Here is my long-awaited guide to where to stay, what to eat, and what to do in Palm Springs.
We spent five days in the Palm Springs area to celebrate Charles’ 50th birthday. I arrived with no expectations and left with fond memories and a new appreciation for this sunny desert region. We didn’t accomplish everything on our list, but I gathered recommendations from hundreds of people in my social community and condensed them into this practical guide.
How to Get to Palm Springs?
We flew a short direct flight from Vancouver—about three hours—which is our usual travel routine. To ease travel stress we stayed at the airport hotel before our flight. It has comfortable rooms, a pool, a gym, and a great restaurant. Being steps from the gate, with a good meal and comfy beds, really made the start of our trip relaxed and easy.
What to do in Palm Springs
There are many attractions around Palm Springs and the surrounding valley. We stayed in Palm Desert and found things are fairly spread out, so plan for driving time. Below are popular activities and a few notes on the places we visited.
Living Desert (zoo)
The Living Desert is a top family-friendly pick. The kids loved seeing African and South American animals—cheetahs, rhinos, zebras—and we paid to feed a giraffe, which was a highlight. Visit early in the day to avoid the heat.
If you have a car, continue up Highway 74 past the Living Desert for the mountain switchbacks and a scenic lookout over the valley. It’s a dramatic, winding drive and a good alternative if you don’t want to take the tram.
Boomers
Boomers is a family entertainment center with mini golf, go-karts, arcade games, batting cages, bumper boats, and more. It looks a bit kitschy, but it’s reportedly a lot of fun for kids—worth a visit on a family trip.
Take a Hike
There are many great hikes in and around Palm Springs. Top suggestions include:
- Joshua Tree National Park (full day)
- San Andreas Canyon
- Indian Canyons
- Ladder Canyon
- Painted Canyon Trail
- Salvation Mountain
- Taquitz Canyon
- Bump and Grind
- Split Rock (drive-through rock formation)
Aerial Tram
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a highly recommended attraction. At the top you’ll find cooler temperatures, mountain views, and dining options. Dress warmly and wear sensible shoes if you plan to explore trails at the summit.
Other Things to Do in Palm Springs
- Shop along El Paseo
- Street Fair Night Market (Thursday nights)
- Sunnylands estate
- Visit a date farm and try a date shake
- See the Marilyn Monroe statue
- Drive through neighborhoods with famous mid-century homes
- Enjoy a waterslide park
- Surf Wave Park (check opening dates)
- Rent bikes and explore
- Night golf at Indian Wells
- Children’s Museum
- Watch a polo match
- Saturday morning outdoor market
- Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve — an easy, scenic walk among towering old palms
Palm Springs Day Trips
- Visit nearby beaches
- Hot air balloon rides in wine country
- Red Jeep tours of the San Andreas Fault
- Salton Sea and surrounding art installations
- Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain
- Slab City exploration
- Old Town La Quinta (about a 20-minute drive)
- Cabazon Dinosaurs and outlet shopping
- Joshua Tree National Park (allow a full day)
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Palm Springs?
Yes. In my experience a car is essential. Attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods are spread across the valley, so having a vehicle gives you flexibility and saves time.
Where to Eat in Palm Springs
Dining options are abundant. We sampled several spots and collected many recommendations—there is plenty left to try on a future trip.
Wilma & Frieda
One of the best breakfasts I’ve had. Start with the homemade cinnamon bun or the pop tart and don’t miss the churro waffles. The eggs Benedicts are excellent. Arrive early—this place fills up fast.
The Farm
This charming spot is known for brunch, though we enjoyed dinner with live music and a rustic, upscale vibe. The menu changes, but highlights included potato leek soup, roasted chicken, and short ribs. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic—better for adults than for young children.
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Built into the rock with a waterfall at the entrance, this restaurant offers scenic outdoor seating and creative cocktails. Recommended dishes included poke firecracker nachos and the pan-roasted Chilean sea bass with a honey-soy glaze and sticky rice. Try to get an outdoor table for the best experience.
Okura
Sushi and creative small plates—flavours skew contemporary. The Marilyn Monroe roll and shrimp-stuffed jalapeno poppers were favorites.
Top Recommended Palm Springs Restaurants
- Tyler’s – casual burgers and shakes
- Bill’s Pizza – popular pizza spot
- Palmina by Puglia – authentic Italian
- The Ritz-Carlton – beautiful resort for cocktails and happy hour
- Sherman’s Deli – NYC-style deli, very busy at peak times
- The Nest
- Purple Room (happy hour)
- Shields (for date shakes)
- The Tropicale Palm Springs
- In-N-Out Burger
- Las Casuelas Terraza
- Lulu’s (lunch)
- Norma’s at The Parker (breakfast)
- Birba
- Mama Gina’s
- Miro’s
- Pacifica – patio dining with views
- Tommy Bahama – cocktails and coconut shrimp
- Elmers (breakfast)
- Spencer’s
- Copley’s
- Eight4Nine
- Il Corso
- Cheeky’s (breakfast)
- Armando’s (fajitas and margaritas)
- Guillermo’s
- Jackalope Ranch
- Salsa’s
- Pink Cabana
- Lavender Bistro (La Quinta) – upscale French
- Rooster and the Pig
- Workshop
- Billy Reeds
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
We stayed at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa and enjoyed a kid-friendly atmosphere with pools for all ages, a lazy river, and water slides. The property also has a pleasant gym and lovely outdoor spaces that made our mornings with coffee especially nice.
Other recommended places to stay
- Hyatt Regency – family-friendly with a large water park
- La Quinta Resort and Club – many pools and charming cottages
- The Parker Hotel – stylish boutique property
- The O’Donnell House at the Willow – a secluded boutique option with valley views
We also make it a habit to book a professional photo session on trips to preserve memories. A short photoshoot is a great keepsake from a family trip.
What did I miss? Share your favorite Palm Springs tips and spots below. I hope this guide helps you plan a fun visit to Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley.