Your Palm Springs Winter Itinerary

Winter in Palm Springs is a desert paradise for sun seekers, spa lovers, and hiking enthusiasts. Lucky for you, we’ve prepared a custom Google Map Itinerary that will take you from serene desert hikes to rejuvenating spa mornings, al fresco lunches, and afternoons spent wandering through the coolest galleries and shops. With perfect skies overhead, seasonal events, and plenty of space to explore, it’s the ultimate mid-century modern escape!

Your Palm Springs Winter Itinerary Checklist

Cafe La Jefa 

Address: 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive

Hours of Operation: Sunday thru Thursday from 7 am-4 pm and 7 am-8 pm Fridays and Saturdays

Tahquitz Canyon Trail

Address: 500 W. Mesquite Ave.

Hours of Operation: Daily from sunrise to dusk

Grounded Bodyworks

Address: 1701 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Ste 4

Hours of Operation: 9am - 5pm Wed-Sat/9am - 2:30 Sun/Mon (Closed Tues)

Palm Springs Art Museum

Address: 101 Museum Dr.

Hours of Operation: Thur from 12 pm-8 pm/Fri-Sun from 10 am-5 pm (Closed Mon-Wed)

Downtown Palm Springs

Address: Palm Canyon Dr.

Hours of Operation: Hours vary by shop

Wilma & Frieda

Address: 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr.

Hours of Operation: Daily from 8 am-2 pm

Palm Springs Air Museum

Address: 745 N. Gene Autry Tr.

Hours of Operation: Daily from 10 pm-5 pm

1501 Uptown Gastropub

Address: 1501 N. Palm Canyon Dr.

Hours of Operation: Happy Hour daily from 3 pm-5 pm.

Tac/Quila

Address: 415 N. Palm Canyon Dr.

Hours of Operation: Daily from 11 am-10 pm

Rooftop 262 Bar and Grill

Address: 262 S. Palm Canyon Dr. #200

Hours of Operation: Mon and Tues from 4 pm-9 pm/Wed through Fri from 11 am-2 pm/Sat from 10 am-2 am/Sun from 10 am-9 pm.

Your Palm Springs Winter Itinerary

Breakfast and a Sunrise Hike

Kick off your winter getaway with a classic Palm Springs start at Norma’s, a local favorite known for hearty, indulgent breakfasts. Chat over stuffed French toast, fluffy omelets, or avocado toast in the cozy, sunlit atmosphere—the perfect way to energize before an outdoor adventure.

When you’re sufficiently refueled, make your way to the Tahquitz Canyon Trail, an easy-to-moderate hike just a few minutes from Palm Springs vacation rentals. This 2-mile loop offers well-maintained paths, stunning desert vistas, seasonal waterfalls, and Native American rock art. 

Spa Treatment

After your hike, treat yourself to a facial, massage, or body treatment at Grounded Bodyworks. If you’ve got a little extra time on your hands, head out to the mineral pools at  Azure Palm Hot Springs. Top it off with a stop at Azure Palm Cafe for fresh juice, a smoothie, or a calming herbal tea. Prefer to stay in? Book an in-home massage and let the spa come to your vacation rental!

Art Galleries & Boutique Shopping

After your morning adventures, indulge your creative side with a stroll through Palm Springs’ art and shopping scene. Pop into the Palm Springs Art Museum before heading downtown to check out some local galleries, including Janssen Art Space Gallery, The Lofts Arts District at Sun Center, and The Shag Store.

Thick as Thieves offers a curated selection of jewelry, artwork, bath and body products, and more. The Frippery is a vintage wonderland, and Iconic Atomic is where all your retro dreams come true. After shopping, lunch will definitely be in order, and we’d suggest Wilma & Frieda's for the quintessential outdoor cafe dining experience.

Winter Festivities & Happy Hour

Should your trip land you in Palm Springs in early January, check out the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Arriving mid-February? You won’t want to miss Modernism Week, a city-wide celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, and culture, featuring showstopping tours, exhibits, and events. Afterward, pop into 1501 Uptown Gastropub for happy hour and whet your appetite with a classic martini before heading out to dinner.

A Cozy Dinner and a Night of Entertainment

Wrap up your winter outing with a cozy dinner at Tac/Quila. This Michelin-recognized restaurant has earned accolades for three consecutive years, and we’re pretty sure it has something to do with their authentic Mexican cuisine cooked to perfection. You can dine indoors or under the stars—because if you’re in Palm Springs, patio season never ends. Top the day off with a nightcap and mountain views at Rooftop 262 Bar and Grill!

And don’t forget, VillageFest takes place every Thursday throughout the year, transforming downtown into a street fair with art, food, and plenty of people watching. Head back to your ACME House Company vacation rental, reminisce about the fabulous time you’re having spending winter in Palm Springs, and rest up for tomorrow’s adventures!

ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: ACME manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit ACME’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rentals.

Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs and Visit Palm Springs

Published by Matthew Bruce
Monday, December 15, 2025