Experience the Luxurious Side of Palm Springs

Palm Springs is where mid-century glam meets desert serenity. Tucked against the San Jacinto Mountains at the western edge of the Coachella Valley, this sun-soaked destination (and the nine-city region known as Greater Palm Springs) blends iconic design, blue-sky pool days, world-class spas, and some of Southern California’s best shopping and dining. Think private cabanas, alfresco martinis, mineral-spring soaks, and stargazing that feels cinematic. It’s an upscale getaway that can be as lazy or as lavish as you like—and this guide covers the essentials: how to arrive, where to stay, what to eat, what it costs, and smart cautions for the desert.

A resort region with nine distinct cities – “Palm Springs” is the gateway to Greater Palm Springs—nine neighboring cities from Palm Springs proper to Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City, and Desert Hot Springs. Each adds its own style: cliff-top spas in Rancho Mirage, designer shopping in Palm Desert, and hot-mineral pools in Desert Hot Springs.

Design you can see and stay in – The area’s mid-century modern architecture sits beside new luxury hotels and villas, making even a simple walk feel curated. Seasonal festivals like Modernism Week spotlight the homes and history that made the city famous among Hollywood icons.

A mountain escape minutes away – For a literal change of scene, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks you from the desert floor up to 8,516 ft—often 30–40°F cooler—so you can trade pool loungers for pine forests and mountaintop dining.

Fly into PSP – Palm Springs International Airport sits just two miles from downtown, so you can be poolside almost as soon as you land. The airport connects to dozens of nonstop cities in the U.S. and Canada, with service expanding seasonally.

From the terminal to your hotel – Taxis and rideshares are readily available; most downtown resorts are a 6–10 minute ride. Public transport is an option via SunLine Transit Agency, with passes starting at $1 per ride or $3 for a day pass.

Driving in – If you’re road-tripping, Los Angeles and San Diego are a couple of hours away. Many luxury properties include valet; if you plan to explore multiple cities or golf courses, a rental car or private driver offers the most flexibility.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – Ride the world’s largest rotating tramcars into Mount San Jacinto State Park. Adult tickets are around $37. Dining at the summit and miles of hiking trails pair beautifully with a late-afternoon ride.

El Paseo Shopping District (Palm Desert) – Often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” El Paseo’s mile-long boulevard blends global luxury labels, galleries, jewelers, and polished restaurants—plus a free shaded Courtesy Cart in season to glide between stops.

Architecture & culture – Book a guided mid-century tour or time your visit for Modernism Week to peek inside legendary residences. Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage is another elegant cultural stop.

Mineral-spring spa day (Desert Hot Springs) – Many boutique resorts sell day passes to their hot-mineral pools—expect roughly $35–$80 depending on day and amenities.

Parker Palm Springs – Eclectic, whimsical, and private, with walled gardens, hammocks, and hidden fire pits. In high season, nightly rates can cross $600+; summer rates drop sharply. Resort charge around $50/day.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Perched above the valley with sweeping views, a serene spa, and sunset-ready terraces. Peak-season rates are typically $600+, off-season deals appear in summer.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – A sprawling lake-dotted playground with multiple pools, spa, and dining; even boat rides on site. Off-season rates can be mid-$100s, peak dates $400–$500+.

La Quinta Resort & Club – A classic desert retreat with casitas, citrus-lined paths, and championship golf. Summer rates can be near $150, while prime weekends top $600+.

• Old-school glamour: Mr. Lyons Steakhouse for classic cuts, with a hidden bar (Seymour’s) for cocktails.
• Modern & buzzy: Workshop Kitchen + Bar and DSRT Club for inventive menus and stylish spaces.
• Sunny courtyard brunch: Farm for French-inspired mornings, and Azúcar for Mexican-Californian flair.
• Hidden local favorite: Rooster and the Pig for vibrant Vietnamese flavors.

For high-end dinners, expect $75–$120 per person before tax and tip; steakhouses and tasting menus run higher.

• Pool & cabana culture – Reserve a private cabana with full service.
• Spa circuit – Alternate between mineral soaks in Desert Hot Springs and spa treatments at luxury hotels.
• Shopping on El Paseo – Browse designer flagships, galleries, and dine along the boulevard.
• Aerial sunset – Ride the Tramway for golden-hour mountain views and a glittering valley at night.

Flights: Vary by origin and season; book early for winter/spring.
Hotels:

• Peak season: $400–$900+ per night at luxury resorts
• Off-season: $150–$350+

Dining:

• Breakfast/brunch: $15–$25
• Lunch: $20–$35
• Dinner: $75–$120

Activities:

• Aerial Tramway: ~$37
• Mineral-spring pass: $35–$80

Transport on arrival:

• Airport to downtown rideshare: typically $10–$20
• Bus passes: $1 per ride or $3/day

For ideal weather, visit between October and April. Summer brings highs over 105°F but also the lowest hotel rates. The Tramway’s summit offers cool mountain air year-round.

• Heat & hydration: Drink water constantly, avoid midday hikes, and use shade.
• Wind & dust: Strong winds can affect driving conditions—check forecasts if arriving by car.
• Resort & parking fees: Factor in daily resort charges and possible parking fees.
• Sun safety: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light layers are essentials.
• Vacation rental rules: Palm Springs enforces quiet hours, occupancy limits, and noise ordinances.

• Day 1 – Arrive and check into a luxury hotel ($300–$700+ in peak season). Sunset cocktails and dinner downtown ($90–$140 pp).
• Day 2 – Morning by the pool, afternoon shopping on El Paseo, evening soak in Desert Hot Springs ($35–$80).
• Day 3 – Aerial Tramway to the mountains ($37), architecture tour, and a chef-driven dinner.

Final Thoughts

Palm Springs turns indulgence into an art form—lush gardens and lounger-lined pools by day, sparkling terraces and supper clubs by night—against a rugged desert backdrop. Whether you want a quiet spa hideaway or a design-and-dining adventure, you can tailor the experience to your style and season. Plan your splurges, respect the sun, and let the desert’s slower rhythm elevate every moment of your stay.