9 reasons Palm Springs is the coolest desert getaway

Palm Springs, California | Photo by Compass + Twine

Driving through Palm Springs can feel like entering a time warp. The palm tree-lined streets were a favorite old-school Hollywood hangout, and in the ’50s and ’60s, stars like Frank Sinatra  spent their weekends turning the city into a star-studded playground. The town is dotted with midcentury-modern architecture and year round pool parties are in no short supply.

RELATED: The coolest restaurants in Palm Springs

In recent years, the California desert town has been seeing a huge revival; a young, cool crowd is flocking there for its host of new restaurants, funky retro architecture and myriad outdoor activities. Whether it’s LA dwellers driving east for the weekend or East Coasters flying west for a week-long trip, Palm Springs is an ideal destination any season (although winter nights do get quite chilly). Here are nine reasons why we love it:

Hiking in Palm Springs | Photo by Compass + Twine

1: GREAT HIKING
A dry, arid climate and picturesque mountain backdrop make Palm Springs an ideal destination for the outdoorsy types. The desert gets hot, so morning hikes are best, but be sure to bring plenty of water! Once the sun is out, the mercury rises pretty quickly. Venture out on the Palm Canyon Trail for a variety of terrain and gorgeous views.

Brunch at Norma’s | Photo by Compass + Twine

2: AWESOME DINING
Arrive in Palm Springs hungry because there are many amazing places to eat (and it wasn’t always that way). We love weekend brunch at Cheeky’s or Norma’s, where light and lemony griddle cakes topped with devonshire cream have us drooling. The Barn Kitchen is a great spot for lunch and Birba serves delicious pizzas and cocktails. Other popular spots are Farm, Chi Chi at the Avalon Hotel and King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel.

All teed up | Photo by Compass + Twine

3: GREAT GOLF
There’s a reason rumors swirled after his presidency ended that Obama and his family would set their roots down in the Palms Springs area. The golf scene is epic! Dating back to the Rat Pack, a plethora of immaculately manicured courses, designed by the likes of Nicklaus & Palmer, have attracted professionals, celebrities, average-Joes, and retirees for decades. Swing your irons or rent a set at amazing courses like La Quinta, Indian Wells, or Classic Club. Beyond the quality of play, Palm Springs’ lush green golf lawns set a striking scene against the rugged dessert backdrop.

Palm Springs pool scene | Photo by Compass + Twine

4: KILLER POOL SCENE
Nothing keeps you cool in the desert better than a dip in the pool. Whether it’s a quite poolside afternoon in the backyard of your rental property or at a cocktail-infused party scene at your hotel, you’ll be grateful for the cool-off.  No matter the time of the year (most pools are perfectly heated year round),  a visit to Palm Springs is not complete without a proper pool party and many of them—including the Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club and the Saguaro—are open to the public.

Joshua Tree National Park | Photo by Compass + Twine

5: CLOSE TO JOSHUA TREE
Less than an hour drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is an impressive sight. Craggy rocks and funky shaped trees (they’re Joshua trees!) make this park feel like something from a Dr. Seuss story. The unique landscape comes from the collision of  two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, which come together in Southern California. Visit for a day hike and see the stunning wildflowers or spend a night or two camping! In any case, bring your camera because this is one of the most beautiful corners of the country.

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Lobby at The Parker Palm Springs | Photo by Compass + Twine

6: TRENDY HOTELS
Palm Springs’ trendy hotel scene defines the destination. Many properties overflow with character and individuality. The Parker Palm Springs is certainly a favorite of the hip, creative crowd and home to some the most sought after rooms in town. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is always hopping, as is the boutique-y Saguaro Hotel, which you can spot from the road, thanks to the brightly colored façade. For a more romantic getaway, check in to the Korakai Pensione. Decked out in Moroccan decor and covered in citrus and olive trees, the hotel attracts travelers from around the world.

Bank of America, Palm Springs | Photo by Compass + Twine

7: MIDCENTURY-MODERN ARCHITECTURE
If you’re a design junky, the architecture alone is reason enough for a visit. Even those who don’t have a keen eye for design will notice the difference. Midcentury-modern architecture abounds; some newer buildings have been purposefully built in this style, while others are original to the time period. On South Palm Canyon Drive, you’ll find the original Bank of America, built in 1959. Carefully maintained, the bank is still open for business nearly 60 years later. Also, check out the stunning midcentury masterpieces designed by William Krisel that dot the Racquet Club Estates neighborhood.

Cotton candy sky | Photo by Compass + Twine

8: COTTON CANDY SUNSETS
Something about the desert terrain and light that makes sunsets here extra special. More than 350 days of sunshine annually means that almost every evening visitors are greeted with a display of cotton candy colors as the sun sinks below the mountains. A sky painted in brilliant hues of pink, yellow, orange and purple creates a golden hour and sunset second to none.

In-N-Out Burger | Photo by Compass + Twine

9: PROXIMITY TO IN-N-OUT BURGER
You just can’t come to California without getting your In-N-Out fix. Maybe it’s because you want what you can’t have (the chain is predominately on the West Coast only) or maybe it’s just that it’s friggin’ delicious, but no trip to California is complete without a pit stop at the burger joint. Whether ordering a single burger or a double-double, be sure to make it ‘animal style’.

Tagged: California