Palm Springs holidays

How to reach Palm Springs

Flights to Palm Springs from London generally involve a layover. Major UK airports like Heathrow and Gatwick offer numerous flights to Los Angeles, with onward connections with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines.

Flight time: Flights to Palm Springs usually take between 14 and 16 hours, depending on the layover.

Transfer time: Once you land at Palm Springs International Airport, it’s a short 10-minute drive to the city centre. Taxis and Ubers are widely available.

Price:

• A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre typically costs around $15–$20, making it a quick and affordable option after a long flight.

• The Sunline Transit Agency, Amtrak Thruway and BTA bus networks all connect the airport with downtown, with single fares starting at $2.50 for adults.

Weather and best time to visit Palm Springs

When it comes to planning the best time of year for your Palm Springs holidays, it largely depends on your bucket list and your weather preferences.

January to April is the high season, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 20 to 27°C. Popular events include the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January and Modernism Week in February. Rainfall is minimal, with around 10mm per month, and 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily.

May to September can be extremely hot, with average temperatures soaring to and above 40°C. Due to the intense heat, this is the low season, but hotel prices drop significantly. Rainfall is scarce, and there are about 13 hours of sunshine daily.

October to December offers cooler temperatures between 21 and 29°C. It's a great time to explore outdoors without the oppressive summer heat. Rainfall increases slightly to around 20mm per month, with 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken in Palm Springs, but Spanish is also commonplace.

• Local habits and customs: Palm Springs is known for its laid-back lifestyle and somewhat slower-than-usual pace. Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, with 15–20 percent for meals and a dollar per drink.

• Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is used. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful. Many companies are also choosing to go completely cashless, so be sure to plan ahead.

• Getting around: Public transport includes the SunLine Transit Agency buses, with fares at $2.50 per ride. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 120V. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Palm Springs is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), 8 hours behind GMT.

Best things to do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a charming desert city renowned for its luxury resorts, hot springs and vibrant arts scene. Here's a rundown of the best things to see and do during your holidays to Palm Springs:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: This cable car ride offers breathtaking views as it ascends to over 2,600m in the San Jacinto Mountains. The rotating tram cars also offer 360-degree vistas of the Chino Canyon. At the mountaintop, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, scenic overlooks and a restaurant.

• San Jacinto Peak: If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try the hike up San Jacinto Peak. It's a challenging trek, but the views of the Coachella Valley and beyond are certainly worth it.

The best districts

• Downtown Palm Springs: This area is the city's heart, filled with trendy shops, art galleries and abundant dining options. At the very least, be sure to take a stroll along Palm Canyon Drive.

• Uptown Design District: Famed for its mid-century modern architecture and chic shops, the Uptown Design District is a must for fans of fashion and architecture.

Parks and gardens

• Moorten Botanical Garden: With an impressive collection of desert plants from around the world, this is a good spot to learn more about the planet’s hardiest flora.

• Ruth Hardy Park: Perfect for picnics and leisurely walks, the park also has tennis courts, playgrounds and beautiful green spaces.

Historic monuments

• Palm Springs Art Museum: This museum features a vast collection of contemporary art, glass sculptures and Native American art. It is conveniently located in downtown Palm Springs and is housed in a striking modern building with an oh-so-photogenic sculpture garden.

• Indian Canyons: This historic site is owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and includes three scenic canyons: Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon. Each offers unique hiking experiences and glimpses into the area's indigenous history.

• Cabot's Pueblo Museum: A unique Hopi-inspired structure built by hand using local materials. The museum offers fascinating insights into the area's history and the life of its eccentric creator, Cabot Yerxa.

Day trips in the area

• Joshua Tree National Park: Just 1 hour's drive from Palm Springs, this national park is known for its unique Joshua trees, rugged rock formations and stunning desert landscapes. It's a haven for hiking, rock climbing and stargazing.

• Salton Sea: A short drive away, this massive inland saline lake is popular for bird-watching, boating and exploring eerie (and abandoned) beach resorts.

• Idyllwild: This charming mountain town (about 1 hour's drive from Palm Springs) is perfect for hiking, shopping and enjoying the cooler temperatures of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Activities for families in Palm Springs

Palm Springs offers a variety of activities perfect for families of all ages.

• Swimming pools: Many resorts and hotels in Palm Springs boast impressive swimming pools, ideal for cooling off in the desert heat. Public pools like the Palm Springs Swim Center are also great options.

• Playgrounds: Palm Springs has numerous parks with playgrounds, including Ruth Hardy Park.

• Aquarium and zoos: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a good destination for families, offering close encounters with desert animals and interactive exhibits.

• Interactive museums: The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in nearby Rancho Mirage is perfect for younger children, with hands-on exhibits and educational activities.

• Other activities: The Palm Springs Air Museum is always worthwhile, featuring vintage aircraft and interactive displays.

Free things to do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs boasts a variety of activities that won't cost you a penny, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travellers.

• Free events: The city’s calendar is packed with free cultural events and open-air concerts throughout the year. A highlight is the weekly VillageFest street fair, which takes place every Thursday evening along Palm Canyon Drive.

• Free museums: On Thursday evenings, the Palm Springs Art Museum offers free entry, allowing visitors to explore its impressive collection of art and exhibits.

• Explore by public transport: The SunLine Transit Agency operates buses throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, with inexpensive day passes available. Line 14 and 24 routes are great for sightseeing.

Best beaches near Palm Springs

Palm Springs, located in the desert of Southern California, isn't directly near the ocean. However, there are several excellent beaches within a couple of hours' drive, perfect for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Here are some of the best beaches to visit near Palm Springs.

Newport Beach: upscale and family-friendly

Newport Beach, approximately a two-hour drive from Palm Springs, is known for its pristine coastline, upscale shopping, and dining. The beach is perfect for families, with calm waters ideal for swimming and plenty of amenities. Balboa Peninsula offers a long stretch of sand, ideal for sunbathing, and the nearby Balboa Fun Zone provides entertainment for kids. Newport Beach also offers excellent surfing spots for more adventurous visitors.

Laguna Beach: artsy and picturesque

Laguna Beach, also about two hours away, is famous for its artistic community and stunning coastal scenery. The beach features coves, tide pools, and sandy shores perfect for exploring. Main Beach is the central hub, with volleyball courts, basketball courts, and picnic areas. The town of Laguna Beach is also worth exploring, with numerous art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Santa Monica Beach: vibrant and iconic

Santa Monica Beach is roughly a two and a half-hour drive from Palm Springs and offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of activities. The iconic Santa Monica Pier features an amusement park, aquarium, and various eateries. The beach itself is wide and sandy, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports. The adjacent Santa Monica State Beach Park offers walking and biking paths, making it a great spot for an active day out.

Huntington Beach: surf city USA

Huntington Beach, known as "Surf City USA," is about a two-hour drive from Palm Springs. This beach is a haven for surfers, with consistent waves and numerous surf schools. The Huntington Beach Pier is a landmark, extending into the Pacific Ocean and offering fantastic views. The beach also has fire pits for evening bonfires, volleyball courts, and a bustling boardwalk with shops and restaurants.

Malibu: luxurious and scenic

Malibu, a bit further at around a two and a half to three-hour drive, offers some of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches in California. Zuma Beach is one of Malibu's largest and most popular beaches, known for its wide sandy shore and excellent facilities. For a more secluded experience, El Matador Beach features dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Malibu's beaches are perfect for those looking to enjoy a luxurious and scenic beach day.

While Palm Springs itself doesn't have beaches, its proximity to Southern California's coastline means you have plenty of options for enjoying the sun, sea, and sand on your holiday.

Local dishes in Palm Springs

From local specialities to international cuisines, there’s something on the menu for everyone in Palm Springs.

Some typical dishes

• Date shakes: A local favourite, made from the region’s abundant date palms, these sweet and creamy shakes are a must-try. They’re often blended with vanilla ice cream and milk to create a rich and refreshing treat.

• Southwestern cuisine: Enjoy dishes with bold flavours and spices, such as enchiladas, tamales and chiles rellenos, often served with rice and beans.

Meat dishes

• Tri-tip steak: A speciality of the American West, this juicy and flavourful cut of beef is often grilled to perfection and served with sides like garlic mashed potatoes or coleslaw.

• BBQ ribs: Many local restaurants serve up mouth-watering BBQ ribs, slow-cooked and slathered in a tangy sauce. These ribs are typically paired with sides like cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fish tacos: This popular Californian dish with grilled or fried fish is topped with fresh salsa, cabbage and a squeeze of lime.

• Seafood ceviche: This refreshing and zesty dish mixes fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices – served with onions, tomatoes and cilantro.

Sweets and desserts

• Churros: These fried dough pastries are rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.

• Tres Leches Cake: This moist, sweet cake is made with three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream, making it a rich and indulgent dessert.

Local drinks

• Craft beer: Palm Springs is a stone’s throw away from the many craft breweries of the Coachella Valley. Be on the lookout for offerings from the notable La Quinta Brewing Co.

• Margaritas: Given the city's proximity to Mexico, margaritas are a popular tipple. You can enjoy a classic margarita made with fresh lime juice and good-quality tequila at most of the city’s bars and restaurants.

• California wines: The nearby Temecula Valley wine region produces some excellent wines. Try a crisp Chardonnay or a robust Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the local vineyards.