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Palm Springs, CA

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Contrary to other cities in California, Palm Springs sees the peak of tourist season during winter and mid-spring. Visitors from colder regions travel to the city to enjoy balmy weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor adventures. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a major attraction in the area, with hotel prices skyrocketing to unbelievable highs. If visiting Coachella is not on your bucket list, but you'd still like to enjoy the city, the best time to visit is during fall, from October through December. The temperatures are mild, varying around 70 to 90°F (21-32°C), but nights are quite chilly. Accommodation costs drop, offering some good deals.

21 things to do in Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs International Film Festival

January 2-13, 2025 Event

Meet some A-list stars and attend exciting presentations and special events followed by glamourous night parties

Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

February 16-25, 2024 Event

From monster trucks to camel races and stunning music performances to remarkable food, there's so much more to do at the fairground

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

May 17–19, 2024 Event

This three-day event can be the most romantic escape filled with the taste of good wine, spectacular flights, and pleasant time

BNP Paribas Open

March 2-16, 2025 Event

If you are a tennis fan, this is your chance to see favorite players up close

Salton Sea

October–May Nature

Visit the largest lake in California located in the desert. The Salton Sea was created due to extreme natural forces and has been changing from year to year, and may disappear in the nearest future

Perseid Meteor Shower

late July–late August (best in mid-August) Nature

Stars begin to fall in the middle of summer—get ready to make some wishes

Hummingbirds

mid-February–early September (best in May–July) Activity

This wee zippy bird moves so fast that you'll have to try hard to take a nice picture

Chino Hills State Park Wildflowers

March–May (best in late March) Nature

Photographers spend days here trying to capture all of that fragrant tenderness with their cameras

Skiing and Snowboarding

December–March Activity

It is possible to go skiing and surfing in Los Angeles on the same day

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing

mid-October–early May Activity

This favourite place for rock climber training offers over 8,000 routes

Cactus Blooming

April–May Nature

Having visited Joshua Tree National Park, you will understand how beautiful and colourful the desert can be

Coachella

April 12-21, 2024 Event

One of the biggest and most popular music festivals is a chance to meet all stars in one place

Super Bloom in Anza-Borrego Desert

late February–April (best in mid-March) Nature

This unusual phenomenon proves that even dry and harsh places like deserts are actually alive!

Pacific Crest Trail

May–September Activity

From Mexico to Canada or reverse, a crest of mountains follows along the western states of the USA, washed by the Pacific waters—it's one of the world's most scenic natural corridors

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

December 7, 2024 Event

A signature holiday event of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley

Joshua Tree Music Festival

October 10–13, 2024 Event

Great lineup in the middle of Mojave desert

Borrego Springs Metal Sculptures

October–April Activity

A very Californian desert attraction

Christmas Lights and Events in Palm Springs

late November–December Event

Winter holidays in the desert can be fun!

New Year's Eve in Palm Springs

December 31 Event

Every other hotel, restaurant, and resort within the Palm Springs area has its special NYE offer

Paradise Falls

September–May (all year round) Nature

One of a few waterfalls thriving in the hot and dry climate of the Thousand Oaks area

Stargazing

all year round (but the best time is mid-March through mid-October) Nature

Visit the best sky-watching spots in southern California

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