Palm Springs Summer Activities

Yucca Plant Blooming in Palm Springs Photo by Kathy Condon

How hot does it get in Palm Springs in the summer? You will hear Palm Springs residents saying 100 degrees isn’t really hot. As a former Northwest resident, I can tell you there is a big difference between 100 degrees in Washington State and Palm Springs. Indeed, the desert air humidity registers well below that found in states where rainfall occurs regularly.

To the delight of residents with pools, the sun once again heats them warm enough to become a place for exercise. Pool parties are on social activities calendars. Happy Hours are abundant, and poolside gatherings are the perfect backdrop for catching up with friends.

Palm Spring Summer Activities are Plentiful

Hiking Trails

There are trails of all difficulty levels within the city limits of Palm Springs. There are 60 miles of trails, and it includes the Reservation of the Agua Caliente Indians. Nearby, the Mt. San Jacinto State Park has 54 miles of trails, many with outstanding views of the Coachella Valley.

Summer means you are up early, hitting the trails. Take twice as much water as you think you need, wear a hat, and suntan lotion is a must. Be sure to stay on the trail, for there are too many required rescues due to a hiker wandering off on the less traveled route.

Windmill Tour in Palm Spring Photo by Kathy Condon

Windmill Tours an Activity for the Entire Family

Those majestic windmills standing like soldiers at the entrance to Palm Springs have a story to tell. There are two tours where you can get up close and personal with these giant machines.

The windmill tours begin at the Display Yard, where one learns the history of the 1980s. Here are the two options:

Take a self-guided tour using your car. From personal experience, it is great fun having teenagers follow the app and direct the flow through the assigned path.

Then there is VIP and Guided tour where you have a knowledgeable guide taking you on the paths and pointing out things along the way.

VillageFest is One of the Fun Palm Springs Summer Activities

One of the more popular Palm Springs summer activities is Thursday’s VillageFest. In the summer, hours are pushed back to 7:00 p.m. with a closing time of 10:00 p.m. Vendors line North Palm Canyon for blocks sharing their creations, while music sets the upbeat tone for this evening event.

If you are looking for a unique souvenir or gift, it will not be difficult to find it here. Jewelry, photography, original paintings, stationery, and new and vintage clothing tempt you. A suggestion-- go there hungry, for the food booths offer everything from hot dogs to ethnic foods that will tantalize your taste buds as you walk down the street.

Lighting in the trees in the Le Vallauris Restaurant Patio Photo by Kathy Condon

Patio Dining

It would be hard to say which Palm Springs restaurant has no patio. The pandemic allowed restaurants to develop creative ways to expand their space outside so that our beautiful Palm Springs evenings can be enjoyed.

The variety of cuisine available continues to involve with new restaurants opening constantly. If you love Mexican food, it is fun to solicit suggestions from locals. You will discover there are many Mexican restaurants, and everyone has his own opinion of why one is better than another.

Shopping in Palm Springs

We have a few national retail brand stores in downtown Palm Springs. However, most of our stores are owned by locals who spend many hours in their location. Interaction with them will help make your shopping experience fun. You can ask them about their products, and the next thing you know, they will be sharing information about some of our unique places to visit while you are here.

The Front of the Palm Springs Art Musem Photo by Kathy Condon

Public Art is Abundant

Our new downtown park, still not officially named, reveals many art installations drawing people to the area. The 25-ft Marilyn statue has become a must-see. At the end of Museum Way, our Palm Springs Art Museum is a beautiful place to browse, relax and contemplate what the artist is sharing with all of us through her art.

Our Local Agua Caliente Casinos Offering Entertainment

If you haven’t been to one of our casinos lately, you may be surprised by the updated machines, restaurants serving great food, and entertainment in their showrooms. Sign up for their loyalty programs and enjoy some free gambling time.

Summer is the Perfect Time to Go to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Since the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is 8,000 feet above the desert floor, you can expect a minimum temperature of 20 degrees cooler. My best tip: Go up at around 4:30 p.m. to see the view in the daylight. Then have a cocktail, eat at one of the restaurants, and return after dark.

Preparing for Summer Visit to Palm Springs

I trust this brief blog will help you in preparing for your summer visit to Palm Springs and has whetted your appetite to encourage you to come and take a closer look at our community. Our international airport, with many direct flights, is only 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Our many Palm Springs Springs Preferred Hotels are within walking distance of the activities I have listed above.

It may be hot, summer temperatures in Palm Springs can reach 115 degrees plus, but you will find more than enough Palm Springs summer activities to entertain you and your family. Check out the Greater Palm Springs calendar for events scheduled during your stay.

Kathy Condon Travel Writer

Kathy Condon is a Journalist and Travel Writer focusing on luxury hotels, spas, and cities living in the shadows of large cities. She developed www.PalmsSpringsInsiderGuide.com to share information about her community of Palm Springs. 760-902-3094 Kathy@kathycondon.net About