Hollywood glamour, film and music festivals and Palm Canyon Drive for shopping lovers are just some of the most popular things the city offers. Riverside County’s largest city is Palm Springs, which is situated in southern California. It is considered a resort city in the Sonoma Desert and is about 90 minutes from Los Angeles.
With all the energy it has to offer, Palm Springs is considered a retirement city and a winter snowbird destination for everyone escaping the cold. Therefore, the city has a significantly fluctuating population. The population is at its highest between November and March. If you’re planning on visiting during those months, it may be wise to plan ahead to get the best experience possible.
Visiting Palm Springs in the summer can be an intense experience, but also the most cost-effective one if you can handle it. Additionally, if you’re trying to catch one of the many emblematic events the city has to offer, looking for your accommodations in advance will be best. As mentioned, winter is the busiest season, due to the lovely weather the city has to offer.
Unsurprisingly, the city thrives and lives off of tourism, which has increased the number of attractions and local events held throughout the year. Palm Springs offers a distinctive fusion of contemporary and vintage aesthetics as well as a wide range of activities. The versatility offered by the city and how it has evolved makes it an attractive destination for all types of visitors.
The city, while smaller than Los Angeles or New York, has plenty to offer, and you will surely find something for everyone. It is the perfect destination for all types of personalities, interests, and travel expectations. While every month is great for visiting, do some research beforehand if you’re planning to do specific activities like hiking or attending a film festival.
An ever-changing city
Whether you decide to have a low-key trip to relax in one of the many hot springs and spa resorts or you decide to have an adventurous experience by doing some hiking, Palm Springs will not disappoint. The mid-century modern architecture designs are visible throughout the city, which makes every walk down the sidewalk an experience in itself. Along with the local boutiques and the artistic scenes, world-class restaurants are available downtown to make your trip even better. While maintaining the glamour and landmarks that make the city unique, downtown Palm Springs is an ever-changing scene that makes space for new business owners and trends.
Modern but historic
Over time, the city has expanded and changed to meet contemporary needs and entertainment options. Some of the most sought-after attractions now include the Coachella music festival, the White Party held in April, and the Pride Parade held annually in November. However, there are some unique and emblematic attractions that have endured over the decades. These are the ones that keep Palm Springs’ personality and character intact and make it attractive to people who haven’t been able to visit. One of them is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which opened in 1963 and is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world.
The Walk of the Stars in Palm Springs has never failed to amaze visitors. There is no greater display of honor and respect for the stars, Hollywood or not, than the golden stars that line up along the sidewalk. From Walt Disney to Marilyn Monroe and President Eisenhower, the Golden Palm Stars that create a walk of fame have been a destination favorite for decades. The Walk of the Stars extends from Downtown to Tahquitz Canyon Way and holds over 400 names. It is a dynamic experience that invites people to take pictures and find their favorite celebrity on the path.
Inclusivity
From the Pride Parade in November to the Cinema Diverse theme in September, Palm Springs is all about diversity and inclusion. The city has the largest concentration of gay resorts in the country, which can be found in the center of the city. There is a wide diversity of the population in the area as well, which allows people to be authentically themselves without any preoccupations. There are plenty of LGBTQ+-specific restaurants and nightlife options, which add to the inclusive environment and energy. Additionally, Palm Springs is one of the cities with the largest number of same-sex households in the country.
The best of Palm Springs
Spending your days having brunch at the FARM or walking down Canyon Drive to get some shopping done is a lovely way to enjoy your time here. However, keep in mind that the city has much more to offer outside of Downtown. The Aerial Museum, Joshua Tree Park, and the Botanical Gardens are just a few of our favorites.
Make sure to check out everything to plan the best trip for you!