Plan a summer trip to Palm Springs. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Palm Springs — TL;DR
Palm Springs offers everything from iconic diners and poolside cafés to chef-driven kitchens, historic estate restaurants, sunset dining, and globally inspired menus, home to an impressive collection of fine-dining restaurants known for elevated California cuisine and craft cockt
Palm Springs at a glance
What are the best things to do in Palm Springs? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Palm Springs trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Palm Springs? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Palm Springs — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a…
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs? October to April offers the most comfortable desert temperatures, avoiding the intense summer heat.
Where should I stay in Palm Springs for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Palm Springs? Palm Springs rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network.
Palm Springs overview
October to April offers the most comfortable desert temperatures, avoiding the intense summer heat.
Palm Springs' Uptown Design District and downtown core are walkable, with the Backstreet Art District a short walk or drive away.
US Dollar (USD)
English. Spanish is widely spoken.
PST (UTC-8, UTC-7 in summer)
Palm Springs has welcomed an influx of newly built and reimagined boutique hotels, including the Thompson Palm Springs with bungalow-inspired rooms, reflecting the city's continued renaissance as a design-forward desert escape with LGBT-friendly options and thriving cultural events.
Where to eat, drink & do in Palm Springs
Palm Springs neighborhoods
Uptown Design District North Palm Canyon Drive, featuring curated housewares and desert-chic apparel.
Backstreet Art District An enclave of studios and galleries.
Downtown Palm Springs Home to VillageFest every Thursday, with arts, crafts, live entertainment and food.
Practical info for Palm Springs
Getting around in Palm Springs? Palm Springs' Uptown Design District and downtown core are walkable, with the Backstreet Art District a short walk or drive away.
When to go in Palm Springs? October to April offers the most comfortable desert temperatures, avoiding the intense summer heat.
What's changing now in Palm Springs? Palm Springs has welcomed an influx of newly built and reimagined boutique hotels, including the Thompson Palm Springs with bungalow-inspired rooms, reflecting the city's continued renaissance as a design-forward desert escape with LGBT-fri
Seek out Backstreet Art District in Palm Springs? An enclave of studios and galleries, a quieter alternative to the busier Uptown Design District.
Base yourself in Uptown Design District in Palm Springs? North Palm Canyon Drive, featuring curated housewares and desert-chic apparel. Known for design shops, desert-chic boutiques.
Frequently asked questions about Palm Springs
What are the best things to do in Palm Springs? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Palm Springs trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Palm Springs tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Palm Springs? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Palm Springs — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs? October to April offers the most comfortable desert temperatures, avoiding the intense summer heat.
Where should I stay in Palm Springs for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Palm Springs? Palm Springs rewards visitors who mix walking with the local public transport network. Rideshare and taxis fill the gaps for late-night moves or trips outside the centre.