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Hear about travel to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley as the Amateur Traveler talks to Kathy Condon from the Palm Springs Insider Guide about this desert tourist area she calls home.

Why should you go to Palm Springs?

Kathy says, “Imagine living in a place where you have 350 days of sunshine. It’s hard to explain that how alive Palm Springs is with the arts.”

Kathy highlights the region’s year-round sunshine, boutique hotels, midcentury modern architecture, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, and vibrant dining scene.

Below is a detailed guide based on her recommendations:

Where to Stay

Palm Springs has 75 boutique hotels (50 rooms or less), many with unique themes reflecting the area’s midcentury modern charm. Kathy suggests:

• Alcazar Palm Springs – A stylish boutique hotel within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs.
• The Skylark, Palm Springs – Features an Airstream trailer check-in and a retro ambiance.
• The Cole, Palm Springs – A 1960s-inspired hotel with a modernist vibe.

Things to Do in Palm Springs & Coachella Valley

Explore Midcentury Modern Architecture

• Modernism Week (February & October) – A 14-day festival celebrating Palm Springs’ iconic midcentury modern design, featuring 320 events including home tours, lectures, and exhibitions.
• Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Center – Showcases architectural history and modernist design in Palm Springs.

Outdoor Adventures

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – The largest rotating tramway in the world, offering breathtaking views and access to hiking trails at 8,000 feet in Mount San Jacinto State Park.
• The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – Features desert animals from around the world, including giraffes, cheetahs, and meerkats.
• Indian Canyons – A scenic area offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and Native American history.

Day Trips from Palm Springs

• Joshua Tree National Park – A must-visit for rock climbing, hiking, and exploring the park’s unique desert landscapes. Kathy suggests entering from the east entrance (near Indio) to avoid crowds.
• Keys Ranch (U.S. National Park Service) – A historic homestead preserved from the early 1900s in Joshua Tree National Park.
• Gubler Orchids – A hidden gem located near Joshua Tree, showcasing exotic orchids in a massive greenhouse.
• Integratron – A sound bath experience in a dome structure designed based on Nikola Tesla’s research and alleged extraterrestrial guidance.
• Idyllwild – A mountain arts community about 75 minutes away, offering an entirely different landscape filled with pine forests, art galleries, and hiking trails.

Cultural & Arts Experiences

• Palm Springs Art Museum – Features exhibits from renowned artists like David Hockney, as well as a stunning collection of modernist art.
• The Marilyn Monroe Statue in Palm Springs – A 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe in her famous pose, a popular photo-op.
• The Graffiti Yard (The Sand Pit) – An evolving outdoor street art space in downtown Palm Springs.
• ACC (Agua Caliente) Museum – A newly opened museum showcasing Native American history, including artifacts dating back 8,000 years.

Festivals & Events

• Palm Springs International Film Festival (January) – A major Hollywood event with screenings and appearances from top film stars.
• BNP Paribas Open (March) – A world-famous tennis tournament held in Indian Wells.
• Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April) – The legendary music festival that brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors.
• Stagecoach Festival (April) – A country music festival held the weekend after Coachella.

Relaxation & Wellness

• Spa at Sec-he – Named the #1 spa in the nation, featuring hot mineral springs, grounding rooms with copper floors, and luxurious spa treatments.
• Two Bunch Palms – A hot springs resort in Desert Hot Springs, famously known as Al Capone’s hideaway.

Where to Eat

Kathy highlights Palm Springs’ foodie scene, recommending the following restaurants:

Breakfast & Coffee

• Townie Bagels – The best New York-style bagels in Palm Springs, run by a former San Francisco-based couple.
• Indian Canyons Golf Resort Café – A breakfast spot with stunning mountain views.

Lunch

• Ristorante Mamma Gina – Palm Desert – Authentic Italian cuisine in a charming setting.
• Kaiser Grille – Palm Springs – A casual spot for lunch and happy hour specials.
• Joshua Tree Saloon – Located near the park entrance, known for its deep-fried pickles.

Dinner

• Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge – Palm Springs – A stylish dining experience in a former post office, featuring an elegant white furniture theme.
• Spencer’s Restaurant – A romantic fine dining spot, great for special occasions.
• Jackalope Ranch – Indio – A hidden gem known for its outdoor seating, fountains, and live music.
• Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa – Indian Wells – A newly renovated resort restaurant.

Best Time to Visit

• February – April – Ideal weather (75-85°F) with major events like Modernism Week, BNP Paribas Open, and Coachella.
• Late March – Early April – Recommended to avoid tennis tournament crowds.
• October – Cooler temperatures and a smaller Modernism Week event.

Packing Tips

• Casual attire – Palm Springs is relaxed but stylish.
• Layers – Temperatures drop 25°F at night.
• Hat & Sunscreen – Essential for daytime outdoor activities.
• Water bottle – The desert climate requires staying hydrated.

This guide proves that Palm Springs isn’t just for golf—it offers a mix of history, art, outdoor adventures, luxury relaxation, and incredible food. Whether you’re exploring modernist architecture, hiking Joshua Tree, or soaking in mineral spas, there’s something for everyone in this desert oasis.

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Show Notes

Palm Springs Insider Guide
Palm Springs Insider Guide – Coachella Valley
Palm Springs, California
Desert Hot Springs, California
Two Bunch Palms
BNP Paribas Open
Alcazar Palm Springs, Palm Springs
The Skylark, Palm Springs
The Cole, Palm Springs
Complete Guide to Modernism Week 2025
Experience Midcentury Modernism at Modernism Week October
Townie Bagels
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Shops on El Paseo
Ristorante Mamma Gina – Palm Desert
Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge – Palm Springs
BNP Paribas Open – Indian Wells
Kaiser Grille – Palm Springs
Spencer’s Restaurant
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One Day in Joshua Tree National Park: A Perfect Itinerary – California Travel
Joshua Tree Saloon
Keys Ranch (U.S. National Park Service)
Gubler Orchids
Integratron
ACC (Agua Caliente) Museum
The Marilyn Monroe Statue in Palm Springs – Palm Springs
Palm Springs Art Museum – Palm Springs
The Graffiti Yard
Architecture and Design Center | Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs Walk of the Stars
Spa at Sec-he
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Stagecoach Festival
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
What to Do in Idyllwild
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa – Indian Wells
Jackalope Ranch – Indio
Preparing for a Winter Visit to Palm Springs

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