California, US, United States · Trip plan
3 days in Palm Springs
Mid-century modern houses, pool days and Joshua Tree's desert.
- Best time
- Nov – Apr
- Ideal length
- 3 days
- A day, mid-range
- $300 per person
- Trip for two
- about $1,800
Planning a 3-day trip to Palm Springs? Here's a day-by-day Palm Springs itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
Palm Springs is 25°C and sunny all winter, and February's Modernism Week celebrates its famous architecture.
Palm Springs is a desert oasis that was Hollywood's playground in the 1950s and 60s, now famous for its modernist architecture, pools and LGBTQ+-friendly scene.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
November to April: 20–28°C days, cool nights.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Palm Springs
- 01
Mid-century homes
Elvis's honeymoon house and the Frey House among dozens of modernist gems.
- 02
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
A rotating cable car up to snowy pine forest.
- 03
Joshua Tree National Park
Boulders and spiky Joshua trees an hour away.
- 04
Pool culture
Lazy days at boutique-hotel pools.
Day by day
Palm Springs itinerary for 3 days
- D1
Day 1: Modernism
- Morning
- Take a mid-century architecture tour past the Kaufmann House, Frey House II and Elvis's honeymoon hideaway.
- Afternoon
- Pool afternoon at your hotel.
- Evening
- Dinner and cocktails on Palm Canyon Drive.
Self-guided maps are available at the visitor centre in a former gas station.
- D2
Day 2: Tramway and canyons
- Morning
- Ride the rotating Aerial Tramway up 2,600 m to Mount San Jacinto's pine forests (often snowy).
- Afternoon
- Hike Indian Canyons' palm oases on Agua Caliente land.
- Evening
- Date shake at Shields Date Garden, then dinner.
Bring layers; the top of the tram is 20°C colder.
- D3
Day 3: Joshua Tree
- Morning
- Drive about an hour to Joshua Tree National Park.
- Afternoon
- Walk the Hidden Valley trail and see Skull Rock and the Cholla Cactus Garden.
- Evening
- Sunset over the desert, then drive back or home.
There's no food or water in the park; bring both.
Shorter or longer
Palm Springs in 2, 3 or 5 days
2 days in Palm Springs
Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Joshua Tree”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
5 days in Palm Springs
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Napa Valley.
What it costs
Palm Springs trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 3 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $150 | $900 |
| Mid-range | $300 | $1,800 |
| Luxury | $700+ | $4,200 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Palm Springs is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Palm Springs for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Palm Springs
Date shakes
Made with Coachella Valley dates.
Brunch
A Palm Springs ritual.
Mexican food
Excellent and local.
Getting there
How to reach Palm Springs
- Travel
- Palm Springs airport is 5 minutes from downtown; Los Angeles is about 2 hours by car.
- Getting around
- A car is best; downtown is walkable.
- Book Modernism Week home tours early.
- Joshua Tree has little shade: carry water.
Before you go
What to pack for Palm Springs
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- A scarf for sun and sand
- A warm layer for desert nights
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Palm Springs trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Palm Springs?
3 days are enough to see the highlights: Mid-century homes, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 3-day Palm Springs trip cost?
Roughly $150 a day per person on a budget, $300 mid-range and $700+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,800 for 3 days.
What is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
Nov – Apr. Palm Springs is 25°C and sunny all winter, and February's Modernism Week celebrates its famous architecture.
Where should I stay in Palm Springs?
Budget: Motels on Palm Canyon Drive (Downtown), from about $140 a night. Mid-range: The Saguaro Palm Springs (East Palm Canyon), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Parker Palm Springs (South Palm Springs), from about $600 a night.
How do I reach Palm Springs?
Palm Springs airport is 5 minutes from downtown; Los Angeles is about 2 hours by car.
Is 2 days enough for Palm Springs?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Joshua Tree". 3 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Palm Springs?
November to April: 20–28°C days, cool nights.
What food should I try in Palm Springs?
Date shakes: Made with Coachella Valley dates. Brunch: A Palm Springs ritual. Mexican food: Excellent and local.
How do I get around Palm Springs?
A car is best; downtown is walkable.
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