Planning a trip to the Coachella Valley is exciting. You picture warm sun, tall palm trees, and sparkling pools. But then the big question comes up. Should you choose Palm Desert vs Palm Springs for your stay?
At Apek Rentals, we help guests answer this question every day. These two cities are neighbors, but they feel like different worlds. We have hosted over 15,000 stays across Southern California, and we know the unique charm of each spot, so we are ready to share what we have learned from each city.
This guide will help you decide which city fits your vacation style best.
The Vibe: Retro Cool vs. Relaxed Luxury
The biggest difference between these two towns is the atmosphere.
Palm Springs feels energetic and historic. It is the original desert getaway for Hollywood stars. You will see a lot of mid-century modern architecture here. The downtown area is very walkable. You can stroll from a coffee shop to a vintage store easily. It has a younger feel and a lively nightlife scene. If you want to be in the middle of the action, this is the place.
Palm Desert feels more polished and suburban. It is spread out and very peaceful. The streets are wide and lined with perfect landscaping. It is famous for country clubs and resorts. The vibe here is much quieter. It is perfect for families or anyone who wants to truly relax. If your dream vacation involves a golf cart and a quiet pool, you will love it here.
The good news are we offer beautiful homes in both cities! You can explore our Palm Springs vacation rentals for that retro vibe. Or you can check out our Palm Desert vacation rentals for a serene escape.
Activities and Nightlife
How do you want to spend your evenings? This is a key factor in the Palm Desert vs Palm Springs debate.
Palm Springs is the winner for nightlife. Palm Canyon Drive comes alive after dark. There are many bars, lounges, and restaurants. Every Thursday night, the city hosts VillageFest. This is a large street fair with art, food, and music. It is a lot of fun to walk around.
Palm Desert is much quieter at night. Things tend to close a bit earlier. However, the dining scene is fantastic. It is more about a nice, long dinner with a bottle of wine than a late night out. Try Cork Tree California Cuisine for exactly that vibe.
💡 Insight: Palm Springs is usually the best choice for bachelorette parties or groups who want to dance. Palm Desert is better for early risers who want to hit the golf course.
Shopping: Vintage Finds vs. High-End Brands
Both cities are great for shopping, but the stores are very different.
In Palm Springs, you will find unique boutiques. It is the best place to hunt for vintage clothes and retro furniture. The shops in the Uptown Design District are full of colorful art and decor. It feels very creative.
In Palm Desert, shopping is serious business. The city is home to El Paseo. Locals call this the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” You will find luxury brands and art galleries here. It is a beautiful place to walk and window shop. Palm Desert also has the big malls and stores like Target and Costco. This is helpful if you are staying for a longer trip and need supplies.
Outdoor Fun: Hiking vs. Golf
The entire Coachella Valley is beautiful. But the way you enjoy nature changes between the two cities.
Palm Springs sits right at the base of the steep San Jacinto Mountains. This means you have amazing hiking trails nearby. You are also close to the Aerial Tramway. This takes you up the mountain for incredible views.
You can learn more about hiking in Palm Springs by reading our special guide.
Palm Desert is the golf capital. There are roughly 100 golf courses in the area. Many of the best ones are in or near Palm Desert. If you love golf, this is your paradise. The landscape here is a bit flatter and more open.
The Weather and Wind Factor
This is a local secret that many visitors do not know.
Both cities are hot and sunny. But Palm Springs can get very windy. This is especially true in the spring. The north end of Palm Springs sits in a natural wind tunnel. It can make sitting by the pool difficult on breezy days.
Palm Desert is protected by the mountains. It is usually much calmer. If you want to ensure your pool days are still and peaceful, Palm Desert is often the safer bet.
We have many homes with private pools in both areas. We can help you find a spot that is protected from the wind.
Top Spots to Visit
Here are some of the best places to visit in each city.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
This is a must-see attraction in Palm Desert. It is a zoo and a botanical garden in one. Our guests love that the paths are clean and easy to walk. You can even feed the giraffes. It is a wonderful way to spend a morning with the family.
Learn more about The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Forever Marilyn
You cannot miss this landmark in downtown Palm Springs. It is a huge statue of Marilyn Monroe. It stands 26 feet tall. It is a very popular spot for photos. The area around it is great for walking and people-watching. It sits right near the art museum.
Learn more about Forever Marilyn
Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail
If you want a good workout in Palm Desert, try this trail. It is a short hike but it is steep. The view from the top is amazing. You can see the whole valley. Many locals do this hike for exercise. It is a great way to see the city from above.
Learn more about Palm Desert Cross Hiking Trail
PGA WEST Private Clubhouse & Golf Courses
This is legendary for golf lovers. It is located near La Quinta and Palm Desert. The courses are kept in perfect condition. Even if you are not a pro, it is fun to see. The mountain views from the greens are stunning.
Learn more about La Quinta golf packages.
Plan Your Perfect Desert Escape With Us
Choosing between Palm Desert and Palm Springs depends on your style.
Go with Palm Springs for history, walkable streets, and lively nights. Choose Palm Desert for luxury shopping, great golf, and a quieter, more relaxed pace. And since they’re only about 20 minutes apart, it’s easy to enjoy a little of both cities.
Wherever you stay, Apek Rentals is here to help you feel right at home with beautiful luxury rentals in both cities.
Browse our collections and start looking forward to sunshine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more expensive, Palm Springs or Palm Desert?
It depends on the season. Palm Springs can be more expensive because it is very popular with tourists. However, luxury homes in Palm Desert country clubs can also be pricey. You can find options for different budgets in both cities.
Is it better to stay in Palm Springs or Palm Desert?
Stay in Palm Springs if you want to walk to dinner and enjoy a lively vibe. Stay in Palm Desert if you want peace, quiet, and easy access to golf and shopping.
How far apart are the two cities?
They are very close. It usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes to drive from downtown Palm Springs to the heart of Palm Desert. It is an easy drive.
Which city has better weather?
They have very similar temperatures. Both are hot in the summer and mild in the winter. The main difference is the wind. Palm Springs is often windier than Palm Desert.
Do I need a car in Palm Springs and Palm Desert?
Palm Springs is more walkable, especially if you stay near downtown. Palm Desert is more spread out. We recommend having a car in Palm Desert to get around to the shops and restaurants.
