From stunning desert landscapes to retro-modern vibes, this 3 days in Palm Springs itinerary is everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
Located in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is the ultimate weekend destination, blending relaxation, adventure, and mid-century charm into a perfect getaway.
This vibrant oasis has something for everyone – for those seeking a serene escape by the pool, thrilling outdoor adventures in the surrounding desert, or a journey back in time with its iconic mid-century modern architecture.
With just 3 days in Palm Springs, you can indulge in world-class dining, explore stunning natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in a retro-chic atmosphere that’s both stylish and welcoming.
A Palm Springs weekend getaway is ideal for recharging and discovering hidden gems at your own pace.
Stroll through the lively downtown area, savor a cocktail at one of the city’s trendy rooftop bars, or take a breathtaking tram ride up Mount San Jacinto for panoramic views of the desert below.
The laid-back vibes of its boutique hotels, the endless sunshine, and unique charm that defines the region, Palm Springs is the quintessential destination for a rejuvenating short escape.
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Where to stay in Palm Springs
The Alcazar Hotel Palm Springs
The Alcazar Hotel Palm Springs is perfect for a romantic getaway. Step back in time in this Spanish-inspired boutique hotel located in the heart of the bustling Uptown Design District. The rooms are divine, and the pool has stunning views of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains.
The Skylark Hotel
The Skylark Hotel is a recently restored hotel with a classic California 50s vibe located in the heart of Palm Springs. The rooms bring a fresh take on mid-century modern design with that quintessential Palm Springs charm.
3 days in Palm Springs itinerary
Day 1: Downtown, Palm Springs Art Museum & Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Morning: Arrival and Downtown
Kickstart your Palm Springs weekend getaway by settling into your accommodation. The Skylark and The Alcazar are the perfect choice for their stylish rooms and their proximity to Palm Springs attractions.
Once you are settled into your boutique hotel, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Palm Springs.
Grab a coffee and a freshly baked pastry from one of the local cafés, like Cafe La Jefa, and take your time exploring the charming boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops along Palm Canyon Drive.
Don’t forget to snap a photo with the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue – it’s a must for first-timers!
Afternoon: Palm Springs Art Museum
After soaking in the downtown vibes, head to the Palm Springs Art Museum. It’s the perfect spot to escape the midday heat while exploring an impressive collection Native American art and contemporary pieces by artists like Henry Moore, Hockney and Marina Abramovič.
Wander through the galleries, check out the rotating exhibits, and take a moment to admire the stunning sculpture garden.
The Palm Springs Art Museum has a second site, the Palm Springs Architecture and Design Museum, which, as the name suggests, is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs for architecture and design fans.
Bonus: the museum’s air-conditioned halls are a lifesaver on a warm desert afternoon!
Evening: Sunset on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Wrap up your day with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating tramcar in the world, and an absolute must for the best views in town.
Time your visit so you reach the top just as the sun begins to set – the transformation of the desert landscape is magical.
Mountain Station is at 8,516 feet (2,595m) at the top of Mount San Jacinto, where you can enjoy a casual dinner or simply soak in the breathtaking 360 degree views from the observation decks.
Pro Tip: Pack layers! It gets chilly at the top of Mount San Jacinto, especially as the evening sets in.
Palm Springs Village Fest
If you are in Palm Springs on a Thursday, don’t miss the Village Fest, a street fair featuring arts, crafts, food and entertainment. Palm Canyon Drive is closed to vehicles and becomes a pedestrian-friendly street market.
The Village Fest is located between Indian Canyon Drive and Belardo Road, with vendor booths lining both sides of the street.
Where to eat in Palm Springs (Day 1)
Azúcar
Azúcar, located in the historic La Serena Villas hotel in downtown Palm Springs, is a great spot for brunch. The restaurant is stunning, but you can also enjoy your food by the pool. Their avocado aguachile and sweet potato fries are delicious!
Crudo Cervicheria
A ceviche x brewery restaurant in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs serving an incredible selection of ceviches. I had a platter of five different ceviche tostadas and I loved them all, especially the black scallop ceviche – very hot but so good!
Day 2: Mid-Century Architecture Tour, Moorten Botanical Garden
Spend day two discovering the stunning mid-century modern architecture of Palm Springs.
Mid-century modern architecture – guided tour or self drive
Morning: Mid-century architecture
Kick off your day with a dive into Palm Springs’ iconic mid-century modern architecture. Whether you go for a self-guided tour or join a guided one, you’ll be transported back to the glamorous days of the Rat Pack.
A guided tour will give you more information about this famous architectural style and plenty of insider stories about the celebrity home owners.
> Book your guided tour of Palm Springs mid-century modern architecture here
Alternatively, you can do a self-guided tour starting in the Little Tuscany and Old Las Palmas neighborhoods, home to some stunning hillside homes with those clean lines and sleek designs that define the era.
Here you will find the homes of Liberace, Marylin Monroe, and the house where Elvis and Pricilla Presley honeymooned.
Then, head to the Racquet Club Estates, where the famous Alexander homes give you a peek into mid-century living at its best, and Twin Palms Estate, the location of Frank Sinatra’s home.
You’ll want to stop every few metres to take photos of the stunning home, so chances are that you will only have time to explore these areas before lunch time. So this is a good time to take a break for brunch at Cheeky’s, one of the best lunch spots in town.
Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes today – you’ll be walking quite a bit.
Afternoon: Indian Canyons Neighborhood and Moorten Botanical Garden
Once you’ve replenished your energy, head to the Indian Canyons neighborhood, known for its streets lined with palm trees and the colorful doors like ‘That Pink Door’. You could easily spend the whole afternoon here – every angle is Instagram gold!
After soaking up all that architectural inspiration, take a break and reconnect with nature at Moorten Botanical Garden, one of the hidden gems in Southern California.
This family-owned desert oasis is brimming with unique cacti, succulents, and other desert flora from all over the world. Wander through the tranquil garden paths and check out the World’s First Cactarium, a greenhouse filled with rare and exotic species.
Look out for all the hummingbirds around the garden!
Evening: Cocktails at the Trixie Motel
As the day winds down, head over to the fabulously pink Trixie Motel for cocktails with a side of pure Palm Springs whimsy.
This vibrant and over-the-top hotspot is perfect for sipping colorful drinks in a playful, retro setting. Try their signature cocktails (you can’t go wrong with a martini or something tropical) while soaking in the fabulously pink vibes.
It’s the ultimate way to toast your Palm Springs adventure in style!
Pro Tip: Dress up a little! Palm Springs loves a fun, bold outfit.
Where to eat in Palm Springs (Day 2)
Cheeky’s
Whether it’s brunch, this is one of the top spots for food in Palm Springs. Located by The Alcazar Palm Springs Hotel, sit outside on the lively patio for a very relaxed vibe.
Their menu changes weekly, but look out for their delicious monkey bread, which makes an appearance from time to time. And don’t miss their world famous bacon flight! A classic that’s so tasty and so crispy!
Rooster and the Pig
Located a few blocks from Downtown Palm Springs, this Vietnamese-inspired restaurant is a popular spot with a menu featuring a great range of dishes, including excellent Vietnamese soups and rolls.
I had the pan fried black cod with lemongrass coconut sauce and it was divine!
Day 3: Andreas Canyon, Sec-He Spa
Morning: Hike in Andreas Canyon
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Lost Property, a fun restaurant cafe located within The Skylark Hotel. Their heirloom tomato eggs will set you up for today’s hike.
Andreas Canyon is one of the hidden gems of the Indian Canyons, ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
The trail is an easy loop that takes you through the second largest California fan palm oasis in the world – a rare sight in the arid desert.
Along the way, you’ll spot unique rock formations and maybe even some wildlife. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the natural beauty and snap some envy-worthy photos.
Be sure to bring water and sunscreen. The trail is only 1.2 miles long but the desert sun can be intense even in the morning.
Admission to the Indian Canyons is $12 USD.
Afternoon: Relax and Recharge at the Spa at Séc-He
After your morning adventure, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at the luxurious Séc-He Spa, located at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, named one of the world’s greatest places in 2024 by Time Magazine and home to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
For generations, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have been the guardian of the mineral-rich hot springs at Séc-He, which means ‘the sound of boiling water’.
The Spa at Séc-He Known for its mineral-rich hot springs, the spa offers a serene retreat where you Take the Waters, an ancient tradition of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
Enjoy the tranquil mineral pools, or book a rejuvenating massage or facial for the ultimate pampering experience. The calming atmosphere and natural healing waters are the perfect way to unwind after your hike.
Where to eat in Palm Springs (Day 3)
Lost Property
Located within The Skylark Hotel, Lost Property, is a stylish restaurant cafe and possibly my favourite spot for breakfast in Palm Springs. Don’t miss their heirloom tomato eggs, which are served in a fun mini skillet.
Blackbook
Blackbook is really a bar, but it has been voted one of the best restaurants in Palm Springs, so definitely stop here for lunch. It’s a very relaxed and inclusive bar/restaurant that serves the best nachos I’ve ever tried – their famous Palm Springs style nachos.
Birba
Birba is a chic Italian restaurant and a Palm Springs staple, offering pizza, pasta and craft cocktails. Their cool outdoor patio provides plenty of seating and the menu changes regularly according to the seasons.
I had the black pepper tagliatelle with squash blossoms and it was heavenly.
If you have more than 3 days in Palm Springs
If you have extra time in Palm Springs, like a long weekend or even during the week, try and take a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. You could easily spend more than one day here, but it’ll be a good taster if it’s your first visit.
There are lots of incredible hikes and stunning view points in Joshua Tree National Park, but one thing you must not miss is a visit to the Cholla Cactus Garden during sunrise or sunset. It’s also one of the best winter camping spots in California.
The otherworldly beauty of this spot is mesmerising, but the sunrise/sunset light turns it into a vision you’ll never forget.
While you are in the National Park, pop out to Pioneertown for lunch – the BBQ ribs at Pappy + Harriet’s are out of this world. And while you are here, have a wander around the town that was built as a Wild West movie set.
If you are a tennis enthusiast, don’t miss a visit to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the world’s most revered and critically acclaimed sports venues, home to the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament.
Palm Springs FAQs
Palm Springs is sunny year-round, but the best time to visit is between October and April when temperatures are mild and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or lounging by the pool.
Summer can get seriously hot, but if you don’t mind the heat, it’s a great time for deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
It depends on your plans! If you’re staying downtown and planning to explore the shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions, you can get by without a car thanks to walkable streets and rideshare options.
But if you’re venturing out to places like the Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree National Park, or El Paseo in Palm Desert, having a car is super helpful.
Think light and breezy! Pack casual, lightweight clothes for daytime and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings (especially if you’re visiting in winter). Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring and hiking.
Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from that glorious desert sun. And, of course, throw in a fun outfit for poolside lounging or a night out – Palm Springs loves a bold, colorful look!
How to get to Palm Springs
Getting to Palm Springs is easy, whether you’re flying in or driving through!
If you’re flying, the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is just minutes from downtown and offers direct flights from major cities across the U.S. and Canada.
For road trippers, Palm Springs is about a 2-hour drive from Los Angeles and 2.5 hours from San Diego, making it a perfect weekend escape. The drive is straightforward and scenic, with desert landscapes and mountain views to keep you company.
If you’re coming from further away, consider hopping on the Amtrak or a bus service like FlixBus, both of which have stops in Palm Springs.
No matter how you arrive, the moment you see those iconic palm trees and feel the desert sunshine, you’ll know you’ve made it!
Do you have any questions about this 3 days in Palm Springs itinerary?
Let me know in the comments!
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Disclosure: A big thank you to Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, who hosted me on this trip. As always, all views are my own.
Rose Shine
Friday 17th of January 2025
Great post! Your itinerary perfectly captures the charm and diversity of Palm Springs. I love how you included a mix of outdoor adventures like the Aerial Tramway and relaxing spots like the boutique hotels. For anyone planning their trip, I’d also recommend visiting the Moorten Botanical Garden for its unique cacti collection and exploring the vibrant art galleries downtown. Thanks for the inspiration—this is a perfect guide for a weekend getaway!