Greater Palm Springs

California

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Woman standing in sunroom of car in Joshua Tree National Park

Woman standing in sunroom of car in Joshua Tree National Park

Why visit Greater Palm Springs

The Rat Pack is back, baby, or at least its hangout is. In the 1950s and '60s, Palm Springs, some 100 miles east of LA, was the swinging getaway of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and other Hollywood stars. Once the Rat Pack packed it in, Palm Springs surrendered to golfing retirees. However, in the mid-1990s, new generations discovered the city’s retro-chic vibe and elegant mid-century modern structures built by famous architects. Today, retirees and snowbirds mix comfortably with hipsters, hikers and a sizeable LGBTQI+ community on getaways from LA and from across the globe.

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From Bayside to Coastside: California's San Francisco Peninsula in 10 Days

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  1. 1Scouring for offshore whales at one of the world’s tallest lighthouses
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Top places to visit in Greater Palm Springs

Discover the best attractions in Greater Palm Springs from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

Greater Palm Springs travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, culture, wellness or epic events, Greater Palm Springs is for you

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Best Time to Visit

Palm Springs basks in 300 days of California sunshine, with a lineup of festivals and cultural attractions year-round.

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Things to Know

Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, nightlife, or vintage shopping, Palm Springs has it all.

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Transportation

Walking is fine for downtown and its environs, but if you want to venture farther out in the Coachella Valley, a car is the way to go.

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Free Things to Do

With its reputation for glamor and luxury, it might be surprising that there's anything to do for free in Palm Springs. Here's how to visit on a budget.

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Best Neighborhoods

Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, nightlife, or vintage shopping, Palm Springs has it all.

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Day Trips

If you’re looking for road trips that take you to the mountains, beach and beyond, check out these day trips from Palm Springs.

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Best Road Trips

If you’re looking for road trips that take you to the mountains, beach and beyond, check out these day trips from Palm Springs.

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5 Shops

Greater Palm Springs has so many ways to celebrate its local arts scene, they make for a culture traveler’s dream tour

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Accessibility

Walking is fine for downtown and its environs, but if you want to venture farther out in the Coachella Valley, a car is the way to go.

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