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SACtoday City Editor Jordan here, and when I’m looking to get away, one of my favorite places to go is Palm Springs — not only to feel like a movie star on vacation, but for its incredible weather, activities, and food. Use these tips to act like a local in between long sessions of poolside lounging.
![A home in Palm Springs, CA](https://6amcity.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d6edd64/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1000x574+0+47/resize/526x302!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-sixam-city.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F43%2F9e%2Fe44c2b2d41c19d6064318567aa27%2Fps2.png)
Palm Springs is known for its mid-century modern architecture.
Photo by @helenehavard_travel
Why go?
- Palm Springs has been the desert getaway for Hollywood royalty for nearly 100 years.
- Need to warm up during the winter? Palm Springs has an average high of ~70° from December to February.
- Press play on the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which runs Thursday, Jan. 5-Monday, Jan. 16 and features guests like Colin Farrell and Anna Kendrick.
![Enchiladas from Tac/Quila in Palm Springs, CA](https://6amcity.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c991569/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3024x1703+0+1342/resize/1000x563!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-sixam-city.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa3%2F57%2Ffae080f2495987d75621af5812da%2Fps3.png)
Don’t sleep on the enchiladas from Tac/Quila either.
Photo by @fondoftravelandfood
Act like a local:
- Food: Head to Tac/Quila and pair a Jalisco Mule (tequila, lime and watermelon juices, simple syrup, ginger beer, and mint) with the Stuffed Guerito Peppers, made with chorizo, oaxaca cheese, and chipotle mayo.
- Drink: Stop by the RetroRoom Lounge to show off your karaoke skills.
- Outdoors: Hike through Joshua Tree National Park where you can explore the beauty of the desert’s flora and fauna.
- Learn: Check out the Palm Springs Air Museum and see its latest exhibit — Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I plane.
- Listen: The Greater Palm Springs area plays host to two of the nation’s premier music festivals: Coachella and Stagecoach.
- Explore: Use the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to get an unrivaled view of the region.
![Interior of a home in Palm Springs, CA](https://6amcity.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/910a562/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1024x577+0+53/resize/1000x563!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-sixam-city.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F5e%2Faf%2Fceb82ee046beb05c1c67aa69deb7%2Fps4.png)
This could be our vacation home if only you’d invite me.
Photo via Vrbo
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Mediterranean villa (~$882/night)
- Airbnb: Vacation home with private pool (~$343/night)
- Splurge hotel: 432 Hermosa — The Dinah Shore Estate (~$3,750/night)
- Save hotel: The Saguaro (~$143/night)