Bookended by the San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs is known for its natural hot springs, restaurants, golf courses, and sunny weather. Locals and visitors alike embrace the relaxed mentality here, taking time out by the pool or browsing the concept stores downtown. But there’s a lot more to the city, including the Palm Spring Art Museum with three floors of mixed media art. Outdoor enthusiasts head out to the surrounding canyons and mountains for hiking or cross-country skiing in the winter. Food lovers can taste globally-inspired dishes in laid-back diners and upscale modern restaurants.

Visit during Palm Springs Restaurant Week at the beginning of June to try them all, or pick up fresh, seasonal produce at the Coachella Valley Certified Farmers’ Market every Saturday from October to May. The Uptown Design District runs the gamut from art to design, sophistication to kitsch. Sleek, mid-century homes designed by notable architects line the streets — take a guided tour or grab a map at the visitor’s center and head out on your own.

The nearest airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), located three miles east of downtown Palm Springs vacation rentals. Once you’ve reached the city, walking is the best way to explore the cluster of boutique shops and restaurants downtown. Bus services run throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley — visitors can hop on the Green Line, which runs right through downtown. On weekends, you shouldn’t have an issue hailing a taxi downtown, but you may need to call ahead during the week. You may need a car to get around Palm Springs and explore its surroundings, including Joshua Tree National Park, but ridesharing services are also available.

Visit between January and April for the comfortable temperatures needed to enjoy the best of Palm Springs in the open air — hiking, spa treatments, sunbathing beside the pool, and more. Sunshine and cooler days bring a welcome buzz to downtown’s many curbside cafes and stylish bars, while less challenging conditions also make nearby Joshua Tree National Park easier to explore. Many of the area’s most popular festivals take place during the mild winter months, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January and Coachella’s famous music festival every April. Palm Springs summers are hot and long, stretching from March to September. Fall’s warm and pleasant temperatures make it a great time to enjoy local outdoor festivals like Props & Hops Craft Beer Festival in November.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Take a ride on the largest rotating aerial lift in the world, and climb 8,516 feet along the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station in about 10 minutes. You will be rewarded with spectacular mountain views. Temperatures drop to about 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit at the top, respite from the desert heat and the perfect weather for hiking nearby trails.

Indian Canyon

During the winter months, head out to Indian Canyon for optimal hiking conditions, with temperatures hovering around mid-60 degrees Fahrenheit. This beautiful and culturally rich area is home to native wildlife, plants, rock art, streams, and a 60-foot waterfall. Aside from the sacred beauty found here, you’ll also find multiple hiking trails suitable for most levels throughout the lush canyon.

Robolights

Venture out to the Movie Colony East neighborhood and visit the incredible light display known as Robolights. The exhibition gets redesigned each year with scavenged and gifted trash items. A wonderland of Christmas lights and sculptures, the four-acre residential plot will take you about 45 minutes to walk. Christmas time is incredibly vibrant, and the artist usually offers open hours for the public to stop by.