San Jacinto Mountains, California, USA

Weekend in Palm Springs: A 3-day Itinerary

Hidden one hour outside the chaos of Los Angeles, Palm Springs offers a creative escape at the edge of the Mojave Desert. Here, both architecture and art lovers will fall in love with the city’s iconic mid-century charm. This Planes and Plans travel guide shares the ideal itinerary for a weekend in Palm Springs.

Visit Greater Palm Springs has even more fantastic resources for the greater Palm Springs area.

If you are wanting to visit Palm Springs as a day trip from LA, then be sure to also check out the Planes and Plans Los Angeles itinerary. 

Last updated January 2025*

When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?

Due to its remote location in the desert of Southern California, Palm Springs faces severe heat in the Summer months. As a result, many attractions are closed and the city becomes sleepy. 

So that you can comfortably enjoy all the city has to offer, the best time to visit Palm Springs is between October and May.

Contents

Table of Contents

Weekend in Palm Springs - Itinerary

Palm Springs Day 1 - Architecture Tour & Aerial Tramway

Frank Lloyd Wright, Palm Springs, USA
Canyon View Estates, Palm Springs, USA

Architecture Tour

Perhaps most famous for its mid-century modernism, Palm Springs’ architecture is what makes you fall in love with the city. Since Palm Springs provides the filming location for many movies, the area truly feels like a scene straight from ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Vista Las Palmas and Canyon View Estates are two neighbourhoods abundant in properties designed by world-renowned architects. 

In partnership with Modernism Week, PS Architecture Tours offers small-group tours every morning. Tours are led by a top-rated guide and designer, from USD$137.39* per person. The tour cruises through the quirkiest neighbourhoods of Palm Springs, past celebrity escapes and modernist masterpieces. 

For those extra curious about the modernist design unique to the area, Palm Springs Mod Squad offers an interior tour from USD$130* per person. Upon entering three different Palm Springs homes, you will get to admire the undeniably funky interior of the mid-century style. 

Alternatively, hiring bikes to cycle through these neighbourhoods is a great option for those seeking a more budget experience. Luckily the hotel we stayed at during our visit, Holiday House Palm Springs, offered free bike rental. However if your hotel does not have bikes available, then they can be rented from Bike Palm Springs Bikes & Tours for just USD$25* per half day. Electric bikes are also available to hire.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, USA
Bella at San Jacinto Peak, Palm Springs, USA

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Hidden in the depths of Chino Canyon, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a family-friendly activity that transports you to the peak of the San Juan Mountains. As the world’s largest rotating tram car, the ride up offers incredible panoramic views over not only the Palm Springs area, but also the length of the San Andreas fault. 

Once at the top, you will be able to make the most of the café, restaurant, gift shop and even the natural history museum. However the highlight is definitely the accessibility of over 50 miles of hiking trails to spend the afternoon exploring. During the winter months the peak even gets covered in snow, making for an awesome winter adventure in the desert!

Despite travelling in February, we still had to wait close to two hours at the Valley Station before being able to ride the tramway. So definitely avoid our mistake by booking online ahead of time. Adults can purchase round-trip tickets for USD$34.95* per person.

Palm Springs Day 2 - Art Museums & Gardens

Moorten Botanical Gardens

The Moorten Botanical Gardens are located just outside of downtown Palm Springs.  Home to desert flora from all over the California-Mexico region, the ‘cactarium’ offers one acre of cacti to explore. The owners continue to live onsite in their Cactus Castle oasis. For those feeling inspired by the Mojave beauty, there is also a nursery on-site to take a piece of the desert home with you. Tickets can be purchased upon entry for just USD$5.00*, making it a great budget activity in the Palm Springs area. 

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Another interactive way to explore the desert is by visiting The Living Desert Zoo and GardensNot only is the zoo home to desert species from all over the world, but also to over 50 gardens and even some hiking trails. The Miriam U. Hoover Discovery Center was especially informative about the geologic evolution of the Coachella Valley, so the science nerd in me certainly geeked out here! The recently added ‘Australian Adventures’ habitat also gives California a little slice of home. 

Tickets must be booked online in advance for USD$39.95* per adult via The Living Desert website.

Palm Springs Art Museum

This afternoon, immerse yourself in more contemporary design by paying a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum . The Main Museum lies in the heart of Palm Springs, although it is also worth exploring the Architecture and Design Center located just a few blocks away. While the museum itself has been designed by well-known modernist creatives, it is actually the leading education provider in the area due to its informative exhibits.

Two permanent exhibitions complement a rotation of temporary installations and events, so make sure to check the website to see what will be showing at the time of your visit. Tickets cost USD$20* per adult, however be sure to take advantage of free admission on Thursday nights, or the free 1-hour tours offered at 2pm on each day of operation.

Palm Springs Cycling, USA
Holiday House Palm Springs Lobby, USA

Downtown Palm Springs

To end your weekend in Palm Springs, head to Downtown Palm Springs for some shopping, dinner and drinks. S Palm Canyon Drive is lined with both boutique galleries and mouth-watering restaurants. The Ice Cream & Shop(pe) is also a great spot for dessert. 

If you are looking for more high-end shopping, El Paseo Shopping and Dining District is another hub of shops and restaurants located in nearby Palm Desert.

Alternatively, if you are seeking some bargains then the Desert Hills Premium Outlets are just 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs. The outlets are the best place to stop on the drive between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. 

BONUS: Palm Springs Day 3 - Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

One of the most underrated national parks in the USA, Joshua Tree National Park is located just one hour outside of Palm Springs. Since the park is only small, it is easily accessible within one day.  So, if you are lucky enough to have an extra day off it is well worth extending your Palm Springs weekend. 

I recommend entering the park via the West Entrance, passing the Joshua Tree Visitor Center on your way in. Once inside the park, Park Boulevard provides a natural loop through the landscape. You will then be able to exit from the North Entrance via the Park Headquarters.

Highlights from Joshua Tree National Park include:

Hidden Valley – the best place to see Joshua Trees in all their glory;

Discovery Trail to Split Rock, Skull Rock and Jumbo Rocks – for some cool rocks;

Cholla Cactus Garden – a cacti outcrop at the crossroads of the Mojave and Colorado deserts; and

Oasis of Mara – a hidden oasis on the outskirts of town.

During your time at Joshua Tree National Park, I also recommend spending some time treasure-hunting in both Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley. These small roadside towns are filled with hidden gems, including pioneer towns and western-style saloons.

 

Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree National Park, USA
Skull Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, USA

*Please note that all prices are current as of January 2025.

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