Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Palm Springs?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Palm Springs?
Most visitors spend two to four days in Palm Springs when visiting. The outdoorsy city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the nightlife, the hiking, the food, and the quaint shops.
Located in the Sonoran Desert, Palm Springs has long been a vacation destination for California's upper class. It's year round sunny weather and scenic desert setting make it a great destination to escape the city crowds and relax by the pool with a fancy drink. You'll also find shopping, hiking, and plenty of outdoor activities in the area.
Do you have one or two days to visit Palm Springs? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Palm Springs?
One day is generally not enough time to experience everything in Palm Springs even though it's not huge. A shorter schedule may leave you feeling like you didn't fully get to enjoy an evening out, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and find the best deals at the shops. To genuinely appreciate the best areas of the outdoorsy city, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for two to four days here. After all, Palm Springs is home to a multitude of sights and attractions, making it an extremely popular destination for tourists. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
How to spend a day in Palm Springs
Don't miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway during your trip to Palm Springs, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The area is filled with nightlife options that range from cocktail bars to nightclubs or breweries. You can party into the early morning at the dance clubs or enjoy a bottle of wine with friends at one of the lounges.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is a small city that is extremely popular with tourists due to the many sights and attractions. A weekend is probably not enough. You'll feel rushed to see the main attractions of Palm Springs such as the great nightlife along with the terrific hiking. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more than just a 2 day trip. Most travelers schedule two to four days to fully experience this city. Nevertheless, if a weekend is all you can spare, we have some suggestions for your weekend getaway to Palm Springs below.
Palm Springs, California
How to spend 2 days in Palm Springs
If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Palm Springs, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Known for it's hiking, Palm Springs sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are more than 100 trails in the Greater Palm Springs area that take you through scenic desert landscapes and unique ecosystems. Some of the most popular trails include Andreas Canyon Trail and Araby Trail.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Palm Springs Indian Canyons Bike and Hike ($149)
- Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park ($177)
- Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views ($68)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Fresh ingredients and typical California cuisine is common around town. Brunch is a popular option for visitors and you'll find countless brunch cafes in the area. You'll also find Mexican food, pizza, and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Palm Springs, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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