How to Spend THREE Days in Palm Springs, California: 3-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Palm Springs? You’ve come to the right place!

We love visiting Palm Springs for sunshine, retro vibes, and a whole lot of desert magic. But with so much on offer, it can be hard to know where to start, which is why we’ve planned the perfect 3-day itinerary. 

We’ve packed in a little bit of everything: a wild Jeep tour through Joshua Tree, a ride up the iconic Aerial Tramway, visits to museums and gardens, and plenty of time to chill (this is Palm Springs, after all). And yes, there’s great food at every turn! 

Just follow this guide and you’ll see why Palm Springs is the perfect desert getaway. Grab your sunglasses and let’s go!

Itinerary Overview

Palm Springs is a unique blend of outdoor adventure and city charm, there’s seriously so much to do! We love that you can find something no matter if your travel style is relaxing by the pool and antique shopping, going for a hike, or checking out a history museum.

The city itself is pretty spread out, so you’ll likely want a rental car to get around. Otherwise, organized tours make seeing the fringe of Palm Springs a breeze, and there are always rideshare apps to rely on! Here’s an overview of your three days in Palm Springs:

Day 1: We’ll ease into the desert pace with brunch, some local history, and a trip to the botanical gardens! Then in the afternoon we’ll set off on a 4×4 tour of Joshua Tree National Park, and then spend the evening exploring Palm Canyon Drive.

Day 2: Start with a quick breakfast before heading up the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for panoramic views and optional hiking. After lunch at the top, check out the pretty desert architecture before heading off to relax at a spa in nearby Desert Hot Springs!

Day 3: Seize the day with a desert hike before spending the afternoon cooling off at a museum or browsing vintage shops and local boutiques. Finish with dinner at the town’s best restaurant and then go stargazing under the dark desert skies. 

Day 1

Breakfast – Norma’s

Norma’s is a cute and colorful brunch spot that captures that Palm Springs aesthetic perfectly! If the Coachella festival opened a cafe, this is probably what it would look like. They have a ton of delicious options, from Irish oatmeal brûlée, yummy eggs benedict, and lemon custard donuts. 

The restaurant is a 10-minute drive from where this morning’s history tour meets. The tour starts at 10 am and Norma’s opens at 7 am, so you’ll have plenty of time to fuel up with breakfast and coffee beforehand (and maybe take a few snaps for your Insta!)

Morning – Learn about Palm Springs’ famous history

Yes, Palm Springs is known for its beautiful desert landscape but it’s also a living time capsule of old Hollywood glamour. So this morning, we’re going on a deep dive into this aspect of the town’s history with this private history tour!

Instead of cramming onto a bus with a bunch of strangers, this private tour gives you a front-row seat to the stories and secrets that have shaped this iconic resort town. It’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill history tour, either. Our guide, Annette, brought the landmarks we saw to life with stories of Hollywood scandals and taught us how the city rose to fame as a celebrity hideaway. 

We cruised past designated historic districts, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, and even the legendary property where the Rat Pack partied through the ‘60s. Seeing these places in person, with Annette’s lively commentary, brought the city’s past to life in a way no guidebook ever could. 

This is the perfect way to kick off a fun trip to Palm Springs. Book it for 10 am so that you’ll wrap up by 11:30 am, with time to explore the botanical gardens before lunch. 

Read the rave reviews and book this tour here!

Late morning – Moorten Botanical Gardens

You’ll have a bit of time before your next tour, and luckily, Moorten Botanical Garden is just a 5-minute drive away, so head here to slow down before your next adventure. This little gem is packed with all kinds of desert plants, from towering cacti to rare succulents. It’s super peaceful and doesn’t take long to explore, we suggest spending about 1-1.5 hours here. Admission is just $7 USD, and we think that fee is well worth it for the relaxing vibe and cool photo ops! 

Lunch – Wrap Houz Palm Springs

If you’re feeling hungry before the next tour, Wrap Houz is the perfect spot to grab a light but satisfying lunch. It’s just a 3-minute drive from the Botanical Gardens, and if you can, grab a table outside so that you enjoy mountain views as you chow down. The wraps are so delicious and packed with flavor, and the owner was so sweet to us! 

Wrap Houz is a 25-minute drive from where this afternoon’s tour meets, so you’ll need to head off by 12:30 pm. If you need to, you can always grab a wrap to-go!

Afternoon – 4×4 tour of Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best national parks in the entire country, so you can’t pass up the chance to explore it while you’re here! Book this epic 4×4 tour for 1 pm and bear in mind that the meeting point is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Palm Springs. 

Driving the paved roads in Joshua Tree can only give you a glimpse of this massive park. The most jaw-dropping landscapes are hidden far beyond the main tourist routes, and that’s why it’s so important to get off road! We tore through the backcountry, bouncing over rugged trails, feeling every twist and turn as we ventured to places most visitors never see.

Our guide, Jeff, was fantastic and totally up for anything we wanted to do. Since Joshua Tree spans nearly 800,000 acres (324,000 hectares), having an expert who knew the best spots made all the difference! 

We wove through otherworldly Joshua trees, climbed up massive boulders for panoramic views, saw ancient rock carvings and even a bighorn sheep. At one point, we cut the engine and just listened to the pure, untouched silence.

Out of everything we did in Palm Springs, this was hands-down our favorite tour! Riding through this off-the-beaten-path side of Joshua Tree gave us a whole new appreciation for the park’s raw beauty. It’s an adventure you won’t forget! 

Read the glowing reviews and book this unforgettable 4×4 tour here!

Evening/dinner – Explore Palm Canyon Drive

After your tour wraps up around 6 pm, you’ll probably want to freshen up a bit before heading out for the evening. Once you’re ready, make your way to Downtown Palm Canyon Drive, aka the heart of Palm Springs’ dining and nightlife scene. This lively strip is perfect for an evening stroll, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore as the sun goes down.

For dinner, we grabbed a table at Tac/Quila, a stylish Mexican spot with great food and an even better vibe. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, but I must say that the lobster tacos were a real standout for me! The tequila and mezcal cocktails are stellar, too, and they even do a margarita tasting flight if you can’t decide which flavor to order.

Day 2

Breakfast – Townie Bagels 

Ready for day two in Palm Springs? Townie Bagels is downtown, about an 18-minute drive from the tramway, so stop here for breakfast on your way out of town. They make the most delicious breakfast bagels or go for a sweet option like strawberry cream cheese or peanut butter and jelly.

Arrive here around 9 am so that you have time to eat before hitting the road again. It’s closed on Tuesdays, so if that’s when your second day in Palm Springs falls, head to nearby Ristretto instead for a pastry or a breakfast panini. 

Morning – Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs can get seriously hot and sometimes you just need a break from the relentless heat. That’s where the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway comes in! In 10 minutes, this rotating tram will have you up in the San Jacinto mountains where it’s a good 40 degrees cooler. 

To make the most of this blissful temperature drop, we suggest arriving at 10 am when the tramway opens to avoid the crowds. The ride itself is unforgettable, and once you arrive at Mountain Station, you can enjoy the panoramic views from the observation decks, watch a short film about the tram’s construction, or take advantage of the park’s pretty hiking trails.

For an easy amble, the Long Valley Discovery Trail is a gentle 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) trail that showcases the park’s native plants and animals. Or for a moderate trek, the Desert View Trail is a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) loop with scenic overlooks and forest views.

But if you’re up for more of a challenge, the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) hike to Wellman’s Divide involves a 600-foot (182-meter) elevation gain. The effort is not for nothing, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Palomar Observatory dome and Tahquitz Peak Lookout. You can check out a full list of hiking trails here!

Once you’ve finished hiking, we suggest having lunch up here to make the most of the views, and you’ve got two options. We like the Pines Cafeteria for a lighter, low-key meal, but for something special, enjoy a gourmet lunch with a serious view at the beautiful Peaks Restaurant. 

Allow yourself about 4 hours in total to enjoy everything San Jacinto Peak has to offer. That’s plenty to enjoy – the trails, observation decks, and some good food before a relaxing afternoon in Palm Springs.

Book your Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets here!

Afternoon – Discover Palm Springs’ famous architecture 

Palm Springs is famous for its mid-century modern architecture, so checking it out is a must while you’re here! Honestly, this desert city is like a living museum of the style, so start out at the Palm Springs Visitor Center to grab a map of the top architectural spots. Then, you can explore at your own pace and check out the buildings that interest you the most, learning as you go. 

Some of our favorite sights were Elvis’ honeymoon hideaway, where Elvis and Pricilla actually honeymooned, and the Kaufman Desert House, which is renowned as one of the best examples of desert modernism architecture. Of course, we wouldn’t have known any of this without our handy guide from the visitor’s center. But it was fascinating to spend an hour or two wandering around and gazing at the iconic Palm Springs buildings and landscape.

Late afternoon – Relax at a spa 

To wind down your afternoon, take a short drive north to Desert Hot Springs, a laid-back area famous for its natural mineral waters and dreamy spa resorts. It’s the perfect place to slow things down and give your body a well-earned break after a busy day.

One of the most popular spots is the Spa at Séc-he, where you’ll find everything from mineral pools to soaking tubs and full-service spa treatments. The setting is peaceful, the views are lovely, and it’s open until 7 pm. Just make sure to book ahead, because this place is (understandably) popular.

Dinner – Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge

We love Eight4Nine for a fun, stylish dinner in Palm Springs. The space is huge and beautifully designed, with bright retro decor, white walls, and vibrant pops of art. You can grab a cocktail in the lively bar area or settle into the dining room for a more upscale vibe. Either way, the atmosphere is spot on!

The menu is just as impressive, with tons of variety and generous portions. I loved the corn chowder and the poblano stuffed peppers were next-level. The cocktails are very well-crafted too, though they are strong so don’t forget that we have an early hike planned tomorrow morning!

Related Read: Get a change of scenery and visit Catalina Island. Our 2-day Catalina Island itinerary includes hidden gems and a relaxing getaway, just like Palm Springs!

Day 3

Morning – Go hiking

Thanks to its diverse landscapes, Palm Springs is an epic hiking destination with a ton of scenic trails to choose from. For today, though, we’ve narrowed it down to our two favorite options: Indian Canyons and Joshua Tree National Park. Both are great options so just choose what suits you best. Oh, and be sure to head out early because it gets hot in Palm Springs and the sun is strong! 

Indian Canyons

Indian Canyons is a nature reserve just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Palm Springs. There are plenty of trails to choose from here, whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a bit more challenging. For a short stroll, try the Andreas Canyon Trail, which loops through a lush oasis alongside a creek. If you want something a bit longer with beautiful views, go for Victor Loop.

You can easily spend a few hours here, soaking up the natural scenery, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the contrast of green palms against the rocky desert backdrop. Just remember to bring water, wear sunscreen, and check trail conditions before you head out.

Optional: Guided hike in Joshua Tree National Park

Hiking in Joshua Tree might sound dreamy, but when you realize just how huge and spread out the park actually is, it starts to feel intimidating! There are dozens of trails and little signage, it’s easy to either get lost or miss the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path spots. That’s why we booked this private hiking tour, and honestly, it was the best decision we made.

What’s great about this tour is that the guide customizes the route to match your pace and interests. When we did it, our guide, Hollis, took us exploring hidden canyons, climbing over massive rock formations, and walking through  quiet stretches of desert dotted with otherworldly Joshua trees. It was incredible, and she was such an amazing guide! She knew everything about the landscape and taught us about how gold miners and even cattle rustlers once used these canyons as hideouts, which was super interesting. 

The tour runs from late August through early June, and pauses during the peak of summer since the heat is no joke out here! But if you’re visiting at the right time, we highly recommend this tour! Just be sure to wear good shoes and plenty of sunscreen.

Read 100+ glowing reviews and book this tour here!

Lunch – Lulu California Bistro

After a hot morning on the trails, you’ll probably want to freshen up and recharge. We always get so dusty when we hike around here, so we suggest heading back to your hotel to shower, change, and cool off. If after all of that hiking you just want to spend a lazy afternoon by the pool, go for it! Now’s the time. 

If you’d rather spend your final afternoon exploring instead, then head to Lulu California Bistro for lunch whenever you’re ready. It’s right in the heart of downtown, super close to the museums, and has a great shaded terrace if you feel like dining outdoors. We love coming here to chow down on California classics, like crisp salads, tacos, wings, and the best watermelon gazpacho in town!

Afternoon – Visit Some Museums and Go Shopping

Palm Springs Art Museum

If you’re looking to escape the heat for a bit, the Palm Springs Art Museum is the perfect place to do it. Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here exploring the museum’s rotating exhibits and permanent collection of modern and contemporary art. Admission is $20 USD.

But just a heads up: this museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. So if this famous gallery is high on your list, be sure to shuffle your schedule to fit it in! You’ll also find a bunch of smaller galleries in the area if you feel like doing a little extra browsing afterwards.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Right across the street from the art museum is the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, which focuses on the history, culture, and art of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. It’s affiliated with the Smithsonian and beautifully showcases the region’s deep Indigenous roots. Admission costs $10 USD, and it’s a solid alternative if the art museum is closed, or a great companion stop! 

Shopping and Thrifting

Palm Springs is like heaven for fashion lovers! This city has some serious vintage flare so if you’re into retro fashion or quirky collectibles, you’re in great company around here. There are some fantastic thrift stores and vintage boutiques along Indian Canyon Drive and Palm Canyon Drive where you can go and find something totally unique! 

Meanwhile, if you’re more into mid-century finds and quirky collectibles, head to Sunny Dunes Antique Mall or Antique Galleries of Palm Springs. They have such great antiques here and even if you don’t end up buying anything, it’s still fun to look around and see what’s on offer! Shopping here always feels a bit like treasure hunting for me. 

But if vintage isn’t your vibe, there’s no need to fret. Head to El Paseo Drive for brand new finds! There are lots of boutiques and higher-end stores here, so you can still find plenty of chic fashions and eye-catching clothes.

Dinner – Workshop Kitchen & Bar

After a relaxed afternoon of shopping and museums, end your day with dinner at one of Palm Springs’ most celebrated restaurants: Workshop Kitchen & Bar. It’s housed in a beautiful 1920s building, with an industrial-chic feel inside. It really encapsulates that laid-back California vibe perfectly!

The menu is seasonal and based on what produce is fresh and available, so it changes regularly. When we went, we had the most amazing duck fried rice and scallops. Honestly though, whatever you order is going to be delicious. 

We love Workshop Kitchen because it manages to be both upscale and unpretentious. We do recommend making a reservation, though, because this place is popular! The start time for tonight’s stargazing tour varies with the sunset time, so book that first and then make your dinner reservation accordingly. 

Evening – Go Stargazing in Joshua Tree

This professional stargazing tour is the perfect way to finish your trip to Palm Springs! Start times vary by season, so it will kick off from anywhere between 5 and 9 pm. This is to ensure that you’ll catch the stars just as they begin to emerge across the desert sky!

The tour starts with a short walk through a scale model of the solar system, which helps to put everything into perspective before the real show begins. Once the sky gets dark, you’ll settle into comfy bean bag chairs with a cup of hot chocolate and go on a journey through the cosmos. 

When we did this tour, we were totally amazed by the crystal-clear views of Saturn’s rings, distant galaxies, and a glowing nebula. Our guides were really funny and knowledgeable, and they used laser pointers to show us planets and constellations as they told us stories about them. The telescopes were also super easy to use – all we had to do was press a button and the lens would zip right to the next object! 

Honestly, stargazing in Joshua Tree is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list-worthy experience that will take your breath away. And don’t just take our word for it, either, because you can read all of the glowing reviews here!

Book this exciting stargazing tour here and enjoy free cancellation!

Related Read: Need a few more activities to fill in your itinerary? Check out our list of the best things to do in Palm Springs here for more desert adventures!

Where to Stay in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs isn’t huge, but there are a lot of accommodation options. It is a retro-desert-oasis after all! Not to worry, we’ve picked out three fantastic hotels for you, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a comfortable mid-range option, or something budget-friendly. All you have to do is book your favorite hotel, pack your bags, and you’re off to Palm Springs paradise!

Luxury – $$$

La Serena Villas is a luxury hotel, located in the heart of Palm Springs. We love this hotel for luxury travelers, as you can enjoy a private villa equipped with a kitchenette, private patio area, and some even have a hot tub attached! There’s a gorgeous pool, a spa, bicycles, and an onsite restaurant and bar. 

Prices fluctuate by season but range from $375 USD to $800+ USD per night, depending on the date and room choice. Check availability and book this luxury hotel here on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

The Dunes Hotel is a comfortable hotel for a moderate price point. This is a great choice if you want to explore Palm Springs on foot, as you’re within walking distance of downtown. The hotel offers that charming desert design, including two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, and mountain views. There is a range of rooms, from double queens, superior kings, or a king suite, all of which are modern and super comfortable!

Prices range from $140 USD to $300 USD and can be reserved on Booking.com. 

Budget – $

7 Springs Inn & Suites offers that classic Palm Springs vintage charm at an affordable price! This hotel is also located in central Palm Springs and is easily walkable to the best restaurants in downtown. The rooms are simple, but clean and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. You can enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub, courtyard area with BBQs, and a recommended spa nearby!

Rooms start at $80 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

For more options, see all of the hotels in Palm Springs here!

Renting a Car in the USA

The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in the USA

• Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
• Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
• Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
• Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.

What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
• Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

A three-day trip to Palm Springs is the perfect amount of time! This desert getaway is full of unique sights – from Joshua Trees to views atop the tramway, mid-century architecture, and the modern downtown. This itinerary is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, so follow along and I know you’ll have a fantastic trip.

If you need help planning more of your travels, check out our other USA blogs here. We have even more itineraries, where to stay guides, and top things to do blogs for cities all over the country. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next trip – cheers!

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