Located about two hours by car outside of the Los Angeles area, Greater Palm Springs is a nine-city desert oasis that stretches across the 45-mile-long Coachella Valley. Rent a car if interested in bopping around to the various municipalities (Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella) or heading to nearby destinations like the Salton Sea, Joshua Tree National Park, or Idyllwild.

There is no lack of accommodation types and price points across Greater Palm Springs, ranging from chic itty-bitty boutique hotels to larger-than-large resorts. For the best stay, decide what’s important. It might be a convenient location for sightseeing or a beautiful backdrop for Instagram. There is also an overabundance of vacation rental properties, which can be particularly attractive for group gatherings like family reunions, bachelorette parties, and corporate retreats.

The communities that make up Greater Palm Springs are surprisingly small. During the busier times to visit from October to April, it can be difficult to secure spur-of-the-moment restaurant reservations, tours, or taxis. That’s especially true when the valley plays host to massive events like the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, Modernism Week in February, BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in March, and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April.

While the Coachella Valley boasts an average of 350 days of sunshine, temperatures can play a big factor in determining what’s possible to do. During spring and winter, it can be cold at night. The dry heat in the summer can often reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning many outdoor activities are a no-go. However, a trip from June to August is not out of the question. There are still a plethora of cool pools and air-conditioned activities like museums to enjoy.

From Indigenous communities soaking in ancient hot springs to heal or Hollywood celebrities jetting off to the desert to play, Greater Palm Springs’ rich and unique history is steeped in escapism. When visiting, ignore any cases of FOMO that might pop up because there is so much to see, do, and taste. Do not be afraid to spend an entire day relaxing at a spa or playing multiple rounds of golf. If anything is missed, it simply means another trip is in order for the future.