Palm Springs: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Print this page as PDF.
Palm Springs: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Palm Springs

Overview

Known for its sunny weather and hot springs, Palm Springs has been a favorite spot for Hollywood stars and snowbirds alike year-round. Palm Springs is also home to a large collection of modernist architecture that can be seen in buildings around the city. In this desert haven, you can relax and enjoy yourself as Palm Springs offers activities for all to enjoy.

 

Population: 44,575 (2020 est)

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)

Emergency Number: 911

Outlet: Type A

Drink-Pool-Palm-Springs
Cactus-flower

Packing List

Girl-at-Saguaro

Weather

PALM SPRINGS WEATHER

Fun Facts

  • Being in the desert, it’s probably no surprise that Palm Springs has a large number of pools. But did you know that Palm Springs has over 50,000 pools? Having over 50,000 pools means that this city has more pools per capita than anywhere else in the United States. 
  • In Palm Springs, 7.2% of the households are made up of same-sex couples. You may be thinking that this percentage isn’t that high, but when the national average is 1%, it’s a significant number. With a higher concentration of same-sex couples, it’s clear that members of the LGBTQ+ community feel safe and accepted in this city. 
  • From the months of November through March, Palm Spring’s population nearly triples in size. Retirees can play golf and soak up the sun. Snowbirds flock to this destination because even in the winter, the temperature doesn’t reach over 75 degrees, and it rarely dips below 40 degrees at night.
  • According to Cahuilla legend, Mount San Jacinto was the birthplace of humanity. A 2018 archaeological dig in the city dates the local Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian civilization back at least 8,000 years.

Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

Guides USD $5-20 per person/per day
Drivers USD $3-4 per person/per day
Restaurants (full service)  USD 15-20% of total bill

 

FAQ

Where can I find information on travel safety? Click here for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

Do I need a Visa? For US travelers, no. International visitors should check with their consulates to see if they need a visa, e-visa, or waiver. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

What about vaccines? For vaccination information, click here.

 

Do you recommend travel insurance? While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, worldnomads.com, or from a provider of your choice.

 

How much should I pack? As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

What does public transportation look like?  Buses are affordable and convenient, as are taxis.

 

Is Uber or Lyft available? Yes!

Luggage Restrictions

Luggage Restrictions purple
Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1

1% Promise

Cool-Effect-Logo-1-gray

In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of Trova's revenue will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe.

Book With Confidence

TrovaTrip-Trova-Pledge
ethicalTourism
USTOA-Member-Logo-gray
IGLTA_Member
ATTA Member Badge vertical GreyReverse