Welcome to the favorite desert playground! Palm Springs is a desert paradise that blends mid‑century cool (we don’t mean temperature cool 7 months out of the year) with modern fun. Nestled between the rugged San Jacinto mountains and the open skies of the Coachella Valley, our resort town is blessed with more than 350 days of sunshine a year and almost no rain. It’s the kind of place where you can golf in the morning, cruise vintage shops in the afternoon, and still make it to a rooftop pool for sunset cocktails.
Weather & Lifestyle
Palm Springs is famous for its “it’s a dry heat” summers — daytime highs regularly top 100°F (37°C) from June through September, but the rest of the year is pleasantly warm. Rainfall is practically a rumor; the area averages around two inches annually. With sunshine and low humidity dominating the forecast, locals and snowbirds alike spend their days perfecting their golf swing, hitting the tennis courts, or pedaling through retro neighbourhoods on cruisers. If you’re visiting in summer, plan like a pro: early tee times, long lunches in the shade, and plenty of poolside siestas.
Things to Do: Classic Attractions
Palm Springs isn’t just about lounging by the pool. Hop aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar, and in 10 minutes you’ll climb over 8,500 feet from the desert floor up to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto. At the top you’ll find hiking trails, cooler temperatures and even the occasional snowman in winter.
The city is home to more than 100 golf courses and hosts tournaments like the American Express PGA event, so chances are you’ll share a fairway with retirees working on their back‑nine bragging rights. Prefer entertainment off the links? January brings the Palm Springs International Film Festival, one of North America’s premier film events, while February’s Modernism Week celebrates the mid‑century architecture that put our city on the design map. Downtown, check out the retro boutiques and grab a milkshake at a vintage diner before catching a drag show — because in Palm Springs, kitsch and culture go hand‑in‑hand.
Inclusive & Celebratory
Palm Springs has a long history as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. From Hollywood stars seeking refuge in the mid-20th century to today’s vibrant residents and visitors, the city prides itself on being welcoming. Annual events like Greater Palm Springs Pride (held each November) and the famed White Party (cancelled as of 2025, but drew thousands of revelers; TBD on future celebrations), while a network of gay‑friendly resorts, bars, and restaurants create a year‑round sense of community. All facets of LGBTQ+ are welcomed and celebrated with a level of allyship that rivals any other city worldwide.
Desert Life Tips
- Stay Hydrated & Shaded: With so little rain and so much sun, always carry water and a wide‑brimmed hat. Our tans are real, but so is the UV index.
- Embrace the Early Bird: Golf, tennis and pickleball are best enjoyed in the morning. By afternoon, it’s time for iced tea and a nap.
- Beat the Heat: Summer afternoons are perfect for museum visits, spa treatments and art galleries. Check out the Palm Springs Art Museum or duck into a vintage store along Palm Canyon Drive.
- Mix It Up: Day‑trip to nearby Cathedral City for artsy vibes and to catch the Hot Air Balloon Festival and Taste of Jalisco celebrations, or ride out to Desert Hot Springs for soothing mineral pools.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a snowbird chasing endless summers, or a retiree enjoying your desert dream life, Palm Springs invites you to slow down, soak up the sun and enjoy every paradisiacal moment. Grab your visor, lather on the 30+ SPF sunscreen, and join us in our slice of desert paradise.
Downtown & Desert Art – Living the Palm Springs Dream
When you wander downtown, you’ll find mid‑century modern boutiques, open‑air galleries, and colourful murals at every turn. Locals hop between coffee shops and design studios, browse vintage finds on Palm Canyon Drive, then catch an art house film or a drag show after dinner. It’s a place where golf carts share the road with convertibles, street fairs pop up with live music, and the creative community keeps the vibe playful and welcoming.