What to Do: Palm Springs in 2024

This is my third Palm Springs post, and it’s just because I love it so much. I’ve gone there with family, with a partner, myself and soon to be a couples trip, and still find a way to still have the best time. Whether it be hiking, biking, walking around, shopping or golfing, there is something for everyone, no matter what the season. I was there last year with my parents before hip surgery, and it was about 4 years since I was there with people other than family. I can’t wait to get back down there with our friends to show them all the things to love about PS.

In the last year and a half, I have fallen in love with film photography and I took a few shots when I was there last, which I then promptly got them printed and up on my walls so I have a piece of Palm Springs with me at all times.

In this article, I’ll cover an updated What to Do and I’ll be following it up on where to stay and where to eat after my trip in a couple of weeks. Palm Springs sometimes gets a bad rap for being a place for only retired people. Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely an older population here, but thats because the snowbirds choose to come down here or Arizona. We’re headed down in mid-February, because we are also fleeing the cold in Calgary and Toronto.

I always recommend a walk down mainstreet to start the trip. Its a good way to get yourself immersed in the relaxed atmosphere of PS and grab a coffee along the way.

Palm Springs (and area) is known for some really cool hot spots. I’ve written a few posts already, and included the Salton Sea on there, and do recommend the day trip to there and Salvation Mountain, but I’ve included more here:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway:

Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto State Park. Enjoy panoramic views of the Coachella Valley from the rotating tram car.

Shopping

Don’t get me wrong, I love to shop in the states at Target, Ross and Trader Joe’s. As a celiac, TJ is a mecca of GF options and things that we don’t have in Canada. However, ignoring the big box stores, there are a ton of trendy shops in Mainstreet PS and the higher end shops on El Paseo Drive for fashion, art, and unique finds.

Hot Springs and Spas

I haven’t done it yet, but PS is known for spas and hot springs. There are numerous places you can go, but the two I’ve heard the most about are:

Hot Springs at Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa: Located in Desert Hot Springs, about 15 miles north of Palm Springs, Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa is a well-known destination with a hot mineral spring-fed grotto. The resort offers day passes for access to the hot springs.

Desert Hot Springs: The city of Desert Hot Springs itself is known for its many hot springs resorts and spas. Places like Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel and Miracle Springs Resort & Spa have pools and tubs filled with natural hot spring water.Relax in one of the many hot springs or treat yourself to a spa day at one of Palm Springs' luxurious resorts.

Marilyn Monroe Monument/ Palm Springs Art Museum

I got a snapshot of this during a cloudy day in PS. Its a cool sight to see in addition to her star on the Walk of Stars down mainstreet. It’s right in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum which also has a few really cool installations. The museum has free tickets on Thursday nights, so if you are there during that time, its not a bad time to pop in and check it out from 5-7pm. Tickets are recommended.

Modernism Week

I tend to find myself in PS around this time of year often, and its a great time to see Shag, vintage cars, home tours and other modernism highlights. There are a ton of events going on including kick-off parties and Shag poster signing. Here’s the website for the current events.

Cabazon Dinosaurs

Before you enter Palm Springs from the north, you hit the Cabazon Dinosaur replicas, you won’t miss them. You can pay anf experience what they have to offer, but I prefer just driving by and seeing them myself.

If you’re looking for the Salton Sea, check out my first Palm Springs post.

Door Tours and Bike Rides

Whether you are into riding a bike around, or you’d prefer an air conditioned car, the beautiful architecture and doors of PS are a highlight in any guide book. The Pink Door (pictured) is a famous spot (with signs telling people to not take photos, I took this across the street AND quickly), and there are multitude of others in the area. I sometimes will just drive to the area and park so I can walk around if I can’t get my hands on a bike. The Saguaro has bikes to borrow, so we’re hoping to check out some doors, and drive past Elvis Prestley’s old home and the Marilyn Monroe hideaway thats close by.

Golf

I love golfing. It’s been a pastime of mine for a number of years now, and I learned when I was younger with my brother and dad. I played for a few years but then didn’t keep at it enough, and probably 10 years went by before I picked up my clubs again. Last year I was able to go golfing with my dad in Palm Springs a couple times and got to check out a few courses from the road side.

Palm Springs is a golfers dream. Palm Springs is renowned for its golf courses and is considered a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The region's favorable climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually, makes it an ideal location for year-round golfing.

Palm Springs boasts a stunning desert landscape with mountain backdrops, providing a picturesque setting for golf. Many courses are well-designed, with lush green fairways set against the arid desert surroundings. The area offers a diverse range of golf courses, catering to players of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, you'll find courses that suit your preferences and abilities. I tend to like to play twilight games, especially with beginners, because it allows you to get a feel of playing a full hole, rather than just hitting balls at the driving range, and you usually don’t complete all 9 or 18.

Some notable golf courses in the Palm Springs area include PGA West, Desert Willow Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and Escena Golf Club, among others. I’ll be using GolfNow to try and find a deal for the four of us to play a round while we’re there!

Hikes

Indian Canyons:

• Andreas Canyon Trail: An easy, scenic hike featuring lush palm oases and a variety of plant life.

• Murray Canyon Trail: A moderate hike with the chance to see wildlife, waterfalls (seasonal), and picturesque landscapes. I have done this one a couple times myself and the oasis is lovely.

Tahquitz Canyon Trail:

• A popular trail that leads to Tahquitz Falls, offering a refreshing oasis in the desert landscape. I went here the first time I was hiking in Palm Springs and its beautiful. It;s a good starter hike and the waterfall at the end is gorgeous (and you can jump in if you’re brave).

South Lykken Trail:

• A challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and the surrounding mountains.

Bump and Grind Trail:

• Located in the city of Palm Desert, this moderate to strenuous trail provides excellent views of the Coachella Valley.

Ladder Canyon Trail:

Ladder Canyon Trail: Photo courtesy of Travel Yes Please

• Located in the Mecca Hills Wilderness, this unique trail includes ladders to navigate slot canyons, offering a distinct hiking experience. This is a lot more strenuous of a hike, and I think given more time, would be a cool activity to do together next trip. Travel Yes Please has a great run down of the hike including photos.

Art Smith Trail:

• A moderate trail with varied terrain and beautiful desert scenery, suitable for hikers of different skill levels.

Joshua Tree National Park (near Palm Springs):

• Explore various trails in Joshua Tree National Park, such as the Barker Dam Trail, Hidden Valley Trail, or Ryan Mountain Trail. We’ve added the Barker Dam Trail and another visit to the Arch to our list this year.

• Explore the Cholla Cactus Garden, particularly beautiful during sunrise or sunset, with the cacti glowing in the soft light. I have done this a couple times, and its a cool start to your day at Joshua Tree.

• Remember to bring plenty of water, especially if you're hiking or climbing, and be prepared for the desert environment, especially if you're visiting during the warmer months.

• The park is designated as a Dark Sky Park, and provides excellent opportunities for stargazing. The clear desert skies make it a prime location for observing stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. You can arrange to camp there, and this is something I would love to do one day.

Golf

I love golfing. It’s been a pastime of mine for a number of years now, and I learned when I was younger with my brother and dad. I played for a few years but then didn’t keep at it enough, and probably 10 years went by before I picked up my clubs again. Last year I was able to go golfing with my dad in Palm Springs a couple times and got to check out a few courses from the road side.

Palm Springs is a golfers dream. Palm Springs is renowned for its golf courses and is considered a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The region's favorable climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually, makes it an ideal location for year-round golfing.

Palm Springs boasts a stunning desert landscape with mountain backdrops, providing a picturesque setting for golf. Many courses are well-designed, with lush green fairways set against the arid desert surroundings. The area offers a diverse range of golf courses, catering to players of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, you'll find courses that suit your preferences and abilities. I tend to like to play twilight games, especially with beginners, because it allows you to get a feel of playing a full hole, rather than just hitting balls at the driving range, and you usually don’t complete all 9 or 18.

Some notable golf courses in the Palm Springs area include PGA West, Desert Willow Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and Escena Golf Club, among others. I’ll be using GolfNow to try and find a deal for the four of us to play a round while we’re there!

Day at the Saguaro

Lastly, one of my favourite things to do is visit La Saguaro. I’m finally getting to stay there in February and I cannot wait to spend the entire day there. You don’t always have to stay overnight to enjoy this place though, clearly I go every time and just walk in like I own the place and don’t get stopped. I love taking photos there, its so bright and happy, I love it. I went there probably 6 or 7 years ago and spent the afternoon with brightly coloured towels, music and time spent on the lounger and loved it. It’s only gotten better, and now they have bocce, a corn hole area and a few other amenities that you can access if you stay there. You can purchase a day pass to use the facilities, and if theres a nice day, I highly recommend checking it out.

Thats it for now, but I’ll come to you with follow up posts on a few more trip planning details for Palm Springs.

- Love E

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