Drea So you’ve picked the desert for your girls’ trip. Smart. Now you’re stuck on the part that trips everybody up, Palm Springs vs. Palm Desert. They’re 30 minutes apart, they share an airport, and half the internet acts like they’re the same place. I will tell you, Kindred, they are not. I’ve done a girls’ weekend in both, and I promise you, the wrong pick for your group is the difference between a trip everyone talks about for years and a weekend you forget by the time you’re home. The wrong pick isn’t a bad trip. It’s a nice-enough one, but you deserve better than nice-enough.
I took a group of friends to Palm Springs and it somewhat fit the bill. While they did not want to partake in the plethora of hikes on offer (I did those solo), my friends were all about the clever kitsch and theme bars sprinkled around town. That crew would have been bored in Palm Desert. Another friend group I went with loved the leisurely, swanky vibe of that side of the valley. I love them both and that’s the thing, there isn’t a wrong choice, just a wrong vibe. Let me save you the group-chat debate and help you choose.
Packing Smart Isn’t Just for the Big Trips
The same system that keeps my big trips light works for the weekend escapes too. One grab-and-go bag by the door and you’re gone. Here’s my free custom checklist.
The 30-Minute Drive That Changes Everything
So what’s really the difference between Palm Springs vs Palm Desert? I’ll give you the one-line version first. Palm Springs = social/walkable, while Palm Desert = calm/upscale.
But first, let’s talk about what they have in common. Both sit in the Coachella Valley in Southern California, and both are served by PSP (Palm Springs) airport. Palm Springs is right next to the airport, while Palm Desert sits east or “down valley.”
And both have the same high desert weather, super hot in the summer, and quite chilly in the winter. Greater Palm Springs gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year, and the sweet-spot months run roughly October through April, with February to April as the peak. So unless you love triple-digit heat, aim for those.
Then why choose at all? Well, their vibes are completely different. Palm Springs has a classic mid-century look, with boutique hotels and shops. Much of the city is downtown, so it’s very walkable, and has a fun nightlife scene.
Palm Desert, on the other hand, is full of nice resorts with golf courses. Other than El Paseo it’s very spread out (you’ll want a car), has more residential developments, and is sleepy at night.
Palm Springs is for the group that wants that classic Rat Pack, old Hollywood vibe, loves mid-century modern architecture, and/or is ready to hit the town at night. Palm Desert attracts golfers, tennis players, and spa-goers who want a leisurely weekend on the course, by the pool, or on the massage table; and want to head home after a nice dinner.
Same desert, two very different weekends.
I grew up going to Palm Springs for dance competitions and even high school prom, and started visiting Palm Desert as I got older. My cousin now lives out there, and he and I both started with visiting Palm Springs a lot, but then he migrated to the quiet side. Maybe it’s our age, but I also now go back and forth between the two. The nice part is that they are so close, so you can easily dip your toe into either.
Palm Springs for a Girls Trip
Palm Springs is your group’s pick if you are looking for a place you can walk everywhere, be in the mix, and hit a few bars at night.
You can start with a hike or lounging by the pool in the morning, walk along Palm Canyon Drive during the day, and do some vintage shopping. You can even take the Tramway up the mountains, about $37 and worth it if someone wants a change of scenery.
As the sun goes down the city lights up. Leave the rental car at the house and walk to dinner, have some drinks before and after, and absorb the different themes at each spot you visit. As it gets later you’ll see a louder, younger-skewing, and more see-and-be-seen crowd. This is true at the boutique hotels, too, as they have real pool-scene energy.
The wrong pick isn’t a bad trip. It’s a nice-enough one, but you deserve better than nice-enough.
My crew and I rented a house that was close to Canyon Drive. We rotated our days between chilling by our pool and wandering through town. Each night we chose a different restaurant, like LG’s, the Tropicale, Lulu, and Birba. We’d follow that with sampling a variety of bars. The drinks at Bootlegger Tiki were on theme, while the Tailor Shop next door gave delightfully unique concoctions. We even stumbled into karaoke one night, which was quite the entertaining evening!
Where can it go wrong for your group? If half your group wants quiet, or you plan your trip in August, you’re in trouble, as summer heat (and bad karaoke) are brutal.
Palm Desert for a Girls Trip
Palm Desert is your relaxing weekend getaway. The days can also be spent by a pool, shopping along El Paseo (the desert’s Rodeo Drive), or in back-to-back spa appointments. Action out here can include a visit to The Living Desert Zoo (around $45 a person), a round of golf, pickleball or tennis, or art.
On my last trip we visited Sunnylands (known as ‘Camp David of the West’) over in Rancho Mirage, and the property and art were beautiful. The gardens are free, but the tours have an additional fee and sell out quickly, so plan ahead. Musashi is an amazing sushi spot there, and Sherman’s Deli hits the spot if you want a traditional East Coast sammie.
Match the town to your group’s energy, not the prettier Instagram.
During your Palm Desert girls trip you won’t feel rushed or like you’re missing out, but you will likely have to drive between things. Though, you can pick a resort and stay put without having much FOMO. I’ve gone up solo for the weekend and did just that, and it was divine.
The vibe is more upscale and grown-up, with quieter resorts. Definitely a better option if the trip’s real goal is to decompress. If you go with a group chasing nightlife, it will feel like they’re in bed too early, so keep that in mind when deciding which one to choose.
Which I’d Pick (and Who Each One Wins For)
My lean is Palm Springs for a lively, walkable, social group, as there’s something for everyone. I skew towards Palm Desert for a spa-and-shopping reset, a multigen or mom-included group, or anyone who wants calm over crowds.
What’s the best way to choose? Match the town to your group’s energy, not to the prettier Instagram.
Match Your Group’s Vibe
Find the energy level you’re after, and the decision will make itself.
| Your crew | Go with |
| Here for nightlife and cocktails | Palm Springs |
| Spa days and serious shopping | Palm Desert |
| Celebrating a milestone birthday | Palm Desert |
| Want to ditch the car and walk everywhere | Palm Springs |
If you just can’t choose, then do them both. Stay in one, day trip to the other. They’re only a 30-minute drive apart.
Booking It: Where to Stay, When to Go, What to Skip
Here are some key things to consider, regardless of which city you choose. The logistics will help ensure the trip is a good one.
When to go:
Shoulder season (roughly Oct–May) is a prime time to visit. The weather is mild, and while you have Snowbirds in town, the crowds aren’t bad. Summer is triple-digit weather, which turns a lot of people off. You’ll get a better rate and a quieter city, but you’ll be H-O-T. When booking, consider large event weekends like Coachella or Stagecoach, as they push prices way up.
Where to stay:
If you’re headed on a Palm Springs girls trip, go for a walkable boutique hotel like the Colony, Casa Cody, or Avalon Hotel & Bungalows. If you want more of a quiet residential feel but still boutique, head to the Parker, or rent your own mid-century modern house. Expect roughly $250–$500 a night in season, dropping to $120–$250 if you brave the summer heat.
When visiting Palm Desert and the surrounding Coachella Valley, partake in their massive luxury spa-like resorts. JW Marriott Desert Springs, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, or the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage. If you prefer a boutique approach, consider the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells, the Sands, or Hotel Paseo. Expect roughly $300–$600 a night in season, dropping to $150–$300 in the summer.
What to skip:
Things to skip really come down to what your group is into.
When in Palm Springs, skip the Aerial Tramway if you’re tight on time. There’s plenty to do in the city itself. You can pass on mid-century architecture bus/walking tours, as you’ll see that on your own. And if you’re staying in one place, renting a car is a waste of money. Uber works just fine.
For Palm Desert peeps, trying to do Palm Springs nightlife every night will just be annoying. So will trying to get your group to do something only you love. You the only golfer/tennis player/animal lover? Then maybe take some time and do those things solo, so your friends don’t resent you at the end of the trip.
FAQs
Conclusion
Same desert, two very different weekends. If your girls want to walk out the door and be in the middle of it, take them to Palm Springs. If they want to shop El Paseo, book the spa, and hear themselves think, transport them to Palm Desert. You really can’t ruin this, as they’re both wonderful, but the right match for your group is the difference between a good trip and one they won’t stop talking about. Pick the one that sounds like your people, book the pool, and go.
Wherever you go, however you do it, I want you to have a trip to remember.
Happy travels, kindreds!
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Ready to travel to the desert?
- Here’s how to spend a Perfect Long Weekend in Palm Springs
- Take a look at my top girls trip destinations, Coachella included!
Other warm-weather escapes
- If you’re not feeling the desert, here are some other Warm Winter Escapes
- Take a look at 5 Baja California Gems
- Visiting San Diego too? This is my Ultimate San Diego Girls Trip / Weekend Itinerary
- Live in San Diego or visiting and want other ideas nearby? Here are some fun day trips and great weekend trips from San Diego
Planning Tips
- Palm Springs and Palm Desert are two of my go-to girls trips. For where else to go and how to plan it, start with my girls trips guide.
- Take a look at my 2026 planning framework in How to Plan Your Best Travel Year
- Planning a trip around the holidays? Here’s my Thanksgiving getaway guide
- Wondering how to plan this girls trip? Read all about my tips and tricks here
- Not sure what all the fuss is about? Girls trips are so much more than the destination
- Want to leave it to a pro? Here’s how to pick the right travel advisor for your trip
HELPFUL LINKS
Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources:
- Work With Me
- Need help planning your 2026 travel? Contact me here for personalized itinerary assistance!
- Want more information on the benefits of using a travel advisor? Learn more here
- Planning Resources
- Looking for Travel Inspiration? Follow me and check out my boards on Pinterest
