Need Travel Inspiration? You’re in the Right Place! Part 2 of 24
Welcome to our 24-part travel series designed to help you plan the perfect getaway—no matter the month. Whether you're dreaming of a sun-soaked beach escape, a cozy mountain town, or a city packed with flavor and culture, we've got you covered.
Each post in this series will spotlight one U.S. destination and one international gem, carefully chosen based on where the weather is at its absolute best that month.
We’ll break it all down for you—month by month—with can’t-miss attractions, delicious eats, and helpful travel tips to help you picture (and plan!) your next great adventure.
So whether you're looking to travel now or just need a dose of wanderlust, bookmark this series and come back each month for fresh destination ideas.
Part 2: January – United States
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is where retro style meets desert beauty. With warm winter days, crisp evenings, and endless sunshine, January is the perfect month to explore its vibrant streets, stunning mountain views, and glamorous resort scene.
Why January?
January means mild desert weather—perfect for hiking, golfing, and poolside lounging without the sweltering summer heat. Plus, this is peak season for events, from the Palm Springs International Film Festival to the weekly VillageFest street fair.
3–5 Day Itinerary Ideas + Activities
Palm Springs is a desert playground where mid-century style meets stunning natural beauty. From retro-chic streets lined with boutique shops to vast hiking trails framed by rugged mountains, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in the sunshine. I like to balance my time here between poolside relaxation, exploring architectural gems, and venturing into the surrounding desert landscapes. If that sounds like your vibe, here’s your go-to Palm Springs starter pack.
Step into a living postcard at the Indian Canyons. Imagine swaying palms, trickling streams, and dramatic canyon walls tell stories thousands of years old. This breathtaking desert sanctuary is the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, whose history still whispers through ancient rock art, irrigation ditches, and trails once used for trade and gathering.
Palm Canyon, the world’s largest California Fan Palm oasis, offers the perfect mix of serene beauty and adventure. Whether you want to hike under a canopy of palms, picnic by the stream, join a ranger-led nature walk, or simply soak in the peace of this sacred land.
Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, this natural and cultural treasure feels worlds away. It’s more than a hike, it’s a chance to connect with the land, its people, and the vibrant life of the desert.
2. Relax at a spa or poolside
In Palm Springs, relaxation isn’t just an activity—it’s a lifestyle. Picture yourself lounging under a cloudless desert sky, the sun warming your skin as a gentle breeze drifts past. Maybe you’re sinking into silky mineral waters, drifting into a floaty dream state, or sipping wine by a glowing firepit after a soul-soothing massage. Whether you crave serene luxury, playful pampering, or a new kind of wellness adventure, Palm Springs is brimming with spa escapes that will make your stress melt faster than ice in the desert sun. Here are three indulgent experiences to put at the top of your “treat yourself” list:
Azure Palm Hot Springs
If heaven had a zip code, it might just be here. Azure Palm is the desert’s only natural hot springs oasis, and it’s pure magic from sunrise to sunset. Start your day with video-led yoga, nibble on a healthy lunch, then float in mineral pools so silky they feel like liquid velvet. Alternate between palm-framed tubs, a Finnish sauna cleanse, and your choice of over 35 dreamy spa treatments. End the day fireside with a glass of wine as the desert sky turns gold. Warning: you may never want to leave.
Desert Serenity Float
Ever wished you could just… pause life? This is your reset button. Desert Serenity Float lets you drift weightlessly in salt-rich water, free from gravity, noise, and stress. It’s like meditating on a cloud—but with science-backed benefits that can last for days. Think: reduced pain, improved sleep, and the kind of relaxation that makes you say, “Why haven’t I done this before?” Athletes, doctors, and zen-seekers all swear by it. All you have to do is lie back, close your eyes, and let the world fade away.
Miracle Manor Boutique Hotel & Spa
Small but mighty, this nine-room wellness retreat is a Palm Springs gem with some of the purest mineral waters in the world. Originally built in the 1950s, Miracle Manor has been lovingly restored into a soulful hideaway where every detail feels intentional. Spend your day soaking in healing pools, sipping organic tea, and browsing their boutique wellness shop. Upgrade to a Deluxe Spa Pass for a custom treatment, restorative yoga, or a sound bath that will leave you floating without water. It’s the perfect blend of historic charm and modern self-care.
3. Golfing in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs isn’t just a desert escape—it’s a golfer’s paradise with over 100 courses. Imagine lush, manicured fairways framed by snow-capped mountain peaks, year-round sunshine warming your shoulders, and a light desert breeze guiding your ball straight down the fairway (hey, we can dream). Legendary course designers like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, and Greg Norman have sculpted the desert into a golfer’s playground, from championship-level challenges to relaxed resort rounds perfect for beginners. Whether you’re here for the perfect scorecard or just the perfect view, you’ll find a course that makes you want to linger long after the last putt drops.
Here are a few must-play gems to tee up your trip:
Indian Wells Golf Resort
If you want “bucket list” golf, start here. Indian Wells Golf Resort is the only 36-hole public golf facility in California ranked in Golfweek’s “Top 20 Best Courses You Can Play.” The Players Course offers a traditional design with dramatic bunkering, while the Celebrity Course is a lush, flower-framed beauty that feels like a living postcard. You’ll also find a top-notch practice facility and the super-scenic VUE Grille & Bar for your 19th hole.
Pro Tip: Book a late-afternoon tee time—the golden hour light makes every hole look like a magazine cover.
Eagle Falls Golf Course (Fantasy Springs Casino)
Desert golf meets high-energy fun here. Designed by Clive Clark, Eagle Falls is a stunning 18-hole course with rolling greens, sparkling water features, and views that go on forever. It’s challenging enough to keep things interesting but forgiving enough to let you enjoy the ride. After your round, you can roll right into Fantasy Springs Casino for dinner, drinks, or a little blackjack.
Pro Tip: Stay for the casino’s buffet—you’ll have earned it after 18 holes.
Indian Canyons Golf Resort
History, Hollywood, and heavenly views—this is classic Palm Springs golf. Once a private club (Canyon Country Club), these fairways were walked by Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, and even Presidents Eisenhower, Johnson, and Reagan. The resort offers two courses: the North Course, a longer, more challenging layout, and the South Course, which is shorter but framed by more than 500 palm trees and a jaw-dropping mountain backdrop.
Pro Tip: Play the South Course in the morning for cooler temps, then enjoy lunch in downtown Palm Springs just minutes away.
Escena Golf Club
This one is pure modern desert chic. A Jack Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole par 72 beauty, Escena Golf Club offers wide fairways, pristine conditions, and killer views of the San Jacinto Mountains from almost every shot. The contemporary clubhouse is just as much of a draw, with the Escena Lounge & Grill serving up gourmet comfort food and craft cocktails.
Pro Tip: Book a brunch tee time—the breakfast burrito here is almost as famous as the course.
Restaurant Recommendations
Here are a few standout restaurants and cafes to consider while you're in town!
Brunch & Breakfast
Broken Yolk Café - A sunny breakfast haven serving up creative omelets, giant pancakes, and bottomless coffee to start your day right.
Elmer’s Restaurant - A beloved diner-style classic where fluffy German pancakes and hearty homestyle meals steal the show.
Wilma & Frieda’s – Known for playful twists on comfort brunch, this lively eatery plates up indulgent dishes like blackberry custard French toast.
Lunch & Dinner
The Front Porch – A charming Southern-inspired spot where comfort food meets warm hospitality on a breezy Palm Springs patio.
Clandestino – A stylish Latin fusion restaurant delivering bold flavors, craft cocktails, and a vibrant, modern vibe.
Tac/Quila – A colorful, high-energy Mexican spot where every taco is a flavor bomb and margaritas flow freely.
Rooster and the Pig – A locals-loved Vietnamese-American eatery known for fresh, flavorful dishes and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
Photo curtesy of Tac/Quila
Drinks & Treats
Bar Issi – A sleek, intimate cocktail bar shaking up inventive drinks with a side of chic Palm Springs style.
Lappert’s Super Premium Ice Cream – Hawaiian-inspired ice cream heaven serving tropical flavors and ultra-creamy scoops.
Great Shakes – Over-the-top milkshakes topped with mini donuts and made for your Instagram feed (and your sweet tooth).
Seymour’s – A speakeasy-style cocktail bar with expertly crafted drinks and a cozy, dim-lit atmosphere perfect for date night.
PS Air – A quirky, airplane-themed lounge serving craft cocktails and tapas in a retro first-class cabin setting.
Quick Travel Tips for Palm Springs in January
Book early – January is peak season.
Pack layers – Warm days, cool nights.
Rent a car – Ideal for exploring beyond downtown.
Stay hydrated – Desert air is dry even in winter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Palm Springs in January—the golden sunlight, the crisp desert air, and the way the mountains seem to glow against a cloudless sky. Whether you’re starting your morning with a gourmet brunch, teeing off on world-class golf courses, wandering through mid-century modern neighborhoods, or simply lounging by a pool with a cocktail in hand, this city knows how to make you slow down and savor the moment.
January is also prime time to enjoy the outdoors without the scorching summer heat—perfect for hiking, biking, or just strolling Palm Canyon Drive without breaking a sweat. And with fewer crowds than peak spring season, you’ll find it easier to score a table at the hottest restaurants and a lounge chair at the chicest resorts.
From the retro charm to the endless sunshine, Palm Springs in January isn’t just a trip—it’s a mood. Pack your sunglasses, bring an appetite for good food and adventure, and get ready to experience the desert at its very best.
