Fall in Palm Springs California (2025)

Palm Springs California Sunrise Photo by Kathy Condon

I know fall is here when I can go outside at 5:00 a.m. with my coffee and sit there and watch the sunrise over the San Jacinto Mountains. Not too hot, just a glorious morning, thinking about things I want and can do. I no longer rush to handle errands by 10:00 a.m. or wait until 7:00 p.m. to venture out into our world surrounded by our glorious, ever-changing mountains.

You might want to read the article I wrote about Palm Springs in the Fall of 2023. I reread it this morning and smiled because the things I talk about are thoughts and places, I still believe are important landmarks. However, like other vibrant communities, Palm Springs has not stood quietly accepting the status quo—we have new attractions, hotels, and restaurants worth exploring.

Agua Caliente Cultural Center Photo by Kathy Condon

The Opening of the Agua Caliente Cultural Center

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' history is told in a 10,000 sq. ft. new building on Indian Canyon, downtown Palm Springs. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, designed with an Oasis Trail, includes the following exhibits:

·       Introduction of the Cahuilla Nation

·       360 Theater, where their creation and migration of the tribe is told.

·       Scaled replicas of the Indian Canyons

·       The change that happened with the arrival of Euro-Americans.

·       A look toward the future.

After touring, be sure to stop by their Gift Shop, which includes items created by tribes from throughout the United States.

Pool at The Spa at Sec-He Photo The Spa at Sec-He

Fall in Palm Springs is the Perfect Time to Visit The Spa at Sec-he Named Number One in the United States

The Spa at Sec-he is a place where relaxation, health, and friends come together. It is easy to spend a whole day in this 73,000-square-foot luxury spa. Private rooms offer a hot mineral bath and a mineral pool outside, which helps soothe aching muscles.

Two salt rooms, a grounding room, a large co-ed lounge, and all the amenities one could need are included. Hungry? No problem, the inside deli offers healthy choices. The spacious outdoor area, featuring both a freshwater and mineral pool, provides the perfect place to bring out your book and read.

The Thompson Hotel

Residents wondered if the hotel on the corner of Alejo and Indian Canyon would ever be completed, given the numerous starts and stops during the 13 years. Now, the Thompson Hotel is open, festooned with outstanding original art, and welcoming guests. It houses the Hall Wine Tasting Room, two restaurants, Lola Rose and Bar Issi, and stunning poolside views of our often mysterious-looking mountains.

Marilyn in New Home in the Park Photo by Tony Mataras

Marilyn Has Been Moved

The 25-foot-high statue of Marilyn was moved 100 feet from the center of Museum Way and now resides in our still nameless downtown park. As a result, Museum Way has become a pedestrian walkway to the Palm Springs Arts Museum.

South of Downtown Palm Springs on Indian Canyon

If you haven’t traveled from down Palm Springs and headed toward Miros, Mr. Lyons, etc., for a while, you will be surprised. Residential homes and condos have been built on the once-barren land, thus seemingly connecting the city, enhanced with a palm-tree-lined boulevard.

Thompson Hotel Lola Rose Dining Room Photo by Kathy Condon

Restaurants in Palm Springs

Palm Springs continues to grow its reputation for its creative and varied cuisines. Outstanding chefs accept positions because they know residents and visitors appreciate outstanding cuisine. Dining is the perfect way to end a day, after playing golf, shopping, relaxing by the pools, and a way to catch up with friends.

Here are some fairly new restaurants you may want to try this fall in Palm Springs

For your convenience, I have added a brief description of their cuisine.

The Front Porch – Avocado toast, cocktails, and watermelon lemonade.

The Thirsty Palms – Schnitzel, burgers, surf and turf, and shrimp scampi.

Clandestino – Mexican dishes and margaritas.

Jimmy B’s -Relaxed steakhouse serving burgers and omelets.

The Heyday – Hamburger restaurant serving smash burgers and chicken sandwiches.

The Restaurant at the Palm Springs Surf Club - Bites, cocktails/wine with surf and mountain views.

Ash & Vine Italian in an old-world setting.

This list is far from complete, but I thought it might be helpful to see how the restaurant scene is growing.

Rendering of the Plaza Theatre Entrance Opening December 2, 2025

Palm Springs Plaza Theatre

We are all eagerly awaiting the opening of the Plaza Theatre on December 2, which will feature Lily Tomlin as the opening act. While this 700-seat theatre will feature the latest technology for sound, air conditioning, and lighting, efforts have been made to preserve the integrity of the original design and colors.

You can check out all the events presently scheduled here.

As you plan your travel, be sure to visit the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website.  We have approximately 75 small hotels (with fewer than 50 rooms) within the confines of Palm Springs City Limits. You will discover we have everything from Modernism-themed hotels to ones that convince you that you just arrived in Morocco.

If you are flying in, please check carefully, as our Palm Springs International Airport is always adding direct flights from several larger cities. Also, be aware that the airport is undergoing a remodel—the good news is that there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy.

Palm Springs continues to expand and find new ways to welcome visitors. We can’t promise sunshine, but with an average of 320 days of sunshine a year, the odds are outstanding that you will wake up to the sun each morning.

To learn more about our attractions, please find them listed here.

Kathy Condon Travel Writer and Award-winning author

Kathy Condon is a Travel Writer and Award-winning Author. Her niche is in luxury experiences, hidden delights, and communities that live in the shadows of larger cities.   760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com    kathy@kathycondon.net