, where trails and wide views await at the top.
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Indian Canyons
NaturePalm-filled canyons on Agua Caliente tribal land, with streams, rock formations and well-marked hiking trails that reveal a surprisingly lush side of the desert. Palm Canyon is the most popular trail.
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Palm Springs Art Museum
MuseumA downtown museum with modern and contemporary art, Western and Native American works and an emphasis on the region's distinctive midcentury modern architecture. It is an easy walk from Palm Canyon Drive.
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The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Zoo · 13 mi from centreIn nearby Palm Desert, this zoo and botanical garden showcases desert animals and plants from around the world, including giraffes, cheetahs and native bighorn sheep.
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Sunnylands
Historic · 8 mi from centreThe former Annenberg estate in Rancho Mirage, where presidents and world leaders were hosted, with free access to its desert gardens and visitor center. Garden walks are a calm, shaded way to learn its history.
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Palm Canyon Drive
NeighborhoodThe main downtown street, lined with shops, restaurants and galleries, and home to the weekly evening VillageFest street fair along with walkable midcentury landmarks. Look for the Walk of Stars underfoot.
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Moorten Botanical Garden
Park · 2 mi from centreA small, quirky family-run garden packed with cacti and desert succulents from around the world, including a greenhouse dubbed the Cactarium. It is a compact visit that suits a short morning before the desert heat builds.
Where to stay in Palm Springs
Popular hotels in Palm Springs, out of 218 properties you can book.
The Saguaro Palm Springs
From $87 per night
Hyatt Palm Springs
From $211 per night
Hilton Vacation Club Palm Canyon Palm Springs
From $162 per night
Palm Mountain Resort & Spa
From $177 per night
La Quinta Resort & Club,Curio Collection by Hilton
From $315 per night
Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort
From $133 per night
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
From $176 per night
Holiday Inn Express Palm Desert
From $122 per night
Hampton Inn and Suites Palm Desert
From $149 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cathedral City
From $126 per night
The Palm Springs Hotel
From $188 per night
Hilton Palm Springs
From $143 per night
Best time to visit Palm Springs
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Palm Springs is February to April and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 70–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Palm Springs weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 86° 66° 20%
- Thu 22 Oct 79° 67° 51%
- Fri 23 Oct 77° 64° 5%
- Sat 24 Oct 83° 71° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 82° 73° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 85° 75° 1%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Palm Springs
These are the airports closest to central Palm Springs. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PSP Palm Springs International Airport1 mi (2 km) from the city centre
- UDD Bermuda Dunes Airport16 mi (25 km) from the city centre
Getting around Palm Springs
Palm Springs has a pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors can enjoy the palm tree-lined streets along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. Boutique shops, outdoor restaurant and art galleries line the streets.
By car
Rent a car at the airport, or if you want to splurge, numerous limousine services are available, including West Coast Transportation, Cardiff Limousine and A-1 Sahara Limo.
By bike
Palm Springs and the surrounding environs are mostly flat and dry and can make for good cycling during the cooler months. Numerous rental facilities can be found around town.
Palm Springs travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Palm Springs is February to April and November to December, when average daytime highs are around 70–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
What is the weather like in Palm Springs?
July is usually the warmest month in Palm Springs, with average highs of 109°F (43°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 46°F (8°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 82 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Palm Springs?
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the closest airport, about 1 miles (2 km) from the centre of Palm Springs. Other nearby airports include Bermuda Dunes Airport (UDD, 16 mi).
What time zone is Palm Springs in?
Palm Springs uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has a pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors can enjoy the palm tree-lined streets along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. Boutique shops, outdoor restaurant and art galleries line the streets.
What are the best places to visit in Palm Springs?
Top sights in Palm Springs include Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons, Palm Springs Art Museum and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. A rotating cable car climbs from the desert floor into the cool pine forests of Mount San Jacinto State Park, where trails and wide views await at the top.
Where should I stay in Palm Springs?
Popular areas for hotels in Palm Springs include Palm Springs, La Quinta and Palm Desert. Well-reviewed options include The Saguaro Palm Springs and Hyatt Palm Springs.
How many hotels can I book in Palm Springs?
Destina Holidays currently lists 218 properties in and around Palm Springs, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
