Palm springs winter vacation
Palm Springs, CA is a desert paradise. It’s an oasis that offers year-round sunshine and beautiful views of the mountains and canyons in the area. The city has long been known as a playground for celebrities and the rich, but it’s also home to a flourishing arts scene and plenty of outdoor activities.
The best way to experience Palm Springs is by staying at one of its many boutique hotels. These hotels offer great service, amazing views, and usually some kind of onsite amenities like spa services or pools. our favorite places to stay in Palm Springs:
Palm springs winter vacation
Immerse Yourself in Fine Art
If you want to experience the best of Palm Springs, don’t miss out on the art scene. For starters, head to the Palm Springs Art Museum. The unique collection includes photography, glasswork, desert landscape paintings, and Native American textiles. The art museum also has two other sites—one of them is the nearby Architecture and Design Center and the other is in Palm Desert, roughly half an hour away by car.
Along with exploring the museums, check out the various art galleries in Palm Springs. Most of them are clustered along South Palm Canyon Drive and North Indian Canyon Drive. They’re of such a high caliber that they attract people from around the world.
If you’re in the area towards the end of January, don’t overlook the Southwest Arts Festival in Indio, a Coachella Valley city that’s less than 30 miles away from Palm Springs. And, if you’re in Palm Springs in the middle of February, head to the convention center for the Fine Art Fair, which displays hundreds of gorgeous artistic exhibits for thousands of visitors. It’s a distinguished festival that gives you the chance to savor a variety of fine art, including paintings and pottery.
Tour the Local Architecture
One of the features that makes Palm Springs famous is the style of many of its homes. They’re excellent examples of architecture from the middle of the 20th century
To appreciate the architecture, you can take self-guided tours by car or on foot, or you can sign up with one of the professional tour groups in the city. On a visit in February, you should take advantage of the architecture bus tours offered during Modernism Week, a grand celebration of buildings, gardens, classic cars, fashion, and art.
Try a game of Footgolf
You may not have heard of this sport, which combines soccer and golf, but the American FootGolf League has its home near Palm Springs. One of the best places to play FootGolf in the local area is The Lights at Indio Golf Course, a beautiful course that’s lit up at night.
A game can last for a couple of hours, allowing you to absorb the pleasant winter weather while giving your body some challenging exercise.
Go Hiking in Indian Canyons
Along with enjoying modern cultural attractions in Palm Springs, it’s worth your while to step into the past and surround yourself with the transcendent beauty of nature.
When people think about the best of Palm Springs, an Indian Canyons hike often comes to mind. This stunning spot is the world’s largest native palm oasis and a site to behold! Located in the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation, Indian Canyons is home to several hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. You’ll see gorgeous rock formations, magnificent trees, and possibly mule deer and Peninsular bighorn sheep. One of the canyons also has a trading post with Native American pottery, baskets, and other treasures.
If you’re don’t want to venture out hiking on your own, take advantage of one of the ranger-led hikes available between October and June. You can also enjoy picnicking and horseback riding during your visit.
Enjoy an Invigorating Bike Ride
A great way to benefit from Palm Springs winter weather is to hop on a bike. Biking is so popular in Palm Springs that the city has drawn up a map of bike loops, and there are multiple businesses offering bike rentals.
In gentle, sunny weather, you can explore different corners of Palm Springs on your bike. Pass by charming parks and country club golf courses. Coast along lovely residential streets with palm trees, and maybe spot a home where someone famous used to live. The different routes have beautiful scenery, including stunning views of the mountains.
In early February, you can watch or participate in the Tour de Palm Springs, a relaxed, group ride that allows you choose how far you cycle while raising money for nonprofits in Coachella Valley. If you’re biking the longest distance, 100 miles, the mild winter weather is ideal for the exertion.
Let Yourself Get Starstruck
In early January, celebrities descend on Palm Springs for the Palm Springs International Film Festival. For close to two weeks, the festival hosts screenings and other events. These include a gala night with an awards show.
How can you take part in the festival? You can reserve your pass, selecting the one that’s best for your interest level and includes the activities that appeal to you. But don’t wait—these can sell out quickly! You can also try securing a good spot by the red carpet and do your best to get autographs. You should also stay on the lookout for any stars who might be shopping, dining, and enjoying Palm Springs winter weather alongside you.
Soar to the Mountains
Even though one of the attractions of a Palm Springs winter is the warm weather, what if you also feel like experiencing a more typical winter atmosphere?
A visit to Palm Springs in winter can’t be considered a complete success unless you make time for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Get swept up from the warm valley to the delicious chill of Mount San Jacinto State Park on the largest rotating tram car you’ll find anywhere in the world. The elevation difference is over 8,000 feet, and the views from both the tramway and the mountains are phenomenal.
It’s even possible you’ll find some snow up there. Give yourself time to explore the hiking trails, get a bite to eat at Peaks restaurant located at the top, and check out the natural history museum.