Living in Palm Springs means you’re already in one of the most iconic vacation destinations in the country. But when temperatures climb and you’re not jetting off to cooler climates, that summer wanderlust can still kick in. A staycation might be exactly what you need. It gives you the break you’re craving without the stress of travel. The best part? You can rediscover everything a Palm Springs staycation has to offer with fresh eyes.
Start Your Palm Springs Staycation with a Cool Game Plan
Summer in Palm Springs is no joke. The key to enjoying your staycation is planning around the heat. That means early mornings, shaded afternoons, and indoor experiences when the sun is strongest. It also means making your space feel like an oasis. If you’re staying at home, invest in blackout curtains, crank up the AC, and stock up on cold drinks. Create a vibe that feels different from your everyday routine.
Take advantage of early hours. Start the day with a morning walk through Moorten Botanical Garden or a sunrise hike in the Indian Canyons. You’ll beat the crowds and the heat. Once the sun’s up, head to local spots with strong air conditioning. Consider booking spa appointments, indoor art classes, or museum visits. Make your days feel full without exhausting yourself. Rotate between active and relaxed, just like you would on vacation.
Setting the tone is also important. Make a playlist, try new recipes, or bring out the good towels. It might sound small, but creating a little ceremony around your time off can make a big difference. When you’re intentional, it stops feeling like just another weekend and starts feeling like the vacation you deserve.
Enjoy Local Food Without the Fuss
Palm Springs is known for its food scene, and now is the perfect time to enjoy it without the usual waitlists or packed patios. During off-peak hours, you’ll find more space, quieter tables, and plenty of time to savor what the local chefs are serving. Make a list of spots you’ve been meaning to try and map out a few food-focused days.
Start your morning with iced coffee and pastries from places like Koffi or Townie Bagels. For lunch, keep it light and fresh with a salad from Palm Greens or something Mediterranean from George’s. If you want to go all out, make dinner a multi-course night at Workshop Kitchen or Eight4Nine. Or do something casual and refreshing with sushi, poke bowls, or tacos and margaritas at a relaxed spot like Tac/Quila or Sandfish.
Not in the mood to go out? Bring the food in. Try a private chef service, order from a new spot, or put together a themed dinner night at home with friends or family. Add in some local wines or a cocktail kit from a downtown shop and you’ve just created your own restaurant experience without ever stepping foot outside. Food is part of what makes any vacation memorable, and your staycation should be no exception.
Escape the Ordinary with Local Activities
Part of the appeal of a vacation is doing something different. That doesn’t mean you have to go far. The Palm Springs area has plenty of ways to switch things up and keep you entertained. Look for activities you wouldn’t normally do on a regular weekend. That change in routine is where the magic of a staycation really kicks in.
You might spend the day at the Palm Springs Art Museum or tour historic mid-century neighborhoods you’ve never walked through before. Book a sound bath experience or try something playful like mini golf at Boomers. There’s also the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens just down the road in Palm Desert if you’re in the mood for something outdoorsy with a side of education.
You could also create your own itinerary with pool time, a massage, a stop at a vintage shop, and a casual rooftop drink at night. Want to be a tourist for the day? Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy the cool mountain air and sweeping views. The contrast from the desert floor makes it feel like you’re in an entirely different climate.
Even something like a new workout class or a morning at a meditation studio can feel like an escape when it’s not part of your daily grind. Your goal is to lean into novelty, even if it’s local. A staycation should give your mind a break and recharge your energy, and Palm Springs gives you the perfect playground for both.
Create Spa Vibes and Slow Days
One of the best parts of vacation is the slower pace. A staycation should give you that same reset. Make sure you build in time to do nothing at all. Let yourself have mornings where you stay in bed with a book or take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. Creating moments of stillness is one of the most underrated parts of time off.
If you want to take it further, recreate a spa day at home or book one locally. There are dozens of spas in the area offering summer specials, day passes, and luxury treatments. You could start your morning with a yoga session, book a facial in the afternoon, and end the day with a long soak in a tub or outdoor hot tub if you have one.
At home, add eucalyptus to your shower, bring out the candles, and turn off your phone for a few hours. Little things like a skincare mask, chilled drinks, and a movie night with the lights low can completely shift your energy. The key is giving yourself full permission to rest. You’re not “wasting” the day. You’re restoring your energy. That is just as valuable as any day trip or night out.
Host a Theme Weekend Without Leaving Town
A fun way to make your staycation feel like a real getaway is to pick a theme and build your entire weekend around it. Think of it as destination-inspired fun without packing a suitcase or going to the airport. You can plan an Italian coastal weekend with pasta-making, chilled prosecco, and movie nights with subtitles. Or go full desert glam with caftans, vintage vinyl, and poolside snacks served on retro platters. The more committed you are to the theme, the more fun it becomes.
Start with food and drinks. Research a few recipes that match your chosen vibe and build out your meals ahead of time. Pick out music that sets the tone and create a playlist that runs in the background. Bring out special dishware or decorations if you have them. You could even build an itinerary for your theme weekend. Include a “spa hour,” “sunset happy hour,” or “guided meditation” to structure your time.
This approach works especially well if you’re inviting others to join. Friends and family will appreciate the creativity and effort, and you’ll end up with a weekend that feels festive, playful, and totally different from your day-to-day routine. If you are doing this solo or as a couple, it still adds a layer of fun and purpose to your time off. The idea is to elevate a normal weekend by treating it like an event.
A themed staycation lets you travel through culture, taste, and mood. You do not need plane tickets to feel transported. You just need a little imagination, some prep work, and a mindset focused on fun. Palm Springs already gives you the perfect setting. You just get to bring the experience to life.
Beat the Heat with After-Dark Adventures
One of the best-kept secrets about summer in Palm Springs is how gorgeous the evenings can be. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop just enough to make outdoor time actually enjoyable. Your staycation does not have to end when the daylight does. In fact, some of the most memorable moments can happen after dark.
Set up your own backyard movie night with a projector and a white sheet, or find a local drive-in-style event. Palm Springs occasionally hosts outdoor film screenings and evening concerts during the warmer months. If you are into stargazing, head to a darker stretch outside the city, or drive up to Joshua Tree’s outer edge for an unforgettable view of the night sky.
Night swimming is another underrated off-season treat. Whether you are staying at a rental with a pool or have your own, nothing beats floating in the water under the stars. Add in string lights, your favorite playlist, and some chilled drinks, and you have created your own private retreat.
Restaurants and bars also take on a different vibe at night. Visit a rooftop lounge, have dinner outside with misters running, or grab a nightcap somewhere you’ve never been. If you like to dance or enjoy live music, a number of downtown spots host summer events indoors where the AC is strong but the energy is high.
By leaning into nighttime experiences, you not only beat the heat but get to enjoy a whole different side of Palm Springs. It is quieter, cooler, and in many ways more magical. If your staycation feels a little sluggish during the day, shift your focus to what you can enjoy after sunset. You might find it is your favorite part of the whole break.
Book a Local Rental and Make It Feel Like a Real Getaway
Sometimes, the best way to truly unplug is to get out of your house. Even if you live right here in Palm Springs, booking a rental for a few nights gives your staycation that true vacation feel. You are not distracted by chores, to-do lists, or the temptation to “get stuff done.” Instead, you are somewhere new, even if it is just a few blocks away.
At Ryson Vacations, we offer a wide variety of homes that are perfect for locals looking to escape their own four walls. You can book a cozy retreat for two or a spacious rental to host a girls’ weekend, birthday celebration, or family getaway. Our properties are fully stocked and thoughtfully designed so that you don’t have to think about a thing. You just arrive and relax.
Each rental is unique, but many include private pools, hot tubs, chef-style kitchens, and patios with incredible views. Some are dog-friendly, others are made for entertaining, and all of them are maintained with hotel-level service. You will have clean linens, helpful amenities, and enough space to spread out and enjoy yourself. Booking a rental just for you, even as a local, helps you break routine and fully embrace the vacation mindset.
Whether you are looking for something luxurious, playful, or peaceful, we have something that fits. A few nights at a Ryson property can make you fall in love with Palm Springs all over again. It is still your hometown, but it can feel brand new.
Start Planning Your Staycation
You don’t have to leave Palm Springs to feel like you’ve gotten away. With the right mindset, smart planning, and maybe a little help from Ryson Vacations, your staycation can be just as refreshing as any faraway trip. Treat yourself to rest, fun, and new experiences. Book your perfect Palm Springs staycation today and enjoy the vacation you deserve, right here at home!
