Itineraries for Your Trip to Palm Springs
2 Days in Palm Springs for First Timers
Few places do relaxation and adventure as well as Palm Springs. I’ve been here for lazy pool days with friends, weekend getaways with family, and to check out the famous art and design scene. Every time, I leave grateful that it’s such an easy escape from San Diego. This is a destination where Hollywood history meets desert adventure: You can hike through palm-filled canyons in the morning, tour celebrity homes in the afternoon, and sip cocktails under the stars at night. With two days in Palm Springs, you’ll experience the best of its architecture, rugged terrain, and retro-meets-modern culture—and probably start planning your next trip before you leave.
Palm Springs’ desert heat is no joke—summer temps can top 110°F (43°C), but winter and spring bring perfect hiking and poolside weather.
If you only have time for one thing, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for sweeping views of the Coachella Valley from 8,500 feet (2,590 meters) above the desert.
Palm Springs is the perfect base for exploring rugged desert landscapes, with Indian Canyons and Joshua Tree National Park both within easy reach. You’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures, including biking or hiking through canyons or taking a Jeep tour along the San Andreas Fault. Both options showcase impressive desert landscapes and unique geology—and they’re best enjoyed before the midday heat sets in.
Browse the boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops of Palm Canyon Drive, then stop by the Palm Springs Art Museum, where contemporary works and an outdoor sculpture garden highlight the desert’s creative side. Refuel at one of the farm-to-table restaurants before taking a look at celebrity homes and other famous landmarks on a tour of Palm Springs’ legendary past, with a glimpse into the Hollywood stars who shaped this desert escape.
As the sun sets, venture into the desert for some of the best stargazing in Southern California. With low light pollution and wide-open skies, Palm Springs offers incredible views of constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way on clear nights. Take a covered wagon tour just outside the city or drive 1.5 hours to a dark sky location for unobstructed views of the stars.
If you’re up for another adventure, start your day with a sunrise hike and meditation (or ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway) in Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. Here, you can escape the desert heat and take in breathtaking views from 8,500 feet (2,590 meters) above the valley. Afterward, treat yourself to brunch at Cheeky’s, a local favorite that’s known for its bacon flight, cinnamon rolls, and fresh-squeezed juices.
Explore more of Palm Springs, pedaling past mid-century modern homes, mountain views, and celebrity hideaways. The city’s flat, bike-friendly streets make it easy to explore on two wheels. A guide will point out the former homes of local legends, such as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, along the way. For something different (and a little more niche), explore Palm Springs’ wind farms for a look at the massive turbines that power the region.
For your last night in Palm Springs, take in the city’s vibrant yet laid-back energy one more time. Downtown Palm Canyon Drive is the perfect place to wrap up your trip, with cocktail lounges, live music, and late-night diners that capture the city’s retro charm. Gather your group for a Titanic-themed escape room—a fun way to cap off your first visit and have one last toast under the desert sky.
