Palm Springs Airport Layover? Guide & Tips

Top 5 Layover Ideas for Palm Springs Airport

Whether you're waiting for your next flight or have just arrived with time to spare, Palm Springs Airport (PSP) offers an array of activities to make your layover an enjoyable one. Here are the top 5 layover ideas to help you make the most of your time at PSP.

1. Explore Palm Springs

As the gateway to the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is a vacation paradise within easy reach of the airport. With gourmet restaurants, high-end resorts, and first-class meeting facilities, it's the perfect destination for a quick escape. You can explore the city's couture fashion stores, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, or simply relax and take in the stunning mountain views.

2. Relax in Desert Hot Springs

If you're in need of some relaxation, head to Desert Hot Springs. Known for its naturally occurring mineral waters, this destination offers a variety of spas where you can renew and rejuvenate. Whether you prefer polished marble resorts, retro-hip motels, or ultra-exclusive celebrity retreats, Desert Hot Springs has something for everyone.

3. Have Fun in Cathedral City

For those traveling with family, Cathedral City offers a range of fun activities. From movie theaters and amusement parks to miniature golf courses and ball fields, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained. Adults can explore off-the-beaten-path consignment shops during the day, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the evening.

4. Visit Rancho Mirage

Experience the glamour of Rancho Mirage, a town known for its celebrity draw. Explore the resorts, country clubs, and the glamorous casino, or enjoy a movie at the restaurant complex with its own river. With streets named after Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra, Rancho Mirage is a star-studded town worth visiting.

5. Discover Palm Desert

If you're looking for a bit of everything, Palm Desert is the place to go. From wilderness beauty and golf courses to Broadway hits, shopping, and dining, Palm Desert offers a complete vacation experience. It's a shopping and dining wonderland that's sure to make your layover a memorable one.

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Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you find yourself with an extended layover of 12 to 48 hours, the area surrounding Palm Springs Airport offers a wealth of attractions and activities to explore. Make the most of your extended layover by venturing out to these nearby attractions.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

Just a short drive from Palm Springs Airport, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit. This vast protected area is characterized by rugged rock formations and stark desert landscapes. Named for the region's twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which is home to the famed Joshua tree. Spend a day exploring the park's hiking trails, or simply enjoy the breathtaking desert scenery.

2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

For a unique perspective of Palm Springs, take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The world's largest rotating aerial tramway, this attraction offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes. At the top, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant, explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, or visit the natural history museum.

3. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

If you're a nature lover, don't miss the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This unique zoo and botanical garden is dedicated to the deserts of the world, and features a variety of animals and plants from desert climates. It's a great place to learn about desert ecosystems and conservation efforts.

4. Palm Springs Art Museum

Art enthusiasts should make a point to visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. With a diverse collection of art, from modern and contemporary to Native American and Western, the museum has something for everyone. In addition to its art exhibits, the museum also features a theater and a variety of educational programs.

5. Coachella Valley Preserve

For a tranquil escape from the city, head to the Coachella Valley Preserve. This natural oasis features over 20,000 acres of wilderness, including palm oases, sand dunes, and hiking trails. It's a great place to enjoy a peaceful walk, birdwatch, or simply appreciate the beauty of the desert.

Updated on: November 22, 2023

Layover Ideas