What do I Need to Visit Palm Springs in the Fall?
Updated: Oct 31, 2021
We residents are now sitting on our patios, reading our papers, and drinking our coffee in the morning. Noticing our pots with withered plants and leaves makes us mentally put on our to-do list, decide on a time to do your fall cleanup. This area will now be an extended part of our homes for the next few months.
In my case, it means getting out the vacuum to suck up the dry leaves that found their way into every little nook and cranny. Then decisions which pots I want to keep or do I want something new. Different pots are so easy to find at our outstanding garage sales, which take place practically every weekend.
Going into my 9th year living in Palm Springs in the same condo, I have figured out which plants flourish in my shaded patio. Cyclamens and impatients thrive, for they appreciate shade. Now to decide what color, light pink, dark pink, or white theme for the flowers, for I will look at them until it is too warm in the middle of June.
Prepare for a Fall Visit
As you can see, we residents do not only have a change of attitude from the oppressive heat of the summer days; we prepare for a different lifestyle. Thus, I can share from my point of view how to make your trip to Coachella Valley a memorable one and have you longing to come back again.
(See my Blog, Plan Your Trip to Palm Springs, so you understand the layout of the Valley.)
Make Your Hotel Reservation
In case you haven't heard, Palm Springs is becoming a year-round destination. With 70 plus small hotels (Hotels with 50 rooms or less), there are many choices you can explore on Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website.
Many people are wary of getting on an airplane, so with Palm Springs being a two or three- hour drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, competition is there for finding the ideal spot once you arrive.
Of course, we have name-brand hotels, but again keep in mind what you want to do once you arrive. Some of them are a bit remote from all the activity.
What Should I Pack?
You will want to pack your swimming suit, for most of the hotels have heated pools.
However, you might want to confirm with the hotel you are considering that it has a heated pool. Until I realized not everyone in Palm Springs keeps their pools heated, I was in for a few surprises. Because of our evenings in the fall and winter are very cool, it causes the pools’ temperatures to
plummet.
Yes, you can find people wearing white all winter here, so do put in your white slacks and capris. However, remember Palm Springs is known for its color, so leave the blacktops home and pull out the brightest things you have in your closets.
No need to pack a bunch of shoes unless you want to be colored coordinated with your dress. Sandals are accepted everywhere, including restaurants.
Men enjoy wearing their Caribbean design shirts with slacks and shorts just about anywhere. If you go to Country Clubs or some of our finer restaurants, it might be good to check their dress code for dinner. In any case, I think you can leave your ties behind.
Essentials
You will need suntan lotion, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Oh, pack a crushable hat; you will need them on the trails, shopping, and visiting our attractions; even though it appears the sun isn't hot, you will be glad you have it. For the evening, you will need a sweater or light jacket for you might be surprised how cool it gets.
If you plan to ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, remember the elevation is 8,516 feet above sea level. We have a contest for when the first snowfall will happen, so you get the picture. It can be pretty cold up there, so plan your wardrobe accordingly.
Keeping a few of these things in mind will help make your trip not only fun but more comfortable, and helps eliminate the wish I would’ve brought regrets. If you have other questions about things to do, my Visit Palm Springs in Photos tab will give you links to some of the things to do, though keep in mind it is far from conclusive for this thriving community is changing and growing even as I write this blog.
Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News.
Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094 www.PalmSpringInsiderGuide.com
