Last Updated on January 30, 2024
The mere mention of a weekend in Palm Springs conjures up images of natural hot springs, golf and spa resorts, desert palm trees, and basking in sunshine. A popular resort city, Palm Springs sits 110 miles east of Los Angeles and 135 miles northeast of San Diego. Its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park (located one hour away) along with mountain views, outdoor activities, and more than 300 days of sunshine annually, make a weekend in Palm Springs a must-do.
Here are 10 reasons why Palm Springs to Joshua Tree is the perfect long weekend getaway.
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1. Stay in one of many Palm Springs boutique hotels.
Palm Springs has a plethora of charming boutique hotels, like the Andreas Hotel and Spa shown above, with cozy garden-like entries, private courtyards and pools, outdoor fireplaces, and personalized service. Stay downtown and be within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries. Browse other Palm Springs accommodations here: Palm Springs lodging
2. Soak in the area’s hot springs.
Relax and unwind in healing thermal waters at any number of spas in the Greater Palm Springs area. Local resorts and spas tap into naturally flowing hot springs beneath the earth to provide mineral spring pools. In addition to the rejuvenating waters, you can indulge in spa services like facials, massages, wraps, and scrubs.
3. Play a memorable round of golf.
Greater Palm Springs is home to more than 100 golf courses—many designed by golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Greg Norman. Considered a golf mecca, Palm Springs is a stop on the PGA and LPGA tours. Set a tee time in Palm Springs for a memorable round of golf against a picturesque mountain backdrop.
4. Enjoy drinks and the view at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
The rooftop bar atop the 7-story hotel Rowan Palm Springs serves up panoramic views along with its wide array of cocktails. This swanky Palm Springs hotspot welcomes people to gather and enjoy a drink during an evening desert sunset with views of the San Jacinto mountains. Mingle outside by the High Bar, pool, and terrace. Or make your way to the inside bar at the adjacent 4 Saints restaurant.
5. Dine alfresco at a downtown Palm Springs restaurant.
Many charming restaurants with outdoor patios line the street in downtown Palm Springs. Southern California’s temperate weather makes this a perfect place to dine outside. Plus, many eateries expanded their patios during the pandemic, so you’ll have your pick of enchanting courtyard cafés offering up a variety of cuisines.
6. Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The Palm Springs Art Museum houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 works of art by national and international artists and includes many temporary exhibitions throughout the year. From modern to western, sculptures to glass, you’ll see a variety of objects that inspire and educate. Plan to spend 1-2 hours at this small, but worth it, museum. It’s conveniently located right downtown—an easy walk from many hotels—and has free admission Thursdays from 5-7pm.
If you happen to see this older couple hanging out at the museum, be sure to say hi. (Just kidding. It’s actually an art exhibit that’s been known to fool museum guests at first glance.)
7. Take the tram up San Jacinto Mountain.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway gives visitors a ride in the world’s largest rotating tram car as it travels 8,000 feet up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. At the top you’ll find miles of hiking trails leading to panoramic views of the Coachella Valley below. There are also two restaurants, a small history museum, and a gift shop to explore.
8. Hike Indian Canyons Oasis.
To experience a beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert head to Indian Canyons—one of the best hikes in Palm Springs and just 15 minutes south of downtown. There are three canyons to explore: Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon. Each one offers different views and adventures—from a short creekside trail to a long 15-mile hike to remote parts of the canyon.
9. Venture to Joshua Tree for active outdoor fun.
Combining a weekend getaway to Palm Springs with a quick trip to Joshua Tree National Park is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. The drive from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree is only one hour, and experiencing the park’s otherworldly landscape is definitely worth a visit. Plan to spend one day at the park (ideally with an overnight stay near the park).
The park provides many trails to hike and boulders to climb. One of the most popular things to do is stroll through Joshua Tree’s Cholla Cactus Gardens. Plan to visit during sunrise or sunset to see the spiky plants all aglow.
10. Glamp under the stars.
Joshua Tree is designated as an International Dark Sky Park – so it only makes sense to enjoy the immensely dark desert sky while you’re there. If camping is a little too rustic for you, there are plenty of glamping options just outside the park. From tents, domes, and A-frame tiny houses, glamping can be a fun and adventurous way to spend the night. Gather around an outdoor firepit to view the star-studded sky – or in some cases through an opening in the top of the structure itself.
Which ever way you decide to spend your long weekend from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree, this part of Southern California checks all of the boxes of a fun and exciting desert oasis destination.
Have you visited Palm Springs and Joshua Tree? Do you have anything to add to this list? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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