Palm Springs, California: The Ultimate Solo Vacation Guide
Palm Springs, California, with its sun-soaked landscapes, vibrant culture, and funky mid-century-modern charm, can make for the perfect destination for a rejuvenating solo getaway!
Get ready to soak up the retro vibes, indulge in culinary escapades, and curate a memorable vacation that feels undeniably YOU.
Because that's really the best thing about a solo trip, right? YOU get to build the itinerary and move at your own pace; YOU get to stay wherever YOU choose, and YOU get to personally select every single one of your dining options without having to compromise with a travel companion who wants in-room pizza for the fourth time while you're dying to dive face-first into the local cuisine.
This is your trip; let's help you plan your itinerary YOUR way! I'm just here with a handbag full of suggestions to get you started.
Below is a vibrant list of places to eat, stay, and play during a solo getaway to Palm Springs, California. Have fun, gorgeous!
Things to do in Palm Springs
Shop through Palm Springs’ best Boutiques
Like most tourist towns, Palm Springs is loaded with fun shopping options that glitter with local flair.
Palm Canyon Drive is the main strip in downtown Palm springs for shopping and dining, and since I’d personally prefer to spend my shopping money at a unique boutique or vintage shop instead of some run-of-the-mill retail chain any day - I’ve created a list below of some of the most locally unique shops in Palm Springs for finding one-of-a-kind take-homes.
All shops listed below with a (*) next to the link are located along the shopping strip on Palm Canyon Drive, and all other listed stores are only a short distance away!
Boutique Stores
Vintage Shops
Enjoy a secluded photo opp at Amtrak Station
The “Welcome to Palm Springs” sign at Amtrak Station is an iconic desert photo spot that’s just slightly off of the beaten path and away from the bustle of the entertainment district.
When I was originally researching things to do in Palm Springs for my own solo trip, the “Welcome to Palm Springs” sign was something that I saw pop up constantly on travel articles and I loved getting to scroll through everyone’s sunny, windmill-lined photos from the station! I knew this was somewhere that I wanted to add to my list of places to check out, but since it seemed to be a highlighted destination on nearly every single female-ran travel blog that I was reading, I was pretty worried that by the time I got there I would be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with every other photo-snapping tourist in the area.
Granted, I did go in the middle of the week, but I was pleasantly surprised to be one of only two other cars at the station at that time! Another thing I was stoked to discover is that, surrounding both sides of Amtrak Station, is an open desert landscape with vast mountain and windmill views, which make for a picture-perfect desert backdrop!
There’s so much open space available that even on a busy day, there are plenty of spots where you could step away or pull off to the side of the road to take some fun photos by yourself!
Learn about Palm Springs’ glamorous history on a guided tour
Palm Springs has so many fun and informative tours to choose from!
Whether you're interested in learning about mid-century mysteries, exploring Hollywood hideaways frequented by Marilyn Monroe, or hearing gossipy details about Frank Sinatra's legendary pool parties, these guides are incredibly knowledgeable and ready to spill the tea on all the desert's secrets.
Below are a few incredible tours that are worth digging into:
Soak up panoramic views from the Palm Springs aerial tram
Hop onto the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to take your desert weekend to new heights – literally!
From views of the sun-soaked Coachella Valley to the alpine beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains; the tram lets you trade palm trees for pine trees in a matter of minutes. At the top, you get to explore around Mountain Station, grab a drink or bite at their mountain-top restaurant and cocktail lounge, and take in the observation deck’s sprawling views of Palm Springs and the San Jacinto wilderness!
Tickets for the tram are $30.00 per person and can be purchased HERE.
Explore Palm Springs’ famous gayborhood
Palm Springs is famous for so many things, but one of the top is how fabulously queer friendly you’ll find the entire city! With rainbow flags displayed proudly around every corner, Palm Springs warmly advertises itself as a safe and vibrant community for all humans alike!
The roots of Palm Springs' Gayborhood, trace back to the mid-20th century when Hollywood stars flocked to the desert for a discreet escape. Over time, the city became a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, evolving into a celebrated hub of acceptance and self-expression.
Today, the Arenas District stands as the epicenter of LGBTQ unity in Palm Springs, and playfully calls itself the SoGay of SoCal; a big gulp of queerness with a small-town-charm chaser. I love it!
The Arenas District truly comes alive after sunset, offering a nightlife scene that even rivals the city's legendary pool parties! From trendy bars and lounges to energetic dance clubs, there's a spot for everyone. Chill out with a cocktail on a stylish patio, or dance the night away surrounded by a community that knows how to celebrate life in style.
Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
Just a short 55-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, Joshua tree offers incredible views of otherworldly landscapes and breathtaking desert sceneries that are uniquely its own. As you venture deeper into the park, you’ll be surrounded by an array of twisted rock formations and rugged vistas, giving you ample opportunity to snap some incredible pictures of the unique landscape!
The entrance fee for Joshua Tree National Park is $15.00 per person and tickets can be purchased HERE.
If you’re interested in meeting fellow travelers during your trip to Joshua Tree or want to listen along to an audio tour during your solo trip through the desert, below are a few very well-rated tour options.
Where to dine and drink in Palm Springs
Whether you're looking for a trendy downtown brunch spot, craft cocktails in a chic lounge, or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner with a mountain view, Palm Springs has plenty of delicious restaurant options that are as diverse and vibrant as the city itself!
Here are a few of the top places to grab a bite in and around downtown Palm Springs:
Breakfast / Brunch
Lunch / Dinner
Grab & Go Eateries
Where to stay in Palm Springs
One of my favorite things about Palm Springs is all of the fun and unique places to stay in the area! The city is loaded with luxurious-yet-quaint mid-century modern boutique hotels and short-term rentals.
Here are a few of my favorite hotels and vacation rentals in Palm Springs:
Boutique Hotels
Vacation Rentals
(Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, which give me the opportunity to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!)
