Take advantage of perfect weather with a big dose of the outdoors in Palm Springs this fall
As summer temperatures in Palm Springs begin to lift and fall sets in, the desert climate nears perfection. This is the time of year when visitors and locals alike start heading outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wildlands through hiking, biking and even off-roading.
But natural splendor isn’t the only thing worth observing out here. With the Modernism Week Fall Preview less than two months away, now is the ideal time to start planning a trip with both desert adventure and style in mind.
Take a hike
Nestled between a looming mountain range and some of the country’s premier parks and preserves, Palm Springs represents a one-of-a-kind jumping-off point for outdoor adventure. Hiking trips can range from mild to intense, but all are achievable in the area’s ideal fall weather.
To experience cultural history and hiking all in one day, make your way to either Indian Canyons or Tahquitz Canyons, or both. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians shares its beautiful land with those looking for majestic views, hiking trails for all levels, and ancestral heritage — and it’s all located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs.
Ride a bike
Get out and enjoy the weather while you’re staying in town with a bike rental. Bike Palm Springs Rentals and Tours offers visitors a self-guided experience, with easy exploration of the most interesting parts of Palm Springs. The company rents cool retro-looking pedal bikes as well as today’s trendy electric-assist bicycles, not to mention speedy street bikes and kids’ bikes, so the whole family can join in. More options for some two-wheeled good times include Pedego Palm Springs and Scoot Palm Springs. Many of the local resorts also offer guests complementary bikes.
Looking for a fun group activity? Social Cycle and Sunny Cycle offer a fantastic way to see Palm Springs by pedaling along with friends and family.
Book a tour
For an outdoor adventure minus the physical toil, think off-roading. Miles of extensive roads around the Palm Springs area are open for passengers on eco-tours and all-terrain-vehicle off-road adventures. It’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else in SoCal.
With two decades in business and 365 open days per year, Off-Road Rentals is the place to go for a self-guided desert tour that’s all about kicking up some sand and catching some seriously gorgeous views. Off-Road Rentals owns a large private desert area where you can zoom around on a zippy ATV till your heart’s content. It’s an ideal pairing of beautiful scenery with a fine sense of adventure.
Sneak a peek
February’s Modernism Week in Palm Springs is one of the city’s signature events, celebrating the midcentury architecture, design and art that have helped make the city famous.
Can’t wait until 2020? Beginning October 17, the Modernism Week Fall Preview offers tours, parties and sales for design and architecture buffs who live and breathe modernism, as well as anyone looking to know more about the movement. Start your weekend with the premier double-decker architectural bus tour, an almost three-hour open-top viewing of residential and commercial sites that are historically significant to Palm Springs modernism.
The weekend brings open houses to explore and the Modernism Show and Sale, where over 40 curated vendors from across the U.S. bring their finest furniture, art, clothing and memorabilia to sell. If you’re looking for the perfect midcentury piece, there’s no better time to find it than this fall in the epicenter of modern living.
—Alan LaGuardia for Visit Palm Springs