Low season, high style: your guide to Palm Springs in the summer

Palm Springs in the summer might not top everyone’s travel list, thanks to the desert heat, but that’s exactly what makes it a surprisingly brilliant choice. As the temperatures rise, so does the opportunity to slow down, stretch out, and soak in the desert’s low-season luxury. With fewer crowds, wide-open reservations, and all the peace, pool time, and pampering you could ask for, here’s how to make the most of a summer stay in this iconic destination.

Get outside (yes, really)

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Hop on the world’s largest rotating tram car and head up Mount San Jacinto, where the views are spectacular and the temperatures are 25–30 degrees cooler. At the top, you’ll find hiking trails, picnic spots, and even a mountaintop restaurant with panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains. Stargazing: Palm Springs boasts nearly zero light pollution, so perch up in the backyard and start searching for your favorite constellations. For a guided experience, head to the Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory. It’s just a short drive away and includes an outdoor observation deck and expert insight into what’s twinkling above.

R&R

Spa days: With so many resorts in town, there’s no shortage of places to unwind. But topping nearly every Palm Springs list is The Spa at Séc-he. This new wellness oasis draws from ancient healing waters used by the Agua Caliente tribe for generations. Expect mineral-rich thermal pools, private cabanas, over 73,000 square feet of pure serenity, and a full menu of luxurious treatments. A must-visit for anyone in need of a recharge.

Indoor pursuits

Palm Springs Art Museum: Explore modern and contemporary works, Native American pieces, and rotating exhibits. It’s also known for its unique architectural design that exemplifies the midcentury modern architecture the region is known for. It’s intimate, inspiring, and the thermostat is set to “just right.” Palm Springs Air Museum: This one is for the aviation lovers and history buffs. Wander through large temperature-controlled hangars for an up-close look at vintage aircraft from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. With interactive exhibits, war-time stories, and a large collection of aviation artifacts, it’s no wonder CNN Travel named it one of the world’s top aviation museums. Self-guided architectural tour: Palm Springs has one of the world’s largest concentrations of midcentury modern architecture. Cruise around in the comfort (and AC) of your car and take a drive back in time, when this desert oasis was a playground for visionary architects putting bold Modernist ideas into motion.

Pool time

Hotel day passes: Snag a day pass at a stylish local hotel. Try The Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows for luxe, laid-back elegance, or go bold at The Saguaro, known for its colorful aesthetic and lively scene. Enjoy private cabanas, poolside bites, and live music. Whatever your vibe, Palm Springs’ boutique hotel scene will deliver. Splash-worthy resorts: Traveling with kids (or the young at heart)? Some resorts offer theme park worthy waterslides, lazy rivers, and poolside fun that keeps the whole crew cool. Check out Palm Springs Surf Club and try their state-of-the-art wave pool along with resort-style amenities and waterslides for a full day of fun. Your own private pool: Sometimes nothing beats the peace and quiet of home. Grab the SPF and a good book and lounge poolside in your own backyard with a cold drink in hand, practice laps or just float the day away.

Cool desert nights

Dine around town: Check out Palm Springs’ buzzworthy restaurant scene. Featuring a diverse range of cuisines and atmospheres, from upscale fine dining to casual diners and trendy lounges with instagrammable dishes.VillageFest: Every Thursday, Palm Canyon Drive turns into a pedestrian street fair packed with local artisans, food vendors, and live music. This family- (and dog-) friendly event is a favorite of both locals and visitors every summer. Summer in Palm Springs isn’t just desert heat. It’s packed with culture, adventure, and plenty of relaxation. And when you co-own with Pacaso, you can make the most of the season in total comfort and style.

Low season, high style: your guide to Palm Springs in the summer

Get outside (yes, really)

R&R

Indoor pursuits

Pool time

Cool desert nights

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