When you think of a Californian vacation, it’s usually the big names that come to mind. LA, San Francisco, maybe a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. But there’s more to the Golden State than its headline acts. Down in the south, near the Arizona border and tucked into the Coachella Valley, sits iconic Palm Springs. It isn’t just a getaway for LA locals, Palm Springs is a place with some serious character.

Here, Deputy Syndication Editor Lois Mackenzie reveals 11 reasons why this Californian city deserves a spot on your bucket list...

It’s easy to imagine iconic mid-century modern architecture when you think of Palm Springs. The city is renowned for its retro designs and low-slung lines, and the Royal Sun Palm Springs captures this vibe perfectly. With its heated palm-tree-lined pool, retro colours and vintage vibes, the hotel feels like a time capsule in the best way.

It’s a stylish, laid-back base for exploring everything Palm Springs has to offer. Rooms start from £170 ($223) a night.

Surfing in the desert? Yes please. Palm Springs Surf Club is the epitome of luxury where you can enjoy public surf sessions or private bookings, a seasonal waterpark and two on-site restaurants.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Palm Springs mountains, there really couldn’t be a more scenic – or unique – spot to catch some waves.

This weekly event transforms downtown Palm Springs into a bustling street fair. Every Thursday evening, you can browse over 180 vendor booths featuring handmade art, crafts and local produce. The festival also offers live music, food trucks and an incredible atmosphere. The event is dog friendly, too, so expect lots of furry friends to say hello to. 

On your way to the market, stop by the famous Marilyn Monroe statue in Downtown Park, where it was relocated in February this year. The statue, named Forever Marilyn, is a 26-foot-tall (8m) sculpture by artist Seward Johnson, capturing Marilyn Monroe's iconic pose from the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch.

Palm Springs is often considered the birthplace of mid-century modern architecture, a style that became synonymous with the city in the 1940s and 1950s. The combination of desert surroundings, year-round sunshine, and the allure of Hollywood made Palm Springs the ideal retreat for stars and affluent individuals seeking stylish getaways. Architects designed homes that embraced open floor plans, large windows, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, perfect for the region’s sunny climate.

Today, visitors can explore this iconic architecture through tours during events such as Modernism Week (October and February), a celebration of the city’s design heritage.

If you’re a tennis fan, Palm Springs should be on your radar. The area is a hotspot for professional players and tournaments, and is home to several world-class tennis facilities, including the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

One of the major events to be held in Greater Palm Springs is the BNP Paribas Open, held annually (March) in Indian Wells (just outside Palm Springs). This prestigious tournament is one of the largest in the world, attracting top ATP and WTA players. There are plenty of other tournaments to catch too, including the Palm Springs Open, charity event The Desert Smash, and community-based Tennis in the Streets.

Just a short drive from the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, you’ll find Porta Via Palm Desert, a contemporary California bistro and bar located on El Paseo. The menu features both classic and imaginative dishes, crafted from seasonal and organic ingredients sourced from Southern California’s farmers' markets, as well as a seriously impressive wine list, with nearly 150 to choose from.

Standout dishes on the menu include the Porta Via salad, which features sweet onion, avocado and French feta with a Champagne shallot vinaigrette, and incredible homemade sushi rolls.

Located in downtown, this museum offers an immersive journey into the rich history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Spanning nearly 48,000 square feet (4,459sqm), the museum's permanent gallery features five exhibition areas that showcase the tribe's deep connection to the Coachella Valley.

You'll see artefacts dating back over 8,000 years, such as manos and metates (grinding tools), and projectile points, illustrating the tribe's enduring presence in the region. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programmes and community events, aiding a deeper understanding of Native American heritage. 

Adjacent to the museum is The Spa at Séc-he, which uses a 12,000-year-old hot mineral spring, offering visitors a holistic experience that honours the area's Indigenous roots. Guests can use private mineral baths, known as the 'Taking of the Waters', a tradition that promotes relaxation and healing.

The spa features 22 private soaking tubs, 15 treatment rooms, and amenities including salt caves, a fitness centre and outdoor pools.

Just under an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park offers a peaceful escape in the dramatic desert landscape. With over 800,000 acres of rugged terrain, it’s a popular spot for hiking, stargazing and photography. Its quiet atmosphere and wide-open spaces also make it a natural fit for mindfulness retreats and meditation sessions.

Book through Joshua Tree Connectivity to enjoy nature hikes, soundbaths, meditations and much more, all to be enjoyed in the beautiful surroundings of Joshua Tree National Park.

Founded in 2019, Superbloom is a contemporary lifestyle and colour brand that blends vibrant design with thoughtful intention. Each letter in 'Superbloom' represents both a colour and a deeper meaning. The aim of this? To encourage self-exploration and mindfulness. 

The output of this self-exploration can be anything you want, but Superbloom is famed for its Converse sneakers painting activity. Start with a blank canvas of white Converse and transform your pair into any kind of colourful explosion you desire. A Paint Converse activity lasts one hour 30 minutes and costs £123.65 ($165).

Every two years, Desert X takes over the Coachella Valley area with large-scale art installations set against the desert landscape. It’s free to visit, and you can find them spread across several locations, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage (Desert X road trip, anyone?).

The exhibitions are always striking, thought-provoking and rooted in place. They typically explore themes such as climate, identity and the future of the desert. Top tip: download the Desert X app to plan your route and see as many as you can.

Palm Springs has an airport that connects to many major American cities. Return flights from London Heathrow to San Francisco vary in price, starting at around £350. From San Francisco to Palm Springs, return flights cost as little as £125. The airport is perfectly situated; after you land and grab your luggage, expect to be in downtown Palm Springs within 10 minutes.

Lois Mackenzie visited in March 2025 and was a guest of Visit Greater Palm Springs.