Palm Springs

Palm Springs sprouted into a resort destination in the early 20th century. Ever since, it’s been beckoning visitors with its arid landscape, golf courses, handsome midcentury vacation homes and excellent restaurant scene. While many will spend their weekend simply lounging by hotel pools, there are plenty of other things to do in Palm Springs. Seasonally, it becomes the epicenter of cool during Coachella and hosts highlights like the design-focused Modernism Week and the quirky Christmas light display Robolights. The oppressive heat keeps things pretty quiet in the summer, but no matter the time of year you can embark on fun home tours, visit botanical gardens and have loads of fun on one-of-a-kind tram rides if you just follow our very own guide.

A trip to sunny Palm Springs is a rite of passage for every sort of traveler: The town’s star-studded history, amazing architecture and—yes—pool parties aplenty, make it a no-brainer for an unforgettable trip. Add to that list a whole slew of fun things to do and some of the best restaurants in California, and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed amazing vacation. Whether you’re renting a house or splurging on one of the area’s top hotels, if you’re not familiar with the little enclave’s restaurant and bar scene, it can be easy to get suckered into dinner or drinks at a tourist trap or sub-par dive. As usual, we’re here to help. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner for your next desert adventure.

The Palm Springs hotel scene has gone from strength to strength in the last decade or so. You can now find something to suit any style, from cozy rustic spots to opulent five-star villas that are kitted out with every amenity you could imagine and fantastic restaurants to boot. One thing that hasn't changed though? The entrancing “desert modernism” aesthetic and discreet vibe; you’re just as likely to catch a crew of European retirees scouting the famous Architecture and Design Center as a Hollywood A-lister lounging by the pool. Speaking of pools, every single hotel on this list has one, because with the dazzling sun overhead and mountain views all around, spending time poolside is practically a required thing to do for travelers who make their way out to this colorful, spirited town. So, whether you’re making the trip for Coachella or are just looking for a fun getaway, take a scroll through the options below and make sure you pack shorts – it's gonna be hot.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

It doesn’t get hotter than Palm Springs in the summer. Here, area pool parties are an essential luxury for weekenders and locals looking to cut loose and cool down while lounging (or dancing) by the pool, music in ear and cocktail in hand. Take your pick from communal confabs where you provide the music yourself to classic ragers where partiers literally go diving for beer. Whatever your preferred poolside vibe, there's a soiree for you in our list of the best summer pool parties in Palm Springs. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs