8 Top Things to Do in Palm Springs in Spring

The swimming pool at Arrive Hotel in Palm Springs. [Image courtesy of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels]

These top Palm Springs spring activities are perfect for staying cool and entertained in the desert. 

Some like it hot! Palm Springs, California, can frequently reach over 80 degrees, even in the spring. Nice swimming pools, fabulous hotels, and cool activities make it a fun place to get away for a weekend or even spend a week unwinding.

Whether you’re looking to explore botanical gardens, enjoy homemade gourmet ice cream, or attend music festivals, Palm Springs is the perfect luxury getaway in spring.

If you are headed to Coachella music festival or Stagecoach, and looking for some ways to relax when you’re not enjoying the music, we’ve got the perfect list of things to do in Palm Springs. These 8 activities will help you get the most out of your desert escape.

Looking for a hotel or vacation rental in Palm Springs? Check out our guide to the best Palm Springs resorts and places to stay for Coachella and visit this Palm Springs VRBO page to see the best vacation rental deals.

View of the swimming pool at Alcazar in Palm Springs. [Image courtesy of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels]

1. Legendary Palm Springs Swimming Pools.

In Palm Springs, the pools are legendary. Imagine an oasis with hundreds of sparkling pools, each one with its own personality. Alcazar's saltwater purified pool is surrounded by misters and shaded by palms, while The Santiago's huge swimming pool (it's 20 feet by 50 feet) is one of the largest hotel pools in the city.

The Moorten Botanical Garden.

2. Palm Springs Desert Plant Life.

The Moorten Botanical Garden is home to more than 3,000 types of cacti and desert plants grouped by geographic locations. This privately-owned arboretum was founded in 1938 to share the beauty and amazing varieties of desert plants with visitors. The destination is currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m and closed on Wednesdays. "The Moorten Botanical Garden is so cute," says Kathy Friedle, owner of The Monkey Tree Hotel. "If you're not from this area and haven't seen cactus life, go there."

To see the best hotel deals in Palm Springs, click here.

The swimming pool at La Maison. [Image courtesy of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels]

3. Beautiful Palm Springs Views

In just 10 minutes, the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts visitors up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where the temperatures are always lower and the views are unparalleled. Grab dinner at the Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café, and stop for a drink at the Lookout Lounge.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a special ride and dinner combination ticket packages that include meal service from 4:30 p.m ($38). Some Palm Springs hotels, may offer tram packages to eliminate having to wait in line to purchase tickets, so be sure to check with your hotel!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway [Image courtesy of Visit Palm Springs]

Love a beautiful sunset? Take a red-jeep tour with Desert Adventures where you can enjoy the magical colors of the desert on a Sunset Tour. If you love star gazing, take a closer look at the stars through a state-of-the-art telescope on the Sky Watcher Star Tour. Experienced guides weave together the myths and legends behind each constellation, combining breathtaking views and awe-inspiring astronomy with the heroes, lovers, and tragic figures from cultures around the world.

Go exploring on one of La Maison's cruiser bicycles. La Maison also offers packages for Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. [Image courtesy of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels]

4. Palm Springs Hiking Adventures.

Visit Greater Palm Springs (the official destination marketing organization for the Coachella Valley) has a Trailicious Pass download to inspire locals and visitors to get outside and enjoy the destination’s many hiking trails this spring. Featuring 30 trails across Greater Palm Springs’ nine cities, the free mobile app allows users to filter hikes by experience level or location to find the trail that best matches their interests and abilities.

How it works:

1. Go to www.TrailiciousGPS.com to register for your mobile exclusive passport with a collection of hiking trails.

2. Once you register, your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email. There’s no app to download. Your pass can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy access.

3. To check in to a hike, simply click “Check In” when you are within .50 miles of the trailhead.

You can find more information about the Trailicious Pass and recommended hikes on the Visit Greater Palm Springs website.

5. Cool Palm Springs Museums.

Felipe Castañeda, owner of Los Arboles Hotel, recommends visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum, which boasts 59 flyable and static planes located inside four air-conditioned hangars. "You can look at the planes, and if you're lucky, some of the servicemen who flew them hang out there and when they see you are interested, start telling stories," he says.

The Monkey Tree Hotel. [Image courtesy of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels]

Another suggestion: Check with the hotel host for spring recommendations.

Trio Restaurant in Palm Springs.

6. The Palm Springs Restaurant Scene: Where to Dine in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is home to a vibrant restaurant scene with hip new eateries as well as classic restaurants that will bring you back to the days of Old Hollywood and the Rat Pack era. Melyvn’s Restaurant will transport you to the days of Hollywood glamour complete with nightly entertainment. Or grab a drink at Tonga Hut, a retro tiki bar with island-inspired drinks. The Rat Pack era comes alive at The Purple Room, a sophisticated supper club with world class cuisine, classic cocktails and live entertainment.

Tac/Quila features flavors inspired by the heart and soul of Mexico. One of our favorite local spots for Mexican cuisine is family owned La Perlita, a low key hidden gem off the beaten path. Downtown you’ll find Tropicale Restaurant with Executive Chef Tony Di Lembo, once the personal chef of Barbara Streisand.  LuLu California Bistro has tons of menu items to choose from and an eclectic collection of art. We’re told, you can't miss the classic Italian cuisine at Johnny Costa's. From the chic and swanky atmosphere to the creative menu, Eight4Nine is the perfect spot for a date night or group get together.

Enjoy 16 different gourmet ice cream flavors every day at Arrive's ice cream shop!

MAX LIBERTINE

If you have a sweet tooth, cool down with a gourmet shake or malt. Try the delicious delights at Great Shakes, Kreem, Lappert's Ice Cream, or Gelato Granucci. To satisfy a late night craving for cold, Arrive's Ice Cream & Shop(pe) stays open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Edris House, a mid-century modern home in Palm Springs.

7. Mid-Century Modern Style

We love the mid-century architecture, furniture, and art that is everywhere in Palm Springs. Stop by the Palm Springs Visitor’s Center to grab a map and take a self-guided tour of some of the most famous mid-century locations, including The Wexler Steel Houses, The Kaufmann House and Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway. 

Iconic Atomic courtesy [Image courtesy of Visit Palm Springs]

For some fun vintage shopping filled with colorful Palm Springs style check out Iconic Atomic and The Frippery.

Palm Springs Yacht Club at The Parker in Palm Springs. [Image courtesy of Palm Springs Yacht Club]

8. Top Spas.

With so many fabulous spas to choose from, a relaxing weekend of pampering and lounging by the pool will have you feeling incredibly refreshed. Some stellar options include Estrella Spa at the Avalon Palm Springs, Palm Springs Yacht Club at The Parker, The Ritz-Carlton Spa and The Spa at Desert Springs, to name a few. La Maison has partnered with Studio M Salon and Spa to provide guests with a selection of in-room services. Relax in nature and enjoy the world-famous mineral hot springs at Two Bunch Palms, where you can try treatments including Craniosacral Therapy, Chakra Balance Massage, Desert Detox Clay Wraps and Water Shiatsu. For more spa ideas, check out our guide to top Palm Springs spas!

Thank you to Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels and Visit Greater Palm Springs for the Palm Springs tips!

[Updated: 4/6/22]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy