1 Day Palm Springs Itinerary

Looking for the perfect day trip during your stay at Coachella Lakes RV Resort? Just a short drive away, Palm Springs offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, shopping, and unique desert attractions. From exploring museums and riding the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to enjoying great restaurants and scenic mountain views, this one-day itinerary highlights some of the best experiences the area has to offer.

A perfect day trip from Coachella Lakes RV Resort

Start your morning at Coachella Lakes RV Resort, located in the heart of the Coachella Valley and just a short drive from Palm Springs. Planning your day around the cooler morning hours and relaxing evenings is the best way to experience the desert during the summer.

Morning: Breakfast & Downtown Palm Springs

Begin the day with a scenic drive to Palm Springs, about 40–45 minutes from the resort. The city is known for its mid-century modern architecture, palm-lined streets, and vibrant arts scene.

Enjoy breakfast or coffee at one of the many cafés in downtown Palm Springs before strolling through the area’s boutique shops, art galleries, and shaded courtyards.

Ultimate Shopping Spots in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Art Community

Late Morning: Palm Springs Art Museum

Next, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, one of the valley’s top cultural attractions. The museum features contemporary art, sculpture gardens, photography exhibits, and rotating collections.

The cool indoor galleries make it an ideal summer activity while still experiencing Palm Springs’ creative side.

Palm Springs Art Museum
101 Museum Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-322-4800
https://www.psmuseum.org

Afternoon: Escape the Heat in the Mountains

One of the most unique experiences in Southern California is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

The rotating tramcar climbs more than 8,000 feet into the San Jacinto Mountains, where temperatures are often 20–30 degrees cooler than the desert floor.

At the top, you can:

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Coachella Valley
  • Walk through shaded forest trails
  • Have lunch at the mountaintop restaurant
  • Relax in the cool mountain air

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tramway Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-325-1449
https://pstramway.com

Palm Springs Tramway Adventure
Serene Palm Springs oasis

Evening: Dinner & Sunset

Before heading back to the resort, enjoy dinner in downtown Palm Springs. As the sun begins to set, the surrounding mountains glow with warm desert colors, creating a beautiful end to the day.

Return to Coachella Lakes RV Resort for an evening swim or a relaxing night at your RV site or vacation rental.

FAQs

Coachella Lakes RV Resort is a short drive from Empire Polo Club in Indio, where both the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival are held, making it a convenient and comfortable home base during festival weekends.

Coachella Lakes RV Resort offers full-hookup RV sites for guests traveling with their own RVs, as well as fully furnished vacation rentals for those who prefer a cottage-style stay. Both options provide more space and flexibility than traditional hotel accommodations during festival season.

Coachella Lakes RV Resort does not offer a dedicated shuttle service to Empire Polo Club. However, ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the Coachella Valley and provide a convenient transportation option to and from the festival grounds.

Yes. With spacious RV sites, vacation rentals, and shared outdoor amenities, Coachella Lakes is well-suited for couples, friend groups, and extended festival stays who want to enjoy the music while having room to relax between festival days.