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Palm Springs, California, is a popular vacation spot known for its mid-century modern architecture, golf courses, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts. But is it a good destination for solo travelers? And especially for solo female travelers? In this guide, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about solo travel in Palm Springs.

Now, to answer your question — can I travel solo to Palm Springs? Well, the answer is, yes, you CAN. But the better question is: is Palm Springs a ‘good’ destination for solo travelers?

I’ve been traveling back and forth from Los Angeles to Palm Springs for about 15 years now. I’ll give you my experienced insights, below:

Safety for Solo Travelers in Palm Springs

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First and foremost, safety is a top concern for any solo traveler. Palm Springs and most of the surrounding area is a relatively safe city with a low crime rate. The city is also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it easier for women traveling solo to feel comfortable and at ease.

One of the reasons why Palm Springs is so safe is because it is a small city with a tight-knit community. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they look out for each other.

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This means that solo female travelers are less likely to encounter any problems or feel unsafe while exploring the city.

Accommodations for Solo Travel in Palm Springs

solo travel palm springs - the saguaro hotel

Palm Springs offers many different types of lodging, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels and luxury resorts. Many of these options offer amenities like spas, pools, and restaurants, making them ideal if you’re a solo traveler who wants to spend some time looking within, journaling, and focusing on wellness, AKA, relaxing to the max.

However, I’m not gonna lie. The price of staying at a resort or boutique hotel alone will probably get pretty steep. If budget is not an issue for you, then definitely go for it. If you are looking for a super cute boutique hotel, check out my guide on the Most Instagram-Worthy Hotels in Palm Springs.

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If you are more budget-conscious, you may be able to opt for a more affordable hotel or hostel, or stay at a vacation rental a bit outside the city. Areas like La Quinta and Cathedral City might be more friendly on your wallet.

Getting to Palm Springs as a Solo Traveler

palm springs international airport - solo travel palm springs

As a solo traveler, there are several options to get to Palm Springs. If you are flying, Palm Springs International Airport is the closest airport to downtown.

There are several US cities with non-stop flights to Palm Springs, including:

Austin
Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Las Vegas
Minneapolis
New York City
Portland, Oregon
Salt Lake City
San Francisco
Seattle

You could also arrive by bus, if you are already located within driving distance. It’s certainly the cheapest way to get to Palm Springs, although it’s not realistic, of course, if you’re coming from a destination far away. You can get a ticket from Los Angeles or San Diego to Palm Springs for about $30 on Flixbus.

I don’t recommend taking the Amtrak train, as it’s too expensive and it arrives in the middle of the night. Certainly not ideal for a solo traveler in Palm Springs!

Can You Go to Palm Springs Without a Car?

How far is palm springs from LA? a city limits and population sign indicates you've arrived

Keep in mind, anywhere outside of downtown Palm Springs is pretty spread out. It’s not very walkable, and you will need to rent a car or take a lot of Ubers if you stay farther away. There is also very limited public transit, which makes it a bit more challenging to get around without a car.

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I recommend you spend the money and go for the car rental. It might be a bit pricey, but if you’re coming to Palm Springs, it’s essential. Plus, that way, you can also drive around and explore surrounding attractions like Joshua Tree or even take a day trip to San Diego.

Check rates for car rentals here.

Lastly, another option you could go with is hiring a private car service to take you round-trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs. However, the cost of this will be pretty steep. If you’re not on a budget, this might be a great option for you, but the cost of the private transfer may end up being about the same as renting a car.

Activities for Solo Female Travelers in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Indian Canyons Bike and Hike — photo courtesy of tripadvisor

Grab your hat, bikini, and sunscreen! There are SO many outdoor activities to enjoy in Palm Springs, like hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. For an entire list of fun things to do in Palm Springs, check out my guide, 33+ EPIC & Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs.

The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. Additionally, Palm Springs is known for its shopping and dining, making it easy for solo travelers to enjoy a night out on the town. Palm Canyon is the main street in downtown Palm Springs that you can easily walk up and down.

One of the best things about Palm Springs is that it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture buff, or a foodie, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in this beautiful city.

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For solo female travelers who want to stay active and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore in the nearby mountains. Some of the most popular trails include Indian Canyon and Taquitz Canyon. You can even take a bike and hike tour of Indian Canyon.

The Aerial Tramway is always a popular outdoor activity offering incredible views. For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, there are also plenty of parks and gardens to explore in the city.

For something more thrilling, you could take the San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Springs.

For solo female travelers who are interested in the arts and culture scene, Palm Springs has plenty to offer. The city is home to the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Air Museum. Additionally, there are plenty of theaters and performance venues in the city, including the McCallum Theatre and the Annenberg Theater.

The Legends & Icons Tour on TripAdvisor is a popular favorite among women travelers.

view of the mountains in palm springs - how far is palm springs from LA?

Finally, for solo female travelers who want to indulge in some much-needed retail therapy or hit up the town for a drink or two, Palm Springs has excellent shopping and a pretty decent nightlife.

For shopping, I recommend checking out the Thursday night VillageFest, an outdoor market with plenty of local jewelry, arts, and crafts for sale.

For bars and clubs, you could check out the Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel, which sometimes has dancing, Tryst Bar, Copa Nightclub, or Toucans Tiki Lounge and Chill Bar, the latter of which are both LGBTQ+ friendly.

My Honest Review of Solo Travel Palm Springs

Without a doubt, Palm Springs is a fabulous destination. It’s generally pretty safe, the weather is wonderful almost year-round, and there are plenty of things to explore in the area.

However, I can’t quite say it’s the BEST destination for solo travelers. You likely won’t meet other travelers or fellow solo travelers and make friends, like it is easy to do in many other places in the world.

I’d say Palm Springs is a great destination for solo travel if you intend on spending most of your time alone, focusing on your wellness and are good with spending time exploring your inner world just as much as the one outside. This beautiful city is great for those seeking solo relaxation, rejuvenation, and inspiration.

Also, Palm Springs is a good destination for solo travel if your budget isn’t super tight. I’d say that one weekend (three nights) in Palm Springs might run you about $1k-1.5k, including accommodation, flights, food, car rental, and activities. If you’re driving and don’t have to buy a flight or car rental, it will run you a bit less.