This California City Is A Great Family-Friendly Destination For Escaping The Cold This Winter
Cold winters are a reality many Americans face each year. However, the same can't be said for Southern California and its desert cities, like Palm Springs. Located in the Coachella Valley about two hours away from Los Angeles, Palm Springs is one of America's coolest desert towns that is incredibly popular to visit during winter. From December through February, temperatures during the day are in the high 60s and low 70s. In other words, visitors from chilly regions can wear their flip-flops and shorts here without a second thought. At night, it's a different story; the city can drop into the low 40s and 50s.
Palm Springs is also known for its fine examples of mid-century architecture. Moreover, the secluded city developed a reputation for being a celebrity hideaway in the 1930s. Now a notable resort town, individuals flock to Palm Springs to bask in the sun or explore its lively downtown area.
That said, you don't have to have a famous name to enjoy all that Palm Springs offers. The city welcomes all visitors, including families. While keeping kids entertained on a road trip or flight to Palm Springs might prove difficult, this will change once you arrive. Best of all, you can join in on the fun.
Activities every member of the family will enjoy in Palm Springs
Mountain landscapes, rustic scenery, and pleasant winter weather mean that attractions in Palm Springs are focused on the outdoors. For example, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes guests from Palm Springs to Mt. San Jacinto State Park within 10 minutes. Top-rated for families on Trip Advisor, the tramway can best be described as a gondola in the sky. Guests arrive at the Mountain Station and can explore Mt. San Jacinto State Park through a hike or walk. It's important to note that Mt. San Jacinto State Park is significantly colder than Palm Springs due to its higher elevation. The impressive views might be worth the chilly temperatures, though. Tickets range from $18.95 to $30.95. Children two and under can ride for free.
Red Jeep Tours (seen in the TikTok above) is another top-rated family activity. Guests ride an open-air jeep through Metate Ranch, which is located in the Greater Palm Springs area. Their most popular, three-hour San Andreas Fault Tour is educational and ideal for children three and up. Tickets are $150 for adults and $135 for children.
In addition, there's the Palm Springs Air Museum for history lovers and plane enthusiasts. The museum houses historic planes in various hangars, including those from World War II. You can get up close and personal with these aircraft and even try your hand at flying with a flight simulator. Tickets are $23 for adults, and kids 12 and under can visit the museum for free.
Should you stay at a resort or an Airbnb in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is famed for its sunny days that are often relished poolside any time of the year. Most of the resorts in Palm Springs have pools and water slides. This includes the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (pictured above), which has three pools and a water park known as Splashtopia. Another popular resort, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, has a water park, a lazy river, and nine pools. Likewise, both resorts offer apartment-style accommodations, and the Omni specifically has daily activities for kids. Moreover, adults at either resort can have a day at the spa or enjoy outdoor activities, such as playing tennis or pickleball.
In other words, you could spend your entire vacation in Palm Springs without leaving your resort. Needless to say, this will come with a hefty price tag. Staying at the Omni during the winter will cost over $300 a night and more than $500 at the Hyatt.
According to the City of Palm Springs, statistics show that most tourists decide to stay in hotels, but you could also opt for an Airbnb. Rates during the winter start at $200. While this is more affordable, you forfeit the spectacular accommodations, experiences, and scheduled activities that a resort provides. However, an Airbnb might be best if you are on a budget or have a larger family, given that you can book an entire home rather than a room or suite.