Palm Springs Golf Vacation – Trip Planner

Nestled away in the vast arid Coachella Valley, is the vibrant and star-studded city of Greater Palm Springs. Still to this day, the city attracts Hollywood stars and other celebrities. With over a hundred golf courses, it is also without doubt one of the golf capitals of the world, perfect for a golf vacation.

Page Contents

• Why go on a golf trip to Palm Springs?
• Where to stay on a golf trip to Palm Springs?
  • Palm Springs Golf Resorts
• Palm Springs Golf Vacation Packages
• The best Palm Springs public golf courses to play
• Places to eat and drink in Palm Springs
• What to do on your day off

Why go on a golf trip to Palm Springs?

If you want the quick answer, look no further than the mild climate, easy access, entertainment options and a litany of golf courses to choose from. 

For the slightly longer answer, Palm Springs has been a destination of choice for many Hollywood stars since the mid 20th century. A mere 100 miles east from Los Angeles, the city offers a welcome relief to the daily hustle and bustle experienced in the bigger cities.

As the city grew in popularity, so did the growth in infrastructure. Districts and neighborhoods emerged, as did entertainment options including restaurants, clubs, bars, casinos. And of course golf courses.

To house the growing influx of tourists, hotels and specifically golf resorts were built and ever since this golden-age, the city has remained a hugely popular destination, especially with golfers.

In fact across Greater Palm Springs, you’ll count around 120-130 golf courses, ranging from cheap and affordable municipal layouts, to uber-expensive and exclusive private courses. 

Finally, the climate is sensational, being blessed with over 300 days of sunshine per year. But the hot desert weather means that golfing here in the summer months can be a little difficult. 

So if you are thinking of a golf trip to Palm Springs, it’s worth knowing the peak golf season is October through to April. 

Where to stay on a golf trip to Palm Springs?

One thing worth pointing out is that it can be a little misleading when folk talk about a Palm Springs golf vacation. Generally speaking, they mean Greater Palm Springs, which is an area encompassing multiple locations. 

In Greater Palm Springs, you’ve got a whole range of locales including from north to south, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and finally Coachella. 

But the misnomer of Palm Springs is often used to describe the whole area. And it’s worth considering, a lot of the golf courses and golf resorts are located in Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and La Quinta.

But with the drive from one end to the other, just under an hour, nowhere is too far from anywhere.

Palm Springs Golf Resorts

Let’s be honest, you’re slightly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to stay. 

You have some utterly spectacular golf resorts to choose from. Uber-luxury, family-friendly, great golf onsite, incredible amenities, good value…you name it, you’ll find it.

But there are three I want to highlight that I think cover all bases.

The first ticks the uber-luxury box and has been voted as one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts in the Country by Golf Digest no less. This is the sensational Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa.

In the Rancho Mirage neighborhood, tucked away between Interstate 10 and highway 111 to the south, this is the epitomization of luxury. 

Despite being a desert location, the 360 acre retreat is positively verdant, with flora and fauna, palm trees and native grasses abundant. 

There are multiple amenities onsite including pools, slides, tennis courts, wellness spa and more. But my favorite is the 4-lane bowling alley for a bit of laid-back fun. 

Yet if you’re looking to amp up on the amenity front, look no further than the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa. In Palm Desert, this incredibly popular resort is a hit with groups of golfers and families. 

Promoting itself as a year-round destination, it has a little bit of everything. But this is no ‘jack of all trades, master of none’. This is a master of many things. 

The amenities are on another level, with a lazy river, waterslides and multiple pools. World-class accommodation is what you get across the 500+ rooms, suites and villas. Whilst the dining options are sensational. Lantana Restaurant is a particular favorite offering classic California dishes.

And when it comes to the golf offering, there are two championship golf courses located next door at Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Last up, one of the classic Palm Springs golf resorts, La Quinta Resort & Club. Having opened in the 1920s, this is one of the original resorts in the city, and to this day has remained one of the most popular.

There are many determining features at La Quinta. But one which really stands out is its charming character. 

Historic Spanish-inspired architecture is prevalent across all the different accommodation types including the numerous casitas and suites which are especially elegant. Whilst you’ll find the perfect balance of old-school charm and modern comfort in the 600 guestrooms and 100 villas.

So impressive is La Quinta Resort, it is more reminiscent of a small village. There are hidden alcoves, secluded patios and squares all beautifully manicured. 

I’ve highlighted these three hotels, but rest assured, there are so many great golf resorts in Palm Springs. 

I haven’t even mentioned the Omni Rancho Las Palmas and the superb JW Marriott at Desert Springs. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is another popular choice, especially with its onsite casino and other entertainment options. 

Palm Springs Golf Vacation Packages

When looking to book your golf trip to Palm Springs, naturally you want to ensure you are getting the best possible deals.

Amongst all the companies selling packages, I personally recommend Golfbreaks.com. Every year they send hundreds of thousands of golfers on golf trips all over the world. Because of this, they get some of the best deals available. 

You tell them where you want to go, the courses you’re looking to play and what your budget is and they’ll do all the organizing, calling around and bookings for you. And to top things off, their service is second to none. 

Don’t know which course you want to play? Give them your budget, how far you want to drive, the average handicap in the group, and they recommend courses. It really is that easy to find affordable Palm Springs golf packages. 

Here is a selection of some of the best golf vacation packages in Palm Springs using Golfbreaks.com.

La Quinta Resort & Club 5*

5 nights room only, 3 rounds

Price on enquiry

Find out more

Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa 5*

5 nights room only, 3 rounds

Price on enquiry

Find out more

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa 5*

5 nights room only, 3 rounds

Price on enquiry

Find out more

The best Palm Springs public golf courses to play

Unlike many other golf destinations, Palm Springs isn’t one where you do too much driving around. Unlike places like Myrtle Beach and Scottsdale where it is more a ‘golf tour’ concept, driving to a different course each day, in Palm Springs, where you stay you tend to play.

But with so many great golf courses on offer, I encourage you to venture out for at least a couple of rounds. 

I was extolling the virtues of La Quinta Resort earlier, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint on the golf side either. Five outstanding championship courses onsite, one of which the PGA West Mountain Course, we recognised as the best public golf course in Palm Springs. 

You can read about that by clicking on this link as well as discover other great Palm Springs public golf courses to choose from.

Others worth highlighting are either of the two courses at Desert Willow Resort, with the Firefly being the choice pick.

Arnold Palmer’s Classic Club is another worthy choice located in its Audubon -certified refuge. Whilst the underrated Escena Golf Club is superb in my view, a true Nicklaus classic. 

Places to eat and drink in Palm Springs

This is a difficult one as it really depends where you are located. Likewise, all the golf resorts have such good restaurants and bars, you’d be forgiven for staying put.

But if you do venture out, I would highly recommend hitting downtown Palm Springs. Always evolving and featuring an array of restaurants, shops and bars, there is always a good vibe and friendly atmosphere.

Some of my personal recommendations include The Farm, an intimate, French-style eatery in La Plaza. Only using the freshest of seasonal ingredients, prepare to be transported to Southern France for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If a suave rooftop setting with magnificent mountain views tickles your fancy, head on up to 4 Saints. This establishment does modern American cuisine better than you’ll find anywhere else in Palm Springs.

And finally, for something completely different, if you’re looking for good draft beer and live sports, head to The Beer Hunter in La Quinta. Considered one of the best hometown sports bars, this Coachella haunt is popular with locals and groups. 

What to do on your day off

If you do get a day off, you’ll probably want something not too physical. So why not sit back and enjoy the views at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

This is one of Palm Springs’ most popular tourist attractions and has arguably some of the finest views of the city. Climbing up the spectacular Chino Canyon, sit in one of the old-school tram cars and relax. 

At the peak, you’ll find a museum and restaurant. And for those who do fancy being a bit more adventurous, there are hiking trails to enjoy. 

Talking of desert views and hiking, another popular attraction is the world-famous Joshua Tree National Park. Made famous for being on the front cover of U2’s Joshua Tree album, this is one of those places you’ll want to say you visited.

Be warned though, it’s a good hour’s drive followed by a good hike to get to the central part of the park. 

Lastly, I couldn’t recommend more, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Over 1,000 acres, you’ll find more than 500 animals who call this desert botanical garden home. Conveniently located and inspiring. 

*Occasionally I will recommend services which I think add value to you the user, and offer you a way to find out more about a particular golf resort or course. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, I may earn an affiliate fee. However, please rest assured yourgolfcourses.com is 100% independent and these commissions in no way influence the content OR rankings 🙂