Spending the weekend in Palm Springs might be one of my favorite California activities. From tennis and golf, to beautiful hotels and art– there’s something for everyone! While you could easily spend a week (or two) relaxing and exploring, I’m going to share a few of my favorite spots in the area if you only have 72 hours. Keep reading for how to spend the perfect weekend in Palm Springs.
Where to stay in Palm Springs
Where you decide to stay for your weekend in Palm Springs really depends on what you’re planning to do. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend full of pool-time, then you might want to splurge. That being said there are a lot of fabulous options.
High-end Home away from Home: La Serena Villas: This high-end boutique hotel is walking distance to downtown Palm Springs, has a spa, and great restaurant on site. A fun added touch is the free bikes to roam around the downtown! P.S. each room is its own villa so you’ll feel right at home.
Newest on the Scene: Dive Palm Springs: One of the newest hotels on the scene, it’s a breath of fresh air with the vintage French Riviera vibes. One of the best parts about the property are the gardens. From the koi pond to the the orchard, there are plenty of spots to socially distance and relax.
The Best Deal: Les Cactus is not only extremely instagrammable, but they do have some of the best deals in the area. If you’re planning to spend most of your time out and about, their “Petite Room” will save you $$$. The property is also pet-friendly and comes with a continental breakfast in the mornings.
Bonus: Sands Hotel & Spa: While technically the Sands is located in Palm Desert (~30 minute drive from Palm Springs), this one made the cut because it’s one of my personal favorite hotels. I personally opted to stay here on my latest trip to the desert after loving their on-site restaurant.
What to do in Palm Springs
If we were to talk about all the things to do in Palm Springs, I might need to write a book! Personally, whenever I’m in town, I spend a lot of time relaxing. So here’s a few spots to hit on your weekend in Palm Springs. (PS: I partnered up with a local to find some of these hidden spots!)
Check out the Robolights Sculpture Park
‘Robolights’ is an outdoor sculpture park that has been an ongoing project by Kenny Irwin Jr. since 1986. This sci-fi holiday themed decor project is open all year.
We only visited from the outside as we didn’t realize we could even book an appointment until after we left! This spot is primarily only known by locals, but it is a great hidden gem.
- Location: 1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily except Friday’s 8 AM – 11 AM
- Pro Tip: If you’d like to tour the inside, you’ll need to text 1-760-774-0318 to make an appointment.
Explore the Desert X Installations
Desert X is a yearly exhibit that was created to “present international contemporary art exhibitions that engage with desert environments through site-specific installations by acclaimed artists from around the world.” Each year the installations change and you can follow the map to visit all 12 exhibits.
This year we only go to two: The Passenger by Eduardo Sarabia and The North Face x Gucci Pit Stop. A few tips:
- Download the Desert X App to get the addresses of all the different installations
- As there is a lot to see and you might not get to everything, research and plan where exactly you want to go.
- Some installations require tickets, so plan in advance!
Visit the Palm Springs Art Installations
The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission has a new initiative called the Neighborhood Grant Program to add art in every neighborhood and also support artists during the pandemic. Be sure to follow along closely as they add new installations all over Palm Springs! We visited one during our visit.
- Installation: ‘Popsicles’ by artist John Cerney located on 605 Sunny Dunes Road.
- Pro Tip: Follow the Visit Palm Springs Instagram account as they’re always sharing the new installations.
Stop by the Palm Springs Art Museum & Walk around Downtown Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Art Museum as 12,000+ objects that of the modern and contemporary eras. This is a must for a hot day in the desert! Be sure not to miss the ‘History of Suspended Time’ installation out front by artist Gonzalo Lebrija.
- Location: 101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Tickets: $14 for adults, $11 for seniors, $6 for students/teachers, Free for military and children 18 & under.
- Hours: Thursday 10am – 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed Monday to Wednesday.
- Pro Tip: Thursday evenings are completely free!
PS: After you visit the museum, walk around downtown Palm Springs (the main street is N Palm Canyon Dr.)
Visit the Movie Colony & Explore the Mid-century Modern Palm Springs homes
One of my favorite activities is driving around Palm Springs to check out the mid-century modern homes. There are so many beautiful ones! The two areas to check out are:
- The Movie Colony: Developed in the 1930’s and 1940’s, this area used to be home to Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Marilyn Monroe.
- That Pink Door: Another great neighborhood is the area around the famous “That Pink Door.” I usually route to the address (1100 E Sierra Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264) and explore from there!
Hop over to Palm Desert to feed the giraffes
This gem of an activity just 30 minutes from Palm Springs. The Living Desert is worth the drive especially if you are an animal lover! Admission includes access to the zoo and as well as multiple hiking trails around the park. If you want to feed the giraffes, it’s an extra $7 per feeding, and make sure to take lot of selfies with these gentle giants!
- Location: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
- Tickets: $24.95 for adults, $22.95 for seniors, $14.95 for children, free for children under 3.
- Hours: 8am – 5pm everyday.
Visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs on your way home
The Cabazon Dinosaurs is one of the most iconic roadside attractions on the West Coast. Here you can take pictures with the “world’s largest dinosaurs,” a T-Rex and an Apatosaurus. You can also catch the Wafflesaurus Truck on the weekends, serving dinosaur-themed ice cream and other treats.
- Location: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
- Tickets: $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, $11 for children.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 9am – 6:30pm, Friday to Sunday 9am – 8pm.
Places to Eat in Palm Springs
Palm Springs and the surrounding areas are chalk full of amazing restaurants. There is so much try, but here are a few of my absolute favorites.
Coffee @ Cartel Coffee – quick coffee before a day of exploring.
- Location: 1551 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Brunch @ Farm – authentic Provencal-style dishes in a Secret Garden setting.
- Location: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Lunch @ Azucar – Mexican modern cuisine and cocktails with a roof top deck and a fabulous aesthetic.
- Location: 339 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Dinner @ il Corso – delicious Italian food and an impressive wine selection. Sit on the patio to people watch and enjoy the nice weather.
- Location: 11 N Palm Canyon Dr #180, Palm Springs, CA 92262
