If a dreamy desert oasis with stylish resorts, scenic golf courses, relaxing spas, and vintage shopping sounds like a trip you’d enjoy, spend a weekend in Palm Springs. Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, this end-of-summer vacation destination is the perfect two-day getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re traveling solo, on a romantic getaway with your boo, or with your ride-or-dies, heading to Palm Springs this weekend might be the best decision you’ve made this year.

Day 1

Arriving

Palm Springs is a dream destination for those who love the sun, grand architecture, and healthy living. While you can definitely fly into Palm Springs, making a road trip out of the journey is a better idea if you live in Southern California.

Before you officially start ticking off attractions from your Palm Springs weekend getaway checklist, you should check into your accommodation. There are incredible Airbnbs and rentals in Palm Springs, including a few that belong to familiar names. However, if you’re staying at a hotel, your options are no less impressive. 

Partying the weekend away? Check in at The Saguaro, which features colorful decor, a refreshing pool, and incredibly Instagrammable photo ops. In the mood for a more tranquil escape? Make the Moroccan-inspired Korakia Pensione the luxurious base of your Palm Springs getaway.

Drop your bags at your room, put on an Insta-worthy (but comfortable) outfit, and get ready to stay out for the rest of the day—your weekend in Palm Springs officially kicks off! 

Afternoon 

Downtown Palm Springs will greet you with an air of casual elegance that perfectly captures the essence of this desert town. To do all your shopping without dropping, sit down for a delicious brunch at Cheeky's. As a local favorite, the fresh and inventive menu at Cheeky’s has earned it a cult following. Order anything from their quirky menu, and you can be sure that the first meal of your weekend in Palm Springs is going to be as delicious as it can get.

Continue your Palm Springs weekend getaway by strolling down Palm Canyon Drive, peek into the stores that catch your eye, and don’t forget to hunt down your favorite celebs’ names on the Walk of Stars. Before it gets too late, go on a tour of the Palm Springs Art Museum. You’ll get your fix of architecture, design, and modern and contemporary art at this establishment of more than 12,000 objects.

Right before the sun starts setting, make a trip out to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This is the perfect activity to wrap up the first afternoon of your Palm Springs getaway for multiple reasons. A) Watching the sunset from the tram is a magical experience B) The tram operates until 8:00 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to explore everything at the very top.

Evening

After nightfall, head over to claim your reservation at Birba. With an outdoor patio, excellent farm-to-table cuisine, and pizza that rivals your favorite back home, this dinner hotspot is a great place to add to your Palm Springs getaway itinerary. 

If you’re in the mood to stay out late, head over to Bar Cecil before you go back to your hotel room. An homage to the incredible Cecil Beaton—a photographer, painter, designer, and Oscar-winning stage and costume designer—this awesome lounge will make sure you have a memorable first night on your weekend in Palm Springs.

Day 2

Morning

Waking up on your desert getaway should be pure bliss. Allow yourself to revel in the leisurely desert town spirit by taking your time having breakfast in the hotel, then lounging by the pool as long as you want. Both Korakia Pensione and the Saguaro have amazing spa services on-site. So, before you head out and start adventuring, book a rejuvenating treatment to make your Palm Springs romantic getaway all the more relaxing. 

Who doesn’t like something sweet in the morning? You can’t miss out on tasting the best ice cream in town on your Palm Springs getaway. Stop by Kreem on Palm Canyon Drive and check out their selection of small-batch, in-house ice creams—vegan options available! The Lemon Meringue Pie ice cream will prompt you to let out an audible “yum.”

Afternoon 

Your Palm Springs weekend getaway can’t do without a bit of adventure. The obvious destination of choice would be none other than Joshua Tree National Park. If you drove yourself to Palm Springs, the one-hour drive to Joshua Tree will be a breeze. Alternatively, you can book a half-day jeep tour that departs from Palm Springs. This tour will also give you the opportunity to go off-road into places you can’t go in a regular vehicle.

Depending on your Palm Springs getaway timeline, you could easily spend a day exploring Joshua Tree National Park. However, if you’re in a time crunch, we recommend pre-planning your activities to see as much of this wonderland of desert rocks, historical attractions, desert art installations, and otherworldly trees as you can in a couple of hours.

A few of the park’s main attractions you should squeeze into your itinerary are the Skull Rock, Keys View, Cholla Cactus Garden, and the Cottonwood Spring Oasis. If you also have time and energy for a hike or two in Joshua Tree, try trekking the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Barker Aam Nature Trail, or Ryan Mountain Hike.

Evening

Coming back from Joshua Tree, you’re bound to be covered in sweat, dust, and worn out from the blazing desert sun. Drop by your hotel room for a quick shower and change into your going-out outfit. On the second evening of your weekend in Palm Springs, you’re going out for one last delicious dinner.

Keep it casual with pizza and pasta at Giuseppe's Pizzeria or go all out by booking a table at LG’s Prime Steakhouse. While each restaurant offers a completely different vibe and feel, both are known for serving delicious food and are perfect options for the goodbye dinner of your Palm Springs getaway.

You don’t need to wait long to come back to this alluring desert oasis a second time. With the abundance of activities and attractions here, you’ll be able to enjoy an entirely different weekend in Palm Springs even if you return a month later. Palm Springs also hosts plenty of exciting festivals throughout the year, so keep an eye out for announcements to plan your next trip.