There are actually nine cities that make up the Greater Palm Springs area, each offering something different for travellers. Uptown Design District and Palm Desert are ideal for shopping, while architecture enthusiasts will be drawn to Deepwell Estates. Downtown is perfect for those who love to be in the centre of the action and Indio is the perfect pit-stop for foodies and festival-goers. If, however, it’s luxury you seek, head to Rancho Mirage. Palm Springs is known as a vacay destination for the rich and famous, so you can see for yourself if it lives up to its reputation.

Known for its year-round sunshine and balmy (sometimes scorching) desert temps, lightweight layers, a swimsuit and a hat are Palm Springs essentials. The best part? If you forget something, you’re never too far from amazing boutiques.

Where and how to spend your days depends on what brings you to Palm Springs in the first place. Some travellers are happy to sip cocktails poolside, while others are keen to get out and about and explore the desert. Indulge in a little retail therapy wandering around Uptown Design District and Palm Desert, cruise Deepwell Estates ogling the architecture. Downtown is the ideal base as it’s close to restaurants and accommodation options while Indio is the perfect pit-stop for foodies and festival-goers. If, however, it’s luxury you seek, Rancho Mirage delivers in droves.

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You can get around downtown without a car, however, if you’re keen to explore Coachella Valley and the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, you’re going to need your own wheels.

Palm Springs is blessed with year-round sunshine, so there’s really no bad time to visit. The high season extends from December to peak in April when the world-famous Coachella music festival takes over the town. If you’re looking to get out and explore the desert, consider the shoulder season from October to November as you can enjoy balmy days with a cool change of an evening. If you like it hot – really hot – summer is from May to September.

Coachella, baby! Every year, in April, hundreds of thousands of glitter-covered travellers from around the world make the pilgrimage to Palm Springs for the famous Coachella music festival. But that’s not all there is to do in this desert oasis, no siree – there’s shopping, amazing food, hiking trails, exceptional stargazing, museums, golf courses as well as seriously swoon-worthy architecture. Let’s not forget lying by the pool with a cocktail in hand.

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