Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Palm Springs Experience the unique atmosphere of Palm Springs Palm Springs has a distinct charm that blends Hollywood glamour with natural desert beauty, creating a relaxing yet sophisticated vibe. The city is famous for its retro architecture, colorful boutique hotels, and vibrant arts scene, making it a dream destination for design lovers. Visitors can stroll along Palm Canyon Drive, explore chic art galleries, or unwind at luxury spas that offer rejuvenating mineral water treatments. Top areas to stay in Palm Springs Downtown Palm Springs Downtown Palm Springs is the heart of the city, offering a lively mix of entertainment, shopping, and dining. Staying here means easy access to Palm Springs Art Museum, upscale restaurants, and boutique shops. The area is perfect for those who want a walkable location filled with energy, nightlife, and cultural attractions. Movie Colony The Movie Colony neighborhood is a historic district that once housed Hollywood icons like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. This area features beautiful mid-century modern homes, quiet palm-lined streets, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy proximity to top-rated restaurants and the peaceful Frances Stevens Park, which provides a great place for a morning stroll. Twin Palms For fans of mid-century modern architecture, Twin Palms is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Palm Springs. The area is home to stylish vacation rentals with sleek designs and private pools. It’s also close to Moorten Botanical Garden, a stunning collection of rare desert plants from around the world. Palm Desert A short drive from Palm Springs, Palm Desert offers a balance of upscale shopping, fine dining, and outdoor recreation. The El Paseo Shopping District, known as the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert," features high-end boutiques and local art galleries. This area is ideal for travelers looking for a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and access to some of the best golf courses in the region. La Quinta For a quieter and more scenic stay, La Quinta is a fantastic choice, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This area is famous for its world-class golf courses, spa resorts, and beautiful hiking trails. Visitors can explore Old Town La Quinta, a charming village filled with unique shops, cafés, and local markets. Must-visit places and attractions in Palm Springs Palm Springs Aerial Tramway The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the city’s most exciting attractions, taking visitors on a scenic ride up Mount San Jacinto. The rotating tram cars provide stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. At the top, visitors can hike nature trails, enjoy a meal at the mountaintop restaurant, or simply admire the breathtaking scenery. Joshua Tree National Park A short drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The park features unique rock formations, vast desert landscapes, and its namesake Joshua trees. Visitors can go rock climbing, take a scenic drive, or stargaze at night when the sky is filled with thousands of stars. Palm Springs Art Museum The Palm Springs Art Museum is a cultural gem, showcasing an impressive collection of contemporary, Native American, and Western art. The museum also features rotating exhibitions and a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s a great place to explore before grabbing lunch at a nearby café. Moorten Botanical Garden The Moorten Botanical Garden is a hidden oasis that houses a vast collection of cacti and rare desert plants. Visitors can take a relaxing stroll through the gardens and learn about the unique flora that thrives in arid climates. This peaceful spot is perfect for photography lovers and those looking for a quiet escape. Indian Canyons For breathtaking hikes and incredible desert scenery, Indian Canyons offers some of the best trails in the region. The Murray Canyon Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall, while Palm Canyon features one of the largest native palm oases in the world. The area is rich in Native American history and provides a peaceful retreat from the city. El Paseo Shopping District If you love shopping, the El Paseo Shopping District in Palm Desert is a must-visit. This high-end retail area is filled with designer boutiques, art galleries, and stylish cafés. The district’s walkable streets and luxury storefronts make it an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon. Tahquitz Canyon Tahquitz Canyon is home to a stunning 60-foot waterfall, making it a popular hiking destination for nature enthusiasts. The trail leading to the falls is relatively short but offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and desert terrain. The site is considered sacred by the Cahuilla people and has historical significance. Coachella Valley Preserve Nature lovers will appreciate the Coachella Valley Preserve, home to the stunning Thousand Palms Oasis. This protected area offers hiking trails through palm groves and desert landscapes. It’s a great place for wildlife watching, photography, and peaceful nature walks. Where to find a vacation rental near Palm Springs Los Angeles, California Located just under two hours away, Los Angeles offers an urban contrast to the calm of Palm Springs. This iconic city boasts famous attractions such as the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and the Getty Center. Booking an apartment in Los Angeles means enjoying world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and endless entertainment options. It’s a perfect extension for those who want both desert tranquility and vibrant city life. Joshua Tree, California About 45 minutes away, Joshua Tree is a dream for nature lovers and artists. The national park is known for its surreal rock formations, vast desert landscapes, and iconic yucca trees. Vacation rentals in Joshua Tree often reflect the area’s bohemian and creative spirit, with cozy cabins and unique architectural homes. Embrace the artistic vibe by staying in a house in Joshua Tree, ideal for peaceful desert retreats and stargazing nights. Idyllwild, California Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is just under two hours from Palm Springs. This charming mountain town offers forested trails, local art galleries, and a slower pace of life. Renting a cabin-style vacation rental in Idyllwild lets you enjoy fresh mountain air, pine-scented hikes, and small-town hospitality with ease. San Diego, California Roughly a two and a half-hour drive away, San Diego offers stunning coastal views and an exciting city atmosphere. Visitors can explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter, relax on La Jolla beaches, or visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Booking a vacation rental in San Diego provides the perfect blend of coastal adventure and laid-back Southern California living. Temecula, California Located about an hour and a half from Palm Springs, Temecula is Southern California’s hidden wine country. With dozens of scenic vineyards, hot air balloon rides, and a charming Old Town, it offers a romantic and relaxing experience. Enhance your getaway by staying at an airbnb in Temecula, where rolling hills and wine tastings are right outside your door. Explore the dramatic desert landscapes of the American Southwest No desert lover’s journey is complete without experiencing the striking contrasts of arid terrains and unique flora in Palm Springs. Delve into the mystical aura of rugged canyons and sun-soaked expanses that speak volumes of the region’s geological heritage. For an immersive desert getaway, consider an airbnb in Terlingua, where the Chisos Mountains rise dramatically in Big Bend National Park, offering breathtaking sunsets. Alternatively, the vibrant arts scene and Sonoran Desert beauty make an airbnb Tucson an essential stop for desert enthusiasts. Just a short drive away, you can book stay in Palm Desert to explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or enjoy leisurely strolls along elegant golf courses surrounded by natural beauty.