If you’re looking to get away with friends, I would highly recommend a girl’s weekend in Palm Springs!
It is a true hidden oasis in the middle of the barren desert. As you are driving along the long and empty stretch of 1-10 from Phoenix to LA, you would never guess that just a few miles off the freeway lies an idyllic palm tree lined town that appears to be frozen in time.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do on a girl’s weekend in Palm Springs!
*Updated January 2023
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Best things to do on a girl’s weekend in Palm Springs
Table of Contents
- Go pool hopping
- Take a home tour
- Hike at Indian Canyons
- Go shopping on Palm Canyon Drive
- Grab brunch
- Ride the scenic Aerial Tramway
- Step back in time at Pioneertown
- Catch Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park
- Other things to do on a girl’s weekend in Palm Springs
Go pool hopping
With an average of 350 days of sunshine, taking a dip in the pool is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs.
Luckily, there is no shortage of pools as several of the popular hotel pools are open to the public.
The Saguaro is an iconic Palm Springs hotel, known for its explosion of color.
The Instagram-worthy pool is open to the public and can be visited free of charge Monday-Friday. On the weekends there is a live DJ and a $20 cover charge.
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a retro roadside motel known for its poolside party scene.
The pool is open to the public Monday-Thursday for a $20 cover charge and a $30 charge on the weekends.
Guests must be 21 or over. It’s also worth stopping by just to snag a picture with the cute retro sign!
Other popular Palm Springs hotel pools open to the public:
- Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs: The rooftop pool is open to the public for a $15 day pass Monday-Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- ARRIVE Palm Springs: Free to the public Monday-Friday noon-5 pm. Live DJ and $10 cover charge on the weekends. Guests must be 21 or over.
- Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa: For $30 you can spend the day at this luxury hotel pool.
Take a home tour
Palm Springs is such a unique town, it has a “Hollywood meets Leave it to Beaver” vibe.
All of the streets are lined with palm trees and all of the buildings and homes are built with mid-century modern architecture and design.
As you drive through town, you’ll see retro banks and gas stations, and even a hotel that is reminiscent of the Brady Bunch house.
The town is immaculate with not a single palm tree out of place. For years Palm Springs has drawn A-list stars looking for a quiet weekend retreat.
Leonardo DiCaprio even owns a home here that he rents out for a cool $3,750 per night. If you can’t afford to stay in his palatial estate, you can at least drive by and gawk.
The home is located at 432 W Hermosa Place in Old Las Palmas, the most sought-after neighborhood in Palm Springs.
Plenty of other celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and even the Kardashians have owned real estate in Palm Springs.
For a fun afternoon, take a free self-guided celebrity home tour. There is also a paid option for a self-guided audio tour.
And be sure to drive by the Parker Hotel. This ritzy boutique hotel is a celebrity hotspot shrouded in tall privacy shrubs. Rooms are pricey and you’ll even pay $32 for a glass of rose water at the bar!
This is where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie escaped before their marriage collapsed. They even posed here for a family photo on the cover of W Magazine.
This is also where Robert Downey Jr was infamously arrested on drug charges.
While there is no shortage of celebrity homes in Palm Springs, it’s not just the movie star homes that attract all the attention.
The pristine neighborhood of Indian Canyons is known for its perfectly manicured lawns and brightly painted doors.
You can drive through the neighborhood and take a door tour, or for added fun rent a bike. The bike rental shop is located only about a mile from the neighborhood.
This is the neighborhood with THAT pink door, the one that earned its own Instagram hashtag.
Just keep in mind that people live in these homes, be respectful, and never step on someone’s property to take a photo.
But if you’re curious, here is a sneak peek of what the inside of the pink door home looks like!
Hike at Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons is located a few miles south of the Indian Canyons neighborhood.
This stark desert terrain is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Visitors can discover petroglyphs and remains of crude house pits, irrigation ditches, and dams.
Aside from the rich history, a unique feature and huge draw of Indian Canyons are the large clusters of fan palms that are scattered throughout the canyon.
In fact, it is home to the world’s largest California Fan Palm oasis.
The palms grow alongside Palm Canyon Creek and thrive due to underground springs bubbling up from subterranean fissures.
The Palm Canyon Trail can be found about one mile south of the entrance. You’ll find a parking area with restrooms and a trading post selling native jewelry.
From the lot, you’ll find a short dirt path leading down to the world’s largest California Fan Palm oasis.
The trail continues about one mile to the East Fork junction where most hikers turn around.
Or you can just walk the short distance to the palm oasis and wander around and enjoy the shaded designated picnic areas.
With palm trees towering overhead and white sand underfoot, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a tropical island!
Several canyons and trails can be found within Indian Canyons, pick up a map and information at the entrance kiosk. Entrance is $9/person and includes entry to Tahquitz Canyon as well.
Go shopping on Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs offers something for every kind of shopper.
With luxe high-end retailers, vintage antique dealers, kitschy souvenir shops, designer boutiques, charming thrift shops, modern art galleries, and everything in between.
Stroll along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs to find that one-of-a-kind swimsuit cover-up or funky home decor.
Stop in the Flagship boutique of Trina Turk for trendy summer dresses and swimwear
Browse the Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five. A collection of high-end boutique shops under one roof in the mid-century modern E Stewart Williams building.
Be sure to pop into the Shag for original art and one-of-a-kind gifts by the artist Shag.
Check out the curated collection at Thick as Thieves, a charming locally owned boutique housed in a 1920s bungalow.
Just Fabulous is also a great spot for clever souvenirs and knick-knacks. And Estate Sale Co is a large consignment shop selling gently used furniture for a great price.
While you’re walking along Palm Canyon Drive, be sure to glance down and notice Palm Spring’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
You’ll find dozens of stars embedded in the sidewalk honoring celebrities that have ties to Palm Springs.
Other places to shop in Palm Springs:
- Backstreet Art District: A haven for local artists
- Uptown Design District: For all things mid-century modern.
- Gardens on El Paseo and Shops on El Paseo: Reminiscent of Hollywood’s Rodeo Drive, you’ll find high-end shops like Saks Fifth Avenue and Kate Spade.
- The River in Rancho Mirage: An open-air mall with popular retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and Forever 21.
- Old Town La Quinta: For boutique shops and unique restaurants.
- COD Street Fair: Hundreds of local vendors can be found at this street fair. Held every Saturday and Sunday morning at the College of the Desert parking lot.
Grab brunch
You can’t spend a girl’s weekend in Palm Springs and not go to brunch. With plenty of trendy brunch spots lining the streets of downtown Palm Springs, there is no shortage of options.
Best places to eat in Palm Springs:
- Cheeky’s: Enjoy fresh locally sourced dishes on the brightly colored outdoor patio.
- Rick’s Restaurant: The elevated comfort cuisine is sure to hit the spot! Try their cinnamon rolls made from scratch.
- Wilma & Frieda: Homestyle cooking at its finest. The Blackberry Custard French Toast is to die for!
- Azucar: Located within La Serena Villas boutique hotel. This colorful and eclectic restaurant serves a Mediterranean tapas-style menu.
- Grand Central: Classic breakfast dishes with a twist! Try the Orange Ricotta Pancakes or Breakfast Street Tacos.
- Kreem: Local artisan ice cream shop serving up unique gourmet flavors like Lemon Meringue and Hibiscus Rose.
- PaulBar: This unassuming joint is located in a rundown strip mall, but step inside and you’ll be surprised by this local gem. Bowtie-clad bartenders serve up drinks on the mahogany bar to the lively crowd. There is a vibrant energy in the air and a full dinner menu as well.
- Windmill Market: Coachella Valley is known as the date capital of the world and supplies about 95% of the country’s dates. It is a right of passage to drink a date shake while visiting Palm Springs. While Hadley Fruit Orchards is arguably the best place to get a date shake, the Windmill Market is a close second and is centrally located in downtown Palm Springs. This little street corner market blends house pureed dates and real ice cream for one delicious date shake!
Ride the scenic Aerial Tramway
If you’re looking to escape the heat of the valley, head 2 1/2 vertical miles up the cliffs of Chino Canyon to Mt San Jacinto State Park.
The temperatures are usually a crisp 20 degrees cooler, so you may want to bring a jacket.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is the world’s largest rotating tramcar.
During the ten-minute journey to the summit, the car slowly rotates to offer riders 360-degree views.
Once you reach the Mountain Station, you’ll find an observation deck with sprawling vistas over Coachella Valley on a clear day.
There are a few dining options at Mountain Station.
Forest View Restaurant and Peaks offer an elegant dining experience above the clouds. Pines Cafe is a casual cafeteria-style restaurant, and The Lookout Lounge is a full cocktail bar.
A natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails can also be found at the top.
Guided nature walks are offered every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 40-minute walks are free of charge and led by Mt San Jacinto State Park volunteers.
For a great self-guided walk, follow the 3/4 mile nature loop trail from the Mountain Station.
Step back in time at Pioneertown
Pioneertown is a replica 1870s frontier town located about 40 minutes north of Palm Springs.
Unlike other ghost towns, this town was founded in 1946 by a group of Hollywood investors. One of which was the Sons of Pioneers cowboy singing group, which is how it got its name.
Pioneertown became a living movie set.
It served as the backdrop for hundreds of movies and TV shows over the years, such as The Cisco Kid, Annie Oakley, and The Gene Autry Show.
Several music videos were also filmed here by artists such as Cindy Lauper and Ice Cube.
The town is small and easy to navigate on foot. Walk along ‘Mane Street’ and you’ll discover that the western facades aren’t all just facades. Many function as shops, restaurants, and even homes.
Be sure to stop in at the free Film Museum to see movie memorabilia.
There are also several souvenir shops selling unique local handmade gifts and trinkets.
Try a few rounds of bowling at The Pioneer Bowl. This vintage 6-lane bowling alley is where Gene Autry taped many of his shows.
It features the original 1950s Brunswick Pinsetters. The wooden lanes are also the oldest in America. The bowling alley is outfitted with a pinball arcade, pool tables, a restaurant, and a bar as well.
Whether you’re visiting during the week or on the weekend, you’ll most likely find a line snaking out of Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace.
This honky-tonk joint has established a reputation for the best BBQ and live music around.
Pappy & Harriet’s originally served as a cantina movie set but became a real cantina in the 70s.
It attracted bikers from all over and legend has it that there are many retired Harleys buried in the desert behind Pioneertown Inn.
Over the years, it also began attracting bands as a music venue. You’ll find a great outdoor patio, hearty food, and a lively atmosphere.
The Pioneertown Posse is a group of cowboy-loving volunteers that help bring the spirit of the Wild West to life.
If you visit Pioneertown on a weekend between April-October you can watch them hold gunfight reenactments in the street.
And if you want to be close to the action, book a room at the Pioneertown Motel. The rustic and modest accommodations are a nod to the Hollywood western film era when this served as housing for the set crew.
Pioneertown sits at a higher elevation and is about 10-15 degrees cooler than Palm Springs, which is a welcomed respite in the summer heat.
Catch Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park lies 16 miles east of Pioneertown. The simplistic beauty of Joshua Tree National Park is awe-inspiring.
The best time to visit is just before sunset as the arid desert is bathed in golden light.
The striking silhouettes of the Joshua Trees dot the landscape for as far as the eye can see.
Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is $30 per vehicle.
Once you have entered the park, it is mandatory that visitors listen to U2’s Joshua Tree album while driving along the paved scenic Park Boulevard loop. Ok, not really, but it is highly recommended.
As a side note, be sure to drive by Harmony Hotel nearby. This is where U2 stayed while shooting their album cover.
You’ll find ample lookout points and roadside parking areas where you can pull over and explore.
I would also recommend downloading a self-guided audio tour to help you find the best stops as you navigate through the park.
And if you have the time for a hike, there are over 300 miles of developed hiking trails throughout the park.
Best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park:
- Keys View: Take the side road to this lookout point offering panoramic views of the San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, the Salton Sea, and Coachella Valley. The lookout point can be reached by a short but steep 0.25-mile trail.
- Cholla Garden: Take the self-guided walking trail through this unique landscape dense with Cholla cacti. Just use caution and wear closed-toe shoes. This species of cactus is known as the “jumping cactus” and will attach to your skin if you walk too close.
- Oasis of Mara: Take the 0.5-mile walk through this desert oasis. The Oasis of Mara is one of five natural spring-fed oases within Joshua Tree National Park and was once home to native Indian tribes.
- Oasis Visitor Center: Stop in to visit the small cactus garden and interpretive displays.
- Skull Rock: The 1.7-mile loop trail leads through boulder piles and desert washes to the ominous Skull Rock.
- Ryan Ranch: Take the 1-mile out-and-back trail along an old ranch road to view a historic adobe structure.
- Hi-View: The 1.3-mile loop trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint of the forest of Joshua Trees below.
- Hidden Valley: This rock-enclosed valley was once a legendary hideout for cattle rustlers. It can be reached by a 1-mile loop trail.
- Cottonwood Spring: This verdant region is home to an oasis of fan palms and shady cottonwoods.
- Barker Dam: The 1.1-mile loop trail leads to a historic water tank built by early cattle ranchers. Big Horn Sheep are plentiful in this area, so keep your eye out!
- Arch Rock: Take the 0.3-mile loop trail beginning at the White Tank campground to the natural granite stone arch.
- Joshua Tree Acres: For a unique lodging experience, sleep under the stars in this renovated vintage 1959 Airstream.
*And for more of the best girl’s trip destinations, check out our girl’s weekend guides in Savannah, Dallas, and Scottsdale!
Other things to do on a girl’s weekend in Palm Springs
If you still have extra time to explore, here are a few more fun things to do on your girl’s weekend in Palm Springs:
- Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway: Take a tour of Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s home. They lived in this home for a year and honeymooned here after their wedding.
- Moorten Botanical Garden: This Instagram-worthy arboretum has been around since 1938. Stroll along the paths lined with desert plants from around the world and see the collection of rare plants. Entrance is $5, and be sure to stop at the nursery to pick up a succulent to take home!
- Coachella Valley Preserve: Visit this desert oasis 20 minutes east of Palm Springs. Walk along the boardwalk through rich vegetation and peaceful ponds.
- Painted Canyon: Located in Mecca about 40 miles southeast of Palm Springs. Explore this colorful narrow gorge and be sure to hike through Ladder Canyon. Here visitors will climb a series of ladders through a narrow red slot canyon.
I hope this guide will help you make the most of your girl’s weekend in Palm Springs!
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- A Girlfriend’s Guide to Scottsdale Arizona
- 5 Things Not to Miss on Your First Trip to Lake Tahoe
- 11 Best Girls’ Trip Destinations in the US!
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