A Stylish 36 Hours in Palm Springs Itinerary

Figuring out the perfect 36 hours in Palm Springs is all about striking that ideal balance between sun-soaked relaxation and true desert exploration. This isn't just another itinerary; it's your guide to getting it right. We're skipping the obvious tourist traps and jumping straight into an experience that feels both special and effortless, all anchored at the perfect home base: **The Muse Hotel Palm Springs**, a standout boutique hotel that’s perfect for couples, bachelorette parties, and full property buyouts.

🌟 Spotlight on The Muse Hotel Palm Springs ✔ Adults-only, private & peaceful ✔ Hot tub + floral pergola courtyard ✔ Stylish mid-century aesthetic ✔ Kitchenettes & patios in every suite ✔ Ideal for groups & full buyouts 👉 Check it out

Your Stylish Palm Springs Weekend Itinerary

Think mid-century modern charm, poolside cocktails, and vibrant nights out. This guide is for anyone who appreciates great style, a bit of privacy, and making memories that stick—whether you’re here with your partner, your best friends, or the whole bachelorette crew.

Forget the stress of planning every single detail. We've laid out a weekend that flows beautifully, from serene mornings to exciting afternoons, showing off the best of the desert's one-of-a-kind culture and aesthetic. The secret to a flawless trip is always the home base, and that’s where The Muse Hotel really shines. It's so much more than a place to sleep; it’s part of the experience itself.

Why The Muse Hotel Sets the Scene as the Top Palm Springs Hotel for Groups

As an adults-only boutique hotel, The Muse has a private, intimate atmosphere that feels like a world away from the downtown buzz—even though you're just minutes from all the action. This unique vibe makes it the ideal anchor for your 36 hours in Palm Springs. Its design is basically a love letter to the desert's iconic style, making every corner an Instagram-worthy moment.

The real magic of The Muse for groups is in the layout. With suites that can sleep up to 21 guests, private patios, and full kitchenettes, it’s literally built for communal celebrations like bachelorette parties and big birthdays. You can even do a full property buyout, turning the entire hotel into your own private desert oasis.

And to really embrace the city's timeless glamour, especially when you're surrounded by all its mid-century marvels, it helps to look the part. You can discover the secrets to pulling off the perfect vintage look for your trip.

This itinerary is designed to make the most of the hotel's best features, blending on-site relaxation with off-site adventures. Get ready for a weekend that feels like it was put together just for you.

Day One Morning Arrival and Desert Welcome

Your 36 hours in Palm Springs kick off the second your plane touches down at the iconic Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). It's an arrival experience like no other, with its stunning open-air design and breathtaking mountain views right from the tarmac. You’re not alone in discovering this desert gem—in June 2025 alone, PSP welcomed over 139,000 passengers, a huge jump from the previous year.

From the airport, it’s a quick, scenic drive past sun-drenched streets lined with palm trees. Forget about a long commute. In just minutes, you’ll pull up to **The Muse Hotel Palm Springs**, your stylish sanctuary for the weekend. Tucked away in the peaceful Warm Sands neighborhood, it feels like a private hideaway but is still incredibly close to all the action.

Settle Into Your Private Oasis

This is the moment your vacation officially shifts from travel mode to pure bliss. You won't find a stuffy lobby or an impersonal check-in desk here. Instead, you'll be shown directly to your unique, muse-themed suite, each one with its own personality and flair.

Drop your bags, take a deep breath, and let that immediate sense of calm and exclusivity wash over you.

For groups, this is an especially sweet arrival. Just imagine your bachelorette party or friend group exploring your new home base, discovering all the thoughtful details and stylish decor that make The Muse so special.

Pro Tip for Groups: If you’ve booked a few suites or the entire hotel, now is the perfect time for a welcome toast. Gather on one of the private patios, pop a bottle of champagne you’ve been chilling in your suite's kitchenette, and toast to the incredible weekend ahead.

First Stop: The Pool

Once you’re settled, it's time to slip into your chicest swimwear and fully embrace the desert lifestyle. The first order of business? Making a beeline for the hotel's gorgeous floral courtyard.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• A Heated Floral Pool: The sparkling centerpiece of the hotel, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. It's the perfect escape from the desert heat.

• The Glam Swing Pergola: An absolute must for photos. This charming spot is perfect for lounging with a good book or just catching up with friends.

• Chic Loungers: Grab a comfy recliner, soak up the sun, and just let the relaxed atmosphere take over.

That first dip in the pool isn't just about cooling off—it's a ritual. It’s the moment you signal that the real world is on hold and you're ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Palm Springs. While you're lounging, you might want to start dreaming up your next move by checking out our guide to Palm Springs hidden gems for your 2025 getaway.

Day One Afternoon: Poolside Bliss and an Evening Out

After that first refreshing dip, the rest of the afternoon is all about mastering the fine art of doing absolutely nothing. This is your moment to fully sink into the private retreat vibe that makes The Muse Hotel Palm Springs a world away from everything else.

Find your perfect spot in the floral courtyard. Will it be one of the chic loungers, perfect for soaking up that desert sun? Or maybe the iconic glam swing pergola, an absolute must for capturing those perfect group photos. For a little future daydreaming, you can even draw some inspiration from the top luxury spas worldwide.

Before we get into the evening, here's a quick look at how your first day is shaping up.

Day One Palm Springs Itinerary Snapshot

Time	Activity	Location / Notes
2:00 PM	Arrival & Check-In	The Muse Hotel Palm Springs
3:00 PM	Pool Time & Settle In	Enjoy the private courtyard and your suite's amenities
5:00 PM	Fire Pit Hangout	Gather for chats and pre-dinner cocktails
7:00 PM	Dinner Reservations	Uptown Design District
9:00 PM	Post-Dinner Drinks	A local cocktail lounge or back at The Muse

This timeline gives you a great framework, but remember, the best part of a getaway like this is the freedom to go with the flow.

Curate Your Afternoon Vibe

This is where having a suite with a kitchenette really shines. You get to call the shots. Put together a group playlist, mix up a batch of your own signature cocktails, and lay out a spread of your favorite snacks. No waiting for bar service when your private setup is just a few steps from the pool.

As the intense afternoon sun starts to mellow, gather your crew around the outdoor fire pit. It’s the ideal setting for those easy, heart-to-heart conversations that truly make a bachelorette weekend or girls' getaway special.

The Muse genuinely feels like your own private club. The layout just works, encouraging you to drift from sunbathing by the pool to chatting around the fire pit, all within your own exclusive, adults-only bubble.

An Evening in the Uptown Design District

When dusk begins to paint the sky those famous desert shades of pink and orange, it’s time to retreat to your private patio for pre-dinner drinks. The quiet ambiance is the perfect way to shift gears from a lazy afternoon to a fun night out.

Your destination tonight is the ultra-stylish Uptown Design District, just a quick ride from the hotel. This neighborhood is buzzing with fantastic restaurants, cocktail bars, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. We definitely recommend making a reservation at a spot that matches the sophisticated mood of your day.

Dinner Recommendations:

• Trio Restaurant: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and colorful decor. The menu is packed with crowd-pleasing American comfort food, making it a guaranteed hit for a celebratory group dinner.

• Workshop Kitchen + Bar: Set in a dramatic, industrial-chic space, this spot is a dream for foodies. The award-winning menu is full of inventive, market-driven dishes and incredible craft cocktails.

For another fantastic option, you can learn more about Copley's on Palm Canyon, a culinary jewel right in the heart of the city. After dinner, the night is yours. Head back to the peaceful sanctuary of The Muse, or pop into a nearby cocktail lounge to keep the celebration going.

Day Two Morning: Mid-Century Marvels And Mountain Views

The second day of your 36 hours in Palm Springs should start the way every desert morning should: slowly. There’s no rush at The Muse. Wake up when you want, pour a fresh coffee, and soak up the early sun from your private patio. If you're with your crew, now's the time to put that full suite kitchen to use and whip up a proper breakfast together.

This is the kind of laid-back start you need before a day of incredible architecture and even better views. Once everyone’s fueled up, it’s time to dive headfirst into the design aesthetic that put Palm Springs on the map—mid-century modernism.

A Self-Guided Tour of Architectural Icons

You don’t have to be an architecture nerd to fall in love with the clean lines, pops of color, and effortless indoor-outdoor vibe of the city's most famous homes. The best way to experience them is by cruising through the historic neighborhoods on your own time.

Neighborhoods You Can't Miss:

• The Movie Colony: This is where Hollywood legends like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe lived and played. The homes here are pure desert modernism eye candy.

• Twin Palms: Get your camera ready. This area is known for its iconic "Alexander Homes" with their signature butterfly rooflines. The whole neighborhood has a cohesive, impossibly chic feel.

• Deepwell Estates: Here, the homes get a bit larger and more eclectic, showing off a huge range of mid-century creativity.

Whether you drive or bike, exploring these quiet streets feels like you’ve been dropped straight into a Slim Aarons photograph. You’ll quickly see how the design of these iconic homes—with their focus on private outdoor spaces, natural light, and minimalist cool—is echoed right back at The Muse Hotel, making your stay feel completely connected to the city’s soul.

After a morning of house-spotting, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for the thoughtful, desert-chic aesthetic that makes The Muse so special. It’s more than a hotel; it’s a modern tribute to the style that defines Palm Springs.

Reaching New Heights on the Aerial Tramway

Ready for a truly unforgettable group experience? Head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This engineering marvel carries you up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon in a rotating tramcar, giving you a mind-blowing, 360-degree view of the entire Coachella Valley during the ten-minute ride.

The air at the top is a refreshing 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor below—a welcome escape on a warm day. When you step out at the Mountain Station, you're at an elevation of 8,516 feet, with observation decks, a restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and over 50 miles of hiking trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park at your disposal.

The contrast between the rugged, pine-scented mountain wilderness and the vast desert stretching out below is genuinely stunning. It’s an ideal activity for a bachelorette party or a friends' trip, serving up epic photo ops and a shared sense of adventure. For more inspiration, don't miss our guide on the top 10 Palm Springs things to do for your 2025 trip.

Day Two: Afternoon Shopping, Art, and a Farewell Dinner

The final leg of your 36 hours in Palm Springs is all about soaking up the city’s vibrant local culture before a truly memorable send-off. After a morning packed with sightseeing, it's time to head to the heart of downtown for some well-deserved retail therapy and artistic inspiration.

Your first stop? Palm Canyon Drive, the city’s main artery. This is where you’ll find a fantastic mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, kitschy gift shops, and stylish galleries. It's an easily walkable stretch, perfect for groups to explore at their own pace.

Retail Therapy and Gallery Hopping

Take a slow stroll through the shops and discover everything from unique desert-inspired jewelry to quirky home decor. This is your chance to support local businesses and find a souvenir that’s far more special than anything you'd grab at the airport.

In fact, tourism is the region’s number-one industry, generating over $9 billion in economic impact in 2023 and supporting thousands of local jobs. When you shop here, you're directly contributing to the community that makes this city so special, a fact highlighted in the latest Greater Palm Springs tourism reports.

Must-Visit Spots Downtown:

• Michael Weems Collection: A gallery brimming with cheeky, queer-themed gifts and striking photography.

• Market Market: A huge vintage emporium where you can get lost for hours hunting for retro treasures.

• Wabi Sabi Japan Living: A beautiful importer of Japanese housewares, sakes, and pantry staples.

Once you've worked up an appetite, grab a late, casual lunch. We love Crudo Cervicheria for its lovely flower-filled courtyard—it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some fresh ceviche and tacos before the next part of your afternoon.

One Last Dip and a Farewell Dinner

With your shopping bags in tow, head back to your peaceful retreat at The Muse Hotel. The afternoon sun is practically begging you to take one last hour for pure relaxation. Go for a final dip in the floral courtyard pool or unwind with your group in the hot tub, recapping your favorite moments from the trip.

As evening approaches, you have two fantastic options for a farewell dinner, both of which highlight the unique perks of staying at The Muse.

Option 1: A Celebratory Night OutReady to get dressed up and hit the town one last time? For a sophisticated and celebratory end to your weekend, book a table at one of the city's top-tier restaurants. To find a truly special spot for the occasion, check out our ultimate guide to date night in Palm Springs for some of our absolute favorite recommendations.

Option 2: An Intimate Dinner Party at The MuseFor bachelorette parties or groups that have booked a full property buyout, this is the ultimate way to end your trip. Use your suite's full kitchen to prepare a beautiful meal together. You can set up a long table in the courtyard, string some extra lights, and enjoy a private dinner party under the stars. It’s a deeply personal and memorable experience you simply can’t get anywhere else. This is where The Muse Hotel Palm Springs truly shines, giving you the perfect private backdrop to create those lasting memories.

FAQ: Your Palm Springs Weekend Getaway

Planning the perfect desert escape, especially for a group, always brings up a few questions. To make sure your 36 hours in Palm Springs is everything you've dreamed of, here are the inside details on what makes a stay at The Muse so special.

What makes The Muse Hotel unique among boutique hotels in Palm Springs?

It really comes down to the intentional design and the feeling of having your own private club. Unlike bigger resorts, The Muse is an adults-only hideaway with just nine uniquely designed suites. This intimate scale creates a peaceful, exclusive vibe that you just can't find anywhere else. The heart of the hotel is its stunning floral courtyard pool, hot tub, and glam swing pergola, all wrapped in a chic, mid-century aesthetic that’s practically begging to be photographed.

Is The Muse Hotel adults-only?

Yes, The Muse is a strictly adults-only hotel, ensuring a peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere for all our guests. This makes it an ideal choice for romantic getaways, friend trips, and bachelorette parties looking for a relaxing, kid-free environment.

How close is The Muse Hotel to downtown Palm Springs?

You get the best of both worlds here. The Muse is nestled in the quiet, residential Warm Sands neighborhood, giving it a serene and secluded feel. But you’re only a quick five-minute drive from the buzz of downtown Palm Springs. All the iconic shops, restaurants, and galleries are right there when you want them, making it easy to dip into the city's energy and then retreat to your private oasis.

Is The Muse a good hotel for groups or bachelorettes?

Absolutely—in fact, it feels like it was made for group celebrations. The entire property can sleep up to 21 guests, and the full property buyout option is a game-changer for bachelorette parties. Imagine having the entire hotel—pool, courtyard, and all common spaces—exclusively for your group. With flexible indoor/outdoor hang spaces and an Instagrammable backdrop at every turn, planning becomes effortless and fun. For more tips, check out our guide on how to plan the perfect [Palm Springs bachelorette at The Muse](https://www.themusehotelpalmsprings.com/post/palm-springs-bachelorette-the-muse).

Are there full kitchens and private patios?

Yes! This is one of the features our guests rave about the most. Every single suite at The Muse comes with its own private patio—the perfect spot for sipping your morning coffee in peace. And to make your stay even more convenient, each suite is equipped with either a well-appointed kitchenette or a full kitchen. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to chill drinks, whip up a group breakfast, or even host a private dinner party right in your own space.