With a balmy climate and more than 350 days of sunshine, Palm Springs is a hot spot for tourists no matter the time of year. Fondly known as Hollywood’s Playground, this desert resort has many reasons for people to visit, not least due to its namesake: the healing mineral water springs.
There are many events and festivals to tickle your fancy, from music and film to sport, such as the world-famous Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament hosted in nearby Indian Wells.
Palm Springs also features iconic mid-century modern architecture with eye-catching features like clerestory windows and breeze blocks. Local architect Donald Wexler even designed the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)! The Palm Springs Air Museum is another unmissable attraction where you can see vintage aircraft and even explore inside a World War II bomber.
If hiking and nature are more your thing, don’t miss out on exploring the stunning Tahquitz and Indian Canyons, part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. There, you will find great walks complete with breathtaking waterfalls, glistening streams, and native plants and wildlife.
Palm Springs also boasts a lively, large, and welcoming LGBTQ+ community, with several LGBTA+-friendly resorts and hotels, not to mention a great variety of nightlife and events. Don’t forget that Palm Springs is also conveniently just a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, the Entertainment Capital of the World. But, we have only just scraped the surface.
For a relaxing, stylish, and comfortable way to reach the idyllic Palm Springs, book a private jet charter to reach your destination in true style.
The flight time to Palm Springs will depend on a number of factors, including the type of aircraft and the airport you are departing from:
- New York to Palm Springs: approx. 6 hours
- Los Angeles to Palm Springs: approx. 1 hours
- Miami to Palm Springs: approx. 6 hours
- Washington, D.C. to Palm Springs: approx. 6 hours
- Chicago to Palm Springs: approx. 4.5 hours
Top Things to Do in Palm Springs
Our travel experts have compiled a list of top things to do and see in Palm Springs.
1. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
Hosted at the Empire Polo Club in Indio in the Coachella Valley, the Coachella Festival is an unmissable event for music and art lovers alike. Held during consecutive 3-day weekends in April, it features musicians from a variety of genres, such as hip hop, indie, pop, rock, and electronic dance, with live music being played across numerous stages. Recent artists who have played at the festival include Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, The Prodigy, and Chase & Status.
On the art side, Coachella showcases a range of dynamic and large-scale installations, including immersive environments and interactive sculptures. The festival is a melting pot of creativity and is attended by approximately 125,000 people annually.
2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If you’re looking to enjoy the scenery, what better way than with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the largest rotating tram car across the globe? It travels along the stunning cliffs of Chino Canyon for more than two miles. It transports you to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, a 14,000-acre sanctuary with beautiful vistas and ambitious trails for hikers of all skill levels.
The journey from either end of the tramway takes around 10 minutes, and the tram cars rotate slowly, so the spectacular, picturesque views of the valley floor can be savoured.
Once you reach the Park, there are numerous amenities and activities to choose from, including restaurants, camping grounds, observation decks, a gift shop, a small natural history museum, and guided nature walks.
3. Joshua Tree National Park
Not far from Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park, bringing together the Mojave and the Colorado, two different desert ecosystems. There, you can discover an amazing variety of animals and plants, such as kangaroo rats, coyotes, and the teddy bear cholla cactus.
The park is located within the traditional territories of numerous indigenous tribes, including the Pinto Culture, who inhabited there as early as 4000 BC. There are also many activities available at Joshua Tree National Park, including hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, biking, bird watching, and stargazing.
4. Palm Springs Air Museum
If you are interested in history and transport, look no further than the Palm Springs Air Museum. This is a living history museum that educates on the importance of air power and how it helped to preserve American freedom.
Aircraft from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Global War on Terror, and World War Two are all featured, and many are still in flyable condition. Beyond vehicles, the museum also showcases related artifacts, library sources, and artwork. A large number of the museum’s guides are veterans with rich stories about their experiences and sacrifices.
5. El Paseo Shopping District
For all the shopaholics and foodies out there, make sure to make a trip to the El Paseo Shopping and Dining District in Palm Desert. Home to more than 300 shops and a dozen restaurants, it is without question one of Greater Palm Springs’ leading shopping and entertainment locations.
Alongside the popular brand stores like Louis Vuitton, Apple, Ralph Lauren, and Tiffany & Co., you will also find many independent specialty boutiques with an endless variety of clothing and decorating essentials, such as shoes, apparel, art, jewellery, and home décor. There is even an annual Fashion Week El Paseo! Popular eateries include Daily Grill, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, and Kitchen 86 + Bar, and the El Paseo Shopping District is also home to the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival.
6. Indian Canyons Golf Resort
There are several fantastic golf courses in and around Palm Springs, and one of the best is the Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Set on 550 acres on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and with 36 holes, it is a vast and beautiful course.
Many Hollywood celebrities have been known to frequent this resort over the years, including Jackie Gleason, Frank Sinatra, and former Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, a testament to the attractiveness of these fairways. You can enjoy the driving range, take golf lessons, and there is even a golf shop to enjoy so you can look perfect for the occasion!
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
The Colony Palms Hotel is an ideal spot if you are looking for a peaceful retreat. Popular with world-famous celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe and Zac Efron, this hotel is located in the center of Palm Springs and blends an art-deco aesthetic with Hollywood glamour. It features 57 rooms, includes poolside dining and a wellness spa, and is adults-only, so you can have a truly relaxing getaway.
For a hotel in a peaceful hillside setting, check out The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. Dating back to the 1920s, this luxury hotel has been home to a vast array of well-known faces the world over, including Clark Gable, Cameron Diaz, Shirley Temple, and Albert Einstein. With 17 rooms individually designed and beautiful gardens, notable features include a heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, three-course gourmet breakfasts overlooking a 50-foot waterfall, and individual room climate control.
If you’re looking for a total 5-star experience, consider the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage luxury hotel. Overlooking Palm Springs with mesmerising views, its beautiful, modern design is a true haven. Amenities include an exclusive Club Lounge, spa and fitness centre, serenity pools, and an unforgettable eating experience at The Edge Steakhouse.
Group Charter Flights to Palm Springs
Book a private jet to travel to Palm Springs and enjoy the epitome of comfort, style, and total luxury. Whether you are travelling with friends, family, or for business, this personalised travel experience makes the journey just as exciting as Hollywood’s Playground itself.
Palm Springs is a perfect and picturesque destination for any event, with a myriad of 5-star hotels and properties and a wide array of activities, from festivals and museums to golf courses and parks.
By travelling via private jet, flight times can be arranged to fit around you, and you can avoid the stress and business of commercial airport departure and arrival areas.
The aircraft interior can be organised to suit your preferences as well, whether you want to unwind with family, focus on business, or socialise with friends.
Our expert Group Aircraft Charter team provides a slick and seamless experience, including clearing customs, boarding, and fast and comfortable hotel transfers.
Recommended Airport in Palm Springs for Private Jet
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is just two miles from downtown Palm Springs, placing it right at the heart of the city. It offers convenient access for those arriving and departing via private jet as well as a variety of amenities and services for private jet passengers.
Ready to experience the exclusivity, convenience, seclusion, and comfort of a private jet charter when travelling to Palm Springs? Our team is available 24/7.
