Whether you fly into Palm Springs International Airport or drive in from California or neighboring states, planning a bachelorette party in Palm Springs means enjoying your own little slice of desert paradise.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
“It’s a tropical getaway without your ocean. You’re in between Vegas and L.A.—we are the hotspot,” observes Jacquelyn James, VP of business development and brand awareness for dinner cabaret experience AsiaSF, which rolls out the red carpet—quite literally—for bachelorette party groups of all sizes and orientations. “You come here and you literally get away. It’s a retreat, a resort, a whole special place.”
Not sure where to start? Consider this your ultimate guide to enjoying everything Palm Springs, California, has to offer bachelorette parties. From where to stay and what to do to where to eat and how to get around, we’ll help you plan the perfect getaway for your group.
FAQ
What makes Palm Springs a good place for a bachelorette party?
“Besides the great year-round weather, I think the chic vibe of Palm Springs is a big attraction for bachelorettes,” says Tara Lazar, the founder of local restaurant and hospitality group F10 Creative. “There is a great pool/relaxing culture during the day—where you can hike, spa, read, shop, tan—then the nighttime lights up with al fresco restaurants and a Downtown where you can walk to everything. Also, I think Palm Springs being so LGBTQ welcoming makes it easy and safe for girls [and mixed groups] to go out dancing and celebrating.”
How much does a bachelorette party in Palm Springs cost?
As per general guidelines provided by Visit Greater Palm Springs Tourism, a three-night Palm Springs bachelorette party will typically cost between $600 and $1,200 per person (not including airfare). Keep in mind though that during peak weekends between January and May—including holiday weekends and especially around Coachella festival season—hotels and local accommodations will be in high demand, meaning rates will also be higher. If you’re considering this time of year, book as far in advance as possible.
What is best time of year to visit Palm Springs for a bachelorette party?
As couples tend to plan their solo or joint bachelorette/bachelor celebrations around six to ten weeks out from their wedding date, Palm Springs naturally sees an uptick in bachelorette parties in town in the springtime (before summer wedding season) and also in the late summer months (in advance of fall weddings).
As an insider tip, Lazar’s favorite month in Palm Springs is October. “By then, school/work is back in session so there aren’t as many tourists,” says Lazar. “The nights are still warm and balmy but not hot. Restaurant and catering wise, our local farms still have some of our favorite produce, like artichokes and corn, so our menus are vibrant and interesting.”
Why You’ll Love Palm Springs
From the natural beauty of its desert surroundings to the chic, design-forward vibes around town, Palm Springs has always had an aesthetic all its own. Add to the mix a strong LGBTQ culture; celebration-worthy dining and nightlife scene; and hotels and pools aplenty—that’s Palm Springs in a nutshell.
Chic Accommodations: Whether you book rooms at a larger hotel in town, buy out part of a local boutique hotel, or book an Airbnb-style rental, homes and hotels here tend to be quite stylish, embracing the “desert chic” ethos of the location.
LGBTQ Culture: Palm Springs takes a lot of pride in its LGBTQ positivity, and the destination is all the more colorful and friendly for it.
Food and Nightlife: Brunch every day of the week? That’s Palm Springs, which has a food scene that’s as delicious as it is fun, festive and celebration-worthy. When the sun goes down, you have no shortage of options for where to toast to your upcoming nuptials in any number of ways.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Generally speaking, local accommodations fall into three categories, each of which have their own appeal:
Resorts and larger hotels: Fabulous pools, bars/restaurants on site, concierge available to help answer local questions/assist with bookings. Spa services and wellness activities (yoga classes, pickleball courts, bikes to ride) may also be offered.
Boutique hotels: Bespoke decor and stylish themes, charming courtyards and patios with unique features (fire pits, outdoor games, and so forth). Lovely, relaxing pool and lounge areas. Depending on the size of your Palm Springs bachelorette party group, there may be an option to buy out the entire property, or a significant portion of it. Housekeeping and front desk services available, plus bar/restaurant on site or very close by.
Rental house/Airbnb: Privacy and built-in communal gathering spaces, plus the ability to prepare your own meals and/or bring in a private chef or catering. Many homes have a pool and nicely appointed backyard hang out/BBQ areas. Plus, it’s always special to have a group under one roof together.
Whether you stay Uptown, Downtown or even a bit further out in one of the surrounding residential neighborhoods, you’re never too far from the action.
Where to Eat in Palm Springs
The Palm Springs dining scene has something for everyone, from high-energy brunches to more casual, seasonally-driven California cuisine. There are also plenty of special occasion-worthy establishments, where surf and turf are the name of the game or the destination’s Mexican cuisine, that will make for a memorable meal.
Best Brunch Spots: Lulu California Bistro, Wilma & Frieda’s, Cheeky’s, Farm, Oscar’s
Best Dinner Spots: Eight4Nine, Trio Restaurant, Birba Palm Springs, Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, Tac/Quila
Best Daytime Activities in Greater Palm Springs
You can’t beat a morning hike into one of the palm oases at stunning Indian Canyons. Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon are both suitable for non-hikers, but remember that closed-toed shoes are a must. Complimentary ranger-led interpretive hikes and ranger nature and history talks are available seasonally, so do your research before you arrive.
If you’d prefer to plan something that’s less physically demanding, take in the panoramic views from the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the ride up and down the mountain is a memorable part of the adventure. There may even be snow at the top of the mountain in the winter months!
You could also book a custom group cycle experience with Sunny Cycle. Options include an Instagram Photo-Op Tour, a Modernism Tour, or Discover the Past & Future of Historic Palm Springs Tour. After your tour,do a little shopping in the Uptown Design District, where boutiques include local artisan and maker shops, fashion-forward clothing, apparel and accessories retailers, as well as Palm Springs-inspired merchandise (check out the gift shop at Shop(pe).
And if pure relaxation is what you’re after, you should look into a day pass to a local hot springs retreat/ Experience the natural mineral water pools and soaking tubs at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, located in Desert Hot Springs, California, about 15 minutes away.
Best Nighttime Activities in Palm Springs
Start your fun night on the town at AsiaSF’s cabaret dinner show, which features glamorous transgender starlets performing pop hits and Broadway favorites. AsiaSF pulls out all the stops for bachelorette parties, including free entry into the nightclub after the show on weekends.
For a tame post-dinner gathering, you can’t beat cocktails out on the spacious patio of cozy, speakeasy vibe cocktail bar, Seymour’s, which is tucked away like the jewel that it is inside Mr. Lyons Steakhouse. (Ask the restaurant hostess to point you in the right direction.) PS Air Bar is another fun, hidden treasure. If dancing and bottle service are what you’re after,reserve a booth at Hunter’s Palm Springs, located along Arenas Road, the heart of Palm Springs’ gay-oriented nightlife scene. Uptown, Toucan’s Tiki Lounge and Cabaret hosts a variety of drag shows throughout the week.
And for something a little more unexpected, plan an evening of fun at Escape Room Palm Springs. There are six different escape rooms to play, with themes such as bank heist, the Titanic, and a vampire’s lair.
Palm Springs Bachelorette Party Itinerary
Day One
Morning: Arrive in Palm Springs.
Afternoon: After decorating your rooms, gather your group for pre-dinner cocktails.
Evening: Make dinner reservations at a restaurant close to your hotel. After, give your guests a few different casual going out or hanging in options—drinks around the fire pit at your hotel or drinks at a nearby bar are low-pressure options.
Day Two
Morning: Start your day with a morning hike into one of the palm oases of Indian Canyons, which will be about two to three hours, round-trip, from your hotel, including drive time. Once you’re back, change into your cutest outfits and hit the town for brunch.
Afternoon: Book a two- or three-hour custom adventure with Sunny Cycle or head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to take in some incredible views
Evening: Allot some downtime for everyone to relax and get refreshed before a big night on the town. Start with the dinner cabaret show at AsiaSF, then enjoy nightclub dancing or high-end cocktails at a local bar.
Day Three
Morning: Start your day with a late morning brunch reservation—you’ll want to give your group time to recover from the night before. Anyone who happens to be up early can get in some morning pool time or take a walk to discover some of the incredible public art and sculpture around Downtown Palm Springs.
Afternoon: Spend several hours enjoying the facilities at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis. There’s a cafe on site for refreshing beverages and snacks. Another option is a casual group hang out and pool time at your Palm Springs accommodations; the Kimpton Rowan, for one, offers day cabanas available for rental. If anyone in your party is up for some local shopping, this afternoon would be a great time for that, too.
Evening: Since your group is leaving tomorrow, an earlier dinner reservation is a great idea; plan an evening activity for those who’d like to join in for one last night of fun—it can be a night on the town or a casual evening in at your accommodations.
Day Four
Morning: If anyone in your group doesn’t immediately have to head to the airport, plan one last meal together as a nice way to wind down. Breakfast or brunch in town, followed by some light shopping, is perfect.
