PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA: THE ULTIMATE LONG WEEKEND IN THE DESERT
Palm Springs is arguably one of the more popular long weekend destinations in California. It’s a place I hadn’t spent much time, but now I can see why it’s a favorite with visitors. There’s loads to see, and you can squeeze a full holiday into just three to four days. Palm Springs itself is a vibrant, charming desert oasis packed with colorful boutiques, retro homes, dreamy hotels and delicious restaurants. And if you’re looking to add some adventure to the itinerary, there are nearby canyon hikes, mountain trails and day trip opportunities to Joshua Tree National Park, Salvation Mountain and Pioneertown. My complete guide below includes the best sights, day trips, hotels, motels, restaurants and more to help you plan your next trip.
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Exploring the stunning rocky landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park.
HOW MANY DAYS IN PALM SPRINGS?
THREE DAYS. Length of stay really depends on how much exploring you want to do in the surrounding region. If Palm Springs, Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree and Indian Canyon are all a part of the itinerary, I suggest a minimum four-night stay to give you three full days in the region.
Inside the most beautiful Cactarium at the Moorten Botanical Garden.
EXPLORE PALM SPRINGS & SURROUNDS
INDIAN CANYON
While Palm Springs isn’t quite Morocco, there’s a network of hiking trails tucked away in spectacular Indian Canyon that offer up viewpoints that will have you longing for the Sahara Desert. Home to the Agua Caliente Indians centuries ago, Indian Canyon is now a popular trekking destination where you’ll find palm groves, oasis viewpoints and waterfalls scatted throughout Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, Tahquitz Canyon, Murray Canyon and Chino Canyon (the five canyons that make up Indian Canyon).
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
One of the coolest national parks in California, and it’s only 90-minutes from Palm Springs. The park is home to completely otherworldly landscapes, loads of rock climbing routes and thousands of the iconic Joshua Trees. My favorite spots to check out include the Hidden Valley Trail, Arch Rock, Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
MOORTEN BOTANICAL GARDEN
A dazzling arboretum that is home to a variety of desert plants, trees and cacti from around the world. And the highlight is the Cactarium, essentially a bright greenhouse filled with hundreds of cacti of every size, shape and shade of green.
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
The world’s largest rotating tram car takes hikers, bikers and tourists up two and a half miles over Chino Canyon into Mr. San Janito State Park. In a mere 10 minutes, the tramway transports visitors from dry desert landscape to a sub-alpine fores that is home to more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Visit in the Winter and you’ll be surrounded by snow.
PIONEERTOWN
This historic landmark has all the feels of Westworld, but it’s located a just 20 minutes from Joshua Tree. A dirt road serves as the main drag, lined with wooden shopfronts, as well as hotel, dentistry, barber, bank and mill facades. Free to visit.
SALVATION MOUNTAIN
It’s an eerie, desolate drive out to Slab City, but a journey into the middle of nowhere is the only way to reach Salvation Mountain. This creation by Leonard Knight is a refreshing burst of color that rises up out of the barren landscape. The faux mountain made from adobe clay, tires, telephone polls, paint cans, car parts and more.
Arch Rock at Joshua Tree.
PALM SPRINGS HOTELS (+ SURROUNDS)
A collection of 31-foot Airstreams have been completely remodeled into luxurious retreats with a bed, private bathroom and kitchenette. Guests can choose from classic and premium Airstreams, as well as cozy modern cabins. The AutoCamp property also has gatherings spaces and a private pool.
A favorite photo backdrop amongst Instagrammers for its retro vibes, Hotel California sits in a serene setting at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. The mission-style hotel is small, charming and beautifully rustic.
JOSHUA TREE AIR BNB’S
If Boho chic is more your jam, here is a list of the cutest Airbnb stays in and around Joshua Tree: The Outlaw, Seven Arches, The Gaslight, Heaven’s Door, The Rockstar, Cielto Lindo Retreat, Mojave Rosa, The Moondance, Joshua Tree Little Jo Cabin and Joshua Tree House.
This is the prettiest property in Palm Springs, channeling all kinds of feels from Morocco and the Mediterranean. Two beautifully restored villas make up Korakia Pension. This place books up quickly, especially over weekends and during high season.
For visitors looking to stay in the heart of Palm Springs, La Serena Villas is a great option. This luxury boutique property is located downtown, a short walk from the shops, restaurants and galleries of Palm Canyon Drive. Rooms are bright, airy and adorned in simple elegance.
Sands Hotel sits outside of Palm Springs in Indian Wells, but this place is a true scene. At first glance, the property looks like a converted two-story motel with rooms that surround a central pool and courtyard, but look a little closer and it feels like a luxurious Moroccan riad.
This is a pink Barbie paradise located in Palm Springs. Trixie Motel is very cute. It’s all things pink. Pink buildings, pink umbrellas, pink towels, pink flooring and pink pool rings all surround a turquoise pool that also has pink detailing. There are seven outrageously themed rooms to choose from including the Queen of Hearts, Atomic Bombshell, Malibu Barbie, Pink Flamingo, Yeehaw Cowgirl, Oh Honeymoon and Flower Power.
This boutique luxury hotel looks more like Greece than California with the white matte exteriors, rounded corners, Boho sun beds and sparkling blue swimming pool. Yara Hotel is adults only, home to seven rooms and three suites, all Mediterranean-inspired boast a white and neutral color palette.
The colorful world of Salvation Mountain.
PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANTS
AZUCAR
Boho vibes from a rooftop deck over La Serena Villas. The Azucar menu is a mix of Mediterranean and Mexican dishes including Dungeness crab stuffed poblano, mesquite dusted swordfish, ahi bruschetta, fresh pita and more.
BAR CECIL
Delicious restaurant located near the Moorten Botanical Garden. Menu highlights are the grilled artichoke, steak frites and bread + butter.
BIRBA
Get your traditional Italian fix at Birba with a variety of pizzas, salads and pastas including pomodoro, pappardelle, tagliatelle and agnolotti.
FARM
Arguably the most popular restaurant in Palm Springs, Farm serves up fresh, delicious dishes for both brunch and dinner. Brunch options include a variety of crepes, omlettes, brioche french toast, salads, sandwiches and signature cocktails.
GREAT SHAKES
The name says it all. Quench your desert thirst with gourmet shakes, malts and floats from Great Shakes. The menu is filled with loads of unique creations including cookie butter, brownie almond crunch, Oreo mint fudge swirl and so many more.
KREEM
For cute, colorful ice cream in the heart of Palm Springs, stop by Kreem.
NORMA’S AT THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS
Another great brunch option, Norma’s is located at The Parker. The open-air terrace is a great place to start the day – reservations required for non-hotel guests.
SHOP(PE) | ICE CREAM & SHOP
Another fun ice cream stop – this one is part parlor, part boutique! Shop(pe) is located at the Arrive Hotel, in Palm Springs.
Indian Canyon.
GET TO AND AROUND PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs is a popular drive destination from Los Angeles, but is also serviced by the Palm Springs International Airport. Most car rental brands have locations at the airport. A set of wheels is a must in the region. Everything is spread out, and you’ll need a car to get around. Driving is generally low stress in this part of California where the roads are new, wide and empty.
A search for dinosaurs in Joshua Tree National Park.
I’m dying to stay at Trixie Motel. Did you spend time there? How was it?