The perfect weekend in Palm Springs + Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree and Palm Springs are often paired together, and it makes perfect sense. They’re close in distance but offer two completely different desert experiences.
Joshua Tree holds a lot of personal meaning for me. It’s a vast, rugged landscape filled with funky trees and larger-than-life boulders that somehow manage to feel both harsh and peaceful at the same time. Sunrise and sunset here are unmatched, and camping in the park is an incredible experience if you’re able to do it. It’s also a rock climber’s paradise. Like most deserts, timing matters — summer can be brutally hot, so visiting outside peak heat makes all the difference.
Palm Springs, on the other hand, is all about contrast. Mid-century architecture, palm-lined streets, pools, and mountain backdrops give it an easy, laid-back energy. It’s the perfect place to recharge after time in the park — grab a good meal, float in a pool, and enjoy the desert from a completely different angle. Honestly, it makes me feel boujee in the best way.
Together, Joshua Tree and Palm Springs create one of the most unique desert pairings in California — grounding, relaxing, and endlessly special.
day 1: arrive in Palm Springs
Welcome to the mid-century modern gay capital of California! Think of Palm Springs as a mini Vegas — you’re here to relax, sit by the pool, party a little, and try not to pass out from the heat. With that said, I recommend getting in as early as you can and easing into the vibe.
Assuming you’ll be hungry when you arrive, your first stop should be my favorite deli, On the Mark. It’s technically labeled as a grocery store, but inside you’ll find one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. It also works perfectly as takeaway if you’re on the move. Bonus: it’s right next to the Forever Marilyn statue, which makes for a quick and fun photo-op.
From there, head to one of the many museums Palm Springs has to offer. My favorites are the Palm Springs Art Museum, Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, and the Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. The Palm Springs Air Museum is also incredibly popular and highly rated, though it’s a short drive outside of downtown.
Afterward, spend some time walking down Palm Canyon Drive. You’ll pass the Walk of the Stars and plenty of fun retro souvenir shops. I’m usually not big on touristy shopping, but I genuinely love the kitschy, vintage vibe of this strip. There are also a ton of places to pop in for a cocktail as well if you’re looking for a pit-stop. If you’re more into luxury shopping, you can drive a little farther south to The Shops on El Paseo.
To end the day, I highly recommend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ($36.95 USD for adults). I love going around sunset, when the views of the valley, mountains and city are unreal. The 10-minute ride takes you up to 8,516 feet (2,596 meters), where you’ll find cooler temps, scenic overlooks, and access to countless trails with sweeping views of the city, valley, and surrounding desert mountains. There’s a café at the top, but I wouldn’t personally recommend eating there — the views are the real highlight. I stayed at the top for about an hour, taking my time before heading back down to the city for dinner.
day 2: explore joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is pure desert magic. Before leaving Palm Springs, grab some breakfast and pack a lunch—plus more water than you think you’ll need. I’d recommend driving about an hour toward the West Entrance so you can enjoy the scenic route and avoid backtracking. Plan to exit through the South Entrance, where the iconic Joshua Tree National Park sign is located. And seriously, fill up your gas tank before entering; there’s basically nothing once you’re in the park until you’re back in Palm Springs.
Start your adventure with panoramic desert views at Keys View, one of my all-time favorites, where the Coachella Valley stretches out for miles. From there, explore the multitude of scenic roadside stops and keep an eye out for the iconic formations like Skull Rock, Whale Rock, Heart Rock, and Cow Rock—because hunting down these natural wonders is basically a scavenger hunt. Stop in Hidden Valley, for my favorite picnic spot, then take the surrounding trail to stretch your legs and soak in the massiveness of the surrounding boulders. Don’t miss watching rock climbers tackle the granite—somehow, it’s both inspiring and terrifying.
For a quick adventure, start by scrambling through the Hall of Horrors, a narrow canyon full of twisting rock walls, small climbs, and hidden nooks that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret desert playground. After that, head to Arch Rock, a short, easy trail (about 1.5 miles round trip) that winds through massive boulders and leads to a stunning natural rock arch—perfect for photos and a little more scrambling if you’re feeling adventurous. As you make your way out, wander through the Cholla Cactus Garden, a spiky, glowing desert wonder—especially magical around sunset when the sky literally turns the desert into a painting.
With all of this packed in, you could easily see the highlights in a single day, but if you can swing an overnight stay, camping under the desert stars are breathtaking.
day 3: leave Palm Springs
On your last day in Palm Springs, start with breakfast at The Tropicale to fuel up and beat the midday heat. Then, lace up your hiking shoes and explore one of the area’s standout trails: Tahquitz Canyon, a scenic route that leads to a breathtaking waterfall and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history, or Palm Canyon, famous for its dramatic canyon walls and groves of native desert palms. Both hikes are rated easy-moderate and provide a perfect mix of desert beauty and a little adventure.
After your hike, make time to wander the city streets and soak in Palm Springs’ colorful mid-century modern architecture. With a master’s in design, I probably fangirl over this more than most, but honestly, it’s what draws visitors from around the world. Guided bicycle tours are a fun, immersive way to see the neighborhoods, weather permitting—but if the sun is relentless, cruising around in a car works just as well. The Palm Springs Visitor Center is a handy spot to grab maps and recommendations for must-see homes and landmarks. If you still have a bit of energy left, stop by the Moorten Botanical Garden, a quaint, family-run oasis where you can admire some of the most striking arrangements of desert plants before you head out.
By the end of the weekend, you’ll have experienced a little bit of everything: sun-soaked desert landscapes, iconic mid-century modern architecture, and the quirky charm that makes Palm Springs so unforgettable—leaving you with memories that are equal parts relaxing, inspiring, and fun.
