Ride the World’s Largest Rotating Tram Car, try some Date Shake, lounge by the pool, and simply enjoy the chill vibe of the desert. You can spend 3 days in Palm Springs with the Family during Spring Break or 2 days for a Palm Springs Bachelorette Weekend. Check out our Palm Springs Weekend Getaway Guide for fun things to do in Palm Springs, where to stay and restaurants to try.
disclosure: we’re partnered with Toyota to bring you this post.
People come to the Greater Palm Springs to attend the Coachella Music Festival but you should also consider a Palm Springs Romantic Getaway in your travel plans this year.
It’s such a privilege to actually live in the desert and avoid the traffic that ensues when your daily commute is as busy as that of the LA metropolis unless of course – it’s festival weekend.
In the greater Palm Springs area or Coachella Valley as the locals call it, it’s like driving in a resort on a daily basis. Not only are there hardly any traffic but the palm trees that we typically associate with resorts are aplenty and are simply part of the local landscape.
Do note: It is hot in the greater Palm Springs area during the summer, 110 degrees hot. The only time it gets really cold in the area is from November to January. Spring and Fall are not that bad but for a dip in the pool, summer is best if you can take the heat as you drive in into the Coachella Valley.
If you’ve never been, check out our greater Palm Springs weekend getaway guide below and get to know the Greater Palm Springs beyond the Coachella Festival or as a bachelorette party destination.
GREATER PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND GETAWAY GUIDE:
WHERE TO STAY DURING YOUR PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND GETAWAY:
La Quinta Resort and Club – A Waldorf Astoria Resort – La Quinta, CA
La Quinta Resort has been around since 1927 and has been a secluded retreat for the Hollywood elite. It is home to 5 championship golf courses, tennis courts, fine dining, a spa, and 41 swimming pools. Yes, that’s not a typo, there are 41 onsite pools. Make it your resort for your Palm Springs Weekend Getaway.
You can choose from a casita, villas, or suites with private pools. You can also dine within the resort – from steak at Morgan’s in the Desert, Mexican fare at Adobe Grill or comfort food and cocktails at Twenty6.
This greater Palm Springs resort is beautiful, from the entrance lined with cypress and palm trees all the way to the very long water feature and big antique doors.
WHERE TO EAT DURING YOUR PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND GETAWAY:
Cafe at Shields Date Garden – Indio, CA
One must make a stop at Shields for breakfast at their cafe or to visit their store to share a date shake and bring home some date cookies. Our faves at the cafe? Bacon wrapped dates, date burger, and I can’t even remember everything else we ordered but you can’t go wrong. I would suggest dining al fresco when the weather is nice and go on a walking tour of their biblical garden that winds around the 17-acre date farm. It is a free tour if you dined or bought something at the store.
If you’re coming for a Palm Springs Bachelorette Weekend, visit Shields Date Garden for an al fresco brunch.
Check out more pictures and our dining experience at Shields Date Garden and Cafe.
Old Town Coffee Company – La Quinta, CA
Make a stop at Old Town La Quinta. A quaint outdoor shopping and dining village and grab a coffee or some pastry (I’m still eyeing the pistachio muffin, LOL) at Old Town Coffee Company. The Canadian bacon on a bagel was really good. Then walk around to see the other stores before you head out to your next destination.
THINGS TO DO IN PALM SPRINGS (GREATER PALM SPRINGS AREA)
Watch a Sunday Polo Game – Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA
The Empire Polo Club where the Coachella Festival and the Stagecoach Festival are both held every year is actually home to polo games (thus the name) every Sundays running from January to April. Tailgaters are welcome but food and beverage are also available for purchase. If you’ve never watched one, do so when you’re visiting the greater Palm Springs area.
If you’ve never watched a polo game before, make sure to add it to your Palm Springs Itinerary.
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert – Rancho Mirage, CA
Traveling to the greater Palm Springs with kids? Take them to the museum. In the cooler months, there are trikes on the lawn and kids can bike with the beautiful snowy mountain in the background. You can bring your own lunch or order from them. We have an annual membership and come here a lot in the summer. The kids would make crafts, play pretend, solve puzzles, get in on their scientific exhibits and more.
Palm Springs Aerial Tram – Palm Springs, CA
Riding the Palm Springs Tram is a must in the winter. The place is so beautiful with snowy rocky cliffs as you ascend and beautiful pine trees once you’re at the 8516 feet elevation above. Make sure to book ahead if it’s a holiday or you won’t be able to ride.
Check out more of our pictures and experience at Palm Springs Tram.
The Living Desert Zoo – Palm Desert, CA
Ride a camel, feed a giraffe, watch a reptile show, pet some animals and more. One day is seriously not enough to see it all at The Living Desert Zoo. I would suggest walking towards the right side if you wish to ride the camel (seasonal) and feed the giraffes, then just come back another time for the rest of the left side or you can pay to ride the shuttle to help you with the walk. You can also join a group safari.
Luxury Shopping – El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA
Go on a luxury shopping spree at El Paseo. The Rodeo Drive of the desert. Shop on luxury labels and chic boutiques, savor gourmet cuisine and wander through an array of art galleries.
Bargain Shopping – Shop at the Outlet Malls
Just before you arrive in Palm Springs or on your way back to Los Angeles, make a stop at the outlet stores in Cabazon to shop for designer brands at a cheaper price. There are 180 stores in total at Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Shop ’til you drop!
Attend a Festival – Indio, CA
Attending the Coachella Festival or Stagecoach Festival (country music) is a must at least once in your life. This 3-day music festival is a lot of fun and you will want to go every year. That is if you were able to get tickets right when they go on sale, they sell out fast. If you’re not attending the festival, don’t book your Palm Springs weekend getaway at the same weekend (3 weekends in April). There will be more traffic and Palm Springs hotel prices will be higher than usual.
If you’re a big foodie, attend the annual Tamale Festival held in Indio every December.
TOYOTA C-HR
Looking for a sporty crossover to take you to the Greater Palm Springs weekend getaway? Check out the Toyota C-HR. It is a 4-door 5-seater that’s perfect for your weekend getaway with friends.
The Toyota C-HR comes in two trim levels. We drove the base XLE and it came with dual-zone automatic climate control and traffic-adapting cruise control. Initially, the trunk looked like there’s not a lot of space but we were able to haul a lot in it. It drives 27 miles/gallon in the city and 31 miles/gallon on the highway. Learn more: Toyota C-HR.
CHECK MORE TRAVEL IDEAS AND OTHER WEEKEND GETAWAY GUIDES:
Greater Palm Springs looks so dreamy! I live in Alaska and almost always travel out in January to escape the cold. The Palm Springs area might be a good change from the harsh Alaskan winter. P.S: I love and drive a Toyota!
Toyota is so reliable. Most of the cars my parents have had were toyotas.
We love Palm Springs. Most of our visits have been when it’s been extremely hot, but we still love it there. The atmosphere is great and of course the great food and resorts.
We’ve never been to the desert zoo but one of the things we should probably try for next time!
I have never been to Palm Springs but it looks like an amazing place to visit. I am in the market for a new car and I loved my Toyota Celica. I sure wish they would bring it back. I will have to check out the 2018 Toyota C-HR.
What a fun getaway! The Toyota C-HR looks like the perfect car to whisk you away on a road trip! My husband is a Toyota loyalist to the point that he won’t even look at other cars. I love their cars because they last forever. I’ve noticed with Toyota cars that even if the trunk looks tiny, it holds a crazy amount of stuff. It’s like magic, lol.
We plan to take a trip out west. Our plan was in the spring but some plans have changed… probably the following year! Thank you for sharing all these great ideas. That Farris Wheel!!!!
My husband and I have only owned Toyota vehicles for years. They are durable and quality and last for miles. When we need a new ride, it will definitely be a Toyota.
My dream is to drive cross-country one day. Palm Springs would definitely be on my list of must-see places. The C-HR looks like the perfect getaway vehicle. It’s compact, yet it packs so much room and I need that in my life! Thanks for sharing, I will check out the Toyota C-HR.
I had no idea there were so many great things to do in the Palm Springs area! It looks like there’s something for everyone. LOVE the car! Looks really comfortable and sporty….great color, too!
The Toyota C-HR looks like a sporty and fun ride for those who love adventure and traveling. It looks packed with great functions. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway with friends and family.