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Palm Springs is a vibrant desert oasis celebrated for its natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and cultural history. With year-round sunshine and the stunning San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop, it’s perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
The city was once home to stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Liberace, and Marilyn Monroe, all of whom left behind some pretty impressive houses in their desert enclaves.
Downtown Palm Springs boasts eclectic shops, art galleries, and a lively dining scene. Just south of the city, on land belonging to the Agua Caliente people, is a stunning desert wilderness area with hiking trails and palm trees galore.
North of the city is where visitors will find the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which climbs 8,000 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto. On the mountaintop, hiking trails wind through huge trees and overlooks offer truly incredible vistas of the valley below. There are even two restaurants up there!
Getting to Palm Springs, California, is quite straightforward, whether you’re flying, driving, or taking public transportation. Here’s a guide on how to reach this desert oasis:
Palm Springs
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is situated just a few miles from downtown Palm Springs, offering convenient access to the city and its surrounding areas. The airport hosts flights from major airlines and includes a variety of car rental services. The quick drive to downtown Palm Springs can take as little as 10 minutes.
Ontario
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is located about 70 miles west of Palm Springs. It serves as a practical alternative to the busier airports in the region, with on-site car rental services and flights from major domestic and some international airlines. The drive from Ontario to Palm Springs typically takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 100 miles west of Palm Springs. As one of the largest international airports in the U.S., LAX offers extensive flight connectivity and a comprehensive range of services, including numerous car rental options. The drive to Palm Springs from LAX usually takes about two hours, though this can vary with traffic conditions.
San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN), located approximately 140 miles southwest of Palm Springs, features a wide array of both domestic and international flights and includes several on-site car rental agencies. The journey to Palm Springs generally takes about two hours and thirty minutes via Interstate 15 North and CA-79 North.
Traveling to Palm Springs by car is a popular choice due to the scenic routes and easy access provided by major highways. Here’s what you need to know about arriving in Palm Springs via automobile
Los Angeles
Travelers from Los Angeles can reach Palm Springs by taking Interstate 10 East (I-10 E) directly toward the city. The drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, making it a convenient and straightforward route from Los Angeles to the desert.
San Diego
From San Diego, take Interstate 15 North (I-15 N), then continue via CA-79 North and CA-74 East toward Palm Springs. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers scenic views of Southern California’s mountain and desert landscapes along the way.
Las Vegas
Travelers coming from Las Vegas can take Interstate 15 South (I-15 S) toward Barstow, then continue through the Mojave Desert toward the Palm Springs area. The drive generally takes around 4 to 5 hours, offering expansive desert scenery throughout much of the journey.
Phoenix
From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 West (I-10 W) toward Southern California and Palm Springs. This straightforward desert drive takes approximately 4 hours, passing through the wide-open landscapes of Arizona and California before arriving in Palm Springs.
There is no specific entrance fee to drive the public streets around downtown Palm Springs. Taking any of the trails within the Agua Caliente Reservation requires an entry fee.
Palm Springs has a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and budget-friendly options.
For visitors who want to stay near Palm Springs but not directly in town, Palm Desert and La Quinta are good nearby alternatives.
Fall is the best time to visit Palm Springs. October and November have comfortable temperatures ranging from the 70s-90s, making it reasonably comfortable to enjoy all the downtown sights and the trails.
Winter is the peak season, so expect more crowds from December through February and book accommodations early. The weather is also the mildest this time of year, so hiking can be more pleasant.
Spring welcomes desert flowers between March and April, so its a great time for nature lovers but the temperatures do start to climb. Spring is also the time for music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach.
Summer is intensely hot between May and September, so there are often good deals and fewer crowds, but visitors should only hike in the early morning or late evening to avoid the peak heat.
Our driving tour finishes up within a 10-minute drive of the Aerial Tram, a favorite activity for anyone visiting Palm Springs. Ride the cable car all the way up to Mount San Jacinto State Park, which gives incredible valley views as you climb. Feel the cool air as the temperature drops up to 40 degrees above the canyon floor.
Palm Springs remains a vibrant, artsy town. Visitors can peek into one of the most famous outdoor installations in downtown Palm Springs, called Robolights. Built by sculptor Kenny Irwin Jr., the robotic statues just have to be experienced firsthand to be understood!
Just south of Palm Springs, the Agua Caliente Reservation protects the ancestral homelands of the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla. Within the reservation, visitors can hike the stunning Palm Canyon Trail for a welcome break from the desert heat. The towering, shaggy palm trees look like a hidden paradise amid the surrounding arid climate and show how the water sources here have sustained life for millenia.
On the drive through historic Palm Springs, the expert commentary shows visitors exactly where to see the landmarks associated with the most famous singers in American History, including the sprawling Italian-style villa once owned by The King himself. Hear the stories of Elvis’s glamorous lifestyle here in Palm Springs, where he partied with the likes of Sammy David Jr., Liberace, and more, plus the music that was inspired by the desert landscape around Palm Springs.
See the spot where the rock n’ roll star brought his bride Priscilla, in 1967. Not only is the home famous for its association with music royalty, but it’s a fascinating spot all on its own. Known as the “House of Tomorrow,” the midcentury mansion is one of the famous buildings in Palm Springs, known for its futuristic design.
Hear how legends and history blend together along the drive past the well-known Marilyn Monroe home. The superstar’s legacy lingers along the palm-lined streets, where the actress mingled with the agents and photographers who helped her conquer Hollywood, New York, and movie theaters all over America.
Another trail on Agua Caliente land, this easy 2-mile hike features tons of desert plants along the way, as well as ancient cooking sites where the ancestors of the Agua Caliente once prepared their food.
Palm Canyon Trail
As the name suggests, this relatively easy 2-mile trail winds through a canyon lined with palm trees on land stewarded by the Agua Caliente people. It’s the most popular trail in the area for good reason!
McCallum Trail
McCallum Trail is inside Thousand Palm Oasis Preserve. Its a relatively easy, two-mile hike through a grove of palm trees that gives the preserve its name. Note that the Preserve is only open on weekends.
Desert View Trail
This moderate, 1.5-mile hike through Mt San Jacinto State Park features a series of breathtaking vistas of the desert and Palm Springs from 8,000 feet of elevation. Make sure to leave enough time for the third and fourth vistas, which blow the first two out of the water.
Discovery Nature Trail
An easy half-mile hike through the cool, shady forest of Mt. San Jacinto. This breezy jaunt is the perfect way to enjoy a break from the desert heat down on the valley floor.
Plan for at least half a day to enjoy the driving tour through Palm Springs. The guided drive can easily be extended into a full day if planning to take any of the suggested hikes along the route, spend a little more time shopping, visiting the Moorten Botanical Garden or the Palm Springs Art Museum, or taking the Aerial Tram.
Full-Day Itinerary
This driving tour of Palm Springs can be enjoyed over half a day; if planning to take any of the optional hikes along the route or spend extra time at the museums, it’s best to allow a full day. Keep in mind that the hiking trails to the south of the city close by 4 or 5pm, so if hiking is a high priority, make sure to plan accordingly.
Here are optional itineraries for both a half-day and a full-day in Palm Springs:
Half-Day Itinerary
Start the drive bright and early, coming from any of the surrounding towns via Route 111 or Route 10. Once in Palm Springs, simply follow the turn-by-turn directions to hear all the stories behind the historic desert town, including spots like the Liberace House, Elvis’s Honeymoon House, and the Walk of Stars. Downtown Palm Springs is a great place to grab lunch, and stop into the Palm Springs Art Museum or check out the Robolights sculpture. If there’s only time for one hike, the Palm Canyon Trail offers the best views for a relatively short trip – only 2 miles out-and-back.
Full-Day Itinerary
With a full day in Palm Springs, consider splitting the day into two parts – one for driving around the celebrity homes and museums of downtown, and another for taking a few more hikes around the Agua Caliente Reservation and the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve. Consider taking the additional short side trips to Frank Sinatra’s Tomb and the Air Museum, which is great for history buffs. A ride on the aerial tram is a nice way to finish up the day, and provides a nice break from the desert heat.
Clothing: Pack lightweight, breathable layers like cotton or linen for warm days, and bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Don’t forget swimsuits for pool time, comfortable walking shoes for exploring downtown, and sturdy hiking boots if planning to take any of the hikes along the route. A sun hat or cap is essential for sun protection, and if you’re dining out, a casual evening outfit can come in handy.
Sun Protection: The desert sun is intense, so bring sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, polarized sunglasses to reduce glare, and lip balm with SPF. A wide-brimmed hat or cap will give extra coverage.
Adventure Extras: Consider binoculars for wildlife viewing, a guidebook or map for exploring areas with limited cell service, and some snacks for hikes or day trips
Accessories: A daypack or small backpack is perfect for carrying essentials like water, sunscreen, and snacks. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the scenic views and a portable charger for longer outings.
Stay Hydrated: The desert climate can be hot and dry, so drink plenty of water throughout your visit. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly, especially if hiking or spending time outdoors.
Toiletries and Personal Care: Desert air can be very drying, so pack a good moisturizer for face and body, along with aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion to soothe any sun exposure. A reusable water bottle is a must for staying hydrated, and insect repellent can be helpful for evenings outdoors.
Hiking Safety: During the summer, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Even during the cooler months, its easy to overheat in the desert climate. Bring plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and only attempt trails where you feel confident in your ability.
Plastic Bag: All visitors are expected to pack out trash, in trash containers or take it with you when you leave.