10 Reasons For A Holiday Escape To Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Whether you live in the Inland Empire, or Los Angeles, Orange, or San Diego counties, Palm Springs is in your backyard — which makes it a perfect local holiday getaway.

There's something magical about the desert, especially this time of year. We've racked up 10 reasons to pack your overnight bag and hit the road for the one and only iconic Palm Springs.

1. Proximity

Southern Californians know Palm Springs is close — give or take 100 miles from Los Angeles and San Diego counties, less for Inland Empire and Orange County travelers. But for locals who want out-of-towner friends and family to join in on a desert rendezvous, Palm Springs International Airport offers a slew of nonstop flights in and out of the city. Hot tip for Angelenos: Starting Dec. 15, United Airlines will resume flights between Los Angeles International Airport and Palm Springs.

2. Weather

Pack your shades, sunscreen, bathing suits and shorts. On average, Palm Springs sees daytime high temps in the 70s through the holiday season, with little chance of rain. So while coastal dwellers might see drizzly, cool conditions this time of year, the sun will probably be shining in Palm Springs. Though desert days are warm, nights can be quite chilly so a hideous holiday sweater will be welcome.

3. History

Love or hate celebrity, you can't escape Palm Springs legend. Dubbed Hollywood’s "Playground of the Stars," the city's rap started in the 1930s and continues today. Some of the industry's biggest names have owned homes in the area and the trend lives on. For star-struck visitors, a trip down the Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a must. Or book a stay at the Palm Springs Tennis Club, where yesteryear performers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Lucille Ball, Dinah Shore and others once recreated. Not impressed with fame? Palm Springs has a much richer history with the arrival over 2,000 years ago of the Cahuilla people. Learn more about the first inhabitants at the Coachella Valley History Museum and Cabot’s Pueblo Museum.

4. Art and Architecture

If midcentury architecture and design is your gig — ala the 1940s, '50s and '60s — Palm Springs is your epicenter. Each February and October, the city hosts Modernism Week. The signature events celebrate midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. For those who can't make those dates, check out Palm Springs modern architecture on this self-guided tour. The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center is a must, too. Need more inspiration? See the city's museum and gallery offerings here.

5. Golf

There is some dispute over which destination is the "golf capital of the world," but if you live in SoCal you know it's Palm Springs, right? With the heat gone, November and December are great months to hit the links in and around the Coachella Valley. Desert golf courses traditionally have three seasons — winter, summer and overseeding. Overseeding takes place each fall when courses close for about a month to complete the transition from summer to winter grasses. The 2022 work is pretty much done across the desert. In October Golf Digest compiled its list of the best courses to play in Palm Springs, so what are you waiting for?

6. Tennis

Combine that golf outing with a little desert tennis. As mentioned above, the Palm Springs Tennis Club is a must-stay for that old Hollywood vibe, but if you want to play on the same courts that the sport's biggest names hit on, check out the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The state-of-the-art facility is a year-round public club that also hosts the world's largest combined men's and women's tennis tournament — the BNP Paribas Open. Or ratchet it up and register to compete in a local tennis tournament via the U.S. Tennis Association.

7. Hiking

The greater Palm Springs area offers more than 100 hiking trails to explore. The desert's endless beauty is awesome — so if you need to recharge your soul, get moving at these 10 hiking destinations recommended by Visit Greater Palm Springs:

1. Andreas Canyon Trail
2. Araby Trail
3. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
4. Joshua Tree National Park
5. Lake Cahuilla Recreational Area
6. Murray Canyon Trail
7. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hiking
8. Palm Springs Museum Trail
9. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
10. Whitewater Canyon Preserve

Hiking safety tips: Pack plenty of sunscreen and water — 2 liters minimum. Once half your water is gone, it’s time to turn back. If you spy a majestic bighorn sheep or other wildlife, observe from a safe distance, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Find more hiking safety tips.

8. Restaurants & Bars

When it's time to refuel, visitors won't be disappointed in the breadth of eateries and nightlife offered in Palm Springs. There is truly something for everyone. Choose from unique dining experiences, spots with amazing views, the best bars to get your chill on, the perfect cup of joe, dog-friendly patios, and of course Thanksgiving dinners. Not finding something that suits your taste? See a list of Palm Springs restaurants here. Here's a lineup of local craft wineries, breweries and distilleries.

9. Places to Stay

Overnight stays are galore in Palm Springs — including boutique hotels and inns, resorts, RV stays and rentals, hot mineral spa hotels, vacation home rentals, and more. Find getaway offers here.

10. Holiday Happenings in and Around Palm Springs

This list wouldn't be complete without a nod to local seasonal activities. Here are some hot Coachella Valley holiday happenings:

• Magic of Lights at Indio's Empire Polo Club
• Wildlights at Palm Desert's Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
• Gingerbread Lane at Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta
• Festival of Lights Parade in Palm Springs
• Historic Casita Lighting in La Quinta
• Winterfest in Indian Wells
• Indio International Tamale Festival
• Santa Paws 5K and Lil' Elf Dash in Palm Springs

Happy holidays desert travelers!