With so much to do and see, a weekend in Palm Springs, California won’t seem like enough time. However, with a little bit of planning, it is possible to see it all!
Joshua Tree National Park
An absolute must-do when visiting Palm Springs! Jump in the car and make the short drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Depending on where you are staying in Palm Springs, there is both a North and a South entrance to the park. I found the south end of the park to be more spread out, but there is one road that you can take all the way through the entire park. Follow it and you won’t miss a thing!
Be sure to stop at the Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and Skull Rock (to name a few). Joshua Trees are found throughout the entire park, but more dense on the north side of the park. Be sure to take some time to pull the car over and wander among the Seussian-like trees!
The earlier you can get into JTNP, the better. The park fills up quickly once late morning/afternoon hit. The park is open 24 hours a day and can be accessed at any time. Arriving shortly after sunrise would offer plenty of time to explore the park without feeling crowded.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
“Go from palms to pines” in 20 minutes on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway! I was blown away that you can go from such contrasting climates so quickly. You truly feel like you are in the Rocky Mountains when you get off the tram at the top of Mount San Jacinto. Take some time to enjoy the stellar views overlooking Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, and then hit one of the many hiking trails you’ll find at the top. Trail lengths range from 3/4 mile – over 5 miles, so choose the option that is best for you. If you’re looking for a relatively easy and quick hike, I’d recommend the Desert View Trail. It is a 1.5 mile loop, relatively flat, and takes you to several scenic viewpoints.
Riding the tramway is a perfect afternoon activity to get out of the desert heat, but also be outside enjoying the day. Temperatures are about 30 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain, so take that into consideration. Pack a sweatshirt, even if you feel like you won’t need one!
#ThatPinkDoor
If you go to Palm Springs and didn’t Instagram about #ThatPinkDoor, did you really go to Palm Springs? My answer- kind of. I totally lost track of the day and was racing across town to get a picture of the iconic door before sundown, but didn’t quite make it. I guess that’s just one thing that will exist only in my memory 🙂
This iconic pink door is located at 1100 Sierra Way and is a perfect snapshot of the mid-century modern designs that blanket the city. It is a private residence however, so be mindful of trespassing and take all your photos from the sidewalk and steet!
North Palm Canyon Drive
The “Main Street” of Palm Springs, where you’ll find all the action. Park you car and spend the afternoon strolling up and down North Palm Canyon Drive. Spend your afternoon getting lost in and out of shops and art museums. Plenty of restaurants line the strip with every kind of cuisine you can think of. Restaurants fill up quickly though, especially on weekends so make sure you plan ahead and make a reservation, or be prepared to wait.
Hike through the Coachella Valley Preserve
An awesome way to start the day is by doing the easy 2 mile round-trip hike to McCallum Pond. Get up and out early- most of the hike is out in the desert with full exposure to the sun. It will get hot so don’t forget a hat and water!
The hike itself is very easy and almost completely flat. You’ll start in the palms by walking on a boardwalk over the marsh. You’ll then walk through the desert for about a mile and will have killer views of the San Andreas Fault. Out in the distance, you’ll start to see an oasis and you’ll wonder if you’re having one of those desert hallucinations – don’t worry, it’s real! McCallum Pond is smack dab in the middle of the dessert with tons of dense palm trees surrounding it. Don’t forget your bug spray- mosquitoes are all over at the pond! Take a few moments to sit on one of the many benches and enjoy the cool shade before looping around the pond and back through the desert.
Palm Springs Sign
A must have shot for your Instagram! The sign is located at the Palm Springs Visitor Center and perfectly captures all that Palm Springs has to offer- desert and mountains! “PALM SPRINGS” is etched out in white letters atop a hollow rectangle you can use to frame your iconic shot. Plenty of parking at the visitors center, and an easy path to walk on to the sign- no reason not to make this quick stop!
Visit Pioneertown
This little town that will transport you back to the Wild, Wild West. Located about a 40 minute drive from Palm Springs, this is the perfect place to stop on your way to the North Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
Pioneertown, which was originally created as a movie set for Westerns, is home to a saloon, bank, jail, bath house, and more! Most buildings are locked and you are not able to enter, but spending time walking down “Mane Street” along the hay bales and tumbleweeds to get the authentic feel. They even have a real USPS post office, so you can send a postcard stamped from Pioneertown.
World Famous Crochet Museum
The quirkiest little place right in the center of the town of Joshua Tree. This small refurbished photo booth houses hundreds (if not, thousands) of crocheted goodies of all different sizes. It’s a sensory overload!
Park along the main street in the town of Joshua Tree (Twentynine Palms Highway) and walk through the small gate by Art Queen. From there, you’ll walk down a short path behind the buildings to an open air courtyard filled with different art installations- you can’t miss the bright green Crochet Museum! Step inside and immerse yourself in an explosion of crocheted animals, characters, flowers, and more.
Three words to describe the museum? Cool, artsy, and weird.
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