If you’re planning a Palm Springs vacation (whether it’s a girls’ trip, a bachelorette weekend, a romantic getaway, or a much-needed solo retreat), get excited—you’re about to head to one of the finest cities in California (and dare I say the entire U.S.?)! Palm Springs is one of the top travel destinations for relaxation, aesthetics, wellness, and fun for a reason. I ended up loving visiting the desert so much that I moved here! I’ve put together the perfect Palm Springs itinerary for your long weekend vacation.
Out here, the skies are almost always clear and sunny, and the vibes are chill. The Airbnbs and golf resorts are stunning. Palm Springs features a lot of incredible midcentury architecture and charm, plus famous sites like Indio (home of the Coachella music festival) and Joshua Tree are just a short drive away. We’re also close to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Temecula. It’s the perfect place for any group gathering or solo / couple getaway!
There are truly endless ways to spend your time here. But I’ve rounded up a list of the 10 Best Things to Do on Your Desert Getaway, especially if you’re looking to truly tap into Coachella Valley’s healing powers. If you ask me, the best vacations have a little structure, a little spontaneity, and a lot of intention—which is exactly what this itinerary delivers. You’ll leave feeling fully recharged, inspired, and sun-kissed.
This Palm Springs travel guide blends the most-loved local activities (like pool days, hiking, and desert sunsets) with curated wellness experiences, restaurants worth the reservation, and a few hidden gems I’ve personally fallen in love with since moving here. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or aesthetic photo ops, I’ve got you.
1. Start Your Morning with a Scenic Desert Bike Ride
One of my favorite ways to ease into a Palm Springs morning is with a slow, scenic bike ride through the desert neighborhoods. It’s calm, golden, and so unbelievably beautiful before the heat rolls in. Renting a cruiser or e-bike is easy (you’ll find shops all over town or at your resort), and once you’re rolling, you’ll understand why biking is one of the top things to do in Palm Springs. You get mountain views in every direction, midcentury architecture that looks straight out of a magazine, and open, quiet streets that feel peaceful instead of touristy.
If you want the prettiest routes, ride through Movie Colony, Old Las Palmas, or Indian Canyons—classic Palm Springs neighborhoods filled with colorful doors, tall palms, and plenty of Instagram-able moments. I recommend biking early (before 8:00 am) to avoid the midday heat. Plus, you’ll experience the best dreamy morning desert light, and the least traffic. A little movement and sunlight sets the perfect tone for the rest of your day!
2. Book a Private Yoga Session at Your Airbnb
If you’re coming to Palm Springs to de-stress and unwind, booking a private yoga session at your Airbnb is one of the best things you can do for your trip. Wellness travel is huge here, and private yoga has become one of the most requested activities for girls’ trips, birthday weekends, wellness retreats, and bachelorette parties in Palm Springs. It’s the easiest way to slow down, move your body, and actually feel present before the rest of your day unfolds.
My team at Mind Body Badass and I bring the yoga directly to you, including mats, towels, music, good energy, and a customized flow for all levels. Whether your group wants something grounding and slow, a fun feel-good flow, or a yoga + sound healing combo, we tailor each session to match the vibe of your weekend. It’s the kind of moment your group will talk about long after the trip ends.
For bachelorette parties, girls trips, couples, corporate retreats, or any group wanting to add a little intentional wellness to their Palm Springs itinerary, a private yoga session is the perfect way to elevate your stay. We serve Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Joshua Tree, and all of Southern California. Click here to contact me and get started with your booking!
3. Brunch at Gigi’s (The V Hotel)
If you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot in Palm Springs—something chic, fun, and not packed with tourists Gigi’s at The V Hotel is IT. It’s one of the best brunch experiences I’ve had in the desert. The whole space feels like a stylish little escape: lush greenery, great music, and that relaxed-but-elevated vibe Palm Springs does so well. The menu is fresh (and has plenty of healthy options), the cocktails slap, and the service is consistently on point.
What I love about Gigi’s is that it gives you the full Palm Springs brunch experience without the chaos of the usual hotspots (most of which are overrated imo). It’s ideal for birthday trips, girls’ weekends, and especially bachelorette groups who want something elevated but still easy. Think: chic setting, incredible food, bright natural light, and plenty of space for cute photos before heading into your next activity. If your crew wants an elevated brunch without the chaos of the usual spots, Gigi’s is your girl. Be sure to make a reservation on OpenTable, especially on weekends!
4. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If it’s your first time visiting the desert, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of those experiences that you have to do it at least once. It’s one of the most iconic Palm Springs itinerary attractions, and it gives you such a wild perspective on the landscape. In just about ten minutes, you glide from warm desert floor to crisp alpine forest — it’s like stepping into a completely different climate. Yes, you really do need a sweater at the top.
Once you reach the Mountain Station, you can grab a drink, take photos with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, or wander one of the short, easy trails near the station. It’s the perfect mid-morning or golden-hour activity if you want something outdoorsy without breaking a sweat. And because the Tram is consistently one of the most searched things to do in Palm Springs, you’ll want to book your tickets ahead of time, especially on weekends.
This is one of those touristy experiences that is actually totally worth it—breathtaking, fun, and a beautiful way to see just how unique Palm Springs really is.
5. Take a Trail Walk (Easy → Moderate)
Palm Springs has some of the most beautiful and accessible hiking in Southern California, and you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it! Whether you want a quick morning walk or a longer scenic trail to stretch your legs between pool sessions, you’ll find something that fits your vibe. These trails are consistently ranked among the best hikes in Palm Springs because they’re stunning without being all-day commitments—perfect for groups, couples, or anyone easing into desert adventure.
For something lush and beginner-friendly, Andreas Canyon is a dream: tall palms, running water, shade, and a gentle path that feels like a hidden oasis. Tahquitz Canyon offers a gorgeous waterfall payoff and is great if you want a more classic Palm Springs hike with a wow moment at the end. If you’re chasing views, Araby Trail gives you wide-open panoramas of the entire valley. And for sunrise lovers staying in Palm Desert or La Quinta, The Cross Trail is a local favorite—not too long, just enough incline, and unbelievably beautiful in the early morning light.
Pack water, go early, and always check the weather (summer heat is no joke). These trails are the perfect way to add a little nature, movement, and grounding energy to your Palm Springs itinerary.
6. Spend a Luxurious Afternoon by the Pool
Let’s be real: a Palm Springs itinerary isn’t complete without a proper pool day! For most people, this is the reason to come to the desert—sunshine, mountain views, and that slow, melting-into-your-pool floatie kind of relaxation you can’t recreate anywhere else. Whether you’re staying in a midcentury Airbnb or grabbing a day-pass at one of the boutique hotels, carving out a few hours for the pool is non-negotiable.
If you’re at an Airbnb, set the scene: cute floats, balloons or garlands, drinks + snacks, and plenty of SPF. If you’re looking for a public pool experience at a local hotel or resort, The Ace, The Saguaro, and Agua Caliente Casino are iconic and all offer incredible day-pass options with very Palm Springs vibes.
A pool day is the perfect “do nothing, enjoy everything” moment in your Palm Springs itinerary. It breaks up the activities, gives everyone a chance to reset, and brings that quintessential desert luxury energy into your trip. It just feels so good to do nothing for a bit.
7. Book a Private Sound Healing Session
A Private Sound Healing session is probably the most magical experience you can add to your Palm Springs itinerary. Sound healing has exploded in popularity, and the desert is the perfect setting for it—quiet air, warm sunlight, and a sense of stillness that you can actually feel in your body. People have been traveling to the Coachella Valley for decades because of its healing benefits!
My team Mind Body Badass and I lead Private Sound Baths across the Palm Springs area. We bring the full sound bath experience directly to your Airbnb—including mats, blankets, take-home eye masks, and a wide range of healing instruments. All you have to do is show up, lie down, and let the healing vibrations do their thing. It’s dreamy. It’s restorative. And it’s incredible for groups who want to slow down, connect, or recover from the previous night’s fun.
This is one of the fastest-growing wellness activities in Palm Springs because it works for every type of group—bachelorettes, couples, family trips, friends’ weekends, birthdays, and solo retreats. If you want a moment of deep calm during your desert stay, a private sound healing session elevates your entire trip. Click here to Contact Me and get scheduled!
8. Dance the Night Away at the Downtown Gay Bars
If your Palm Springs itinerary includes even one night out, make it downtown! You’d be surprised just how poppin’ our night life is. Palm Springs has one of the most vibrant, welcoming, joy-filled LGBTQ+ nightlife scenes in the country, and the energy here is unmatched. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, kicking off a bachelorette weekend, or just living your best life, the gay bars downtown always deliver.
Chill Bar, Quadz, and Toucans are the big three—each with its own vibe. Chill Bar is perfect for dancing and strong “we’re having the best night ever” energy. Quadz is iconic for its music videos and fun, unpretentious crowd (you will scream-laugh at least once). And Toucans Tiki Lounge is famous for drag shows, theme nights, and late-night dancing. You truly cannot go wrong.
Palm Springs nightlife is fun, inclusive, and wildly entertaining, and the downtown gay bars are the heart of it. If you’re building your trip around connection, celebration, or an excuse to dance with your people, this is a must.
9. Explore Midcentury Modern Architecture (It’s Real-Life Barbie Land)
If you love clean lines, pastel doors, and that signature Palm Springs aesthetic, exploring the city’s midcentury modern architecture will make your design-loving heart so happy. Palm Springs is one of the most famous midcentury modern destinations in the world, and driving through its neighborhoods feels like stepping into a retro dream—a little vintage Barbie Dream House, a little Rat Pack, and a whole lot of desert glam.
You can book a guided architecture tour if you want the full history, or you can do a casual DIY version (also known as: “drive around and point at pretty houses”). Some of the best neighborhoods for midcentury modern homes include Twin Palms (home of the famous Frank Sinatra Estate!), Sunmor, Vista Las Palmas, and Deepwell Estates. They feature colorful front doors, geometric rooflines, desert landscaping, and backdrops so perfect they look fake.
Architecture tours are one of the most Instagrammable things to do in Palm Springs, but they’re also just a fun, relaxing way to get inspired and appreciate their unique beauty and history. Roll the windows down, put on a good playlist, and let the desert design magic do its thing.
10. Dinner at The Farm Restaraunt
Set in a charming courtyard with lights and greenery, The Farm is one of the most beloved dinner spots in Palm Springs. The French-inspired menu is incredible and the ambience is unmatched — perfect for couples, groups, and anyone who loves an intimate outdoor dining experience.
Make reservations, especially on weekends!
As far as dinner is concerned, The Farm is a MUST. Tucked inside a charming little courtyard downtown, this French-inspired restaurant has twinkly lights at night, lush greenery, and an intimate outdoor patio that feels straight out of a European café. Weekends even feature live music! The ambiance is warm, cozy, and romantic—and then the food arrives and somehow it gets even better.
The Farm features fresh, beautifully prepared dishes made with seasonal ingredients (the pre-fix dinner menu changes often), and it’s consistently one of the most recommended spots in Palm Springs for couples, groups, birthdays, and bachelorettes who want to eat somewhere elevated but still approachable. It’s perfect for a long, slow dinner after a full day of exploring, and the outdoor setting makes it ideal year-round. People usually recommend The Farm for brunch, but after experiencing both, I swear dinner is where it’s at.
Because The Farm is one of the most popular places to eat in Palm Springs, reservations on OpenTable are a must (especially on weekends or during peak season). It’s the kind of restaurant that becomes a trip highlight—the setting, the food, the whole vibe. Highly recommend.
The magic of Palm Springs is that there’s no one “right” way to experience it. You can pack your itinerary with adventure, keep it as slow and luxurious as possible, or mix both depending on your mood. Feel free to mix and match these ideas depending on your vibe: chill, active, or “let’s do a little of everything.” Palm Springs is the perfect city to slow down, reconnect, and sprinkle in a little luxury.
Whether you’re celebrating something big or just taking a break from everyday life, this place really does feel like a reset button.
And if you’re planning a girls’ trip, bachelorette, or wellness getaway… you already know where to find me. 😉 My private yoga + sound healing sessions are available year-round in Palm Springs.
See you in the sunshine!