Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Palm Springs?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Palm Springs?
Most visitors spend two to four days in Palm Springs when visiting. The chic 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 weeks 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 week enough time in Palm Springs?
One week is more than enough time to see everything that Palm Springs has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the nightlife, the hiking, the food, and the quaint shops at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend a week 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.
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.
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.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Palm Springs. Plenty of amazing options are available.
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.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Palm Springs, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
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 2 weeks enough time in Palm Springs?
Two weeks 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 2 weeks in Palm Springs
With 2 weeks in Palm Springs, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time hiking and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Las Vegas Day Trip: Hoover Dam, Lake Mead & Red Rock Canyon Tour ($30)
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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