From Air-Conditioned Shopping Sprees to Frozen Cocktails by the Pool, Here’s How to Spend the Summer Staying Cool
Summer is here, which means so is the heat! Sun worshippers know that Palm Springs is a dreamy destination to catch some rays. The spring months, however, typically signal the start of some smoldering temps. Whether your personal oasis is lounging poolside under the misters or lacing up your hiking boots for a sunrise hike, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season while staying cool. Here’s a list of our favorite ways to beat the heat in Palm Springs! What to Do Palm Springs
Check in to a Boutique Hotel
While Palm Springs might be a mecca for expansive resorts and lush emerald golf courses, it is also home to some of the best hidden-gem boutique hotels in California. From secluded and serene to stylish and fun, Palm Springs’ collection of charming retreats offer something for everyone (including air conditioning!). Whether you plan to lounge by the pool with a frozen cocktail in hand or relieve your stress at one of the many luxurious spas, these Palm Springs properties are sure to keep you cool and relaxed. For the nakedly confident, we’d recommend dropping your robe at Santiago Resort or Canyon Club Hotel, where you can keep cool and truly delight in the bare lifestyle. If you’re a movie buff, the Skylark Hotel hosts movie nights on their outdoor lawn area, where you and your family can catch a flick under the desert sky. With over 80 sensational small boutique hotels to choose from, every vacationer is sure to discover their dream destination all while beating the desert heat!
What to Do Palm Springs
Shop in the Air-Conditioned Stores on El Paseo
After lounging by the pool, you might be yearning for some retail therapy. That’s why a trip to The Shops on El Paseo is a must. With boujee boutiques and one-of-a-kind art galleries, this family-friendly center is the perfect spot to take a leisurely stroll and do some afternoon shopping. From staples like Anthropologie and Lululemon to designer picks, such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, you and your crew will love popping into the variety of air-conditioned shops!
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Snag a Scoop of Ice Cream from Kreem
Nothing screams spring and summer more than ice cream itself! At Kreem, you’ll find your new favorite flavor all while escaping the hot afternoon sun. This artisanal ice cream haven serves a variety of decadent flavors that will surely make your mouth water––from PB and J to rosemary vanilla and turmeric ginger! And if you have dietary restrictions, don’t fret! Kreem offers vegan options daily with both almond milk and coconut milk substitutions. So grab a cone, sit down and unwind at the coolest creamery in Palm Springs.
What to Do Palm Springs
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
Feeling artsy? The Palm Springs Art Museum is a transformative art experience that is home to a collection of over 12,000 objects. Here, you can gaze at thousands of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photos and ceramics that are rooted in modern and contemporary art, architecture and design. After surveying the collection of art, take a walk around the beautiful grounds, where you can see their Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden and more gems. Make sure to plan in advance, as the Palm Springs Art Museum is only open Thursday through Sunday; take advantage of their free Thursday nights!
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Head North on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
We hope you aren’t scared of heights because hopping on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must when visiting Palm Springs! This local tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car, travels over 2.5 miles up and over the cliffs of Chino Canyon. Once you arrive at the Mountain Station, you can explore multiple observation decks, the natural history museum, two documentary theaters and two restaurants. With over 50 miles of hiking trails to explore, this is an activity to surely check off your bucket list. The best part? With an elevation gain of 8,516 feet, it’s bound to be cooler at the top!
What to Do Palm Springs
Get in an Early Hike at Sunrise
Speaking of hiking, Greater Palm Springs is the quintessential hiking destination for beginners, experts and everyone in between. You can choose between more rigorous hikes or peaceful nature walks, but both give you the opportunity to witness breathtaking mountainscapes while watching the sunrise. Planning your hike early is key to beating the brutal temps that will certainly climb after sunrise. So set your alarm, grab your hiking shoes (and a water bottle) and get your sweat sesh in early! Click here for a list of our favorite hikes in Greater Palm Springs.
Head North to Idyllwild
Take a road trip north to the serene small town of Idyllwild, located in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains. In just about an hour’s drive, you can enjoy cooler temps and some seriously chic glamping. Book a few nights at the Idyllcove Vacation Cabin––an adorable A-frame cabin surrounded by towering trees and complete with a hot tub, spacious yard and central AC unit. During the day, visit the Idyllwild Gardens Nursery and take a stroll through the nursery’s vintage 1969 travel van gift shop!
