Palm Springs & Joshua Tree: Desert Dreams and Starry Skies

Palm Springs has a way of pulling you in—retro vibes, desert landscapes, and a touch of Hollywood glamour. It’s the perfect gateway to explore both the chic desert city and the wild beauty of Joshua Tree. Whether you fly into Palm Springs Airport (convenient and tiny, in the best way) or John Wayne Airport in Orange County, renting a car is a must. The desert is vast, and the magic is scattered across winding roads and star-drenched skies.

We usually stay right in Palm Springs—sometimes an Airbnb with mid-century modern flair, other times the luxurious Ritz Carlton when we’re craving resort-style comfort.

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What to Do in Palm Springs

✨ Ride the Tram

Hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and ascend to Mount San Jacinto State Park. In spring, the desert heat below can give way to snow-dusted trails at the top—so pack layers. It’s one of the most surreal contrasts you’ll ever experience.

🥤 Sip a Date Shake

This is non-negotiable. The Coachella Valley is famous for its dates, and a Date Shake is Palm Springs in a glass—creamy, rich, and iconic.

🌴 Palm Springs Hikes

Palm Springs is full of scenic hikes that blend desert beauty with surprising bursts of greenery. Trails like Indian Canyons and Murray Canyon wind through rugged landscapes dotted with towering palm groves, where the sound of trickling streams and the sparkle of water crossings create a refreshing contrast to the arid surroundings. Shady oases tucked between rocky cliffs make the perfect spots to pause and take in the view, reminding you that Palm Springs is as much about hidden natural wonders as it is about sunshine and style. Click here for my favorites on AllTrails.

🍴 Where to Eat & Drink

Palm Springs has a playful dining scene, blending retro diners with inventive culinary gems:

• Rooster and the Pig – Vietnamese-American flavors, always buzzing. Check them out here.

• Kings Highway Diner – Housed in a former Denny’s, it’s hip, casual, and fun.

• Happy Sushi – Fresh rolls that hit the spot.

• Bill’s Pizza – Local favorite with a quirky vibe.

• Sancho’s Mexican – Casual, flavorful, and perfect for a taco fix.

• Mr. Lyons Steakhouse – Glamorous, old Palm Springs steakhouse energy. Don’t skip Seymour’s, the hidden speakeasy tucked inside, lined with Vanity Fair’s “Men of the Day” portraits from the 1800s.

• The Reef – A tropical-themed bar inside the Caliente Tropics Resort. Think tiki cocktails and kitschy fun.

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Road Trip: Joshua Tree National Park

Just over an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park feels like stepping into another universe. The iconic Joshua Trees, massive boulders, and wide-open desert skies make it perfect for hiking, stargazing, and reconnecting with nature.

• Use AllTrails to find short hikes that fit your pace. Click here for a list of my favorite hikes.

• Keep an eye out for desert wildlife and unique rock formations.

• The area is home to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, and if you’re feeling lucky, stop by their Tortoise Rock Casino.

• Don’t blink or you will miss the Crochet Museum – A tiny, bright-green former photo booth turned into a whimsical crochet art gallery located on the drive to Joshua tree from Palm Springs. Quirky, colorful, and totally Insta-worthy.

Skull Rock

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Beyond Joshua Tree: Desert Oddities & Adventures

Renting a car opens up a world of quirky desert gems:

• Salvation Mountain – A technicolor, hand-painted art installation proclaiming “God is Love.” It’s equal parts strange and beautiful.

• Slab City – Known as “the last free place in America,” it’s an off-grid community worth a drive-through.

• Steve’s ATVs – Kick up some dust and ride the open desert trails.

• The Salton Sea – Once a glamorous resort escape, now an eerie, fascinating stop.

• Pioneertown – Originally built as a 1940s movie set, now home to Pappy & Harriet’s, a legendary live music venue.

• Cabazon Dinosaurs – Giant roadside dinos that are kitschy perfection.

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Palm Springs and Joshua Tree are the perfect desert duo—retro charm, starry skies, and adventures that feel worlds away. Rent a car, chase the sunsets, and let the desert work its magic.