5 Reasons to Visit Greater Palm Springs This Fall
The weather’s perfect for special events, art, shopping, dining, and more!
Photo credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
When temperatures dip, a visit to Greater Palm Springs – with its 300+ days of sunshine per year – is an excellent place to escape. The Southern California oasis is bigger than many people realize, encompassing nine cities that offer a smorgasbord of experiences, events, and attractions. They include Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella.
It’s easier than ever to get there, with nonstop flights from more than 30 U.S. cities. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is a refreshing alternative to the stress of big city terminals. Enjoy some fresh air in the plethora of outdoor spaces while you wait to board your flight and enjoy a stress-free flying experience.
Here are five more reasons to plan a trip to Greater Palm Springs.
Photo credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
There’s an event for everyone
Fall and winter offer a busy event calendar in Greater Palm Springs. A few popular events and festivals include:
Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival: On November 18-20, hot air balloons in a gorgeous array of colors and designs take to the big blue skies.
Modernism Week Fall Preview: During this four-day event (October 13-16), visitors can tour historic homes and learn about mid-century modern architecture and design.
Greater Palm Springs Pride: From November 4-6, a block party, festival, and parade unite and celebrate the LGBTQ community.
La Quinta Art Celebration ENCORE: Art lovers will appreciate this showcase (November 10-13) featuring work by 200 premier artists from around the world.
Palm Springs Air Museum Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival: What better place to taste over 40 craft beers than in a hangar surrounded by vintage airplanes? The fun happens on November 19.
Photo credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
Head outdoors for even more fun
Greater Palm Springs has a vast range of fun attractions and things to do. Kids will love the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which climbs 8,500 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto. At the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the new Rhino Savanna is home to two African black rhino, mongoose, and more. Or channel your inner Indiana Jones with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours.
Culture connoisseurs will find an oasis of art
Explore Greater Palm Springs’ rich history in mid-century modern design and architecture on a walking or driving tour. Art aficionados can head to the Palm Springs Art Museum, see the area’s many public art installations, or experience the El Paseo Art Walk. Sunnylands, a historic midcentury modern estate in Rancho Mirage, reopens on September 14 after extensive renovation. The property offers free tours of the nine-acre garden and a brand-new art exhibition.
Photo credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
It's a haven for shoppers and foodies
Greater Palm Springs is full of boutiques, outlets, and vintage stores. Stroll El Paseo Shopping District in Palm Desert to find everything from name-brand stores and locally owned boutiques to art galleries and restaurants. Head to VillageFest in Palm Springs on Thursday evenings when the downtown area transforms into a lively street fair.
When you’re shopped out, refresh al fresco at one of the many restaurants, such as Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, with a second-story outdoor patio that features spectacular mountain views. Or get a ticket to PS Underground, a one-of-a-kind dining adventure where guests are surprised with menus and locations centered on a specific theme.
Photo credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs
You can stay the way you want
Greater Palm Springs has a wide range of accommodations. Families with young kids may want to try the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. Its waterpark, Splashtopia, includes a 425-foot lazy river, two 100-foot waterslides, and a cliff-side hot tub. On a budget? Check out the DoubleTree in Cathedral City or Homewood Suites La Quinta. Couples will like the privacy and recent renovations of Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells, Miramonte Resort and Spa Indian Wells (and its pretty olive grove), or the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel. And if a place entirely of your own is more to your liking, there are plenty of vacation rental options.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, kid-friendly fun, great dining and shopping, or just a little peace and quiet, you’ll find it in Greater Palm Springs.
