Weekend in Palm Springs

Historically, Palm Springs has always attracted Hollywood stars looking to escape the dreariness and chill of Los Angeles in winter. What we love here are the changing colors throughout the day, and the gentle pace of life with year-round sunshine.

Choose a stay between mid-October and mid-March for mild temperatures and to get the most out of the area.

In summer, the thermometer very often exceeds 45 degrees and the town is very quiet, with very few visitors due to the stifling heat.

 

Mid-Century Modern Architecture:

One of the main attractions of Palm Springs is the discovery of sumptuous villas with the modern mid-century architecture for which the area is famous.

The best place to view the villas is on North Palm Canyon Drive, between Chino Canyon and West Alejo Road.

Take the time to stroll or cycle through this amazing and fascinating architecture.

 

Other architectural discoveries :

Palm Springs Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at the corner of North Palm Canyon dr and Tramway Road:

This astonishing building, with its hyperbolic paraboloid roof pointing skywards, was designed by Albert Frey.

Originally a service station, it was converted into a visitor center in 2002.

City Hall:

Its flat roof is pierced in the center, allowing several palm trees to pass through.

Wonderful photos at sunrise.

The colorful, art deco exterior of the 7 Springs Inn at 950 N Indian Canyon Dr.

Walks around Palm Springs :

 

Indian Canyons :

Located to the south of Palm Springs, this park is a great place to take a stroll through magnificent palm groves along the river. You'll also appreciate the splendid view of the surrounding mountains.

Not to be missed:

The Palm Canyons trail: park your car at the Trading Post parking lot and follow the trail below through a superb palm grove. You can follow the trail at your own pace, depending on your level of fitness.

Murray Canyon: 1st road on the right past the park entrance. You can park your car in the riverside parking lot. There are several trail options around this parking area, ask the Park Rangers.

Palm Springs Tramway:

Take the road up to the corner of the visitor center to reach this cable car. The climb is impressive, and you'll get a 360° view thanks to the cabin that turns on itself during the ascent.

At the summit, there's a change of scenery and temperature (remember to bring warm clothes), a mountain atmosphere with immense cedar trees. Several trails leave from the cable car to explore the surrounding area, with spectacular views of the Coachella Valley. In winter, you'll get snow!

Joshua tree National Park :

A 45-minute drive from Palm Springs via Yucca Valley, with its old-fashioned boutiques.

You'll be seduced by this magnificent park with its giant yuccas and magnificent rocks, much appreciated by climbing fans.

It takes at least 3 hours to visit the park and cross it from the north entrance (Yucca Valley) to the south entrance. A great day trip to discover this magical place. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the afternoon heat. Don't forget to bring water (2.5 liters per person) and food, as there are no restaurants in the park.

 

Wind Farm:

Field of wind turbines towards Desert Hot Springs. Great photos at sunrise, with Mount Jacinto in the background.

Shopping :

Nothing very original in Palm Springs but 2 stores caught our attention all the same:

Mojave Flea Trading Post 383 N Indian Canyon Dr: a selection of local clothing and brands in a hip, modern atmosphere.

Just Fabulous 515 N Palm Canyon Dr: home decor and souvenir store with original objects.

Vintage Car:

Take a trip to McCormick' s, which organizes auctions of vintage and classic cars. A good selection is on permanent display along the boulevard.

Hotels :

A multitude of hotels to choose from according to your budget. It's important to choose a hotel with a pool for warm afternoons and a Jacuzzi for relaxing in the cool mornings and evenings. Our 2 favorites: V Palm Springs and Ace hotel on East Palm Canyon Dr. Both offer good facilities, with particularly pleasant pools and jacuzzis.

Restaurants :

Lots of restaurants, our 2 favorite places in Downtown Palm Springs: Lulu Palm Springs (modern American cuisine) and Las Casuelas Terrazas (Mexican).

 

Enjoy your stay!