Few locations in the county offer the unique variety of outdoor activities as Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Here, the distinct climate and geography create the perfect milieu for exploration and relaxation. From hidden desert canyon oases and mountain top aerial tramways to horseback riding, swimming, and biking, your adventure starts at Parker Palm Springs, considered the best luxury resort in Palm Springs with swimming pools.
Itinerary: Keep it Light
After your journey, a little outdoor R & R is well deserved. Our private, thirteen-acre estate offers numerous opportunities for fun in the sun or shade. Stroll the winding paths through our lush gardens and you will discover something interesting and unique around every corner.
afternoon
Mini Bar. The perfect place for some post-check-in refreshment. Designed like a Jewel Box, this one-of-kind lounge sparkles almost as much as its cocktails. Try our signature Parker Paloma or the Picante Agave to put a little pep back into your step. Pair with a couple of share-plates and you’ll be ready to explore our estate.
Pétanque, Croquet & Giant Chess. Competition anyone? These are the kind of outdoor activities best played with a Pimm’s Cup or glass of Pastis. Follow the House Rules or make them up as you go, either way you will come out a winner.
Hammocks. Scattered around the property between giant palm trees, these hammocks are perfect for two. It is the ideal place to close your eyes, sway in the breeze, and dream a little.
evening
Counter Reformation. Ideal for a light meal. This ode to Parisian Tabacs (think zinc), will transport you back to a time when daily life was imbued with artistic expression. Enjoy an eclectic selection of wines by the glass and a variety of savory sharing plates.
Itinerary: Desert Canyons and Hidden Oases
The Coachella Valley is blessed with amazing topography, flora and fauna, and Indigenous heritage. The most popular options include Indian Canyons Palm Springs hiking, desert horseback riding, and Palm Springs mountain bike trails.
morning
Begin your day with a dip in one of three swimming pools or join our resident Yogi for a morning stretch. Then fuel up for a day of adventure with a delicious breakfast at Norma’s, our open-air terrace restaurant.
mid-morning/afternoon
Horseback Riding. If you have never seen the desert from atop a horse, you are in for a memorable day. Part City Slicker, part Home on the Range, horseback riding in Palm Springs is one of the best and easiest ways to access the incredible hidden desert canyons of Palm Springs. Read more about how to book an excursion with one of our recommended stables.
Hiking. One of the best hiking areas anywhere in the county is Indian Canyons. Stunningly beautiful and culturally sensitive, the area is stewarded by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. There are walks and hikes for all levels throughout the Coachella Valley, including some easy hikes with gorgeous vistas, ideal for one of our special picnic baskets from Norma’s.
Mountain Biking. A guided tour is the recommended way to explore the desert. There are a range of excursions for all abilities, and bike rentals are available. Most tours also include a snack and bottled water. If you prefer to go at your own pace, there are many mountain bike trail rides to choose from.
If you have any questions about your desert adventure, please contact our Concierge.
late afternoon
Palm Springs Yacht Club. After a day in the saddle or trying to emulate a mountain goat, you deserve some downtime at our on-property spa. Choose from a variety of custom massage treatments to ease and refresh those overworked muscles. A robe, flip flops, a key to the private locker room, and a thimble of our cucumber-infused vodka are all part of the experience.
evening
mister parker’s. Welcome to our intimate, upscale water hole befitting dreamy aesthetes, wandering flaneurs, and swaggering dandies. mister parker’s is our award-winning fine dining destination and one of the many reasons we are a favorite of Condé Nast Readers. A meal here is a great excuse to get out of your adventure attire and slip into your favorite head-turning outfit. Jackets required for gentlemen. Reservation recommended.
Itinerary: Mountain Trams Rides and Stargazing morning
Get the body moving again with a visit to Boiler Room, our fully equipped gym, or find your inner Nadal on our Terre Battue tennis courts. Considered the best luxury resort with tennis courts in Palm Springs, playing on our red clay courts will have you saying ‘Vamos’ in no time.
mid-morning/afternoon
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Sometimes the easy way up the mountain is the best. This unique, rotating tram ascends the cliffs of Chino Canyon 8400 feet up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. A pristine alpine environment and views that stretch to the horizon are the appeal. There are miles of fantastic hiking trails too. For those that just want to enjoy the view, there are two mountain top dining options available. Word to the wise, it is cooler up there so dress accordingly. Book Tickets.
Swimming Pools. If the effects of yesterday’s adventure are still lingering, then a day by the pool is just the thing. We are known as the Palm Springs resort with the best pool, partly because we have three of them and because each has its own special ambience. We recommend a private poolside cabana for the ultimate experience. Refreshments are available from Lemonade Stand, our unique take on what a lemonade stand should be. Order poolside and we will deliver to your cabana or lounge chair.
evening
If you are looking for things to do outdoors in Palm Springs for couples on a romantic getaway, our stunning guest rooms and suites offer the perfect base camp for your adventures. Choose a room with a walled garden and your own hammock, a spacious private villa, or the ultra-exclusive Gene Autry Suite.
On-property outdoor fire pit. Palm Springs is a ‘Dark Sky’ city and Mother Nature’s canvas is on stunning display almost every evening. Nestle into a cozy butterfly chair and gaze up. If you have not seen the night sky away from the city lately, it can be a profound reminder of the beautiful world we live in. Time at our outdoor fire pit is a wonderful way to make memories with friends, old and new. S’mores available for toasting.
Questions? Please see our Concierge Team for assistance.
Parker Palm Springs receives regular accolades as the best resort hotel in Palm Springs. We offer only 144 rooms on thirteen acres of exclusive, private property. To help plan your next vacation, weekend escape, special event, or wedding, please Contact us.