Search for car hire in Palm Springs

A colourful and bright retreat, Palm Springs is the coolest place to escape California’s dry desert heat.

Only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, the city attracts a mix of visitors, from retirees and long-weekenders to hipsters and Hollywood A-listers. Palm Springs reels people in with its funky retro vibes, mid-century modern design and chic, yet quirky, architecture. The party options here are unlimited and although there might not be any beaches to relax on, there are pools of all shapes and sizes.

Huddled within the Coachella Valley, the only way to appreciate Palm Springs’ surroundings is by car. A road trip from the city will bring you to desert hot springs and the eerie but beautiful Joshua Tree National Park.

Palm Springs, the sun-drenched resort two hours south of Los Angeles, is the ideal place for a few days of serious relaxation. Surrounded by some breath-taking scenery and dozens of excellent golf courses, Palm Springs is a great destination for a relaxed holiday break.

Things to do Palm Springs

While most of the recreation in Palm Springs revolves around bars, pampering and reclining by the pool, the city is also surrounded by some stunning natural attractions. The Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz and Palm Canyons are all worth a visit, with an incredible variety of colours, rocks and plant life. If you want to see some desert scenery from the comfort of central Palm Springs, you could spend a few hours in the Living Desert Museum where you can get a better understanding of the geology and history of the region. For a totally different type of exhibition, the Museum of the Heart offers a view into the workings of this essential internal organ, including the chance to step right inside a giant aorta. If you’re looking for something a little more active, there are over 85 golf courses within a short distance from the city, where you can play a round beneath the glorious Southern California sun.

Palm Springs: Discover more

Rent a vehicle in Palm Springs and you can explore the region at your own pace. The city is within daytrip distance of some amazing natural attractions, including canyons, mountains, valleys and rivers. A memorable experience is taking the aerial tramway that climbs 1800 metres right up into the San Jacinto Mountains for some spectacular panoramic views.