Romantic Spots in Palm Springs for Couples: 10 Date Night Ideas

The best romantic spots in Palm Springs for couples are the tramway at sunset, a patio dinner downtown, a hidden cocktail bar, a slow drive past mid-century modern houses, and a hot tub under the stars back at your hotel. Below are ten date night ideas we actually send guests to. Base yourself at The Muse for a romantic getaway in Palm Springs, and keep our romantic restaurants guide open in another tab.

What are the best romantic spots in Palm Springs for an evening out?

1. Ride the tramway up for sunset

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs from the desert floor to the cool pines of Mount San Jacinto. Go late in the day, watch the valley turn gold, and bring a jacket because it's much colder up top. Our tramway guide has tickets and timing.

2. Dinner on a patio with mountain views

Copley's on Palm Canyon sits on part of Cary Grant's former estate, with a courtyard patio, string lights and heaters for cool nights. It's our go-to answer for "where should we have the anniversary dinner."

3. Find the hidden bar

Seymour's is a cocktail lounge you reach through Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, behind an unmarked door. For something louder, Tailor Shop is tucked behind Bootlegger Tiki. Either one beats a hotel bar with a TV.

4. Drive past the mid-century houses

Palm Springs is full of mid-century modern homes with butterfly roofs, breeze-block walls and front doors in every color. Go in the golden hour before dinner, windows down, and pick the one you'd buy if this weekend never ended. Want the stories behind them? Book a guided architecture tour.

5. A cozy wine bar date

Low lighting, a shared cheese plate, two glasses of something you can't pronounce. Our wine bar guide lists the coziest spots in town for a slow, talk-all-night date.

6. Stroll VillageFest on a Thursday

Most Thursday evenings, VillageFest turns Palm Canyon Drive into a street fair with vendors, food and music. Hold hands, buy something you don't need, and grab dessert on the way.

Daytime date ideas in Palm Springs

7. Hike early, then do nothing

Go early to Indian Canyons for palm groves and shade (check seasonal hours first), then spend the afternoon by the pool. Our easy hikes guide has the gentle trails.

8. Wander a cactus garden

Moorten Botanical Garden is a small, strange and very photogenic collection of desert plants. It's a quiet hour together, and a good excuse to take the photo you'll actually frame. Read more in our Moorten guide.

Romantic spots after dark

9. Look up

Palm Springs nights are clear more often than not. Drive a little way out of town, park, and look up. Our stargazing guide has the darkest spots nearby.

10. The date night that never leaves the hotel

Some of the best romantic spots in Palm Springs are at The Muse. Book a private hibachi dinner, add back-to-back in-room massages, then finish in the six-person hot tub or by the outdoor fireplace. If you booked Brigitte, Audrey, Marilyn or Taylor, you also have a private fenced yard for a nightcap with no audience.

When is the best time for date night in Palm Springs?

October through May is patio season, with warm days and cool nights that make outdoor dinners and fireplace nightcaps feel right. Summer afternoons often top 100 degrees, so flip the schedule: pool by day, dinner late, hot tub after dark. Midweek is easier for reservations all year.

Palm Springs date ideas FAQ

What are the most romantic spots in Palm Springs for couples?

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at sunset, a patio dinner at Copley's on Palm Canyon, Seymour's hidden cocktail lounge, VillageFest on a Thursday night, and a hot tub night at The Muse.

What are good activities for couples in Palm Springs?

Morning hikes at Indian Canyons, Moorten Botanical Garden, VillageFest on Thursday evenings, in-room massages and stargazing outside town.

Where's a cozy wine bar for a date in Palm Springs?

See our wine bar guide for the low-light spots, then finish the night by the outdoor fireplace at The Muse.

Is The Muse good for couples?

Yes. It's an adults-only boutique hotel with nine suites, a courtyard pool, a six-person hot tub and four king suites with private fenced yards.

Ten dates, one weekend, one very good hot tub. Check your dates and start with number ten.