Desert light, hotel pools and refined things to do in Palm Springs
Arriving in Palm Springs, the first thing you notice is the dry desert air and clear light. The city sits in the Coachella Valley and offers many of the best things to do in Palm Springs within a short drive of most hotels, which makes planning your stay remarkably simple. For travellers choosing a place to sleep, that combination of easy access and dramatic palm framed scenery is what turns a short visit into a memorable escape.
Most properties in Palm Springs centre daily life around the pool, so consider how you like to spend long desert afternoons. If you are travelling with kids, look for a hotel where the main pool has shade, shallow steps and nearby snacks, because families often spend several hours there between late morning and early evening. Couples or friends might prefer a quieter adults only pool where you can swim laps before heading out to explore downtown Palm Springs or the wider Coachella Valley.
Climate shapes almost all the activities in Palm Springs, from early morning hikes to late night art walks. The desert sun is strong, so plan outdoor adventures for cooler hours and keep indoor options such as a museum or spa in mind for midday, when temperatures can exceed 35 °C. Local tourism advice is clear: “Stay hydrated; desert climate is dry,” “Wear sunscreen; sun exposure is high,” and “Check attraction hours before visiting,” especially in summer.
From aerial tramway to San Jacinto trails near your hotel
One of the most memorable things to do in Palm Springs is to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway from the valley floor to the alpine forest above. The aerial tramway cabins rotate slowly as they climb towards Mount San Jacinto, turning a simple transfer into a 360 degree tour of cliffs, canyon walls and the vast desert basin. Many hotels can arrange tickets and transfers, so ask your concierge to time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and temperatures are cooler.
At the top station you step into the cool air of Mount San Jacinto State Park, where well marked paths range from a gentle loop suitable for kids to a demanding full day hike. Families often choose the easy Desert View Trail, a roughly 2.4 kilometre circuit through pines and granite boulders, while experienced hikers tackle longer routes that reveal sweeping views back towards greater Palm Springs and the distant San Gorgonio massif. Even if you only walk a few hundred metres, the contrast between the desert below and the forest above is striking.
Back at your hotel, the pool becomes the perfect place to unwind after time on the mountain. Order a cold drink, let kids splash in the shallow end and watch the last light catch the palm fronds while you plan the next day’s outings on your list. If you prefer to stay in the valley, consider a guided tour that combines a short hike in a nearby canyon with a visit to a local art space, which keeps travel times short and leaves your evening free for dinner in downtown Palm Springs.
Indian Canyons, Palm Canyon and desert hikes for every traveller
For guests who want to feel the desert underfoot, Indian Canyons on the southern edge of Palm Springs offer some of the best hiking close to town. The main access road follows Palm Canyon, where a ribbon of native palms lines a seasonal stream and creates a surprisingly cool corridor in the middle of the desert. Several signed paths branch off this canyon trail network, so you can choose a short family friendly loop or a longer route that climbs to viewpoints above the oasis.
Indian Canyons walks are ideal for travellers staying in central hotels because the drive from downtown Palm Springs usually takes less than 20 minutes. That proximity means you can enjoy a sunrise hike, return to your place to swim in the pool and still have time for a leisurely lunch before an afternoon museum visit. Families with young kids often appreciate this rhythm, as it balances active things to do in Palm Springs with rest, shade and time indoors.
Guided tours led by local rangers or tribal guides add depth, explaining how the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians used these canyons for water, food and shelter. When you hear how palm fronds, canyon plants and desert springs supported daily life, the landscape around greater Palm Springs feels less like empty sand and more like a living cultural map. If you prefer to explore independently, hotel staff can provide maps and current advice on which canyon trail is open, since flash floods and maintenance sometimes affect access.
Art, architecture and museums around downtown Palm Springs
Not every day in Palm Springs needs to revolve around sand and stone; the city’s cultural scene is one of the most rewarding things to do in Palm Springs for guests who value art and design. Start with the Palm Springs Art Museum, a compact institution that focuses on modern and contemporary art, sculpture and photography. Its cool galleries provide a welcome break from the desert heat and sit within easy walking distance of many downtown Palm Springs hotels.
Architecture enthusiasts are drawn to the city’s mid century modern neighbourhoods, where low slung houses, breeze block walls and sharp rooflines reflect a particular moment in American design. Several companies offer a guided architecture tour that departs from central meeting points, which makes it simple to join whether you are staying in a large resort or a smaller inn. These tours often pass iconic homes, public buildings and hidden cul de sacs, giving you a sense of how mid century ideas shaped the greater Palm Springs landscape.
A different side of local history appears at the Palm Springs Air Museum, located a short drive from most hotel zones. This air museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of flyable Second World War aircraft, and volunteers are often on hand to share personal stories that bring the exhibits to life. For families, it is a particularly engaging stop, as kids can climb into some cockpits, ask questions and then cool off with ice cream back at the hotel pool.
Family friendly days out from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree
When you are ready to look beyond the city limits, a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park ranks among the essential things to do in Palm Springs. The drive from central hotels to the nearest entrance of this national park usually takes around one hour, passing wind farms, rocky hills and the first stands of the park’s namesake Joshua tree. Many visitors choose to join an organised tour so they can focus on the scenery rather than navigation, which is especially helpful when travelling with kids.
Inside Joshua Tree National Park, short walks lead through boulder fields, cactus gardens and forests of twisted Joshua trees that look almost sculpted. Families with children often opt for easy circuits near Hidden Valley or Barker Dam, where you can scramble on rocks, watch for lizards and learn how this high desert differs from the lower elevation desert around greater Palm Springs. Remember that temperatures can vary significantly between the two areas, so pack layers and plenty of water for every member of your group.
Back in town, reward everyone with a relaxed evening around the hotel pool or a stroll through the weekly Village Fest street fair in downtown Palm Springs. Stalls selling crafts, snacks and ice cream line the main street, and the atmosphere is lively yet still family friendly early in the evening. If you prefer a quieter setting, book a table at a restaurant such as the Pink Cabana, where the design nods to mid century glamour and the menu suits both adults and adventurous kids.
Evenings, wellness and Agua Caliente experiences for hotel guests
After days filled with hikes, canyon walks and museum visits, evenings in Palm Springs invite a slower pace. Many hotels now emphasise wellness, offering yoga on shaded lawns, spa treatments that use desert botanicals and calm corners where you can read while the palm trees rustle overhead. Choosing a place with these amenities can transform your list of things to do in Palm Springs from a simple checklist into a restorative escape.
For guests interested in local culture, consider experiences connected to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, whose ancestral lands include much of the area around Palm Canyon and Indian Canyons. New cultural centres and spa facilities highlight traditional uses of mineral water, desert plants and storytelling, and hotel concierges can help you arrange a visit that fits your schedule. These visits pair well with a relaxed dinner back at your property, where you can reflect on how the desert shapes both ancient traditions and contemporary hospitality.
Nightlife in greater Palm Springs ranges from quiet cocktail lounges to lively casino floors, so think about how you like to end your day before choosing where to stay. Some travellers prefer to remain within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs, where restaurants, bars and Village Fest are easily reached without a car. Others are happier in outlying resorts where the main entertainment is a beautifully lit pool, a clear view of the stars above San Jacinto and the promise of another unhurried morning in the desert.
Key figures that shape a Palm Springs hotel stay
- Palm Springs welcomed around 1.6 million visitors in 2019, according to the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, which means hotel availability can tighten during peak desert events and holiday periods; check the latest visitor statistics with the bureau when planning your dates.
- The city enjoys roughly 350 days of sunshine annually, based on long term National Weather Service data for the Coachella Valley, so planning pool time and outdoor things to do in Palm Springs is rarely disrupted by rain; recent climate summaries from the service confirm this pattern.
- Travel experts generally regard October to April as the best time to visit Palm Springs, because daytime temperatures are more comfortable for a hike in Indian Canyons or a tour of Joshua Tree National Park, while summer brings hotter afternoons and quieter hotel pools.
- Growing interest in eco tourism and mid century modern architecture tours has encouraged more hotels to offer guided experiences, which helps guests connect their stay with the wider greater Palm Springs environment and supports local conservation and heritage groups.
FAQ about things to do in Palm Springs from your hotel
What is the best time to visit Palm Springs for outdoor activities ?
The most comfortable period for outdoor things to do in Palm Springs runs from October to April, when daytime temperatures are mild enough for a canyon trail hike or a walk through downtown Palm Springs. During these months you can combine time by the hotel pool with excursions to Indian Canyons, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and nearby golf courses. Summer stays are still possible, but you will need to focus on early morning and evening activities and rely more on indoor museum visits.
Are there family friendly activities near most Palm Springs hotels ?
Yes, many of the most family friendly attractions sit within a short drive of central hotels, including the Palm Springs Air Museum, Indian Canyons and the Palm Springs Art Museum. Families with children can easily plan half day outings that combine a gentle hike, a museum visit and relaxed pool time back at their place. Several properties also organise kids’ activities on site, which helps parents enjoy a quieter hour while children are supervised.
Is Palm Springs suitable for serious hiking as well as casual walks ?
Palm Springs works well for both dedicated hikers and guests who prefer short strolls, because the greater Palm Springs region offers a wide range of trails. Indian Canyons and Palm Canyon provide accessible routes close to town, while the San Jacinto high country and Joshua Tree National Park deliver more demanding options. Hotel staff and local tour operators can help you match a hike to your fitness level and available time.
How far is Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs hotels ?
The nearest entrances to Joshua Tree National Park usually lie about 60 to 80 kilometres from central Palm Springs, which translates to roughly an hour’s drive depending on traffic. Many visitors book a guided tour that includes hotel pick up, scenic stops and a structured route through key viewpoints and short walks. This approach allows you to enjoy the Joshua tree landscape without worrying about navigation, parking or park regulations.
Can I enjoy Palm Springs without renting a car ?
Staying in or near downtown Palm Springs makes it possible to enjoy many things to do in Palm Springs on foot or via short taxi rides, including restaurants, Village Fest, the art museum and several spas. However, reaching Indian Canyons, the aerial tramway or Joshua Tree National Park is easier with a car or an organised tour. If you prefer not to drive, choose a hotel that works closely with tour companies and can arrange reliable transfers for day trips.
Trusted references
- Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism (visitor statistics and event calendars)
- National Weather Service (Coachella Valley climate normals and sunshine data)
- California State Parks (Mount San Jacinto State Park information and trail updates)
