Itineraries for Your Trip to Palm Springs
1 Day in Palm Springs for First Timers
Whenever I need a change of pace, Palm Springs makes it easy. Just a few hours from San Diego, this desert city near Indian Canyons blends mid-century design, creative food, and natural beauty in a way that feels both refreshing and a little spontaneous. There’s a reason people have been coming here for decades—and why new generations keep finding their way back. With one day in Palm Springs, you can soak up sweeping views from the tramway, explore the rugged terrain outside the city, and wind down with a great meal, live music, and a little adventure. It’s the kind of day trip that reminds you why people have always loved the desert—and leaves you yearning for a longer stay.
Palm Springs’ desert heat is no joke—summer temps can top 110°F (43°C), but winter and spring (the best time to visit) bring perfect hiking and poolside weather.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for sweeping views of the Coachella Valley.
Start your full day in Palm Springs with breakfast at Elmer’s Restaurant, a local favorite known for hearty classics, such as German pancakes and omelets. Then head north to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where a rotating tramcar whisks you 8,500 feet (2,590 meters) up into the San Jacinto Mountains. You’ll escape the desert heat, take in sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, and find dozens of high-elevation hiking trails to explore in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness.
This afternoon, trade the cool mountain air for rugged desert terrain with an off-road Jeep tour through the San Andreas Fault zone in the Palm Desert, and see the Salton Sea. As you navigate dusty trails and dramatic canyons, guides share insight into local geology, desert ecology, and the traditions of the Cahuilla people. If you’d prefer to stay in downtown Palm Springs, cruise around in a magic cart to see city landmarks, public art, and mid-century modern homes—plus enjoy small bites and drinks at local spots along the way.
Cap off your Palm Springs day along North Palm Canyon Drive, where palm trees frame standout restaurants and retro flair comes alive after dark. Start with dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar, known for its industrial-chic design and seasonal fare, or try EIGHT4NINE for playful decor, creative cocktails, and modern American favorites—both just a short walk apart. Then, pop into an art gallery or head to Vampire’s Lair Escape Room, just minutes away, where you’ll solve puzzles and outsmart a 17th-century vampire in a fun, immersive setting.
