Palm Springs has been a playground for Hollywood’s elite since the Rat Pack’s heyday, when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. made the oasis their stomping ground. Today, the glitterati still flock here for a taste of the desert high life. But you don’t need a star on the Walk of Fame to discover the best Palm Springs has to offer.
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did you know?
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. While the journey to San Jacinto Peak’s Alpine Station (elevation 8,516 feet) only takes about 10 minutes, it’s one of the steepest tram ascents in the world.
QUICK GUIDE
WHEN TO GO
The desert can be scorching in the summer months, and the best time to visit Palm Springs is between December and April when temperatures are most comfortable — of course, these peak months are also priciest.
NEED TO KNOW
Visas: Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.
Money: Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available.
Travel Health: Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should check for vaccination, proof of negative COVID-19 test and face mask requirements, as well as any travel restrictions before planning their trip. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away. For the latest health safety guidelines, as well as info on what’s currently open, visit the Official California State Government Website.
GETTING AROUND
Getting Here: Palm Springs is served by Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).
Getting Around: Downtown Palm Springs is easily walkable, but to reach destinations further afield plan on getting a car rental or using a ride-share service to get around.
LOCAL INTEL
Local Lingo: You might hear local chatter referencing Coachella. Chances are, they’re not talking about the valley in which Palm Springs is located, but rather, the famed multi-day Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Must-Have Apps: Uber; Palm Springs Modern Tour
Insider Tips: Plan a self-guided architecture tour around Palm Springs; the city is home to the world’s largest concentration of mid-century modern residential architecture — and many of the homes once belonged to Hollywood’s elite.