1. Proximity
Southern Californians know Palm Springs is within 100 miles of Los Angeles and San Diego counties. It is less than 100 miles for Inland Empire or Orange County travelers. For locals looking to meet up with out-of-towners, Palm Springs International Airport offers nonstop flights into and out of the city. Hot tip for Angelenos – United Airlines will resume flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Palm Springs starting Dec. 15.
2. Weather
Get real-time updates from Patch to find out what’s going on in Palm Desert.
Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, shorts, and bathing suit. Palm Springs experiences daytime high temperatures in the 70s from the holiday season on average. There is little chance of rain. While coastal residents might experience cool, drizzly conditions at this time of the year, Palm Springs will likely see sunshine. Even though the desert is warm, it can get very cold at night so you will need a holiday sweater.
3. Histories
Palm Springs is a place where celebrities are loved and hated. The city is known as Hollywood’s “Playground of the Stars” and its rap tradition dates back to the 1930s. The area has been home to some of the biggest names in the industry, and the trend continues to thrive. A trip down the Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a must for star-struck tourists. Book a stay at the Palm Springs Tennis Club where you can see how famous performers such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball recreated their lives. Are you not impressed by the fame? Palm Springs’ rich history began with the Cahuilla people arriving over 2,000 years ago. The Coachella Valley History Museum as well as the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum provide more information about the first inhabitants of Palm Springs.
4. Art and Architecture
Palm Springs is the epicenter for midcentury architecture, design and art — as in the 1940s/50s/’60s. The city hosts Modernism Week every February and October. These events are a celebration of midcentury modern design and architecture, art, fashion, culture, and art. If you can’t make it to these events, take a self-guided tour of Palm Springs’ modern architecture. You should also visit the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. Want more inspiration? See for more inspiration.
5. Golf
Although there is much debate about which destination is the “golf Capital of the World”, most people in SoCal know Palm Springs. The heat is gone and November and December are great months for hitting the links around Coachella Valley. The three seasons of desert golf are traditionally winter, summer, and overseeding. Each fall, the courses close for approximately a month and then overseed to make the transition from summer grasses to winter grasses. The 2022 work has been completed across the desert. The 2022 work is almost complete. In October Golf Digest created a list of the top courses to play in Palm Springs. So what are you waiting?
6. Tennis
You can combine your golf outing with some desert tennis. As mentioned above, the Palm Springs Tennis Club is a must-stay for that old Hollywood vibe, but if you want to play on the same courts that the sport’s biggest names hit on, check out the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This state-of the-art facility hosts the BNP Paribas Open, the largest men’s and ladies’ tennis tournament in the world. It is open year round. You can also register to play in a local tournament via the U.S. Tennis Association.
7. Hiking
There are more than 100 trails that you can explore in the greater Palm Springs region. You can’t deny the beauty of the desert. Visit Greater Palm Springs recommends these 10 hiking spots to help you recharge your soul.
- Andreas Canyon Trail
- Araby Trail
- Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Lake Cahuilla Recreational Area
- Murray Canyon Trail
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hiking
- Palm Springs Museum Trail
- Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
- Whitewater Canyon Preserve
Safety tips for hiking: Always bring enough water and sunscreen. It’s time for you to go back once half of your water has gone. You should not allow valuables to be left in your car if you spot a bighorn sheep or another wildlife. More safety tips for hiking.
8. Restaurants & bars
Palm Springs has a wide range of restaurants and bars that offer a variety of food and entertainment options. There’s something for everyone. You can choose from unique dining experiences, stunning views, bars with the best drinks, great places to chill, the best coffee, and dog-friendly patios. Are you having trouble finding the right restaurant for your tastes? A list of Palm Springs restaurants can be found here. A list of local craft wineries and breweries.
9. Places to Stay
There are many options for overnight stays in Palm Springs, including resorts and boutique hotels, inns, resorts and RV rentals, hot mineral spa hotels, vacation homes rentals and other accommodations. Getaway offers here
10. Holiday Events in and around Palm Springs
Without mentioning local seasonal activities, this list would not be complete. These are the top Coachella Valley holiday activities:
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@aana922 Palm Springs, California #california #californiaadventure #travel #traveltiktok #travelthrowback #traveltips #traveltok #travellife #travelbucketlist #traveling #traveldiaries #palmsprings #californiagirl #californiacheck #traveltok ♬ original sound – heyy