Visiting the US? Here's why the Greater Palm Springs are ideal for families

While visiting the United States of America is exciting, it can also make you experience the favourites, but there is more. Ideal weather, open landscapes, and accessibility, alongside a plethora of activities, experiences, dining and accommodation options, make Greater Palm Springs a favourite spot for multigenerational travel. The mix of attractions, relaxation, adventure, and an infrastructure to cater to every member of the family, including pets, sets Greater Palm Springs apart as a destination for all generations.

Older travellers

Older travellers can experience the outdoors by strolling through Moorten Botanical Garden or the Sunnylands Center & Gardens, featuring benches and shaded areas along the paths. The Palm Springs Art Museum’s modern and contemporary works displayed in an accessible, thoughtfully designed space are also popular among art lovers. Moreover, families can also take advantage of the dramatic scenery on a drive along the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway, a comfortable way to experience the area’s beauty without committing to long hikes.

Climbing from the floor of the desert to an alpine forest in about ten minutes, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors to cooler mountain trails and sweeping views across the valley. Guided jeep tours, horseback rides, and desert hikes provide another way to experience the landscape with knowledgeable local guides. Cyclists will love the wide, sunlit streets that invite you to pedal beneath blue skies nearly all year long.

Ideal for kids

Kids will have a ball at the Palm Springs Air Museum’s historic aircraft or watch planes take off from nearby runways. Another popular family-friendly destination is The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where the giraffes, cheetahs, desert wildlife, and shaded paths through botanical gardens offer the perfect natural setting for everyone to explore.

Apart from activities designed for every age group, some of the region’s most unforgettable moments can be experienced as shared memories for the whole family. From exploring gallery openings in the Backstreet Art Districts to strolling the Palm Springs Walk of Stars along Palm Canyon Drive, or wandering the palm groves and short trails at the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, there is something for everyone. Another vibrant experience awaits all on Thursday evenings at VillageFest, which transforms downtown Palm Springs into a lively street fair with vendors, music, and local food.

Greater Palm Springs is also a haven for foodies, and spots like Sherman’s Deli & Bakery offer everything from deli classics to pancakes or burgers to cater to tastebuds across generations. Families may also choose to have dinner at Las Casuelas Nuevas’ festive courtyard setting with Mexican favourites. Stop for brunch or a quick pick-me-up meal at Cheeky’s, Farm, and Wilma & Frieda, which are popular stops where families can enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore. Next, head to Elmer’s Restaurant for its hearty comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere, or The Cafe at Shields in Indio, set within the historic Shields Date Garden. 

Many resorts in Greater Palm Springs are set up for families travelling together, like Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa with features like the Splashtopia water park, and Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas with its large pool areas, golf, and spa facilities. Vacation rentals are another great fit for family getaways, with villas by Private Villa Management and homes, condos, and poolside retreats by Vacation Palm Springs by Vacasa, offering some of the best accommodation options.

Today, we see many such examples where pets accompany families on travels, which is a beautiful example of shared joy. Several hotels and vacation rentals allow pets in Greater Palm Springs, often offering amenities such as designated pet areas or treats for pets. Boozehounds Palm Springs allows your little buddy to have a time of their own, while serving crowd-pleasing menus for the rest of the table.