Planning for Spring Break in Palm Springs
When I was a teenager, Spring Break in Palm Springs was a big deal. Hoards of college kids from around Southern California and beyond all converged in Palm Springs, overwhelming the downtown streets. City officials quickly put a kabosh to that behavior, and these days the lure of Palm Springs for Spring Break brings a calmer visitor. The weather is ideal, and the swimming pools are ready for splashing. The greens call to golfers, and the mountains beckon hikers. Palm Springs is a gorgeous place to spend the Spring – break or no break.
With a week off from school and Daylight Savings Time almost over, families with kids are itching for a vacation. Since our family has been to Palm Springs many times, we’ve amassed a trove of activities and ideas for families to consider as they create the perfect getaway. What to do? What to wear? What to pack? What to eat?
It’s fun to plan a vacation, particularly when going to a warm weather location like Spring Break in Palm Springs. Our family has a ritual check-list, and thought we would share it with you here. Does your family have a similar routine?
Key Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Check the daily weather report obsessively
Start 3-4 weeks in advance and mentally plan the potential list of items you will bring based on the weather outlook on that day. Change your mind daily as the weather fluctuates until you are exhausted. End up packing shorts and shirts, which will be a perfect 80-something-degrees because you are in beautiful Palm Springs.
- Research fun new restaurants
Weigh dining options against tried and true family favorites. Seek input from foodie friends who have been there recently, and cross-reference with Eater and Open Table recommendations to develop your top list. Ask the kids what they want while there, and compromise your dining selections. Mix in places that families can have their favorite dishes at least once, like Cheeky’s or Elmer’s for breakfast. Then add a couple of delicious spots you think will please everyone like 849 Restaurant, Thai Smile or Blue Coyote Grill for Mexican food. Remember to make reservations well in advance.
- Leave plenty of downtime on your agenda
There is a reason we need vacations, and that is to relax. Make sure in your list-making that you have a line item for downtime every day, even if you have to schedule it. There is nothing more relaxing than a nice nap in that warm Palm Spring sun.
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Make sure you pack all the chargers and connectors
I cannot even tell you how many times I’ve had to google “Apple store near me” so we could grab an emergency phone charger thatsomeoneforgot to bring on vacation. Really, it is worth your sanity to bring every power cord in the house, even if you find out it actually powers Alexa. Don’t worry, she will live while you’re gone. -
Don’t overpack
Really, this advice goes for any trip. Once you have lugged one too many bags through the cobbled streets of some remote Italian village, you’ll know the wisdom of packing light. Bring one nice outfit and a selection of warm weather clothes. No one will notice if you wear the same outfit twice. Honestly, this is not the Paris runways. Besides, the entire town wears shorts, golf shirts and visors – day or night.
- Bring at least two swimsuits
Palm Springs is a world of swimming pools, and you will undoubtedly find yourself in at least one a day. They never seem to dry completely in the hotel bathroom, and there is nothing worse than putting back on a cold, damp swimsuit. Makes your skin crawl.
- Prepare to enjoy the great outdoors
Some of the most beautiful places in the world are right at your footsteps in Palm Springs. Hike Indian Canyon. Take in a round at Escena Golf Club. Bicycle through the historic post-modern streets. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mt Jacinto. So, bring your sports equipment and hiking shoes. Even though relaxation is on the agenda, it’s not just about lying by the pool.
- Lay by the pool!
And lastly, why are you planning to vacation for Spring Break in Palm Springs anyway? Exactly.
Other Activities to Consider
There is plenty to do in the Coachella Valley during Spring Break, and for that matter, all year long. Here’s a couple of other family favorites:
- Tour the Shaky San Andreas Fault
Rock an earthquake tour with Red Jeep Tours, where you get up close and personal with the fault line.
- Visit a Desert Zoo
Spend a morning or evening at The Living Desert – best to go when the weather is cooler and the animals are more active.
Places to Stay for Spring Break in Palm Springs
Well, these hotels are actually great any time of the year. But this story is about Spring Break vacations, so here are some hotels we can recommend:
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Casa Cody
The oldest continuously running hotel in Palm Springs, this small charmer has been meticulously updated to modern standards. Walking distance to Palm Canyon Drive and downtown areas, Casa Cody is a great choice for peace and calm. -
Riviera Resort & Spa
Our family has stayed here many times, and the pools are always a fun time here. Plus, if you can sneak away, the spa at the Riviera Resort is spectacular.
