Palm Springs Girls Trip – The Ultimate Guide to Poolside Sun and Mid-Century Style

Few places capture California’s timeless mix of sunshine, poolside luxury, and mid-century cool like Palm Springs. Whether you’re planning a girls getaway with your college besties, celebrating a milestone birthday, or just craving a weekend to recharge and reconnect, Palm Springs is the desert oasis that does it all. Think: sparkling pools framed by palm trees, colorful hotels with retro flair, bottomless brunches, spa days, and spontaneous detours to Joshua Tree.

This guide covers everything you need to plan your dream Palm Springs girls trip—from where to stay and what to pack to the best brunches, pool parties, spas, and photo spots that will make your feed glow as much as your tan.

Why Palm Springs Is Perfect for a Girls Trip

Palm Springs offers the best of both worlds—relaxation and excitement. It’s small enough to explore in a long weekend but packed with personality, style, and sunshine nearly 350 days a year.

A Palm Springs girls trip is perfect for celebrating any special occasion — from milestone birthdays, weddings and bachelorette parties to reunions, weekend getaways, or just a well-deserved escape with your best friends.

You can spend the morning hiking desert trails, the afternoon sipping margaritas by the pool, and the evening dancing under string lights at a tiki bar or dinner show. There’s a certain “anything goes” energy here that makes every moment feel a little glamorous and spontaneous.

Plus, the proximity to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas means your group can easily fly or drive in for a long weekend.

Best Time to Visit Palm Springs

The desert can be sizzling in summer—sometimes over 110°F—so the best time of the year to visit Palm Springs for a girls trip is October through April, when the weather hovers around the 70s and 80s. Spring brings music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach (a fun vibe if you love live music and people-watching), while fall and winter are perfect for spa days, vintage shopping, and alfresco dining.

If you do visit in summer, plan for early morning outings and lots of pool time under shaded cabanas. Most hotels run great off-season deals then too.

When to Plan Around Festivals

Palm Springs turns electric during festival season, but it might also make it very difficult to find reasonable hotel rates. Plus all the popular restaurants will have long wait times, and there will be crowds everywhere. Make sure to check the dates of the below popular festivals and avoid booking during those days.

• Coachella (April): Expect crowds, energy, and elevated prices. Perfect if you’re going for the party vibe.
• Stagecoach (April): Country-music-filled fun with a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Modernism Week (February): A design lover’s dream with architecture tours and vintage markets.
• Palm Springs International Film Festival (January): Glam red-carpet energy and celebrity sightings.
• Altitude Summit (March): A creative conference in Palm Springs that brings together bloggers, entrepreneurs, and influencers for inspiring workshops, networking, and desert-chic fun.

If your goal is relaxation, plan your trip just before or after these major events to enjoy mild weather and quieter crowds.

Where to Stay – The Best Palm Springs Hotels for a Girls Trip

Choosing the right hotel sets the tone for your entire trip. Do you want trendy pool parties, laid-back boho vibes, or chic seclusion? Here are top picks by vibe:

The Saguaro Palm Springs

Colorful, playful, and unapologetically fun. The Saguaro is an Instagram dream with rainbow-painted balconies, DJ-spun pool parties, and a social energy perfect for bachelorette weekends or friend reunions. Book a cabana, order a round of frozen margaritas, and live your best desert life.

Ace Hotel & Swim Club

For a laid-back, effortlessly cool experience, the Ace offers minimalist boho design, record players in each room, and a pool scene that’s equal parts relaxing and stylish. It’s ideal for friend groups who want to chill by day and mingle by the fire pit at night.

The Parker Palm Springs

Luxury meets whimsy. Designed by Jonathan Adler, The Parker feels like an adult playground—imagine velvet lounges, hidden garden pathways, and a lemonade stand that serves champagne. It’s splurge-worthy and perfect for milestone birthdays or “treat-yourself” weekends.

V Palm Springs

Affordable yet boutique, V Palm Springs is a solid choice for groups wanting modern rooms, a vibrant pool bar, and mountain views—all without the high-end price tag.

The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows

If your group prefers a more intimate vibe, the Avalon offers Spanish-inspired bungalows and chic pools tucked under palm trees. Think Old Hollywood glam meets cozy girlfriend getaway.

Best Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals

If your group is large (6+ people), consider renting a mid-century modern house with a private pool. Look for listings in neighborhoods like Twin Palms, Movie Colony, or Racquet Club Estates. Many come with outdoor firepits, hammocks, and pool floats that make for perfect group photos.

Fun Things Do on Your Palm Springs Girls Trip

A Palm Springs girls trip is all about sunshine, style, and unforgettable fun in the desert. From lounging by colorful poolside cabanas to exploring mid-century modern boutiques and sipping craft cocktails under the stars, this getaway blends relaxation with a splash of glam. Whether you’re here for the spa days, vintage shopping, or rooftop happy hours, Palm Springs promises the perfect mix of adventure and indulgence for your besties’ escape.

Pool Days and Cabanas

Palm Springs is practically built for pool lounging. Start your mornings slow with coffee on the patio, then spend the day poolside with cocktails, floats, and matching sun hats. Many hotels offer day passes if you’re not staying onsite—check ResortPass for access to luxe spots like The Parker or The Rowan.

Brunch Like Desert Queens

Palm Springs has brunch down to an art form. Try:

• Cheeky’s – Locals’ favorite for fresh, inventive dishes and the famous bacon flight.
• Wilma & Frieda’s Café – Known for “comfort food with a twist” and amazing cinnamon rolls.
• Lulu California Bistro – Bright, lively, and perfect for bottomless mimosas.
• Farm – A French country-style outdoor café hidden downtown—order the lavender latte.
• Drag Brunch at The Saguaro – Serves up fierce live drag performances, a bottomless brunch feast, and colorful Palm Springs vibes every Saturday and Sunday.

Explore Palm Canyon Drive

Strolling down Palm Canyon Drive is a must on any Palm Springs girls trip. This vibrant main street is lined with chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, art galleries, and vintage shops perfect for an afternoon of exploring. Stop for iced lattes, snap photos by the colorful murals, and shop for stylish souvenirs to remember your desert getaway. Don’t miss Just Fabulous and The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five for retro finds and designer treasures.

Take a Mid-Century Modern Home Tour

Architecture lovers will adore the colorful doors and geometric lines of Palm Springs’ mid-century homes. Book a guided tour through Modern Tours Palm Springs or map your own “Door Tour” to see the city’s most famous pink and turquoise entrances.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Take your group from the desert floor to 8,500 feet above sea level for panoramic mountain views. It’s the perfect cool escape when the valley gets hot—and a great spot for group photos.

Visit a Spa or Wellness Retreat

Pampering is practically a Palm Springs tradition. Try:

• Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis (in Desert Hot Springs) – mineral pools and Himalayan salt rooms.
• The Spa at The Parker – lavish, vintage-inspired sanctuary.
• Two Bunch Palms – eco-luxury resort with natural hot springs.

Or, bring the spa to you—many local companies offer in-home massages and facials for groups.

Plan a Night Out

Palm Springs nightlife has a relaxed but lively energy. Start with rooftop cocktails at The Rowan High Bar or tiki drinks at Bootlegger Tiki and then dance the night away at Toucan’s Tiki Lounge.

Where to Eat in Palm Springs – The Best Restaurants for Girl Groups

Palm Springs has a surprisingly diverse food scene—from desert casual to fine dining. Some favorites:

Workshop Kitchen + Bar

Industrial-chic architecture and locally sourced ingredients make this one of Palm Springs’ most stylish dinner spots. The cocktails are stunning too.

Tac/Quila

Modern Mexican with artful decor and incredible margaritas. Great for Instagram and flavor lovers alike.

Birba

Trendy outdoor patio serving wood-fired pizza, wine, and craft cocktails under string lights—perfect for girls’ night.

Rooster and the Pig

An underrated gem offering Vietnamese-American fusion dishes. Expect a wait, but it’s worth it.

Trio

A colorful, fun space with modern American dishes and a lively energy. Ideal for groups before a night out.

Cute Coffee Shops in Palm Springs

When you’ve got a girls-trip agenda packed with pool days, photo ops, spa time, and brunches, you’ll definitely need to start your morning with a caffeine fix. These are some very trendy cafe options:

Koffi

Koffi is a Palm Springs classic with locations around town, known for its smooth coffee, fresh pastries, and laid-back desert vibe. The spacious patio and early hours make it perfect for grabbing your first caffeine fix before a pool day or morning hike.

Ernest Coffee

Ernest Coffee brings a trendy but welcoming energy, serving up rich espresso drinks and local pastries in a chic, airy space on North Palm Canyon Drive. It’s a great spot to start the day slowly, people-watch, or catch up before exploring downtown boutiques.

Café La Jefa

Café La Jefa is where coffee meets style—bright interiors, plant-filled corners, and brunch-worthy bites make it a local favorite. Their matcha mint lemonade and specialty lattes are both delicious and Instagram-worthy, perfect for a group coffee date that might stretch into lunch.

Gré Records & Coffee

For something a little different, Gré Records & Coffee combines caffeine with vinyl vibes, offering espresso and pour-overs beside a curated record shop. It’s a fun, low-key spot to unwind after a morning of sightseeing or vintage shopping.

Fun Day Trips From Palm Springs

A Palm Springs getaway isn’t complete without venturing beyond the city for a few unforgettable day trips. From desert landscapes and creative small towns to scenic drives and hidden natural wonders, the surrounding area is filled with opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re craving a touch of nature, art, or simply a new view, these easy escapes offer the perfect balance to your Palm Springs stay.

Joshua Tree National Park

A day trip to Joshua Tree from Palm Springs is the ultimate desert adventure for a girls getaway. Just about an hour’s drive away, you’ll find breathtaking rock formations, serene desert trails, and endless photo ops among the iconic Joshua trees. Pack your cutest boho outfits, a picnic, and plenty of water, then spend the day hiking, exploring, and soaking in the magic of this surreal landscape before heading back for a sunset dinner in Palm Springs.

Salvation Mountain & East Jesus

A day trip to Salvation Mountain and East Jesus from Palm Springs adds a colorful, quirky twist to your girls getaway. These artistic desert landmarks are bursting with creativity — from Leonard Knight’s vibrant, paint-covered mountain to the experimental art installations of East Jesus nearby. It’s the perfect offbeat adventure for capturing fun photos, embracing spontaneous road trip energy, and experiencing the wild, artistic spirit of Southern California’s desert communities.

Cabazon Dinosaurs

A quick day trip to the Cabazon Dinosaurs is a nostalgic and totally Instagram-worthy stop on your Palm Springs girls trip. These giant roadside sculptures make for a fun photo op and a playful escape just a short drive from the city. Wander through the dinosaur park, snap silly pictures, and embrace the kitschy desert charm that makes this spot such a classic California road trip gem.

Palm Desert Shopping

A day trip to Palm Desert is a dream for girlfriends who love to shop and unwind in style. Spend the day browsing designer boutiques, chic resort shops, and local artisan finds at upscale shopping destinations. Head to El Paseo (often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert”) for luxury finds, and The Shops at Palm Desert for more budget-friendly shopping.

Between purchases, stop for brunch mimosas or an iced coffee break, and enjoy the laid-back luxury that makes Palm Desert a favorite for fashion-forward desert explorers.

San Jacinto Peak Hiking Trail

Escape the desert heat with a scenic day trip to San Jacinto Peak, one of Southern California’s most breathtaking mountain hikes. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the trailhead, where cool pine forests and panoramic views of the Coachella Valley await. It’s the perfect girls trip adventure for nature lovers—fresh air, stunning photos, and an unforgettable sense of accomplishment at the summit.

Most Instagrammable Spots in Palm Springs

Every corner of Palm Springs is a backdrop waiting to happen. Here are some of the best photo ops:

• The Pink Door House – The city’s most famous photo spot (please be respectful; it’s a private home).
• The Saguaro Hotel – Rainbow walls and palm trees galore.
• The Parker Lobby – That iconic orange door and sculptural breeze blocks.
• Moorten Botanical Garden – Cactus wonderland.
• Desert X Art Installations (when active) – Surreal desert art experiences.
• Windmills at Sunset – Off Highway 111 for epic golden-hour shots.
• Cabazon Dinosaurs – Snap playful, vintage-vibe photos with the giant Cabazon Dinosaurs

Unique Experiences for Girls Groups

Sound Bath in Joshua Tree

Spend a meditative hour under the dome at the Integratron, a one-of-a-kind sound experience that leaves you feeling blissfully grounded.

Vintage Shopping Tour

Book a private shopping guide through Palm Canyon’s thrift and vintage boutiques—there’s incredible mid-century furniture, designer accessories, and retro jewelry to discover.

Desert Stargazing

Drive out toward Pioneertown or Joshua Tree for stargazing under some of the clearest skies in California. Bring cozy blankets and hot cocoa for a dreamy girls’ night in nature.

Private Chef Dinner

Hire a local chef to cook a custom dinner at your rental—bonus points for a poolside setup with twinkle lights.

What to Pack for a Palm Springs Girls Trip

Palm Springs style is retro-cool, bright, and effortlessly chic. Think flowy dresses, bold sunglasses, and desert neutrals with pops of color.

Essentials:

• Swimsuits (at least two!)
• Flowy sundresses and jumpsuits
• Oversized hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and wedges
• Lightweight jacket for evenings
• Pool floaties and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottles
• Matching outfits for group photos

If your group loves themed nights, plan a “Desert Disco” or “Poolside Pajama Party” and coordinate colors for photos.

Safety & Travel Tips for Palm Springs

Palm Springs may be known for its laid-back luxury, but a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your girls trip smooth and stress-free.

• Hydrate constantly — the desert heat can sneak up on you even if you don’t feel thirsty, so keep a reusable water bottle handy at all times.
• Book ahead, especially for popular restaurants, pool parties, and spa treatments, since weekends can fill up quickly.
• Uber and Lyft are convenient for local rides, but if you’re planning to venture out on day trips to Joshua Tree or Palm Desert, renting a car offers more flexibility and comfort.
• Always plan for the sun with SPF, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and breaks in the shade to avoid overheating.
• And finally, be respectful when taking photos — Palm Springs’ mid-century neighborhoods are beautiful, but many homes are private, so admire the architecture from a distance and snap photos thoughtfully.

Final Thoughts – Why a Palm Springs Girls Trip Is Always a Good Idea

Palm Springs is more than just a getaway—it’s a reset. Between the laughter, the sunshine, and the spontaneous pool dances, something about the desert makes you slow down and savor life. It’s where memories stretch long after the tan fades: late-night talks on hotel balconies, morning coffee by the pool, matching robes and mimosas, the group photo you’ll still laugh over years later.

Whether you’re celebrating something big or just life itself, Palm Springs is waiting with open skies, open arms, and endless possibilities.