As the festival season comes to a close, Greater Palm Springs emerges as the ultimate summer sanctuary. From attainable family getaways to secluded luxury escapes for two, the oasis is designed for those seeking both inspiration and restoration. Whether using the desert as a refined basecamp for international sporting events or retreating to a private poolside hideaway, visitors will find a vibrant landscape of cultural happenings, a booming culinary scene, and the kind of sun-drenched atmosphere you wish you could bottle up.
Desert summers: The ultimate travel hack
While it’s no secret that the desert summer brings the heat, it also serves as a gateway to high-end escapes at a fraction of peak-season rates. From expansive estates boasting private lazy rivers and pickleball courts to mid-century modern gems, this season offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the desert’s most prestigious accommodations for less.
- La Quinta Resort & Club: Discover the “Desert Odyssey,” a package pairing a two-night resort stay with a luxury glamping experience at AutoCamp Joshua Tree, complete with a chef-curated feast.
- Thompson Palm Springs: Experience “The Grown-Up Getaway” in the exclusive Upper Stories enclave, featuring a chilled bottle of sparkling wine and a $100 daily dining credit.
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas: Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with up to 20% off stays, plus a “Kids Eat Free” promotion through September 7, 2026.
- The Saguaro Palm Springs: Enjoy a daily $49 food and beverage credit redeemable at all on-site dining outlets throughout your stay.
- ACME House Company: Extend the retreat with a “Stay 8, Pay 6” incentive, offering two complimentary nights on stays of eight nights or more.
Elevate your summer escape
From premier film showcases to new cultural celebrations, the summer season offers a sophisticated mix of experiences that define the desert’s creative soul. Film lovers can kick off the season with the Palm Springs International ShortFest (June 23– 29). The city-wide debut of XOXO Palm Springs (June 11-22) brings 12 days of arts and cultural experiences across the city—from architecture tours, gallery walks, outdoor film nights, tribal cultural experiences and more. For those seeking the iconic poolside atmosphere, Splash House (August 7–9 and 14–16) continues to offer a vibrant blend of music and style.
Global games, resort-level relaxation
With close proximity to Southern California host venues, Greater Palm Springs offers a relaxed, luxury escape for FIFA World Cup 2026 fans and those traveling for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The destination provides a welcome retreat from the energy of the event grounds—where travellers can unwind with pools, golf, spa experiences, and standout dining between matches and other global moments.
The community is eagerly awaiting the opening of DSRT Surf in Palm Desert, a 5.5- acre lagoon set to bring world-class inland surfing to the destination. The momentum continues into the fall with the debut of Cotino™ Bay Beach, Dining, Shops at a Storyliving by Disney™ community. Visitors will be invited to explore the 24-acre man-made lagoon, enjoy waterfront dining featuring local culinary favourites, and peruse a curated selection of shops designed to inspire.
Save the date: Fall events & spa month
As the season turns toward autumn, the focus shifts to the region’s architectural, musical, and athletic legacy. The season begins in early October as the Epson Tour Championship (Oct 1–4) returns to the Indian Wells Golf Resort. As the season finale of the “Road to the LPGA,” the stakes couldn’t be higher for these elite athletes competing on the Players Course. Shortly after, the energy moves to the Empire Polo Club with Head Trip (Oct 10–11), a first-of-its-kind EDM festival bringing legendary icons like Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia to the desert. Midcentury design enthusiasts will gather for Modernism Week — October (Oct 15–18) while November brings the vibrant Greater Palm Springs Pride (Nov 6–8). Celebrating its 40th anniversary with the theme “Be Included,” the weekend features the iconic parade, block parties, and a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s cultural power.
Sports fans have even more to cheer for this year. In addition to the Acrisure Series bringing top-tier collegiate basketball to the desert, the destination is proud to welcome the Coachella Valley Lakers to their new home at Acrisure Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers’ G League affiliate begins its inaugural season this fall, adding a legendary new chapter to our valley’s professional sports scene.
To complement this calendar, the relaxation intensifies in September with the return of Greater Palm Springs Spa Month. Coinciding with National Self-Care Awareness Month, this event offers exclusive savings on signature treatments at the region’s most prestigious spas. Mark your calendars for a month of restorative desert serenity.
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