By Gregg Fletcher
One of the best things about living in Palm Springs? You don’t have to plan a vacation to enjoy one. With more than 300 sunny days a year, it’s easy to fill a full day with fresh air, mountain views, and that relaxed desert pace that never gets old. Whether you’re a local looking to mix up your weekend routine or just moved to town and want to explore, here’s exactly how I’d spend a day enjoying the great outdoors in Palm Springs, from sunrise hikes to sunset cocktails.
Key Takeaways
- Start the morning with a hike for early light and cooler temps.
- Midday is perfect for relaxing poolside, exploring public art, or grabbing lunch at an open-air café.
- Afternoon options include golf, garden strolls, or biking the historic neighborhoods.
- Evenings shine with rooftop drinks, patio dining, and mountain views you can’t get anywhere else.
Morning: Hike the Canyons and Take in the Landscape
The desert is best experienced early in the day, when the light is soft and the air is cool. A sunrise hike is my go-to for grounding, sweating, and seeing the desert at its most beautiful.
Where to Start the Day
- Indian Canyons (Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon) offers miles of scenic trails, ancient palms, and seasonal streams.
- Tahquitz Canyon Trail is a shorter 2-mile loop with a stunning 60-foot waterfall and native rock art.
- For something mellow, The Araby Trail gives you big views of Southridge and the famous Bob Hope house without too much elevation.
Be sure to bring water, sun protection, and your camera; this is the part of Palm Springs most visitors miss.
Midday: Eat, Explore, and Lounge in the Sun
Once the sun is higher, it's time to cool down a bit, but that doesn’t mean heading inside.
Best Midday Outdoor Activities
- Brunch on the patio at FARM in the La Plaza courtyard; it feels like a French garden in the middle of downtown.
- Walk the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Outdoor Sculpture Garden, or check out the rotating murals near the downtown design district.
- Head home or to a friend’s house for a classic Palm Springs pool hang; almost every home here is built around outdoor lounging.
Midday is about enjoying the lifestyle, not racing through it.
Afternoon: Golf, Gardens, or Neighborhood Exploration
By the time mid-afternoon rolls around, you’ve got options: active or relaxed.
How to Make the Most of the Desert Afternoon
- Play a round at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, one of the most accessible and scenic courses in the city.
- Stroll the paths at Moorten Botanical Garden, home to over 3,000 desert plants and a vintage cactus greenhouse.
- Rent an e-bike and cruise through Vista Las Palmas, Deepwell Estates, or Racquet Club Estates to see mid-century homes up close.
You don’t need a big agenda; just a good pair of sunglasses and an open schedule.
Evening: Watch the Sunset and Stay Out Late
Evenings in Palm Springs are when the colors shift and the energy changes. The heat fades, the lights come on, and patios fill up.
Sunset to Night Ideas
- Grab a cocktail on the rooftop at Kimpton Rowan’s 4 Saints for panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
- Book dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar; their back patio is one of the best-designed outdoor spaces in the city.
- End with a walk through Downtown Palm Springs for live music, late-night shopping, or just soaking in the warm evening air.
Enjoy the peace. Desert nights are calm but never boring.
FAQs
Can you really be outside all year in Palm Springs?
For the most part, yes. Mornings and evenings are always doable. Summers are hot, but with shade, pools, and misters, outdoor living doesn’t stop.
What are the best outdoor activities for new residents?
Start with hiking Indian Canyons, biking the historic neighborhoods, and trying out different restaurant patios. You’ll find your rhythm quickly.
Are there free outdoor experiences in Palm Springs?
Absolutely, trails, public art, downtown events, and the local street fair (VillageFest) every Thursday night offer plenty of no-cost ways to enjoy the city.
Contact Me Today
Palm Springs isn’t just a place to own a home; it’s a place to live outside. Whether you’re drawn to mountain trails, iconic architecture, or just soaking up the sun with friends, the best outdoor activities in Palm Springs are waiting just beyond your doorstep. And if you’re still looking for the perfect place to make this lifestyle yours, I can help.
Reach out to me, Gregg Fletcher, and let’s find a home that brings the best of the outdoors right to you—365 days a year.
