Where to Stay in Palm Springs (Best Places & Areas)

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is quite spread out with enough room to accommodate thousands of visitors each year. There are many neighborhoods close to the downtown shopping area and dispersed further throughout the desert.

I recommend staying in downtown Palm Springs to be closest to the city’s best attractions and nightlife. But neighborhoods, like Vistas Las Palmas, Movie Colony, and the Tahquitz River Estates, can also be good choices and have many hotels to choose from. 

Neighboring cities like Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage are also good options, especially if you’re looking for luxe resorts. I’ll overview all of these places and more so you can know exactly where to stay on your trip.

Downtown Palm Springs

👉 Best Area For Central Location | ✨ Best Downtown Palm Springs Hotels: Andreas Hotel & Spa • The Dunes Hotel • Triada Palm Springs • Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel

The majority of Palm Springs attractions are located downtown. I suggest staying here to be closest to the action if it’s your first time in this palm tree-laden city. 

The bulk of the hotels in Palm Springs are also in this area, so you can’t go wrong with the location. Many restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the hotels, so you’ll save on transportation, too.

You will find adults-only hotels with lavish pools and complete bars, along with kid-friendly resorts with water slides and kiddie pools. The Dunes Hotel is a highly-rated option for families traveling with kids. My top pick, the adults-only Andreas Hotel & Spa, is just minutes away from all the best downtown sites.

Spend a day or two exploring the Palm Springs Walk of Stars or the Moorten Botanical Garden. Don’t miss VillageFest, which is also downtown! Find locally-made handicrafts every Thursday all year round at this night market.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Palm Springs:

• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Easy to walk to main attractions
• Plenty of luxury hotels and resorts 
• Lots of adults-only hotels to choose from
• Close to golf courses

Cons of Staying in Downtown Palm Springs:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Not all hotels allow kids
• Noisy, especially on the weekends
• Bad traffic on the weekends
• Attractions can be crowded

Movie Colony

👉 Best Area For Vintage Charm | ✨ Best Movie Colony Hotels: Movie Colony Hotel • Alcazar Palm Springs • 7 Springs Inn & Suites • The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows

The historic Movie Colony neighborhood was once home to many Hollywood celebrities. Big-name actors and singers would flee the mayhem of Los Angeles to this quiet, sunny neighborhood where directors and fans couldn’t find them.

The Movie Colony still retains a glamorous vibe and the area’s vintage hotels are reminiscent of Old Hollywood. I recommend staying at Alcazar Palm Springs to indulge in this glamorous feeling.

The nearby Ruth Hardy Park is an ideal place to lounge during the day or participate in activities like tennis, jogging, or outdoor workouts. The Movie Colony neighborhood is a good place to stay for tranquility without venturing too far away from downtown.

The main attraction of this area is the Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate, a true party location in the 1950s. Even if you don’t stay in the Movie Colony during your trip, visiting the area is a must!

Pros of Staying in Movie Colony:

• Close to downtown Palm Springs
• Historic neighborhood
• Removed from tourists
• Gated and safe community

Cons of Staying in Movie Colony:

• Accommodation options fill up fast
• Less big hotel amenities are offered
• Few restaurants and bars in the neighborhood

Palm Desert

👉 Best Area For Golfing | ✨ Best Palm Desert Hotels: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa • Hotel Paseo • The Inn at Deep Canyon

Palm Desert is just outside of Palm Springs and it’s a major hub for golf lovers. Golfers rush to Palm Desert to enjoy some of the most famous courses in all of California. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is right near several of the best.

The Shops on El Paseo are another draw to the area. Designer boutiques comprise the area as well as art galleries and hip restaurants. Palm Desert is also a good place to stay if traveling with children. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is a top attraction for families.

The hotels in the area receive far fewer visitors than some over-packed Palm Springs hotels and resorts. This means Palm Desert is an ideal choice for visitors who don’t like big crowds.  It also has several budget-friendly options, like The Inn at Deep Canyon.

Pros of Staying in Palm Desert:

• Access to high-quality golf courses
• Fewer crowds than in Palm Springs proper
• Lots of delicious restaurants and bars
• Plenty of budget options
• Great for families

Cons of Staying in Palm Desert:

• Farther from the main attractions
• Dining options can be expensive
• Not much nightlife or bar scene

Indian Wells

👉 Best Area For Tennis | ✨ Best Indian Wells Hotels: Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas • Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa • Sands Hotel and Spa • Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Indian Wells is a desert town with breathtaking mountain views, towering palm trees, and phenomenal golf courses. The city also has the most complete tennis facilities in the greater low desert area. 

Tennis fanatics stay in Indian Wells to be close to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which hosts the world-famous BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament every March. This is the biggest tournament in California and showcases the top professionals. Book a room at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa if you’re visiting for this event. It’s just a short drive away.

Indian Wells is between Palm Desert and La Quinta, so it’s further from the bulk of crowds. Other attractions in the town include a weekly farmers market, spas, and hot air balloon rides.This desert escape is also close to The Living Zoo Desert and Gardens and Desert Adventures Jeep Tours, so it’s great for families, too. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas is a popular hotel for families. Kids love the water slides and lazy river.

Pros of Staying in Indian Wells:

• Home to the BNP Paribus Open/Indian Wells Open
• Many tennis courts, country clubs, and spas in the area
• Restaurants and bars within walking distance of the downtown area
• Fewer crowds 

Cons of Staying in Indian Wells:

• Farther from the main attractions
• Hotels can be expensive
• Not many unique dining options
• Can be crowded on the weekends

Vista Las Palmas

👉 Best Area For Chic Architecture | ✨ Best Vista Las Palmas Hotels: Fleur Noire Hotel • Trixie Motel • Vista Las Palmas Midcentury • ARRIVE Palm Springs

Vista Las Palmas, or “View of the Palms,” is appropriately named. The streets are lined with palm trees, making this one of the most iconic Palm Springs neighborhoods.

The buildings in this area display impressive midcentury-modern architecture. They’re some of the most interesting buildings in Palm Springs, including one owned by the late Elvis Presley.

This neighborhood has a laid-back vibe and is a true desert retreat. The small community is secure and the noise levels are regulated. Vista Las Palmas is the perfect option for visitors who prioritize a full night’s rest over extravagant nightlife.

The area has a good mix of home rentals and boutique hotels. Choose my top overall hotel pick, Fleur Noire Hotel, a quiet 21-and-over hotel with beautiful decor and a large pool. Vistas Las Palmas Midcentury is one of the area’s best home rentals. It’s spacious, clean, and perfect for those who want to stay in one of the chic midcentury modern homes in the area.

Pros of Staying in Vista Las Palmas:

• Close to downtown Palm Springs
• Safe and quiet neighborhood 
• Many rental options are available
• Beautiful architecture

Cons of Staying in Vista Las Palmas:

• No prominent nightlife scene
• Accommodation options can be expensive
• Not many dining options

Tahquitz River Estates

👉 Best Area For Hiking Trails | ✨ Best Tahquitz River Estates Hotels: Yara Hotel • Hotel California • The Stardust Hotel • La Maison Hotel • Villa Royale

Tahquitz River Estates is located on the southern portion of Palm Canyon Drive. Here, you’ll find a tight-knit community with vintage shops and diverse dining options. This area of Palm Springs is popular for walking tours due to its quirky-looking homes.

Stay here if you like to hike. This neighborhood is only minutes from Tahquitz Canyon, which features a beautiful waterfall hike through granitic canyons and desert flora. The Tahquitz Creek Footbridge and Trail is another popular hike in the area. It follows the creek along the towering Tahquitz Canyon and it’s an ideal hike to watch the sunrise or sunset.

This area has many adults-only hotels, so it’s a good place for couples looking for a kid-free vacation. Both The Stardust Hotel and Villa Royale are ideal for couples searching for a touch of romance.

Tahquitz River Estates receives fewer crowds than the heart of downtown but benefits from being close to it. The popular VillageFest is within walking distance of this neighborhood, as are the most popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Pros of Staying in Tahquitz River Estates:

• Close to nature and hiking trails
• Father away from tourist crowds
• Within walking distance of great bars and restaurants
• Great shopping options
• Lots of adults-only hotel options

Cons of Staying in Tahquitz River Estates:

• There can be traffic on the weekends
• Dining and nightlife are expensive
• Louder at night than other neighborhoods

Rancho Mirage

👉 Best Area For Recreational Activities | ✨ Best Rancho Mirage Hotels: The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage • Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rancho Mirage • Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage is between Cathedral City and Palm Desert and is part of the greater Palm Springs area. The stunning San Jacinto Mountains surround this town. You just may spot a bighorn sheep jumping from boulder to boulder in its natural playground if you’re lucky.

Rancho Mirage boasts world-class resorts, award-winning dining options, and many recreational activities. Stay at The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage if you want to experience the best of all three. 

The Rancho Mirage Agua Caliente Casino is also one of the best things to do in the area. Come here and you might strike gold. And the golf courses in Rancho Mirage have some of the best views because they’re nestled at the base of the mountains.

Pros of Staying in Rancho Mirage:

• Agua Caliente Casino
• Farther away from crowds
• Scenic golf courses
• Many resorts to choose from

Cons of Staying in Rancho Mirage:

• Fewer entertainment options
• Farther away from the main Palm Springs attractions
• There can be traffic
• Noise levels can be high, especially on the weekends
• Fewer activities for kids

Tips for Staying in Palm Springs

Visit in the Non-Summer Months

Palm Springs frequently reaches temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. You will want to visit Palm Springs in the other three seasons for the most enjoyable experience.

Oftentimes, pools aren’t even refreshing when it’s so hot outside. Be prepared for nice weather in the winter that only requires a light jacket. Winter is actually the peak season in this low desert city and one of the best times to visit California.

Consider Day Trips

There’s a lot to explore in Palm Springs, but the surrounding areas are just as good. Joshua Tree is just under an hour from the city and features one of the top national parks in California. 

Another great day trip from Palm Springs is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is one of my favorite state parks in California and is a thousand times worth the hour’s drive. 

Bring Your Hiking Gear

The Mount San Jacinto hike starts in Palm Springs. Don’t forget to bring your hiking gear because the views of the Inland Empire are the greatest from the summit of this mountain. 

From the Palm Springs tram, hike through pine and manzanita trees until you reach the top of the 10,834-foot summit. This is an all-day experience so you will want to pack the hiking essentials.

Make sure you have at least 3 liters of water, plenty of food, extra clothing layers, and a rain jacket if you go on this all-day hike.

Keep Your Thursday Nights Free

The VillageFest is one of the top attractions in Palm Springs. California locals drive up to three hours just to attend the event!

This Thursday night market hosts local artisans and live art performances. VillageFest is a super popular attraction, especially in the summer months. Be prepared for crowds! 

Consider Leaving the Kids at Home

There are kid-friendly attractions in Palm Springs, but you will have a more enjoyable trip if you take an adult-only trip to the desert city. There are even hotels and resorts that are specific adults-only establishments, including many in Tahquitz River Estates.

Children are certainly welcomed, but nightlife and drinking are the big draws to the city. Finding a babysitter is the last thing you want to worry about on vacation.

Rent a Car

Renting a car makes it easy to take day trips from the city. Discover Cars is one of the best car rental options with affordable prices and reliable services.

Rideshares are plentiful in the area but can be spotty late at night. Having the flexibility of your own transportation allows you to enjoy your vacation instead of worrying about rideshare availability.

Make Dinner Reservations

Palm Springs restaurants can get incredibly crowded, especially on the weekends. I suggest making reservations before you eat out if you don’t want to wait in long lines and get “hangry.”

Palm Springs is one of the most popular day trips from LA, so places to eat tend to fill up. Ensure you have your reservation at your most-anticipated restaurant ahead of time. Snag a reservation for dinner every day of the week but also breakfast, brunch, and lunch on the weekends.

Research & Book Hotels Early

The sheer amount of hotels and resorts in the Palm Springs area can be incredibly overwhelming. Research hotels ahead of time to find the perfect one within your budget.

There’s something for everyone, from small-scale boutiques to lavish 5-star resorts. You may also find bundle deals online if you book ahead of time so don’t forget to look as early as possible.  

Don’t Miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tram

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the city’s main attractions. Don’t miss your chance to soar high among the rock cliffs and mountain walls.

There is a cafe at the top of the tram, and it’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee and unwind on your vacation. You can also hike to the beginning of the San Jacinto Trail from the top of the tram if you’re up for a challenge.

FAQs

What is the nicest part of Palm Springs?

Downtown is the nicest part of Palm Springs. Palm Springs Canyon Drive is dotted on either side by giant palm trees, making it a true postcard-worthy view of the city. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shopping, and bars are in this picturesque downtown area.

Is Palm Springs a walkable city?

You can explore downtown Palm Springs on foot without a problem. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other and others are only a short drive away. Most hotels are also only a short distance from the airport. However, you will want a rental car to go on day trips and explore beyond Palm Springs.

Where is better to stay, Palm Springs or Palm Desert?

There are more tourist attractions in Palm Springs, making this a more desirable destination. Palm Desert is a golf haven and is an overall quieter area, making this town more pleasant for certain visitors.

How many days is enough in Palm Springs?

You can fully explore Palm Springs in one day. The city is not that big and can be explored in a half or full-day excursion. More days are recommended if you want to make day trips to explore the surrounding desert or to fully enjoy the benefits of your desert spa.

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Thank you for reading my guide! Once you’ve booked your hotel, check out my guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs so you can start making your itinerary.