Ultimate Guide to Your Palm Springs Girls Trip: Fun and Sun in the Desert Oasis
Picture this: a tranquil desert oasis, sun-kissed mountains, and a radiant sky. That's Palm Springs, a haven of relaxation and adventure, the perfect setting for an unforgettable girls' trip or weekend destination. In this guide, we'll delve into every detail to help you plan your dream getaway. Palm Springs is one of our most popular locations for Luv Collective, so we’re excited to share our breakdown of planning the perfect trip!
Choosing the Perfect Time to Visit
Palm Springs, known for its year-round sunshine, has a climate that's as fabulous as its attractions. Before you book your flights, consider the ideal seasons to visit. Spring and fall offer the best weather for poolside lounging, while summer and winter cater to those who enjoy more temperate conditions…TBH - it’s hard to go wrong here! Keep in mind that Palm Springs can get busy, so booking early is essential. It's also wise to explore local events and festivals that may coincide with your trip (aka, not booking during Coachella weekend to avoid $$ Airbnb costs, unless your weekend is framed around the event).
Where to Stay
Your accommodation sets the tone for your entire trip. Palm Springs boasts a range of options, from charming boutique hotels to luxurious resorts. For a more intimate experience, consider renting a private villa or house (or Airbnb), which allows for more privacy and space to bond with your friends - which we definitely recommend for large groups.
Fun Fact: earlier this year I planned my best friend’s bachelorette and we rented a pop star-themed house near Palm Springs. The house was so decorated that we turned the whole weekend into a popstar theme with dressing up, etc.. (I dressed as Rhiana, the bride went as Ariana Grande). All this to say, let the space inspire you!
Fun in the Sun
The desert isn't just about sand and heat. Palm Springs offers an array of activities to cater to every taste.
Pool Parties: Dive into the Palm Springs pool party scene, where you can soak up the sun, sip cocktails, and enjoy the company of your squad.
Outdoor Adventures: For adventure seekers, Palm Springs offers stunning natural beauty, from the hiking trails of Joshua Tree National Park to the majestic Indian Canyons. Note - you’ll need to arrange transportation or rental cars for venturing out into the desert. If you’re looking for something close to downtown Palm Springs, Temezcal Canyon is a 5-minute drive for a cute and easy loop walk!
Dining Delights
Eating out is a pleasure in Palm Springs:
Trendy Eateries: Explore the local food scene, where trendy and Instagram-worthy restaurants abound. Picture yourself enjoying a charcuterie board, wine, and flatbreads with your girlfriends at one of these chic establishments.
Cheeky’s - the ultimate brunch spot
Birba - absolutely perfect for large groups, especially if you’re craving Italian food! If over a certain number of people, they will work with you to put together a pre-set menu which is always ideal to avoid chaotic group ordering.
King’s Highway - located right in the Ace Hotel
El Patio- cannot go wrong with tacos.
Azucar- at La Serena Villa has tasty tacos and even tastier margaritas.
Wilma & Frieda- serves up comfort food with twist.
For more recs, we love hitting up Instagram Guides or app recommendations from the travel app, Amigo (we just started using this and love it so far!)
Farm-to-Table Experiences: Embrace the farm-to-table movement in Palm Springs, savoring locally sourced dishes that will delight your taste buds.
At-home Experiences: Hire a chef or bring a food truck to your Airbnb for a dining experience where you won’t even have to leave the house! Pro tip: Hire Rogelio's Taco Cart for spending the day at the pool. We did this for my best friend’s bachelorette where they came and made tacos for us right at home and it was an absolute hit.
Exploring the Local Art and Culture
Palm Springs isn't just a pretty face; it's a cultural hub too:
Museums and Galleries: Dive into Palm Springs' thriving art and culture scene by visiting renowned museums and galleries. You can even turn your architectural admiration into a game, spotting unique mid-century modern designs.
Sunnylands Center & Gardens - Chill out in the lap of natural beauty and tranquility.
Palm Springs Air Museum - Get ready to fly through history with some seriously cool vintage planes!
Palm Springs Art Museum -Dive into a world of creativity and art that's off-the-charts awesome!
Blackstreet Art District - It's all about street art with heart and soul. Artize Gallery- Where art goes down in style.
Planning and Tips
To ensure a smooth and memorable trip:
Planning Concierge: Consider hiring a bachelorette planner to create your dream itinerary. For example, companies like Bach2Basic and GotYourBash are focused on bachelorette parties to help you with the details.
Packing Essentials: Prepare by knowing what to pack for comfort and style, and send your group a packing list in advance. The more prep you can do for your group, the less "bach drama” that you’ll have. For Palm Springs, we always recommend cute sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals, and bikinis as your essentials.
Transportation Options: Explore your choices, from renting a car to using rideshare services. Set a budget for each friend and track expenses with apps like Splitwise.
Time your activities: For example, if you’re planning to book a Luv Collective yoga class, we recommend scheduling your class in the morning (before noon) so you aren’t hit with a heatwave during class!
Itinerary Suggestions
For the ultimate girls' trip, consider these suggestions:
Games and Lingerie Party: Plan a night of fun games and a lingerie party for a memorable evening that strengthens your bonds.
Wellness experiences: Bring yoga, soundhealing or pilates straight to your doorstep for a morning wellness routine. For some evening magic, hire a tarot reader, psychic, or astrologer to bring the magic.
Dance the Night Away: Wrap up your unforgettable Palm Springs experience with a night of dancing at one of the city's lively nightspots. Here are some of our recs:
Seymour's (seymoursps.com) - good for casual cocktails
Amigo Room — King's Highway (kingshighwaydiner.com) - Ace Hotel for drinks - fun and cute spot!
Hunters Palm Springs - Arenas, Palm Springs, CA - recommended for a night out / dancing
HOME - Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret - popular drag show
Palm Springs Village Restaurant, Nightclub, Sports Bar & Grill (thevillagepalmsprings.com) - night club for going out
https://apps.copapalmsprings.com/ - quintessential club/nightclub for going out
Extra Fun and Pampering
Enhance your girls' trip with a touch of glamour, pampering, and entertainment:
ManServants: We luv the concept of this company. Your ManServant comes to your home and acts like an incredible party host, ready to cater to your needs and pour drinks. At the last Bachelorette party I went to, we had a ManServant who made us all cocktails and then facilitated fun bachelorette games and questions for the bride. It was so cute (and classy!)- highly recommend it.
Cabana Boys: This is who you want to hire if you’re looking to party and have a good time. They pour drinks and make sure to have a lot of fun with the group! P.S. They also work in other cities and locations! Mention ‘luvollective’ upon checkout to receive a $25 discount!
PartyBoys - Drag on Demand: For a night of laughter and entertainment, enjoy a drag show right at your accommodation. We LUV this and think it matches the essence of Palm Springs so perfectly too.
Making Your Palm Springs Girls Trip Unforgettable
As you prepare for your adventure, remember that careful planning, the right accommodations, and a sprinkle of fun and games are the ingredients for an unforgettable Palm Springs girls' trip. With the sun overhead, the laughter of your best friends, and the memories you'll create your Palm Springs getaway is set to be a journey of the sun, joy, and cherished experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.