Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Palm Springs?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Palm Springs?
Three days is the perfect amount of time in Palm Springs, as many people prefer to spend two to four days here. You'll be able to enjoy an evening out, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and find the best deals at the shops. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days 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.
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 ($139)
- Half-Day Guided Hike in Joshua Tree National Park ($177)
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.
Shopping in Palm Springs is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Shopping ranges from outlets to boutique vendors. For the most local options head to Palm Canyon Drive and for an upscale shopping experience, visit the El Paseo shopping district.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from Palm Springs to Desert Hills Outlets ($120)
- Private Shopping Tour from Palm Springs to Desert Hills Outlets ($132)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Palm Springs.
Is 4 days enough time in Palm Springs?
Four days is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Palm Springs, as it's not as large as some other cities. You can move at your own pace and relax in your hotel. Enjoy an evening out, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and find the best deals at the shops. You could also use Palm Springs as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region.
Palm Springs, California
How to spend 4 days in Palm Springs
If you have more than 4 days in Palm Springs, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. The Palm Springs Air Museum has an impressive collection of military planes. It's also worth visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, which has a mix of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. You'll also find botanical gardens and even a zoo around town.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Palm Springs?
Five days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Palm Springs at your own pace to experience the nightlife, the hiking, the food, and the quaint shops. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 5 days in Palm Springs
Having 5 days in Palm Springs will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of Palm Springs, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Las Vegas Day Trip: Hoover Dam, Lake Mead & Red Rock Canyon Tour ($30)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Palm Springs.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Palm Springs, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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