There is nothing more perfect than a girls trip to Palm Springs, California! This trendy desert city is located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California and it is known for its retro-style vibes, stylish hotels, gardens and oasis’, spas, great restaurants and wonderful boutique shopping.
Overall, Palm Springs is perfect for a regular girls trip, bachelorette party weekend, college reunion, road trip and a milestone birthday! During late June 2021, I visited Palm Springs, California for the first time with fellow travel blogger Ashley of World to Wander. We stayed in Palm Springs for two nights at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs and did wonderful day trips throughout the California desert.
My road trip in California was in celebration of my 30th birthday. Ashley met me in Palm Springs and after spending two nights there, we drove across the state and made our way up the Central Pacific Coast before ending in San Francisco. My mom then met me in San Francisco on my birthday and we enjoyed a lovely time in Wine Country.
In this article, I’m excited to help you discover all the best things to do in Palm Springs during a girls trip and read all about my time staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Palm Springs, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs hosted me for two nights. Juniper Table also hosted me for a brunch during my time in Palm Springs.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Traveling to Palm Springs for a Girls Getaway:
Since my California road trip was 10 days long and I started in Palm Springs with Ashley, I first flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Palm Springs International Airport with a layover in Phoenix. Coming home, my mom and I flew from Sacramento International Airport back to Newark with a layover in Seattle. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner!
The best way to get around Palm Springs and the surrounding areas such as Joshua Tree, Salvation Mountain, Coachella Valley, etc. is to rent a car. (Either way, if you’re going to do a road trip, you will need to have your own vehicle.)
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
If you plan to take public transportation in Palm Springs, there are two buses – Sunline Transit Agency, which takes people around Coachella Valley, and Morongo Basin Transportation Authority (MBTA), that takes individuals within the Yucca Valley and 29 Palms. Palm Springs also has Uber and Lyft services.
Staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs for a Girls Trip:
During mine and Ashley’s two days in Palm Springs, we stayed at The Rowan Palm Springs. This stunning luxury, boutique hotel offers a restorative retreat in the heart of the city. It was also rated as “Best Resorts in California” by Travel and Leisure in 2020 and “#5 Hotel in Southern California” by Conde Nast.
This was my second time staying at a Kimpton Hotel. The first time I ever stayed in one was at The Pittman Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
The Rooms at The Rowan Palm Springs:
Kimpton is one of the best hotels in Palm Springs to stay at during a ladies trip. From the moment I first walked into The Rowan, I absolutely loved the décor, furniture and friendly atmosphere. It offers everything I look for when I stay at a boutique hotel! The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs offers stylish guest rooms and suites for you to choose from as well.
Ashley and I stayed in the Mountain Queen Room that included two comfortable queen-sized beds, a balcony that overlooks the San Jacinto Mountains, an en-suite bathroom and great amenities such as plush bathrobes, Atelier Bloem bath products and more.
The Rowan also knew that I was on a birthday trip, so they left me with a lovely card, bottle of Prosecco, heart-shaped macarons and kettle corn! It was so sweet of them to do that (no pun intended) and it made me feel extra special.
Eating at Rowan Palm Springs:
What is awesome about staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs during a girls weekend is that there is a restaurant located right in the hotel! Juniper Table features light breakfast foods, Mediterranean-inspired lunch items and delectable entrées for dinner. They also provide room service as well!
During our first morning in Palm Springs, Ashley and I enjoyed a lovely brunch at Juniper Table and everything was amazing! We both got lattes and mimosas for drinks. As a meal, I savored the lobster omelet with lump Maine lobster, prosciutto, tomatoes, hollandaise sauce and caviar. Ashley got the avocado toast with bacon.
Overall, Juniper Table features local, seasonal and organic ingredients in their dishes. There are also great draft beers, wines and crafted cocktails to choose from.
Having Fun at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs:
There is so much fun to be had during a girls trip to Palm Springs and The Rowan offers so much! On the rooftop terrace of the hotel is a pool, lounge area and a poolside bar called High Bar that offers refreshing beverages for you to cool off to in the desert heat.
At the rooftop pool, there are stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the lounge area offers a great overlook of the entire city of Palm Springs. You can also enjoy food and drinks at this bar during a girls weekend in Palm Springs!
The Rowan Palm Springs also has daytime and evening cabanas for you to rent at an additional cost. When you rent a cabana, you will get one bottle of Champagne, a bowl of seasonal fruit, two lounge chairs and a couch area. It is perfect for birthday parties and bachelorette celebrations!
In addition, The Rowan also features a rooftop restaurant and bar known for small plates called 4 Saints and there is also another hotel bar in the lobby called Window Bar that overlooks the local mountains. Every evening, there is a happy hour at Window Bar where you can enjoy delicious drinks and snacks. There is also a sunrise coffee service!
During a stay at Kimpton Hotels, there are always bikes on the property for you to rent and take around the city. All you do is sign in and out and the hotel will give you a lock for your bike. Ashley and I had a great time riding around downtown Palm Springs.
If you plan to visit Palm Springs for your own girls trip. I couldn’t recommend The Rowan more! Plus, it is pet-friendly!
Things to do in Palm Springs during a Girls Trip:
Explore Downtown Palm Springs:
Palm Springs is one of the best girl trip destinations and also makes for one of the top day trips from Los Angeles! One of the top things to do during a girls weekend to Palm Springs, California is stroll around and explore the downtown area. Palm Springs is known for its trendy boutiques, renowned restaurants, galleries and museums, bars and beautiful architecture.
Since Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is in the downtown area, you can easily explore so much right then and there. I loved all of the lovely clothing stores!
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience too many restaurants in Palm Springs, but Ashley and I did get to eat dinner at a great modern Mexican restaurant called Tac/Quila. This awesome spot, located in downtown Palm Springs, features locally sourced Mexican dishes, crafted cocktails and a posh ambiance.
During our evening at Tac/Quila, we both split the taco chips as an appetizer, which had refried beans in them. For my main meal, I had the chicken fajitas and Ashley got the enchiladas. Everything was delicious including the mezcal that I also had.
If you have your own car, drive around and check out some famous homes that celebrities have stayed in. You can see the former homes of Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Elvis, Dean Martin, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and more.
Visit the Indian Canyons during a Girls Trip to Palm Springs:
Palm Canyon:
Indian Canyons in Palm Springs must not be missed during a girls trip! This beautiful oasis is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. It is considered a sacred place for the Cahuilla people today.
For $9 USD per person, you can enter Indian Canyons and enjoy the remarkable Palm Canyon, the peaceful oasis of Andreas Canyon and the breathtaking Murray Canyon.
Even though we didn’t have too much time to explore everything, Ashley and I enjoyed visiting Palm Canyon. It includes indigenous flora and fauna, endless palm trees and a peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, Palm Canyon is 15 miles long and it is considered the world’s largest palm oasis. It features 13 different hiking trails. You can also go horseback riding in Palm Canyon and also enjoy a lovely picnic.
It was my second time visiting a palm canyon oasis. I had the opportunity to hike through one in Anza Borrego State Park during my trip to San Diego in 2018.
Usually, there is a stream at Palm Canyon, but because I visited Palm Springs during a dry season, there was no water at all.
Andreas Canyon:
Even though we didn’t have an opportunity to visit, Andreas Canyon is known as the world’s second largest palm oasis. Here, you can see ancient rock mortars, 150 species of plants and the calming Andreas Creek. (There is usually always water at Andreas Canyon no matter what.)
There are three easy trails at Andreas Canyon. The Andreas Canyon Trail itself is one mile long and a great spot to bird watch!
Murray Canyon:
Murray Canyon in Indian Canyons features easy to moderate hikes. It is also a great spot for equestrian riding and there are plenty of picturesque recreation areas to enjoy.
Overall, Murray Canyon is a great spot to see animals like the Peninsular Big Horn Sheep, which is an endangered species, as well as mule deer.
The Murray Canyon trail itself is 4 miles long and water only runs through the canyon during the winter and spring months.
See the Palm Springs Windmills:
One of the most epic things Palm Springs boasts are its windmills, which are in the desert just outside of the heart of the city. It is one of the best cheap things to do during a weekend girls trip.
What makes the Palm Springs Windmills so popular are that they were featured in the movie Mission Impossible III starring Tom Cruise. You can get tickets to take a full tour of the Palm Springs Windmills and learn more about them.
These cool windmills are a popular alternative source of energy and it produces electricity by harnessing heavy winds. When you visit the Palm Springs Windmills, you will see how windy it is there!
The famous windmills in Palm Springs are hard to miss and you can locate them between Route 111 and I-10. It’s a great photo spot and an awesome location to catch the sunset in the Palm Springs area.
Do a Half Day Trip to Coachella Valley, Salvation Mountain and Slab City:
Located around an hour and a half Southeast of Palm Springs is the unincorporated squatter community of Slab City. Just like in the city of Palm Springs, Slab City is also located in the Sonoran Desert, but closer to the Arizona border.
On your way to Slab City, I recommend checking out the hidden gems in Coachella Valley, which is where the famous music festival takes place every spring. If you are in the area during the festival, I highly recommend attending! It’s an arts and music festival in Indio, California and it’s a Boho lover’s dream!
When you eventually get to Slab City, check out the unique and colorful Salvation Mountain! The artist behind this cool spot is Leonard Knight who created this beautiful mountain work of art that showcases “God is Love.” He includes biblical verses on the mountain, love quotes and the “sinners prayer”. It’s a very interesting and must-see spot during your girls trip to Palm Springs.
Before Salvation Mountain became “Insta famous”, you used to be able to walk through and around the mountain to see every single spot that included the talented artwork by Leonard. You can still see a lot just by walking around though!
Salvation Mountain is made with Adobe clay and the paint is donated. Overall, it is free to visit this awesome location, but there are QR codes all around to make Venmo donations for the upkeep of Salvation Mountain.
Another cool spot to check out in Slab City, next to Salvation Mountain, is the colorful vintage car installation. You will see the cars from a distance on the same road that Salvation Mountain is on, so all you need to do is make a turn and drive off road to the spot. It is great for photography!
Enjoy One of the Best Palm Springs Day Trips to Joshua Tree National Park:
Known as the National Park that features two different deserts, Joshua Tree is iconic for its uniquely formed trees, rugged rock formations and cool desert landscapes all around.
You cannot miss out on visiting Joshua Tree National Park during a Palm Springs girls getaway. Joshua Tree is located around 45 minutes from the heart of Palm Springs, but just like every other National Park out there, you will need to drive a bit before you reach all the hot spots.
One of the most renowned aspects of Joshua Tree National Park are the Joshua Trees themselves. These specific trees can only be found in the Mojave Desert part of the park. (You can find them at other iconic spots in the Mojave such as Grand Canyon West Rim.) Joshua Tree also boasts the cholla cacti, which is situated in the Colorado Desert section of the National Park.
When we first arrived at Joshua Tree, Ashley and I started with a hike at Arch Rock. It is a half mile easy loop trail that are full of stark boulders. There is even a rock formation that is shaped like the rocks you’d find at Arches National Park.
If you decide to do the Arch Rock hike, I recommend downloading the AllTrails app where it will guide you. It is easy to get lost between the boulders if you’ve never done this hike before.
Even though Joshua Tree National Park isn’t as hot as Palm Springs because it is located at a higher elevation, it is still imperative that you bring A LOT of water, even if you aren’t hiking and are just sightseeing. (Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle.) You will also need to watch out for rattlesnakes in the park! For those looking to hike, I recommend going earlier in the morning or doing one later in the afternoon like we did. There were no crowds!
Next, we made our way to the Cholla Cactus Garden that features a flat-loop, quarter mile easy trail. It is important to know that if you decide to come here and take photos, you must stay away from the cholla cacti itself. They are very sharp, dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Overall cholla cacti are adorable and they are taller than you think! Cholla are also known as teddy bear cactus because of how cute they are, but they are not so lovable if you decide to get close to one!
On your way out of the park, a great stop is at Skull Rock, which features a skull-shaped desert granite rock formation that has two depressions. Skull Rock was created by erosion and if you want to explore the entire area, there is a 1.7-mile nature trail.
Another cool spot to check out during sunset in Joshua Tree National Park is Cap Rock. It includes a short trail that has a lot of Joshua Trees to admire!
(Please note that is costs $35 USD per vehicle (standard car) to get into most big USA National Parks and $10 USD per vehicle for most State Parks. It costs more for commercial vans, buses and tours. The $35 passes are valid for seven consecutive days. If you are doing a road trip where you know you will be seeing a lot of National Parks along the way, I recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 USD. You will definitely save money that way!)
Go Back in Time at Pioneertown – One of the Best Day Trips from Palm Springs:
Another unique spot that you must explore during a girls trip to Palm Springs is Pioneertown! Just like Slab City, Pioneertown is an unincorporated community in the San Bernardino Desert.
Pioneertown is located 40 minutes from Palm Springs and it was founded by a group of Hollywood investors in 1946. The “Old West” set was built with an 1880s style that includes frontier stables, saloons, a jail, ice cream parlors and motels. Overall, over 50 movies and shows combined were filmed in Pioneertown (such as Annie Oakley) within the 1940s and 1950s.
This fun “Old West” town is a great spot for photos and there is also a motel and great restaurant called Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. They serve great BBQ food and have awesome live music.
Admire the Artwork at the Palm Springs Art Museum during a Palm Springs Getaway Weekend:
Just steps away from The Rowan is the Palm Springs Art Museum. Located outside of the museum is a beautiful Marilyn Monroe statue to admire.
Inside of the Palm Springs Art Museum features cool exhibits to walk through and learn from. The museum also holds events, has a theater and also includes a bistro and wine bar for guests to enjoy.
Walk through the Moorten Botanical Garden:
Another wonderful thing to do during a girls trip to Palm Springs, California is visit the Moorten Botanical Garden.
This “Cactus Castle” is in the Palm Grove Oasis and features different types of desert plants for visitors to admire. You can find desert trees, plants and cacti at this botanical garden and arboretum. It is also a wonderful spot to have a wedding!
Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway:
If you have extra time during your girls trip to Palm Springs, take the opportunity to ride the Aerial Tramway!
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car that travels over 2.5 miles along the cliffs of the Chino Canyon within the city limits. During the tram ride, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. San Jacinto State Park as well as Coachella Valley.
Once you eventually reach the Mountain Station on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, you can enjoy the two restaurants, take in the views at the observation deck, walk through the natural history museum and exhibits, shop for souvenirs and take advantage of over 50 miles of hiking trails all around. The Mountain Station is located at 8,516 feet above sea level.
Overall, taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a wonderful experience for everyone to enjoy!
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day:
Lastly, a great way to relax and unwind during a Palm Springs girlfriend getaway is to enjoy a spa day. Palm Springs is known as a place where numerous celebrities would go to escape their busy schedules. To this day, there are so many great spas to go to! Here is a great article on the top 5 spas in Palm Springs.
In addition, The Rowan also has an in-room spa service for guests to enjoy during their time in Palm Springs.
Looking for other fun girl trip destinations? Read the below articles:
Girls Trip on Martha’s Vineyard
Things to do on a Nashville Girls Trip
Low Key Bachelorette Trip Ideas
Overall, my Palm Springs birthday getaway was incredible! I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best things to do in Palm Springs during a girls’ trip and reading about my experience staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. If you have any questions about my time in Palm Springs, California, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., CA State Capital: Sacramento, Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
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There is nothing more perfect than a girls trip to Palm Springs, California! This trendy desert city is located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California and it is known for its retro-style vibes, stylish hotels, gardens and oasis’, spas, great restaurants and wonderful boutique shopping.
Overall, Palm Springs is perfect for a regular girls trip, bachelorette party weekend, college reunion, road trip and a milestone birthday! During late June 2021, I visited Palm Springs, California for the first time with fellow travel blogger Ashley of World to Wander. We stayed in Palm Springs for two nights at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs and did wonderful day trips throughout the California desert.
My road trip in California was in celebration of my 30th birthday. Ashley met me in Palm Springs and after spending two nights there, we drove across the state and made our way up the Central Pacific Coast before ending in San Francisco. My mom then met me in San Francisco on my birthday and we enjoyed a lovely time in Wine Country.
In this article, I’m excited to help you discover all the best things to do in Palm Springs during a girls trip and read all about my time staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Palm Springs, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs hosted me for two nights. Juniper Table also hosted me for a brunch during my time in Palm Springs.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Traveling to Palm Springs for a Girls Getaway:
Since my California road trip was 10 days long and I started in Palm Springs with Ashley, I first flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Palm Springs International Airport with a layover in Phoenix. Coming home, my mom and I flew from Sacramento International Airport back to Newark with a layover in Seattle. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner!
The best way to get around Palm Springs and the surrounding areas such as Joshua Tree, Salvation Mountain, Coachella Valley, etc. is to rent a car. (Either way, if you’re going to do a road trip, you will need to have your own vehicle.)
(Click here if you are planning to road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.)
If you plan to take public transportation in Palm Springs, there are two buses – Sunline Transit Agency, which takes people around Coachella Valley, and Morongo Basin Transportation Authority (MBTA), that takes individuals within the Yucca Valley and 29 Palms. Palm Springs also has Uber and Lyft services.
Staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs for a Girls Trip:
During mine and Ashley’s two days in Palm Springs, we stayed at The Rowan Palm Springs. This stunning luxury, boutique hotel offers a restorative retreat in the heart of the city. It was also rated as “Best Resorts in California” by Travel and Leisure in 2020 and “#5 Hotel in Southern California” by Conde Nast.
This was my second time staying at a Kimpton Hotel. The first time I ever stayed in one was at The Pittman Hotel in Dallas, Texas.
The Rooms at The Rowan Palm Springs:
Kimpton is one of the best hotels in Palm Springs to stay at during a ladies trip. From the moment I first walked into The Rowan, I absolutely loved the décor, furniture and friendly atmosphere. It offers everything I look for when I stay at a boutique hotel! The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs offers stylish guest rooms and suites for you to choose from as well.
Ashley and I stayed in the Mountain Queen Room that included two comfortable queen-sized beds, a balcony that overlooks the San Jacinto Mountains, an en-suite bathroom and great amenities such as plush bathrobes, Atelier Bloem bath products and more.
The Rowan also knew that I was on a birthday trip, so they left me with a lovely card, bottle of Prosecco, heart-shaped macarons and kettle corn! It was so sweet of them to do that (no pun intended) and it made me feel extra special.
Eating at Rowan Palm Springs:
What is awesome about staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs during a girls weekend is that there is a restaurant located right in the hotel! Juniper Table features light breakfast foods, Mediterranean-inspired lunch items and delectable entrées for dinner. They also provide room service as well!
During our first morning in Palm Springs, Ashley and I enjoyed a lovely brunch at Juniper Table and everything was amazing! We both got lattes and mimosas for drinks. As a meal, I savored the lobster omelet with lump Maine lobster, prosciutto, tomatoes, hollandaise sauce and caviar. Ashley got the avocado toast with bacon.
Overall, Juniper Table features local, seasonal and organic ingredients in their dishes. There are also great draft beers, wines and crafted cocktails to choose from.
Having Fun at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs:
There is so much fun to be had during a girls trip to Palm Springs and The Rowan offers so much! On the rooftop terrace of the hotel is a pool, lounge area and a poolside bar called High Bar that offers refreshing beverages for you to cool off to in the desert heat.
At the rooftop pool, there are stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the lounge area offers a great overlook of the entire city of Palm Springs. You can also enjoy food and drinks at this bar during a girls weekend in Palm Springs!
The Rowan Palm Springs also has daytime and evening cabanas for you to rent at an additional cost. When you rent a cabana, you will get one bottle of Champagne, a bowl of seasonal fruit, two lounge chairs and a couch area. It is perfect for birthday parties and bachelorette celebrations!
In addition, The Rowan also features a rooftop restaurant and bar known for small plates called 4 Saints and there is also another hotel bar in the lobby called Window Bar that overlooks the local mountains. Every evening, there is a happy hour at Window Bar where you can enjoy delicious drinks and snacks. There is also a sunrise coffee service!
During a stay at Kimpton Hotels, there are always bikes on the property for you to rent and take around the city. All you do is sign in and out and the hotel will give you a lock for your bike. Ashley and I had a great time riding around downtown Palm Springs.
If you plan to visit Palm Springs for your own girls trip. I couldn’t recommend The Rowan more! Plus, it is pet-friendly!
Things to do in Palm Springs during a Girls Trip:
Explore Downtown Palm Springs:
Palm Springs is one of the best girl trip destinations and also makes for one of the top day trips from Los Angeles! One of the top things to do during a girls weekend to Palm Springs, California is stroll around and explore the downtown area. Palm Springs is known for its trendy boutiques, renowned restaurants, galleries and museums, bars and beautiful architecture.
Since Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is in the downtown area, you can easily explore so much right then and there. I loved all of the lovely clothing stores!
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience too many restaurants in Palm Springs, but Ashley and I did get to eat dinner at a great modern Mexican restaurant called Tac/Quila. This awesome spot, located in downtown Palm Springs, features locally sourced Mexican dishes, crafted cocktails and a posh ambiance.
During our evening at Tac/Quila, we both split the taco chips as an appetizer, which had refried beans in them. For my main meal, I had the chicken fajitas and Ashley got the enchiladas. Everything was delicious including the mezcal that I also had.
If you have your own car, drive around and check out some famous homes that celebrities have stayed in. You can see the former homes of Marilyn Monroe, JFK, Elvis, Dean Martin, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and more.
Visit the Indian Canyons during a Girls Trip to Palm Springs:
Palm Canyon:
Indian Canyons in Palm Springs must not be missed during a girls trip! This beautiful oasis is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. It is considered a sacred place for the Cahuilla people today.
For $9 USD per person, you can enter Indian Canyons and enjoy the remarkable Palm Canyon, the peaceful oasis of Andreas Canyon and the breathtaking Murray Canyon.
Even though we didn’t have too much time to explore everything, Ashley and I enjoyed visiting Palm Canyon. It includes indigenous flora and fauna, endless palm trees and a peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, Palm Canyon is 15 miles long and it is considered the world’s largest palm oasis. It features 13 different hiking trails. You can also go horseback riding in Palm Canyon and also enjoy a lovely picnic.
It was my second time visiting a palm canyon oasis. I had the opportunity to hike through one in Anza Borrego State Park during my trip to San Diego in 2018.
Usually, there is a stream at Palm Canyon, but because I visited Palm Springs during a dry season, there was no water at all.
Andreas Canyon:
Even though we didn’t have an opportunity to visit, Andreas Canyon is known as the world’s second largest palm oasis. Here, you can see ancient rock mortars, 150 species of plants and the calming Andreas Creek. (There is usually always water at Andreas Canyon no matter what.)
There are three easy trails at Andreas Canyon. The Andreas Canyon Trail itself is one mile long and a great spot to bird watch!
Murray Canyon:
Murray Canyon in Indian Canyons features easy to moderate hikes. It is also a great spot for equestrian riding and there are plenty of picturesque recreation areas to enjoy.
Overall, Murray Canyon is a great spot to see animals like the Peninsular Big Horn Sheep, which is an endangered species, as well as mule deer.
The Murray Canyon trail itself is 4 miles long and water only runs through the canyon during the winter and spring months.
See the Palm Springs Windmills:
One of the most epic things Palm Springs boasts are its windmills, which are in the desert just outside of the heart of the city. It is one of the best cheap things to do during a weekend girls trip.
What makes the Palm Springs Windmills so popular are that they were featured in the movie Mission Impossible III starring Tom Cruise. You can get tickets to take a full tour of the Palm Springs Windmills and learn more about them.
These cool windmills are a popular alternative source of energy and it produces electricity by harnessing heavy winds. When you visit the Palm Springs Windmills, you will see how windy it is there!
The famous windmills in Palm Springs are hard to miss and you can locate them between Route 111 and I-10. It’s a great photo spot and an awesome location to catch the sunset in the Palm Springs area.
Do a Half Day Trip to Coachella Valley, Salvation Mountain and Slab City:
Located around an hour and a half Southeast of Palm Springs is the unincorporated squatter community of Slab City. Just like in the city of Palm Springs, Slab City is also located in the Sonoran Desert, but closer to the Arizona border.
On your way to Slab City, I recommend checking out the hidden gems in Coachella Valley, which is where the famous music festival takes place every spring. If you are in the area during the festival, I highly recommend attending! It’s an arts and music festival in Indio, California and it’s a Boho lover’s dream!
When you eventually get to Slab City, check out the unique and colorful Salvation Mountain! The artist behind this cool spot is Leonard Knight who created this beautiful mountain work of art that showcases “God is Love.” He includes biblical verses on the mountain, love quotes and the “sinners prayer”. It’s a very interesting and must-see spot during your girls trip to Palm Springs.
Before Salvation Mountain became “Insta famous”, you used to be able to walk through and around the mountain to see every single spot that included the talented artwork by Leonard. You can still see a lot just by walking around though!
Salvation Mountain is made with Adobe clay and the paint is donated. Overall, it is free to visit this awesome location, but there are QR codes all around to make Venmo donations for the upkeep of Salvation Mountain.
Another cool spot to check out in Slab City, next to Salvation Mountain, is the colorful vintage car installation. You will see the cars from a distance on the same road that Salvation Mountain is on, so all you need to do is make a turn and drive off road to the spot. It is great for photography!
Enjoy One of the Best Palm Springs Day Trips to Joshua Tree National Park:
Known as the National Park that features two different deserts, Joshua Tree is iconic for its uniquely formed trees, rugged rock formations and cool desert landscapes all around.
You cannot miss out on visiting Joshua Tree National Park during a Palm Springs girls getaway. Joshua Tree is located around 45 minutes from the heart of Palm Springs, but just like every other National Park out there, you will need to drive a bit before you reach all the hot spots.
One of the most renowned aspects of Joshua Tree National Park are the Joshua Trees themselves. These specific trees can only be found in the Mojave Desert part of the park. (You can find them at other iconic spots in the Mojave such as Grand Canyon West Rim.) Joshua Tree also boasts the cholla cacti, which is situated in the Colorado Desert section of the National Park.
When we first arrived at Joshua Tree, Ashley and I started with a hike at Arch Rock. It is a half mile easy loop trail that are full of stark boulders. There is even a rock formation that is shaped like the rocks you’d find at Arches National Park.
If you decide to do the Arch Rock hike, I recommend downloading the AllTrails app where it will guide you. It is easy to get lost between the boulders if you’ve never done this hike before.
Even though Joshua Tree National Park isn’t as hot as Palm Springs because it is located at a higher elevation, it is still imperative that you bring A LOT of water, even if you aren’t hiking and are just sightseeing. (Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle.) You will also need to watch out for rattlesnakes in the park! For those looking to hike, I recommend going earlier in the morning or doing one later in the afternoon like we did. There were no crowds!
Next, we made our way to the Cholla Cactus Garden that features a flat-loop, quarter mile easy trail. It is important to know that if you decide to come here and take photos, you must stay away from the cholla cacti itself. They are very sharp, dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Overall cholla cacti are adorable and they are taller than you think! Cholla are also known as teddy bear cactus because of how cute they are, but they are not so lovable if you decide to get close to one!
On your way out of the park, a great stop is at Skull Rock, which features a skull-shaped desert granite rock formation that has two depressions. Skull Rock was created by erosion and if you want to explore the entire area, there is a 1.7-mile nature trail.
Another cool spot to check out during sunset in Joshua Tree National Park is Cap Rock. It includes a short trail that has a lot of Joshua Trees to admire!
(Please note that is costs $35 USD per vehicle (standard car) to get into most big USA National Parks and $10 USD per vehicle for most State Parks. It costs more for commercial vans, buses and tours. The $35 passes are valid for seven consecutive days. If you are doing a road trip where you know you will be seeing a lot of National Parks along the way, I recommend getting the America the Beautiful Pass for $80 USD. You will definitely save money that way!)
Go Back in Time at Pioneertown – One of the Best Day Trips from Palm Springs:
Another unique spot that you must explore during a girls trip to Palm Springs is Pioneertown! Just like Slab City, Pioneertown is an unincorporated community in the San Bernardino Desert.
Pioneertown is located 40 minutes from Palm Springs and it was founded by a group of Hollywood investors in 1946. The “Old West” set was built with an 1880s style that includes frontier stables, saloons, a jail, ice cream parlors and motels. Overall, over 50 movies and shows combined were filmed in Pioneertown (such as Annie Oakley) within the 1940s and 1950s.
This fun “Old West” town is a great spot for photos and there is also a motel and great restaurant called Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. They serve great BBQ food and have awesome live music.
Admire the Artwork at the Palm Springs Art Museum during a Palm Springs Getaway Weekend:
Just steps away from The Rowan is the Palm Springs Art Museum. Located outside of the museum is a beautiful Marilyn Monroe statue to admire.
Inside of the Palm Springs Art Museum features cool exhibits to walk through and learn from. The museum also holds events, has a theater and also includes a bistro and wine bar for guests to enjoy.
Walk through the Moorten Botanical Garden:
Another wonderful thing to do during a girls trip to Palm Springs, California is visit the Moorten Botanical Garden.
This “Cactus Castle” is in the Palm Grove Oasis and features different types of desert plants for visitors to admire. You can find desert trees, plants and cacti at this botanical garden and arboretum. It is also a wonderful spot to have a wedding!
Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway:
If you have extra time during your girls trip to Palm Springs, take the opportunity to ride the Aerial Tramway!
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car that travels over 2.5 miles along the cliffs of the Chino Canyon within the city limits. During the tram ride, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. San Jacinto State Park as well as Coachella Valley.
Once you eventually reach the Mountain Station on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, you can enjoy the two restaurants, take in the views at the observation deck, walk through the natural history museum and exhibits, shop for souvenirs and take advantage of over 50 miles of hiking trails all around. The Mountain Station is located at 8,516 feet above sea level.
Overall, taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a wonderful experience for everyone to enjoy!
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day:
Lastly, a great way to relax and unwind during a Palm Springs girlfriend getaway is to enjoy a spa day. Palm Springs is known as a place where numerous celebrities would go to escape their busy schedules. To this day, there are so many great spas to go to! Here is a great article on the top 5 spas in Palm Springs.
In addition, The Rowan also has an in-room spa service for guests to enjoy during their time in Palm Springs.
Looking for other fun girl trip destinations? Read the below articles:
Girls Trip on Martha’s Vineyard
Things to do on a Nashville Girls Trip
Low Key Bachelorette Trip Ideas
Overall, my Palm Springs birthday getaway was incredible! I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best things to do in Palm Springs during a girls’ trip and reading about my experience staying at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. If you have any questions about my time in Palm Springs, California, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of the United States:
Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., CA State Capital: Sacramento, Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time
Looking for the best agency to book your next bespoke travel experience? Contact Crawford Concierge!
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6 Comments
What an awesome informative blog on Palm Springs ~ thank you for all the great suggestions on what to visit and see. Also, thanks for the hotel and restaurants tips ~ the boutique hotel you stayed at looks amazing and close to so many cool spots you can visit ~ looks like Palm Springs has some great restaurants. Great blog ~
Love you, mom 👩xoxo ♥️⚘We only crossed through Palm Springs on a coast to coast road trip, would love to see the Indian Canyons.
All the pictures in this post are beautiful, Taylor! I would love to visit Palm Springs some day, so thank you for sharing this in-depth guide. I’m bookmarking it for later ❤️
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What an awesome informative blog on Palm Springs ~ thank you for all the great suggestions on what to visit and see. Also, thanks for the hotel and restaurants tips ~ the boutique hotel you stayed at looks amazing and close to so many cool spots you can visit ~ looks like Palm Springs has some great restaurants. Great blog ~
Love you, mom 👩xoxo ♥️⚘
Thank you mom! I absolutely loved it there and the surrounding areas. love you too. <3
We only crossed through Palm Springs on a coast to coast road trip, would love to see the Indian Canyons.
It is a wonderful spot to explore. I loved all of the palm canyon oasis’.
All the pictures in this post are beautiful, Taylor! I would love to visit Palm Springs some day, so thank you for sharing this in-depth guide. I’m bookmarking it for later ❤️
Thank you so much Charu! Palm Springs and the surrounding California desert area is definitely a gem. I know you’d love it. 🙂