r/palmsprings • • May 13 '26

Visiting FAQs for r/PalmSprings. Need to know what to do? Where to go? and what living here is like? Start here!

15 Upvotes

🌴 Palm Springs FAQ/PSA: Start Here Before Posting 🌴

Welcome to r/PalmSprings! This post is meant to help visitors, locals, future residents, and repeat question-askers find the most useful information before making a new post.

Palm Springs and the greater Coachella Valley have a lot to offer: pools, mid-century modern architecture, hiking, spas, restaurants, LGBTQIA+ nightlife, events, festivals, golf, art, shopping, and nearby desert day trips. A lot of common questions have already been answered in the wiki and in past subreddit threads, so please start here first.

Search by flair:

  • Eat & Drink - Unearth conversations about delectable dining and refreshing libations.
  • Things to Do - Immerse yourself in discussions on activities, shopping, must-see spots, and captivating events.
  • Visiting - Explore a treasure trove of tips, from hotel recommendations and weather insights to dining suggestions and city exploration.

Latest Update: May 13, 2026
This FAQ has been refreshed with newer wiki pages, updated visitor resources, short-term rental guidance, moving advice, restaurant/bar/hotel guides, and popular Reddit recommendation threads from the last few years.


Before You Post

Please check the wiki, this FAQ, and the subreddit search before posting common questions like:

  • “Where should I stay?”
  • “What should I do this weekend?”
  • “Best restaurants?”
  • “Best bars?”
  • “Moving to Palm Springs — what should I know?”
  • “Is summer really that hot?”
  • “Do I need a car?”
  • “Best hotel pool?”
  • “Where should I go for a bachelorette/bachelor trip?”
  • “What city should I stay in?”
  • “Is Palm Springs good for kids?”
  • “Can I bring my dog hiking?”
  • “What are the short-term rental rules?”

If you still post, you will get much better answers if you include details.

If you are visiting, include:

  • Dates of your visit
  • Where you are staying or considering staying
  • Whether you will have a car
  • Budget
  • Group size
  • Ages in your group
  • Interests
  • Food preferences or restrictions
  • Whether you are traveling with kids or pets
  • Whether you want quiet, nightlife, LGBTQIA+ bars, family-friendly activities, hiking, luxury, budget, pools, spas, shopping, architecture, etc.
  • What you already found in the wiki or search

If you are moving, include:

  • Budget
  • Renting or buying
  • Whether you need local work or work remotely
  • Whether you have kids
  • Whether schools matter
  • Whether you have pets
  • Whether you want quiet or social
  • Whether walkability matters
  • Whether LGBTQIA+ community/nightlife matters
  • Whether you have visited in summer
  • Which cities/neighborhoods you are considering
  • Your heat tolerance
  • What you already researched

Low-detail posts may be removed or redirected to this FAQ, the wiki, or a monthly Q&A thread.


The r/PalmSprings Wiki

The wiki is the best place to start.

New / Expanded Wiki Pages


Official Visitor Resources

These are good places to check for current information, events, hours, and planning help.


Quick Answers to Common Questions

Do I need a car?

Maybe. If you are staying downtown and mostly want restaurants, bars, shopping, museums, and pool time, you may be fine walking and using rideshare.

You probably want a car if you plan to visit Joshua Tree, Indian Canyons, Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, The Living Desert, golf courses, or multiple valley cities.

See: Getting Around Town


When is the best time to visit?

Generally, October through April is the most comfortable season. Spring is popular for events and outdoor activities. Summer is much hotter and requires planning around heat.

Summer can still be fun for pools, spas, restaurants, museums, hotel deals, and nightlife, but hiking and outdoor activities should be done very early or skipped.

See: Complete Guide to Visiting Palm Springs


Is summer really that hot?

Yes. Do not underestimate it. Summer highs are often over 100°F, and midday outdoor activities can be dangerous. Plan around pools, shade, air conditioning, museums, spas, and evening activities.

Do not hike in extreme heat unless you are experienced, prepared, and starting very early.

See: Hiking and Outdoor Safety


What city should I stay in?

It depends on your trip.

  • Palm Springs: best for first-time visitors, nightlife, restaurants, LGBTQIA+ bars, boutique hotels, architecture, walkability.
  • Desert Hot Springs: mineral spas, quieter retreats, usually more driving.
  • Cathedral City: central location, sometimes more affordable, mostly car-dependent.
  • Rancho Mirage: upscale resorts, golf, quiet luxury.
  • Palm Desert: shopping, family-friendly resorts, The Living Desert, El Paseo, golf.
  • La Quinta: golf, resorts, mountain views, Old Town La Quinta.
  • Indio: Coachella/Stagecoach, festivals, larger rentals, east valley.
  • Coachella: east valley, cultural events, not the same as the festival grounds.
  • Thousand Palms: quieter/residential, near Coachella Valley Preserve.

See: Where to Stay


Popular Reddit Threads: Visiting / General Trip Advice


Where to Eat

Start here:

Popular restaurant threads


Where to Drink / Nightlife

Start here:

Popular categories:

  • Cocktail lounges
  • Tiki bars
  • LGBTQIA+ bars
  • Sports bars
  • Breweries
  • Wine bars
  • Hotel bars
  • Dive bars
  • Speakeasy-style bars
  • Live music
  • Drag shows
  • Casinos

Popular past nightlife threads:


Where to Stay

Start here:

Popular hotel / lodging threads


Things to Do

Start here:

Popular things-to-do threads


Bachelor / Bachelorette / Group Trips

Please search before posting. These come up often.

Group trip tips:

  • Make dinner reservations early.
  • Call restaurants for large groups.
  • Use rideshare if drinking.
  • Do not plan loud parties at vacation rentals.
  • Check short-term rental rules before booking a house.
  • Respect residential neighborhoods.

LGBTQIA+ Palm Springs

Start here:

Popular LGBTQIA+ threads:


Moving to Palm Springs

Start here:

Popular moving threads


Hiking and Outdoor Safety

Start here:

Quick safety reminders:

  • Bring more water than you think you need.
  • Do not hike in extreme heat.
  • Start early.
  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Do not rely on cell service.
  • Many trails do not allow dogs.
  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Respect cultural and protected areas.

Events

Start here:

Major annual / recurring events include:


Final Reminder

Palm Springs is a great place to visit and live, but the best recommendations depend on your dates, budget, transportation, interests, and group. Please use the wiki and search first, then include details if you make a post.

If you notice broken links, closed restaurants, outdated hotel information, changed short-term rental rules, missing resources, or anything that should be added, please message the mods.

Thanks for helping keep r/PalmSprings useful, welcoming, and easy to search!


r/palmsprings • • 25d ago

Weekly Q&A Palm Springs monthly: Q&As for newcomers and travelers

3 Upvotes

Hi! Welcome to the Palm Springs Monthly thread.

This is the place to ask questions about the city, or to get info related to moving here or visiting.

Rules for posting:

  • Read the PSA/FAQ before posting a question. The wiki is full of frequently asked questions from where to stay, food and drinks and moving here. It has proved really useful for lots of visitors.
  • Search for older threads answering your question.
  • No posts requesting purchasing/offering drugs.

This thread is posted automatically the second of every month!


r/palmsprings • • 13h ago

Living Here Tower Market - $1 million to Trump

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11 Upvotes

r/palmsprings • • 7h ago

Ask Palm Springs SEEKING room w/ private bath in Palm Springs, or roomate(s)

2 Upvotes

Hiya! Who’s looking to fill a room or team up to find something next month, November? Or maybe December.

I’m full-time staff RN at Desert Regional (not a traveler) and looking for long-term housing in Palm Springs. I plan to stay in the valley for at least a couple of years.

I’m very tidy, considerate, and always clean up after myself. Hoping to find roommates who share that approach and a quiet home where I can sleep after 12-hour night shifts and study as I continue my education. Heavy sleeper, but quiet times from 9a-4p are a must. I only run this schedule 6 days on, then switch to normal sleep schedule for the following 8 days.

I don’t smoke and rarely drink, but don’t mind if others do. I’m social and easygoing, enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and the gym, and appreciate both friendly roommates and personal space. I’ll often be away traveling or spending time with my partner on days off.

Reach out if you have a room available or think we’d be a good fit. Hoping to stay around $1000/month, but flexible for the right fit. Cheers!


r/palmsprings • • 13h ago

Visiting Live Christmas tree availability around 12/20ish

0 Upvotes

Has anyone bought a live tree around Dec 20-22? Or have you had one delivered? I know it'll be slim pickings and this is a long shot in any city, so please be kind. We'd love some advice. Thank you!

Backstory: We'll be spending our tenth+ Christmas visiting an older family member. In the past we've come weeks early to help her get a live tree, then returned for the holiday. This year, that will be very difficult. And she insists on having a live tree but is increasing less mobile.


r/palmsprings • • 1d ago

Visiting Uber/Lyft to Ontario airport?

3 Upvotes

I’ll be coming to Pride in a couple weeks. What’s the Uber/Lyft availability like for rides going to/from Ontario Airport? Trying to decide if it makes sense to rent a car or take uber/lyft.
Also, Is it safe to guesstimate a one way fare will be around $100?

Thanks!!!


r/palmsprings • • 1d ago

Ask Palm Springs Esthetician Recs

2 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations for a licensed esthetician or doctor to help improve my elder Millenial face. I’m talking laser facials, skin tightening treatments, things of that nature…no injectables. Seems like there are so many practitioners in the area that it’s hard to narrow them down. I’m in the high desert but looking to come down the hill for the right place, thanks in advance!


r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

Living Here EV Chargers are Open at Dinah Shore & Lawrence Crossley

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67 Upvotes

So happy to see the EV Chargers are open at Dinah Shore & Lawrence Crossley.

They all offer both NACS & CCS on each charger!

They are on the EVCS Network.


r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

General Kitty needs a savior

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39 Upvotes

Lyla underwent surgery to have her eye removed, but despite everything she’s been through, she’s pulling through and remains one of the sweetest, friendliest cats despite being felv+

It looks like her owners dumped her and left her to be sick all alone. She’s healthy now, she just need love and a family

We are looking for a foster in palm springs

Can anyone open their heart and home to foster her? She deserves a chance at life


r/palmsprings • • 1d ago

Eat & Drink Restaurant Help

0 Upvotes

hi! sorry in advance if this has been asked. i am a little overwhelmed with restaurants.

we have booked Bar Issi, Bar Cecil, The Workshop & La Copine.

should i replace any of these with Lola Rose or any other recommended dinner spots? Looking at Canopy Wine Lounge for pre dinner drinks as well.


r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

Things To Do Trixie Mattel is DJing Pride!

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36 Upvotes

Tickets at ToucansTikiLounge.com


r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

Sell your Sh*t Sunday Sell your Sh*t Sunday. Post all buy/sell stuff here!

3 Upvotes

You heard it right! Its that wild day of the week where we let you put up your stuff for sale so others can buy your things.

Have fun and stay safe.


r/palmsprings • • 3d ago

Living Here The reason it’s called Palm Springs

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299 Upvotes

r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

Eat & Drink Please help Paul's Bar!

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38 Upvotes

Hey everyone.

Not connected to this at all, but since Sept 1st Paul's Bar has been shut for remodeling and expansion. But they've run out of money and because they've been shut for almost 2 months, lenders wont touch it despite his years of service here in Palm Springs.

For the locals, we all know and jealously keep secret our recommendation for Pauls lest it get over-run any more than it already is.

If you're new here or are looking to visit our fair city in the future, Paul's is that hidden gem where it's hidden in plain sight in a butt-ugly strip mall, but once you go inside you're whisked away to a fancy bistro somewhere in Paris. Food, amazing. Staff, incredible.

If you know and love Paul's or want to see it not close, please consider donating as much as you can.

https://gofund.me/22ec5c204


r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

Things To Do Cool ice cream festival

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32 Upvotes

If you’re looking for something fun to do next Sunday, November 1, Scoop Palm Springs is back at Downtown Park from 12-4pm! $35 SHAREABLE tickets (all proceeds go to charity) gets you 10 ice cream and gelato tastings (about 5 scoops) and you can mix and match them with friends and family. There’ll be live spinning with MODGIRL, a kids’ zone with PS Parks & Rec and lots of fun photo ops - plus all proceeds go to The LGBTQ Center’s Community Food Bank. More info and tickets at https://www.scooppalmsprings.org


r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

Eat & Drink Carne asada fries

2 Upvotes

Where are the best ones in town?


r/palmsprings • • 2d ago

Ask Palm Springs Moving - Ranch Club

0 Upvotes

Hey everybody - I'm moving to PS soon. Does anyone know anything about the Ranch Club Estates?

Know anyone who lives or lived there? Any area information? Any information at all appreciated.

Home | Ranch Club Palm Estates


r/palmsprings • • 3d ago

News and Weather Here are live cams of Palm Springs

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62 Upvotes

https://kesq.com/weather-cams/

I live elswhere for now and like to look at these because it shows how gorgeous the area is. I figured others who can't be there right now would like them also.


r/palmsprings • • 3d ago

Eat & Drink Local interested in news of new restaurants

2 Upvotes

I’ve dined at many of the often-recommended, popular restaurants in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert and am looking for new dinner spots to try.


r/palmsprings • • 3d ago

General A Different Side of Palm Springs, Frame by Frame

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68 Upvotes

r/palmsprings • • 3d ago

Living Here Question for MCM Arch Buffs

5 Upvotes

There seems to be a fair amount of architecturally significant MCM homes with large square footage (4500 sqft+) in PS that only have/originally had one or two bedrooms. Examples that come to mind are the Abernathy house, Steve Chase designed home in Indian Cyns, A. Quincy Jones in OLP (6300+ sqft).

Is the answer simple as these were built as vacation homes meant to entertain but not host guests? No reason for asking other than just being a genuinely curious fan of PS architecture.


r/palmsprings • • 4d ago

General For people who spend time outdoors in the desert: how do you carry water?

3 Upvotes

I’m a UCSB student researching how people handle water during outdoor activities in desert heat. If you walk, hike, attend outdoor events, or work outside around Palm Springs, what do you usually carry water in? Does the water’s temperature become an issue during a long outing or shift? What do you do about it now?
I’m exploring an accessory for an existing hydration pack that would help keep its water cool. I’d be interested in what would make that useful or impractical for you.


r/palmsprings • • 4d ago

Visiting Hotel O2 in DHS ?

5 Upvotes

Has anyone been to Hotel O2 in Desert Hot Spings recently? Curious if it has new ownership, because there are some terrible reviews of it last year, under a slightly different name, and no reviews this year.


r/palmsprings • • 4d ago

Things To Do Shea Freeman at Rock Gallery Comedy Club

0 Upvotes

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Deqbkcytuzo/?dlrf=MWJuNnEwdzJuMmw1Zg==

Come see me and my wife take jabs at each other Friday night at Rock Gallery Comedy Club! Show starts at 8pm, tickets are available on Eventbrite!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shea-freeman-andrea-vicunia-live-in-palm-springs-tickets-1998113432063?aff=ebdsoporgprofile


r/palmsprings • • 5d ago

Visiting Where in Palm Springs to watch the midterm election results? 🇦🇺🇺🇸

12 Upvotes

​

Hey Palm Springs,

We're an Aussie couple in our 30s who'll be visiting Palm Springs during the midterm elections on November 3, and we're keen to find somewhere to watch the results roll in somewhere where other peeps are also watching it.

We both work in policy/law fields and have been following some of the more interesting Senate and House races closely. We'd love to experience election night with a crowd who are just as invested in what's happening.

Politically, we're pragmatic, open-minded progressives, and we'd enjoy somewhere with a like-minded crowd, good conversation, a few drinks and a bit of election-night atmosphere.

Are there any bars, venues or organised watch parties you'd recommend? Ideally somewhere the results will be on the screens and people will actually be following them, rather than just having the news on in the background.

Would love any local suggestions.

Cheers from Australia! 🇦🇺