Palm Springs is one of my very favorite domestic destinations to travel to. I try and escape there for a few days each year – particularly in March when it is beautiful sunshine often in Palm Springs and the doldrums of winter in New York City. A long weekend there is the perfect amount of time to soak up all it has to offer in my opinion.

If you’re looking for a long weekend in Palm Springs itinerary, this post will help you decide how you want to spend your days in Palm Springs. This desert oasis has loads to do but also is just a great place to relax. 

Palm Springs Long Weekend Guide

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I typically either fly into Palm Springs International Airport or I will fly from New York to Los Angeles and then rent a car at LAX and make the drive to the Coachella Valley. It is about a two hour drive with moderate traffic. 

As you search for flights to Palm Springs consider that Expedia offers Price Drop Protection. Price Drop Protection lets Expedia travelers get an automatic refund if the price of your flight becomes cheaper on Expedia after you book. This feature is available for a nominal fee, or it is free for Gold and Platinum tier One Key members on the Expedia app.

Where to Stay

Vrbo

My preferred place to stay in Palm Springs is a Vrbo vacation home rental. I typically go to Palm Springs with my girlfriends so having a whole home to ourselves is ideal. You get to have your meals together for breakfast and lunch, put on a day time private pool party and all around I think you get the most together time when you rent a Vrbo. On my most recent trip we even hired a private chef to come to the home and make us a four course meal which was so lovely to really enjoy our Vrbo.

Vrbo is also a part of One Key which is Expedia Group’s free to join rewards program. For eligible trip elements you can earn OneKey Cash towards your next trip. It is the only vacation rental rewards program available. 

You can book my most recent Vrbo here. 

Best Hotels To Stay In Palm Springs

There are no shortage of hotels in Palm Springs and many of them are available to book on Hotels.com. Below are a few of my personal favorites. 

The Parker

This hotel is a dream to visit and on my hotel bucket list to stay at one day. A full on resort decorated by Jonathan Adler and in the shadows of the San Jacinto Mountains, there is so much to explore and see at this luxurious five star property.

The Ace

This hotel has a retro vibe and a good pool scene with two pools one of which features a DJ on weekends. Their on property restaurant also serves a good brunch.

The Colony

Adults only this resort is beloved by LA locals looking for an escape. It has a fun vibe at the pool and feels like a nice tucked away secret. For even more privacy, book one of their luxurious bungalows for the ultimate getaway.

The Saguaro Palm Springs

Bright and colorful this Palm Springs staple has an on property spa and a pool scene that is an instant mood-boost.

The Kimpton

Located perfectly in downtown Palm Springs this hotel will get you IHG points if you’re a member and they have a rooftop bar with great views. 

When you book these hotels on Hotels.com and are signed into your One Key account, you’ll earn OneKey Cash for your eligible stays.

Where To Eat In Palm Springs

Cheeky’s

A Palm Springs institution, expect to wait here but the bacon flight alone makes it worthwhile. Or the baguette french toast like I got (seen above.) There’s also quite a bit of outdoor seating to soak up the warm air.

Birba

If you want a cozy outdoor dining experience, Birba is perfect. Its Italian offerings are paired with heat lamps and fire features and the place was utterly packed when we went so it was a fun nighttime scene.

Workshop Kitchen

One of my favorite meal in Palm Springs, this place is excellent. The space is modern (they won a James Beard award for their design!) and the food so delicious. We had a market pizza, brussel sprouts with pomegranates, incredible beef carpaccio and one hell of a flourless chocolate cake.

Norma’s

Oh man if this place isn’t just the cutest. The back porch of this place, housed at The Parker Hotel, is where you want to be (and if it is chillier, the crew is ready with heat lamps and blankets!) and you can expect one very indulgent brunch here. I recommend the pancakes stuffed with Nutella, their quesadilla and of course, coffee + bloody mary’s. 

Afterwards don’t miss wandering the grounds of this beautiful hotel. 

Appetito Deli

This is a great casual spot to grab lunch. Don’t miss the boozy frozen lemonades, salads and a side of pasta to share and sit outside in their sun-drenched patio. It was created by Shake Shack’s Danny Meyer and also serves Palm Springs’ favorite coffee, Koffi.

Bootlegger Tiki

This is more a “where to drink” than a “where to eat,” but whatever – just go. This kitschy place is dark and moody and has loads of fun cocktails to choose from that will put you right in the tiki spirit. My favorite? The Coffee and Cigarettes cocktail.

Great Shakes

Hands-down the best milkshake I have ever had. The Salted Caramel Oreo shake was to die for. Did I mention they each come with a mini doughnut on the straw? 

What To Do In Palm Springs This Weekend

Truth be told, we didn’t “do” that much! I think it’s kind of the beauty of Palm Springs. The place is made for quality R&R. We sunned ourselves by the pool and we did check out the outlets (we didn’t buy anything – very hit or miss situation I’m sure).

Rent bikes

Many hotels offer bikes as a part of your resort fee and you can cruise along the sidewalks. It’s a great way to see more of Palm Springs and avoid traffic on popular weekends.

Check out the architecture

Another reason having a car was great was because the homes in Palm Springs are such fun to see! Very art deco in style with colorful doors and charming accents, we spent an hour or so just cruising around looking at all the colorful and chic homes. If you’d prefer a guided tour, you can purchase affordable guides off of Etsy of some of the most photogenic homes.

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum

If you’re looking for a dose of culture, this small art museum is perfect for a day you may want to escape the heat or any rain. 

Take in the sunset at the Ritz Carlton

This is a bit of a drive outside of downtown Palm Springs, but well worth it to take in the pink sky and beautiful colors of the dessert from an elevated view where you can enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Hike

There are so many hiking trails around Palm Springs. You’ll want to be sure you bring water with you and that you go early enough in the day that you won’t be too hot. Indian Canyons is home to loads of plant life as well.

I really enjoyed the Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall hike. Not too long, beautiful views and a lovely waterfall as well. 

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

You can do Joshua tree as a day trip when staying in Palm Springs. I haven’t personally explored this area yet but can’t wait to see it one day!

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

A great activity to do with kids you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views.

Toucans

For a girls trip it is fun to go to a drag show at Toucans. It always turns into a dance party after which is great for a night out in downtown Palm Springs.

Shop

Downtown Palm Springs has loads of cute shops you can explore and some incredible vintage stores as well if you love the thrill of the hunt.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Palm Springs?

I personally love Palm Springs in February and March. Palm Spring is also lovely in October and November. You’ll have warm days and blue skies and it won’t be too unbearably hot. If you go in the summer expect for it to be very hot and you’ll want to ensure you are staying somewhere with air conditioning.

Let me know if this post helped you decide how you want to be spending a Palm Springs weekend getaway! I’m already dreaming of my return and I hope this post helps you plan your Palm Springs weekend getaway!

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