Palm Springs and its famous, fabulous pools show off their best in the summer. Drifting on a unicorn floatie with drink in hand may be your idea of heaven, but diving through donut floaties with the kids is another’s perfect day. Whatever the reason, Palm Springs is the perfect sunny summer getaway.
Pool Parties:
During the summer, local hotel pools do double-duty as entertainment venues. Stay and splash in the pool at the ARRIVE Palm Springs. Every Friday this summer, Sunset Sessions come to life with live acoustic guitar sets by the pool, with DJ’s on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The always-cool Ace Hotel and Swim Club creates weekend pool DJ spins every weekend as well.
For the biggest pool party of the summer, get tickets to Splash House, a three-day house, disco, and electronica event that takes place in and around the pools at three Palm Springs hotels -The Renaissance, Riviera Palm Springs, and The Saguaro. The party runs from August 9-11, with separate tickets available for a super late, super-fun after party at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Private Pools
Prefer to curate your own playlist? Rent a home in Palm Springs with a backyard pool, and create a pool scene both private and peaceful. Soak up the sun while taking in the beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, and follow it up with a BBQ cookout in your own personal oasis – then venture out on the town when you feel rested and ready. Start browsing at Palm Springs Getaways, Oranj Palm Vacation Homes, or Oasis Rentals. VisitPalmSprings.com/Stay has a full listing of all rental companies, large and small.
Poolside Bars
No matter where in Palm Springs you stay be sure to explore the local nightlife. You’ll find plenty of pool-adjacent options. The Reef Palm Springs, located inside the Caliente Tropics Resort, offers tiki cocktails and luau-inspired bites with a view of this cheeky hotel’s pool. “Sunset Hour” is actually three hours long at Colony Palms Hotel, where the Purple Palm Restaurant serves creative cocktails poolside at the end of the day. Outdoor fireplaces dot the pool decks at the Riviera Palm Springs where you can swim at night, listen to live music, and watch the moon come up behind the mountains.
Pool Style
Chelsea Lane shows off the best in retro swim styles that suite the city’s mid-century modern aesthetic. Canyon Beachwear tops the list in mix-n-match styles for pool lounging, while Diane’s Beachwear brings in hot new styles.
Cool Off Without Getting Wet
No matter how high the temperature climbs, there’s always one place near Palm Springs where it’s cool outside. Hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. On the ten-minute journey to the top, located in Mt. San Jacinto State Park, you’ll have stunning views from the slowly-rotating tram car—and when you disembark, the temperature at the top will be about thirty degrees cooler than it was down below. Grab a snack, take a hike, or just snap a few scenic selfies.
Another great way to stay cool? Treat yourself to some of Palm Springs’ most delicious frozen desserts. Kreem Artisanal Ice Cream makes all their ice cream in-house using organic and natural ingredients. Jus Chillin offers frozen yogurt, gelato, ice cream, shaved ice and more.
Blueberry-lemon-lavender shakes are served with mini donuts lopped onto the straw at Great Shakes….mmmmm.
Palm Springs easygoing atmosphere makes it a great destination when you want to kick back. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo, with a loved one, or with friends. Put on your swimsuit, head to the pool, and appreciate every moment you spend in this lovely laidback locale. For more advice and recommendations, go to VisitPalmSprings.com
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