Is Palm Springs Worth Visiting?
This blog post features links and information which have been obtained on a press trip. However, as always, all opinions shared in this post are my own.
The iconic city of Palm Springs is just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and San Diego or four hours from Las Vegas. But is it really worth visiting?
Palm Springs is definitely a city worth visiting!
I recently visited Palm Springs for the first time and found it possibly the best place I’ve been in the USA.
There’s something about this city and the surrounding Coachella Valley that is unlike anywhere else. It offers the perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation, appealing to pretty much anyone and everyone.
How Long to Spend in Palm Springs
Three days in Palm Springs is enough time to explore Downtown Palm Springs. However, I recommend five to seven nights to also explore Greater Palm Springs and spend a couple of days relaxing.
I recently visited Palm Springs for the first time and stayed for three nights. This was a split-stay with one night in Downtown Palm Springs and two nights in Indian Wells in the Coachella Valley.
In three nights / four days, I was able to see and do the following:
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
- Shopping in Downtown Palm Springs
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Photos with Marilyn Monroe
- Palm Springs Air Museum
- Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events
- The Living Desert
Once you add in meals, this was a full itinerary, which meant I had little to no time to relax by the pool. For this reason, if you want to do all of the above and relax, I recommend five to seven nights in Palm Springs instead.
Visiting Palm Springs with Kids
Palm Springs is an excellent place for families. Downtown Palm Springs is very walkable. Plus, the Greater Palm Springs region has some incredible kid-friendly attractions. Some of my favourites include:
- The Living Desert
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Palm Springs Air Museum
- Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours & Events
Tweens and teens will also likely appreciate:
I stayed at the Palm Mountain Resort in Downtown Palm Springs. This spacious and modern hotel is within walking distance of major attractions.
However, I suggest driving to the Coachella Valley if you plan to spend more time by the pool. That’s because hotels in the Coachella Valley are typically large-scale resorts. These are often chain-owned properties and feature several swimming pools, restaurants and bars.
Featured
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
I chose the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells for my stay because of its spacious rooms and incredible facilities.
How Much Does a Trip to Palm Springs Cost?
Despite being in California, a trip to Palm Springs can still be very affordable.
- Flights: The cost of a flight to Palm Springs will vary depending on your origin. Alternatively, you can drive from LAX in around 2.5 hours.
- Transport: A hire car in Palm Springs starts from around $35 per day plus tax. But remember to add on the cost of parking (where applicable) and gas. You don’t always need to hire a car; you could opt for Uber and Lyft instead.
- Accommodation: Most three—and four-star hotels in Greater Palm Springs cost between $150 and $200. However, expect to pay much more during Coachella, Stagecoach or Indian Wells.
- Food: You can grab a casual lunch in Palm Springs for under $20 per person. However, expect dinner in a restaurant to start at around $35.
- Attractions: If you’re on a budget, check out the free and cheap attractions in Palm Springs. Alternatively, you can experience most of what Palm Springs offers for under $100 per person daily.
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Thanks for stopping by! Do you have experience with this trip or want to share some of your own tips? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below and let’s chat!