Summer is the best-kept secret when it comes to visiting Palm Springs, in this local’s humble opinion.
Not only are the crowds and traffic gone, but you can also score the best deals on hotels, restaurants and things to do in Palm Springs! Summer rates offer some of the best prices on hotels you’ll find all year long, and there’s plenty to enjoy during the summer months!
Now, full disclosure. Is it hot? Yes. Is it unbearable? Not at all! Plus, there are plenty of indoor or poolside options that help to beat the summer heat. Here are my favorite recommendations!
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Summer is the perfect time to take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains. While these mountain peaks are covered in snow during the winter months, summertime reveals beautiful hiking trails and nature to explore. Temps can be up to 30-degrees cooler at the top of the Tram, too!
Plus, if you’re coming to Palm Springs more than once in the summer, you can save even more with the Tram’s summer pass. The summer pass offers unlimited rides for just $85 for adults and $45 for children ages 3-10. And passholders also get dining discounts and free parking!
In 2023, the summer pass is valid through July 31. Usually, the pass is good through August, and the Tram closes in September for annual maintenance. This year, the Tram will close in August for annual maintenance so that it can be open in September to celebrate its 60th anniversary!
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Summer is foodie season in the desert! The summer season kicks off each year with Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, a 10-day event with special prix fixe menus at dozens of restaurants around the Coachella Valley.
Participating restaurants can offer lunch, dinner or both. Lunch prices are $15, $25, or $35, while dinner prices are set at $29, $39, or $49. There’s also a special $99 option this year for some of the more high-end or unique experiences, like the dinner theater offered at PS Underground.
I have an in-depth guide to Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week here. And for participating restaurants, menus, and reservations, visit dineGPS.com.
The Spa at Sec-he
Summer is the perfect time for a spa day in Palm Springs! And your best bet for a summer spa day is definitely at The Spa at Séc-he, which just opened in downtown Palm Springs April of 2023.
Check out my full guide to The Spa at Séc-he here!
Splash House
One of the best things to do in Palm Springs this summer is enjoy some poolside fun. And if you’re looking for a pool party, look no further than Splash House!
Held over three weekends through the summer months, Splash House is an iconic Palm Springs summer pool party. It’s held across three resort properties: Saguaro Palm Springs, Renaissance Palm Springs, and Margaritaville Palm Springs.
This year (2023), Splash House will be held on June 9-11, August 11-13, and August 18-20. Pool parties feature DJs throughout the day, and there’s also an afterparty at the Palm Springs Air Museum at night! Note that Splash House is a 21+ event.
Pool Day in Palm Springs
If you’re looking for a more relaxing, low-key pool day in Palm Springs, not to worry—almost all local hotels and vacation rentals will come with a pool. After all, it’s a must in Palm Springs!
And even if not, you can use Resort Pass to find and book day passes to many Palm Springs resorts. The only question is, which pool is right for you?
If you’re coming with the family, the resort pool are usually the best bet. Resorts like Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, and Renaissance Indian Wells offer loads of family-friendly fun. Omni is known for its water park, while the Hyatt offers a lazy river and the Renaissance has a sandy beach for the little ones to enjoy.
For a more adult vibe, check out the pools at The Saguaro, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, or The Paloma Resort. Many of Palm Springs’ smaller boutique inns are also available on Resort Pass, so this is a great option to explore some of the more unique properties of Palm Springs!
VillageFest
Every Thursday night, downtown Palm Springs transforms into an outdoor market as VillageFest takes over Palm Canyon Drive. It’s the perfect way to explore downtown as the sun sets, temperatures cool and the city comes alive with vendors and visitors alike.
All along Palm Canyon, you’ll find vendors selling all sorts of arts, crafts, and souvenirs. There’s also dozens of food trucks and vendors selling everything from homecooked Filipino food to tacos and more!
Plus, many of the downtown Palm Springs shops and restaurants will stay open late during VillageFest, giving you even more ways to explore. And while you’re there, you’re right next to many of these top photo ops in Palm Springs!
Looking for more things to do on your summer getaway? Check out these free things to do in Palm Springs!
