Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a resort city in the California desert. It became a destination during the 1950s and 1960s when Hollywood movie stars flocked there in droves. Nowadays, the area offers entertainment for all ages, although the most common demographics consists of retirees. Palm Springs offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities. Known for its hiking, mid-century modern architecture, stunning natural beauty and sparkling pools, Palm Springs has the perfect blend of outdoor activities and casual relaxation.
Palm Springs is a favorite for gay travelers, naturist communities, and many other people.
Understand
Climate
Visitor information
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phone: +1 760 778-8418address: 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr
Get in
By plane
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Palm Springs International Airport
address: 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon WayIn the heart of Palm Springs. Scheduled daily flight connections with major cities throughout the United States and Canada. Served by Air Canada, Flair, Westjet and all major US airlines except Southwest. Palm Springs International Airport is also popular for general aviation and business jet travelers. Has a very pleasant outdoor concourse. Air taxi and aircraft charter companies provide private aircraft charter services from this airport. You can take Palm Springs bus number 24 to go from the airport to downtown Palm Springs. The bus does not stop right at the terminal; you'll need to catch the bus one block west of the airport at Civic Drive and East Tahquitz Canyon Way. LA/Ontario International AirportLocated in Ontario, about to the west of Palm Springs along I-10, it has many more flight connections and is the next closest airport served by Southwest Airlines and internationally by China Airlines and Volaris.
By train
- Amtrak has a station at 300 North Indian Canyon Drive (0.6 mi south of Interstate 10), . Amtrak's Sunset Limited route connects Palm Springs with Los Angeles and with Arizona and points eastward with three westbound and three eastbound trains per week (arriving Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). Amtrak also provides Palm Springs with connections to and from the San Joaquins trains, which run up California's Central Valley to the Bay Area and Sacramento, via multiple daily Amtrak Thruway motorcoach runs to and from Bakersfield. Rental car agencies do not provide shuttles to the Amtrak station in Palm Springs and there is no public transportation available there. The "station" is an open platform without any building. Taxis from the Palm Springs Amtrak to the Palm Springs airport (where the rental cars are available) is $40-50 (2019). The Amtrak bus station is at 200 E Taquitz Canyon Road, and is the preferred method to get to Palm Springs via Amtrak. The LA/Orange County line runs through Fullerton and has only one stop between there and Palm Springs, at downtown Riverside.
- Another option is to take the Surfliner train to Fullerton. Then, take an Amtrak motorcoach to Palm Springs Airport or downtown Palm Springs. The Amtrak bus stop is at 190 North Indian Canyon Drive.
By car
- From Los Angeles take Interstate 10 or Route 60 East towards Phoenix – 2 hours.
- From San Diego take Interstate 215 north to Route 60 East – 2 hours.
- From Phoenix take Interstate 10 West to Indian Canyon South – 4 hours.
- From Las Vegas take Interstate 15 South to Interstate 10 East (in San Bernardino) – 4 hours.
By bus
The long distance bus stops for Flixbus and Greyhound are at N Indian Canyon Dr and I-10 (Exit #120). Additional depots and stops with Greyhound, El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express and Tufesa are only in Indio. Sunline Transit, the local transit agency does not offer bus service along N Canyon Dr north of Rosa Parks Rd to the I-10 junction where Greyhound & Flixbus pick-up and drop off passengers. Therefore, passengers must make arrangements with anyone they know in Palm Springs, a taxi company, ride share service (Uber, Lyft); or their hotel/hostel for pick-up or drop off at Greyhound or Flixbus as they are a far walk to/from town.-
phone: +1 855 626-8585address: (bus stop) 6600 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm SpringsIt provides affordable bus service to Palm Springs directly from the LA area and Arizona. Some buses stop downtown (Indian Canyon Drive north of Tachevah Drive).
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phone: +1 760-347-5888address: bus stop at Shell Station at 67-200 20th AveTravel along I-10 between Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Indio, Blythe & Phoenix. There's another route continuing south towards Calexico, El Centro & Mexicali. The Shell Station does not sell tickets so passengers boarding from the N Palm Springs stop must have pre-purchased tickets online or from a full service Greyhound depot. The next nearest Greyhound depot is at 83-100 Indio Blvd in Indio.
Get around
Palm Springs has a pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors can enjoy the palm tree-lined streets along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. Boutique shops, outdoor restaurant and art galleries line the streets.
By car
Rent a car at the airport, or if you want to splurge, numerous limousine services are available, including West Coast Transportation, Cardiff Limousine and A-1 Sahara Limo.The main thoroughfares through downtown are one-way only between Alejo and Ramon. Palm Canyon Drive is the southern route, and the home to most restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. Indian Canyon Drive runs north, and also has many, though fewer, attractions. Highway 111 runs south from I-10, then east-west along the hill side and connects all the cities in the Palm Springs area. This road has lights and lots of traffic, so if you are going far, you should drive out and hop onto Interstate 10 S.
Palm Canyon Drive is usually busy and can be hard to find a parking place on the weekends and at night. There is ample free parking in the many city owned parking lots and garages, except for Thursday through Saturday nights.
Most of the major car rental companies are represented at the airport.
By bus
Route 111 serves downtown Palm Springs south of Vista Chino and connects Pals. Route 24 serves the northern part of downtown Palm Springs (north of East Tachevah Drive)Sunline TransitRun by the city, has routes around the town and to some neighboring resort cities. Fares for one ride are: $1.00 for adults 18-59, 85¢ for youths 5-17, 50¢ for seniors 60+, with medicaid and disabled. A transfer that allows unlimited rides for two hours costs 25¢. A day pass for unlimited rides costs $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for youths between 5 and 17 years old, and $1.50 for seniors 60 years and older with a medicare card, DMV Driver License, Senior ID card, SunLine Half-Fare ID card. A 10-ride pass costs $10.00 for adults, $8.50 for youths and $5 for seniors.
By bike
Palm Springs and the surrounding environs are mostly flat and dry and can make for good cycling during the cooler months. Numerous rental facilities can be found around town.
Do
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phone: +1 760 325-1391address: 1 Tramway RdThe one thing to do in Palm Springs if you only have a limited amount of time, and a good place to go to get away from the heat. Incredible views at night, and snow in the winter. From the Visitor Center, you must drive 10 minutes or walk about 2 hours. There is no shuttle.
Indian CanyonsTahquitz Canyon, Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon, were sacred Native sites, now open to the public for hiking.
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phone: +1 760 325-7186address: 101 Museum DrFounded in 1933, the museum hosts special exhibits and work from its permanent collection which includes Ruscha, Robert Arneson, Nathan, Charles Russell, Frederic Remington and Native American and Mesoamerican Art.
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phone: +1 760 778-6262address: 745 N. Gene Autry TrailNice place to go to if you have half a day to spare. Home to great condition World War II airplanes, etc.
Palm Springs International Film FestivalHeld the first two weeks of January. One of the largest film festivals in North America. A star-studded black tie gala, it is open to public with the purchase of gala tickets.
Palm Springs International Festival of Short FilmsLargest short film festival in North America; second largest in the world. An Academy sanctioned festival. Fifty of the short films screened at this festival have been nominated for Academy Awards. The public can meet up-and-coming directors and actors at special parties.
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phone: +1 760 778-1079address: 219 S. Palm Canyon DrThe history and culture of the Agua Caliente Tribe is on display. Admission is free.
Events
- Thursdays – Thursday Street Fair, downtown with craft and food booths, and during the spring season live music
- Saturdays - Farmers Market, 8AM–12:30PM adjacent to the Camelot Theatres at 2300 E. Baristo Road (2 miles from downtown)
January–March
- Palm Springs International Film Festival
- Modernism Week
- Desert Concours d’Elegance
- Festival of Native Film & Culture
- Tour de Palm Springs
April–June
- Arthur Lyons’ Film Noir Festival
- Restaurant Week
- ANA Inspiration – One of the five major championships of women's golf, held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage and ending on the first Sunday of April.
- Girls Weekend (formerly Dinah Shore Weekend) – An annual gathering of lesbians (and those who sympathize with LGBT causes) that coincides with the ANA Inspiration. (The former name of "Dinah Shore Weekend" honors the late entertainer, who founded the golf tournament that once bore her name.)
- White Party
July–September
- Palm Springs International Festival of Short Films
- 4 July Celebration
- Cinema Diverse Gay and Lesbian Films
October–December
- American Heat Bike Show
- Exotic Car Show and Auction
- Greater Palm Springs Pride
- Festival of Lights Parade
- Veterans Day Parade
- Walk of the Inns
- Tree Lighting Ceremony at Aerial Tramway
Golf
Tahquitz Creek Golf ResortConsists of two spectacular 18-hole golf courses, both offer gorgeous views. Golf Digest has rated Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort as "one of the best places to play"
Gaming
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phone: +1 760 883-1000address: 401 E. Amado RdOffers live entertainment, restaurants, a players club, and over 1000 slot machines.
Buy
ArtPalm Springs has more than a dozen art galleries featuring local artists and desert themes.
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Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon
address: 48400 Seminole Dr, CabazonLarge outlet mall with over 100 stores.
Eat
The annual Palm Springs Desert Resorts Restaurant Week offers an opportunity to try a number of restaurants at a discounted rate.
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address: 149 South Indian Canyon DrThis small hamburger joint, famous for their sliders, is considered by locals to have the best hamburgers in Palm Springs. Only open for lunch. Be sure to get there early or be prepared to wait.
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phone: +1 760 323-1003address: 205 S. Palm Canyon DrGood American food right in the middle of downtown Palm Springs.
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phone: +1 760 325-5059address: 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon WayExpensive, but good French food off of S. Palm Canyon Drive.
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address: 495 N Palm Canyon DrSteak and seafood from an iconic restaurant family. Patio dining on Palm Canyon Drive.
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address: 140 E. Palm Canyon DrVoted the best Mexican food in the desert by the readers of Palm Springs Life.
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Melvyn's
address: 200 W. Ramon RdOld world style featured on "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. Live entertainment and happening bar scene.
Sleep
Budget
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Best Western Inn at Palm Springs
phone: +1 760 325-9177address: 1633 South Palm CanyonRenovated guestrooms with features like a 24-hour outdoor pool, spa, and sundeck, and wireless broadband Internet access. -
phone: +1 760 325-4372address: 222 S Indian Canyon Dr
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phone: +1 760 327-1339address: 1330 E Palm Canyon DrSmall motel with some nice features. A great library of books and DVDs and DVD players in every room, friendly owners/managers, nice pool and hot tub in the courtyard and Louise, the resident dog will win over your heart.
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phone: +1 760 327-4200address: 660 South Palm Canyon Dr
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phone: +1 760 325-6129address: 595 East Palm Canyon Dr
Mid-range
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Los Arboles Hotel & El Mirasol Restaurant
phone: +1 760 459-3605address: 266 Via AltamiraA charming boutique hotel near downtown, built in the 1930s with a distinctive Spanish Colonial style, Los Arboles was renovated in 2011. Has a heated pool, Jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi and indoor and outdoor special event space. On-site Mexican restaurant. -
phone: +1 760 322-5800address: 1533 N. Chaparral RdPA nudist resort in the heart of downtown, offering hotel rooms and villas. There are three pools, spa service, a restaurant and bar and nightclub.
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address: 1420 N. Indian Canyon DrHas a pool. All rooms feature a King bed, TV, DVD & CD players, mini-fridge and microwave. Some rooms have whirlpool tubs.
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address: 200 West Arenas Rd
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phone: +1 760 322-6100address: 1300 Tahquitz Canyon Way
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phone: +1 760 416-2333address: 1983 N. Palm Canyon DrOffers comfortable rooms.
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phone: +1 760 327-2314address: 1620 Indian TrailFeatures spacious guestrooms, a restaurant, two heated pools, and landscaped grounds with panoramic mountain views.
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address: 220 South Patencio RdLocated in the Historic Tennis Club District, which is in the heart of the Downtown Village.
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phone: +1 760 325-7211address: 1699 South Palm Canyon Dr
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phone: +1 760 322 9000address: 285 North Palm Canyon Drive
Splurge
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phone: +1 760 327-4970address: 1425 S. Via SoledadA secluded retreat with lush gardens, mountain views and one- & two-bedroom villas with separate living/dining areas and kitchens.
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address: 572 N. Indian Canyon DrA Moroccan themed hotel. Accommodation ranges from simple king rooms to jr suites and casitas with outdoor patios and tubs. The Purple Palm restaurant/bar is at the edge of the pool. Free Wi-Fi and self parking for guests, valet available on weekends.
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phone: +1 760 770-5000address: 4200 East Palm Canyon DrA fancy boutique hotel with quirky art and fun modern design. Norma's is a five-star diner with a twist.
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phone: +1 760 322-6000address: 888 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
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The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn
phone: +1 760 320-0771address: 412 W. Tahquitz Canyon WayOne of Palm Springs’ 10 oldest sites. Hollywood history with modern comforts. AAA Four-Diamond Award. -
address: 225 w. Baristo RoadA 17-room boutique hotel that has been modernized and restored. It was built in 1947 out of native stone and redwood, surrounding a shimmering pool, featuring a U-shape plan which encourages socializing among guests. Designed by William F. Cody, the Del Marcos is one of the most photographed hotels in Palm Springs. Walking distance to downtown Palm Springs and nestled up against the majestic San Jacinto Mountains. The hotel features standard rooms to suites with full kitchens and private patios. Complimentary breakfast, happy hour, bikes, parking and wi-fi.
LGBT
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phone: +1 760 323-7505address: 526 Warm Sands DrClothing-optional gay resort in the heart of the Warm Sands area. Two sparkling pools are the centerpieces of their courtyard gardens with mountain vistas. Has a steam room and sauna.
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phone: +1 760 778-8042address: 960 N. Palm Canyon Dr32 rooms surround the sun-drenched courtyard. Eight of the suites have fully-equipped kitchens, eight have private patios.
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phone: +1 760 416-9999address: 450 E. Palm Canyon DrFifteen rooms and suites. Single-story building resembling Spanish casitas style. Romance Suite with private yard and jacuzzi. All rooms have full kitchens and some with fireplaces. Adult-only property. Lesbian-friendly hotel.
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address: 598 Grenfall RdA boutique resort.
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address: 312 Camino Monte VistaSecluded environment with a broad range of amenities. Heated pool and steam room. Clothing is not required.
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address: 641 East San Lorenzo RdHotel for men who want to be pampered.
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address: 615 Warm Sands DrClothing-optional gay men's resort at the center of gay Warm Sands.
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address: 288 East Caminno Monte Vista
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address: 525 Warm Sands DrWalled and gated, the resort is in the Warm Sands area.
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address: 586 Warm Sands DrThe Hacienda at Warm Sands is a member of the World's Foremost Gay Hotels.
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phone: +1 760 327-6413address: 545 Warm Sands DrPrivate gay men's clothing-optional resort in the heart of Palm Springs.
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address: 601 Grenfall RdGay men's resort in the heart of Warm Sands.
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address: 1491 S. Via SoledadLa Dolce Vita Resort, "The Sweet Life", is inspired by the beauty of the Tuscany region in Italy. Has 20 guest rooms and suites.
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phone: +1 760 832-9025address: 435 Avenida OlanchaLocated in the quiet Deepwell neighborhood, just two blocks from East Palm Canyon.
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address: 650 San Lorenzo RdSantiago Resort is a 24-room resort, marketed primarily to the gay male community.
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address: 715 East San Lorenzo RdAn owner-operated clothing-optional resort catering to gay male singles and couples.
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address: 555 East San Lorenzo Rd"The Clothing Optional Resort for Men". Romantic and relaxing or fun and frisky.
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address: 571 Warm Sands DrHas multi-level gardens, blue lagoon, waterfalls with ring of fire and a lively steam room.
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phone: +1 760 323-3005address: 555 Warm Sands DrIntimate gay men's resort, close to downtown.
Go next
- Joshua Tree National Park. This desert park is a great day trip to take while at Palm Springs. You can get there in less than an hour by going north on route 62. Take a minimum of four hours to do the loop from the north through the south of the park. Camping is allowed as well as rock climbing.
- Idyllwild is a mountain resort approximately 45 minutes drive away on the beautiful Palms to Pines highway. It can also be reached by a scenic 10 mile hike from the top of the Palm Springs Tramway.
Other nearby desert resort cities include Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Indio.