‍Tucked away in California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Springs has long been synonymous with a carefree desert escape, where mid-century modern design, arid landscapes, and a touch of Hollywood’s golden era blend into an irresistibly chic destination. Whether you’re a quick drive from Los Angeles or touching down from as far away as New York, the desert’s warmth welcomes you to three sun-soaked days of bliss.

‍

Day 1: Arrival and Desert Luxury

The journey to Palm Springs is part of its charm—whether it’s a smooth two-hour drive from Orange County or a swift flight from San Francisco that whisks you from fog to sunshine in less than two hours. Touch down at Palm Springs International Airport, a charming, open-air terminal with palm trees as your first welcome, or roll into town from the quiet desert highways that guide you through the sun-bleached sand.

Check into the Parker Palm Springs, where Jonathan Adler’s bold design meets laid-back luxury, or the intimate Korakia Pensione, where you’ll find your slice of Moroccan paradise amidst date palms and candlelit courtyards. The desert air carries with it a sense of serenity that invites you to unwind by the pool, cocktail in hand.

For a leisurely start, stroll Palm Canyon Drive, where vintage boutiques, art galleries, and retro furniture stores beckon you to explore. Don’t miss the flagship Trina Turk boutique for playful desert chic attire, or the Palm Springs Art Museum for a taste of modern art amidst the rugged desert backdrop.

As the sun dips behind the mountains, settle in for dinner at Melvyn’s, where Frank Sinatra once dined. With its old-school glamour and classic American dishes, you’ll feel transported back to Hollywood’s golden era—an experience that sets the tone for your Palm Springs adventure.

‍

Day 2: Adventure in the Desert

Rise with the desert sun and start your day at Cheeky’s, where the bacon flight is an indulgent must-try, or enjoy a fresh juice at Nature’s Health Food & Café. Your day’s adventure awaits at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Ascend into the San Jacinto Mountains, where the landscape shifts from sandy desert to alpine forest. Here, panoramic views stretch far beyond the desert floor, and you’ll feel the cool mountain air as you hike the peaceful trails.

For lunch, return to the valley and savor the artisanal delights of Workshop Kitchen + Bar, where farm-to-table Californian cuisine is served in a sleek, industrial-chic setting. Afterward, explore the Moorten Botanical Garden, a hidden gem featuring a dazzling collection of desert cacti and succulents that captures the surreal beauty of the desert landscape.

For those arriving from further afield, like Las Vegas or Phoenix, Palm Springs offers an unexpected balance between the glamour of these cities and the peace of the desert. The short 1-hour flight makes it easy to swap neon lights or vast desert stretches for Palm Springs’ refined charm.

As the day winds down, head to Bootlegger Tiki for cocktails served with a touch of nostalgia—think tropical drinks set against the backdrop of tiki décor. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of desert exploration.

‍

Day 3: Poolside Bliss and Departure

Palm Springs is renowned for its pool culture, so dedicate your final day to indulgent relaxation. If you’re staying at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club, join the lively crowd by the pool, complete with DJ sets, or opt for the serene oasis at L’Horizon Resort & Spa, where privacy and sophistication reign.

Before you leave, brunch at Norma’s at The Parker is a must. Their decadent comfort food will fuel your journey back to reality, whether you’re flying out from Seattle or making the easy drive back to Santa Barbara.

As you depart, whether it’s by car or plane, the desert’s magic lingers with you—an intoxicating blend of sun, style, and serenity. No matter where you started your journey—from the vibrant streets of Dallas or the cool coastlines of San Diego—Palm Springs will always be ready to welcome you back for another weekend escape.

‍

‍

Curated 3-day Palm Spring itinerary worth watching:
‍

@amymarietta 3 day palm springs itinerary 📁 #palmsprings #palmspringsitinerary #traveltiktok #palmspringscalifornia #visitcalifornia #travelitinerary #palmspringslife #palmspringshotel #palmspringsgetaway #greenscreen ♬ Soft Jazz Background - Soft Jazz Trio

‍

‍

Driving Distance (within a 2-5 hour drive)

  1. Los Angeles, CA (approx. 2 hours)
  2. San Diego, CA (approx. 2.5 hours)
  3. Orange County, CA (approx. 1.5-2 hours)
  4. Inland Empire, CA (e.g., Riverside or San Bernardino) (approx. 1-1.5 hours)
  5. Long Beach, CA (approx. 2 hours)
  6. Anaheim, CA (approx. 2 hours)
  7. Temecula, CA (approx. 1.5 hours)
  8. Las Vegas, NV (approx. 4 hours)
  9. Phoenix, AZ (approx. 4.5 hours)
  10. Santa Barbara, CA (approx. 3 hours)

Short Flights (under 3-hour flight time)

  1. San Francisco, CA (1.5-hour flight)
  2. Sacramento, CA (1.5-hour flight)
  3. Oakland, CA (1.5-hour flight)
  4. Las Vegas, NV (1-hour flight)
  5. Phoenix, AZ (1-hour flight)
  6. Salt Lake City, UT (2-hour flight)
  7. Denver, CO (2-hour flight)
  8. Seattle, WA (2.5-hour flight)
  9. Portland, OR (2.5-hour flight)
  10. Dallas, TX (2.5-hour flight)

Other Flight Options (slightly longer but feasible for a 3-day trip)

  1. Chicago, IL (4-hour flight)
  2. Houston, TX (3-hour flight)

‍