How to Plan the Perfect Palm Springs Bachelorette Party (or Girls Weekend)!

Planning a Palm Springs bachelorette party or girls weekend? You’re in the right place! Find out all the best things to do, where to stay, and where to eat + drink for a perfect Palm Springs girls trip!

Once a sleepy town known as the hangout spot for Hollywood’s Rat Pack, Palm Springs has reinvented itself as a hip desert oasis, full of stylish hotels, trendy boutiques, and a bustling foodie and cocktail scene. With its plentiful sunshine and laid-back vibe, a Palm Springs bachelorette party was perfect to celebrate my friend Amy, and we a super fun girls weekend out in the desert!

A Palm Springs girls trip offers something for everyone in your group, whether it’s sipping cocktails by the pool, relaxing at the spa, checking out the local foodie scene, dancing all night, getting lost in nature (I highly recommend spending some time in Joshua Tree National Park), or enjoying the arts and culture.

Here are some ideas to help you plan that perfect Palm Springs bachelorette party or girls weekend, guaranteed to help you and your girls have an amazing time!

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A Few Things to Know Before Planning a Palm Springs Girls Weekend

Getting to Palm Springs

Palm Springs is just over 100 miles away from Los Angeles, making it a Palm Springs girls trip an easy weekend getaway from Southern California. It is about a two hour drive, although this can also depend on traffic conditions.

If you wish to fly, Palm Springs International Airport is served by 10 major airlines, which offers direct flights to several hubs in the US and Canada, connecting it to 500 cities worldwide.

However, it is a smaller airport and flights are sometimes pricey. During the slower summer months, flights are limited. Another option is to fly into LAX, or Ontario International Airport (about an hour and 15 minutes away), and then rent a car (psssst…it is often cheaper to rent a car from Ontario than LAX).

Our party was mostly based in the Los Angeles area, with two of us coming from the San Francisco Bay Area and flying into LAX (including me). We all met up in the LA area and carpooled together.

Getting Around in Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs is pretty small and easily walkable to get from one place to another.

Palm Springs is also served by both Uber and Lyft, which is a great way to help you get around town. Many hotels also offer bike rentals, which can also be a fun way to see the city and soak up those desert views.

If you want to go beyond the downtown area, or explore more of the Greater Palm Springs area, or take a day trip, you will need to have a car.

Best Time to Plan a Palm Springs Bachelorette Party

Palm Springs is known for its year-round sunshine; however, it can get extremely hot in the summer.

Generally, January-April are the most popular times to go. We planned our bachelorette weekend at the end of January, and the highs were in the mid 70s to mid 80s, with the lows being in the high 50s (which was warmer than the highs back home in San Francisco that weekend). Our server at dinner commented that it was freezing cold (52 degrees) in December.

I have been to Palm Springs in the middle of August, which is the hottest month of the year. I may have been a bit crazy as average temperatures rise to 108 degrees. I made the most of it, but it is not the ideal time to visit.

If you absolutely have to plan your girls getaway during the summer, do know that it is HOT. However, there are plenty of ways to stay cool, including hanging  out in the pool (several of the hotels host pool parties during the summer months) or spa, and trekking up the aerial tram – at the top, it is a good 30 degrees cooler.

One advantage of going in the middle of summer is that hotel rates tend to be lower. However, keep in mind that some restaurants and businesses take a summer break during this time.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

There are many options for accommodations for your Palm Springs girls weekend or Bachelorette party. Depending on your party size, a vacation rental booked through VRBO or Airbnb, can be a great option.

There are also many stylish, boutique hotels that are perfect home base. Here are some options for the best places to stay for a girls trip to Palm Springs:

Ace Hotel and Swim Club: Our bachelorette party stayed at the Ace Hotel – we loved the fun, hipster chic vibe, and the fact that it has one of the best hotel pools in Palm Springs.

The rooms are stylish but minimalistic. There were six of us, so we got two adjoining rooms. There was also a fireplace area right outside our rooms that was a cozy spot that was perfect for hanging out. There was a group there who were roasting marshmallows and making s’mores and offered us some – so fun!

The Saguaro: You can’t help but feel happy at the Saguaro, with its bright, rainbow colors. This is also a fun place to stay in Palm Springs The Saguaro also has an awesome pool, with pool parties in the summer, as well as two on-site restaurants.

Sparrows Lodge: The Sparrows Lodge started as a 1950s retreat, but has been remodeled into a modern, rustic oasis in the middle of the desert. The rooms have no TV or phones, so you can really focus on spending some quality time with your girls! You can also hang out at the pool here.

The Parker: For a taste of luxury in a stylish setting, the Parker makes an excellent home for your Palm Springs weekend. The Jonathan Adler decorated property is super chic. It also has great pool facilities, and on-site dining options.

Arrive Hotel: The Arrive Hotel is a chic newcomer to Palm Springs. The facilities have a modern, stylish vibe. There is also an awesome pool, bocce ball and ping pong courts, and fun events they put on throughout the week.

What to Do and See During Your Palm Springs Bachelorette Party or Girls Trip

Hang Out Poolside

Take advantage of all that sunshine – pool time is a MUST for any girls weekend! Soak up the sun, sip on a refreshing cocktail, and hang out with your girls poolside. Many of the hotels in Palm Springs have an on-site pool that you can take advantage of as a hotel guest.

If your accommodations do not have a pool, or you want to check out a different pool, there are a few options.

During the spring and summer months, several hotels host pool parties, which are super fun for a girls trip or bachelorette weekend! Some of the best hotel pools in Palm Springs include the Ace and Saguaro and both of these have pool parties. Check each hotel’s website for the most up-to-date schedule and info.

I recommend looking on Resort Pass to find and book pools that offer day access.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway travels two miles, and ascends from 2600 to 8500 feet in just 10 minutes. The rotating tram car, which is also the world’s largest, offers spectacular views of the valley as it takes you up to Mountain Station, where you will find observation decks, two restaurants, a natural history museum, and the entrance to Mr. Jacinto State Park.

At Mt. Jacinto State Park, you will find over 50 miles of hiking trails, which makes it the perfect spot to escape into nature for a bit.

Keep in mind that you will now be in the mountains, and not the desert, which is a nice change of scenery. Also remember that temperatures will change accordingly. It can be 30-40 degrees cooler at the top – this is a welcome respite from the heat during the summer months, however, there may also be snow in the winter.

For trail maps, current conditions, and more information, see here.

Take a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

Just an hour drive out of Palm Springs, spending one day at Joshua Tree is a must. Located where the high Mojave desert meets the low Colorado desert, the park features the unique desert flora, including the namesake plant (which is actually a type of yucca), large rock boulders, and more.

You can choose to spend the whole day here, or only a few hours – either way, Joshua Tree makes an ideal day trip for your Palm Springs girls weekend. There are 12 self-guided nature trails that start from the main park roads, which are perfect for exploring in one day in Joshua Tree. The wide open space and vast desert landscape makes it almost feel like you have the entire place to yourself.

If you wish to spend more time at Joshua Tree, you can opt to hike into the backcountry, take a tour from the Visitor’s Center, join a ranger program, or hike into one of five palm oases.

After strolling though the magical desert landscape, it is worth driving up to Key’s Point and taking in the view – on a clear day, you can see as far as Mexico, but otherwise you can admire the view of the So-Cal smog the valley and the surrounding mountains.

Check Out the Modernist Architecture in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is famous for its mid-century modern architecture – there is even a weeklong festival dedicated to it! You can admire these sleek, modern homes, which were popularized in the 1920s, all over town. You may have heard of that famous pink door – this is a shining example of this style of architecture.

There are several ways to experience the modernist architecture in Palm Springs – one way is to just walk through its streets and admire the beautiful homes in town, that also double as some of the most Instagrammable places in Palm Springs. You can check out this great self-guided door tour here.  Other spots to check out around town include the Old Tramway Gas Station and City Hall.

For a more in-depth look into mid-century modern architecture, there are various guided tours that are offered. Another option is to do a tour of the famous Frey House.  There is also a free map and app from PSModCom.

Go Shopping!

What is a girls’ trip without some good ‘ol retail therapy? Downtown Palm Springs is lined with trendy and stylish boutiques, including the flagship store of Trina Turk, whose brand exemplifies the Palm Springs resort style. Many stores and boutiques can be found on South Palm Canyon, and you can make a shopping day out of browsing the shops on this street.

If you are looking to score some major deals, another option is to drive out to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Cabazon Outlets, located about a 20 minute drive away. Either way, there are plenty of options for getting your shop on!

Go on a Fun Tour

There are tons of cool tours in the Palm Springs area, which are a fun way to explore the area with your girlfriends!

Here are some options:

• San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour: This is a fun way to learn more about the unique geology of the area. You’ll take a tour to the legendary San Andreas fault, see steep walled canyons, tall rock mountains, and desert oases in a jeep. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the desert and the inhabitants that once lived here.
  
• Joshua Tree Open-Air Hummer Tour: This is a fun way to see Joshua Tree National Park. You’ll ride in an open-air hummer (which make excellent photo ops!) as you make your way through the park, stop at some key viewpoints, and learn more about the desert.
  
• Palm Springs Legends and Icons Tour: Learn more about the rich and famous that once used to live in Palm Springs. Check out some historic landmarks and tour the houses of some of the town’s most famous inhabitants.
  
• Palm Springs Celebrity Bike Tour: Here’s a fun way to see Palm Springs and visit some of the houses of the celebrities that once lived here. You’ll hop on a bike and ride through some beautiful neighborhoods.

Take Lots of Instagram-Worthy Photos!

With an abundance of color, stylish decor, all those palm trees, and desert oasis landscape, there’s no doubt that Palm Springs is a super photogenic city. Want to know where to go to snap some Instagram-worthy shots of your squad from your Palm Springs girls weekend Look no further for the most Instagrammable places in Palm Springs:

The Parker

4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

This stylish Jonathan Adler designed property looks straight out of the pages of an interior decor magazine – you will want to move in immediately! The lobby and the sitting area are perfect to snap some group shots, as well as the bar, and the iconic orange door outside. Definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Palm Springs.

Ace Hotel and Swim Club

701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

You can’t go wrong with that hipster chic vibe at the Ace Hotel. Some of the best photo spots here: the Ace sign outside, the Block Shop Textiles wall, and the view from the deck in the pool area.

With the Modernist Architecture Around Town

There are so many cool modernist buildings all around Palm Springs, making it the perfect backdrop for your Insta photos! Just walk around town and you are sure to find so many picture-perfect backdrops.

Just please, please be aware that many of these are private residences, so it is important to be mindful and respectful when taking your photos.

The Saguaro Hotel

1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

The rainbow-colored Saguaro was *made* for Instagram – all that bright, happy color makes the perfect setting for some photos from your Palm Springs girls trip. The poolside area makes the best backdrop for photos, as well as the lobby and the exterior of the property. Definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Palm Springs!

Check out Salvation Mountain

Another cool day trip to consider on your Palm Springs girls weekend is to Salvation Mountain. It’s not located as close to Palm Springs as many think it is (it’s about an hour and a half away), but it’s a fun spot to visit if you’re looking for another place to take colorful photos.

Salvation Mountain is the creation of Leonard Knight, a man who wanted to spread God’s love. He initially wanted to spread the message via hot air balloon, but after failing several times, built a mountain instead.

The result is a giant art installation in the middle of the desert, painted in bright colors of paint and made with various found objects. It’s painted in a rainbow of colors, and adorned with various murals spreading the message of God’s love.

It’s certainly a unique creation – and makes a perfect backdrop to your photos! The mountain is MASSIVE – 50 feet tall, and 150 feet wide – and has so much color and detail.

If you make it out here, also be sure to check out Slab City and Salton Sea. The area has some strange characters who call it home, so it may not be for everyone. Still, it makes a unique attraction that I thought was worth visiting.

Where to Eat and Drink For Your Palm Springs Bachelorette Girls Weekend

Norma’s

4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (inside the Parker hotel)

Get ready for one of the best brunches of your life at Norma’s! It is on the pricier side, but well worth it. If you are a fan of sweet breakfast items, Norma’s has an extensive menu of decadent French toasts, waffles, pancakes and more – it is almost like eating cake for breakfast, but how can you go wrong with that?! Their Eggs Benedicts are also divine – and made with pancakes instead of English muffins. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.

Cheeky’s

622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Two words: bacon flight! Seriously though, how can you go wrong with 5 pieces of bacon, all cooked and flavored in different ways? Cheeky’s is known for their creative brunch dishes, with a seasonal menu that changes weekly. One of the most popular brunch spots in Palm Springs. Keep in mind that Cheeky’s does not take reservations, so plan accordingly.

Birba

622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

With all that sunshine and (mostly) warm weather in Palm Springs, you must have an al fresco dinner. Birba is the perfect spot to dine outdoors. The greenery and white string lights hung in the patio make it a beautiful setting for a dinner with your girls. The rotating menu features a selection of eclectic Italian dishes, and creative cocktails.

El Jefe

1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (inside the Saguaro Hotel)

Known as one of the best tequila bars in the county, you are guaranteed to have a great time at El Jefe. They have the BEST margaritas – careful though, they are STIFF! El Jefe also serves a full menu of modern Mexican fare. The fun, laid-back vibe makes it perfect for dinner or a night out, some drinks + snacks at happy hour, or some Sunday brunch.

King’s Highway + Amigo Room

701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (inside the Ace Hotel)

Both located in the Ace Hotel, King’s Highway is a converted Denny’s exudes a hip, laid-back, Californian vibe. You can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner here, but it is perfect for breakfast or lunch.  The cuisine is best described as “elevated diner” – diner classics with a modern spin.

They also have a poolside menu. The cocktails here are also creative and tasty. The Amigo room is the attached lounge/bar. A fun spot that is perfect for after-dinner drinks and people watching, or a nightcap on the way back to your room at the Ace. They also have fun events throughout the week.

Koffi

515 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

For those coffee drinkers who MUST have their caffeine to function, Koffi is the perfect spot to grab your morning Joe. Located across the street from the Ace Hotel, Koffi has an on-site roasting room and also has pastries and quick breakfast bites.

Ice Cream & Shop(pe)

1551 N Palm Canyon Dr a, Palm Springs, CA 92262

This cute spot, located inside the Arrive hotel, doubles as an ice cream parlor, gift shop, AND Instagram spot – you totally have to get a shot with the “Palm Springs is Better” neon sign. Ice Cream & Shop(pe) features a list of rotating flavors, including Rosewater, Champagne, Salted Caramel, and more. The Rosewater is to die for!

Great Shakes

160 S Palm Canyon Dr A, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Because how can you go wrong with a milkshake on a warm day? Great Shakes is located on South Palm Canyon Drive, right in the heart of downtown, which makes is great for an after-dinner treat, or a pick-me-up while shopping at one of the boutiques in the area.

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission when you purchase something from one of these links. 

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What would you do on a Palm Springs bachelorette party?