The desert city of Palm Springs in California is a popular destination, particularly during the winter months to make the most of its sunshine and mild weather. It’s also a great spot to visit with your dog during this time of year. Find out more about visiting Palm Springs with your dog…
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Palm Springs
There’s plenty to do in Palm Springs when you visit with your dog. Many of the locals have dogs, so there’s no shortage of dog-friendly places to visit, from stylish boutiques to dog-friendly patios. Check out these ideas…
#1 Admire the Architecture
Palm Springs is renown for its mid-century architecture, known as “desert modernism”, and it’s easy to admire with your pup by your side. When we visited Palm Springs, we went for a wander through the downtown area (a very walkable area) and were delighted with the many impressive buildings.
The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center is located on Palm Canyon Drive in a former bank, designed by renown architect E. Stewart Williams in 1961. I loved how its clean lines were complemented by the surrounding desert garden.
There’s plenty more modern gems that you can visit on a self-guided tour – check out these suggestions put together by the local visitor center. There are also more maps to buy inside the visitor center.
#2 Follow the Walk of Stars
Los Angeles isn’t the only city with a walk of fame; Palm Springs is also home to its own Walk of Stars. Over 400 stars are embedded in the pavement along Palm Springs Drive, honoring a diverse range of celebrities from film stars to sporting legends and even local celebrities.
While visiting the downtown area, see who’s stars you can spot. We were lucky to discover Marilyn Monroe’s star close to the intersection with Tahquitz Canyon Way.
#3 Take a Day Trip to Joshua Tree
Not far away from Palm Springs is the popular destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Both the west and south entrances are less than an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, making the city a great place to be stay for a day trip to the park.
Leashed dogs are allowed to join you in the park, although they are not allowed on any of the unpaved hiking trails or the in backcountry. But there’s still plenty you can do, including driving along the scenic drives, hiking the Oasis of Mara Trail and taking in the views from Key View lookout. Check out my full guide to visiting Joshua Tree with a dog.
#4 Head to Mission Creek Preserve
For more desert adventures including a dog-friendly hike, head to Mission Creek Preserve. This reserve is located about a 30 minute drive north of Palm Springs in the transition zone between the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. Open from dawn to dusk, entry to the reserve is free, with picnic grounds and restrooms provided.
Dogs on a leash are welcome, including on the Mission Creek Preserve Trail. This three-mile long trail starts from the locked gate and mainly follows the usually dry creek to an old stone house, with historic displays.
If you’re looking for a longer dog-friendly hike, the trailhead for the 2600-mile Pacific Crest Trail is not far away!
#5 Spoil Your Pup at Cold Nose Warm Heart
An excellent locally owned pet store in the heart of Palm Springs is Cold Nose Warm Heart. With plenty of toys, harnesses, cloths, treats and food to choose from for your dog, including locally made options, we headed here to find a birthday present for Schnitzel. There’s also some convenient water bowls out the front.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway?
Unfortunately, pet dogs are not allowed on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Access is only allowed to service animals. The same restriction applies in the Mount San Jacinto State Park, accessed by the tramway.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Palm Springs
The David H. Ready Palm Springs Dog Park is a fenced dog park located near the Palm Springs City Hall. It has spacious grassy areas for both small and large dogs, secure double gates, water fountains for thirsty days and benches.
Alternatively, head south to Demuth Park, where there are two separate fenced dog parks for large dogs and small dogs, although these are both gravel.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Palm Springs
One top restaurant that I’ve heard lots of recommendations for since I last visited Palm Springs with my dog is Boozehounds Palm Springs. This stylish restaurant in an art deco building has the tagline “where dogs bring their humans”.
Not surprisingly, as well as a water and treat station for dogs, there’s also an entire dog menu, with a wide range of dishes from “beef & spinach bites” to watermelon “gazpacho”.
When making a reservation, select either the outdoor dining tables or the atrium seating, which are both dog-friendly. The restaurant is open daily for lunch or brunch over the weekend, along with coffee and co-working on weekdays and dinner on selected days of the week.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Palm Springs
For a luxe stay in Palm Springs with your pup, make a booking for the highly-rated Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs. Like all Kimpton hotels, pets stay for free with no size or even species limits. Your pet will be welcome with their own bed and treats in your room, plus you’ll enjoy complimentary access to WAG! PREMIUM during your stay. Just note that pets are not allowed on the rooftop terrace due to the hot temperatures.
Pets are also welcome to stay with you at The Saguaro Palm Springs and Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs. At The Saguaro, it’s a must to inform the Front Desk in advance and a one-time fee of $50 applies. At the Ace Hotel, up to three pets are permitted per room, generally only small dogs under 25 lbs (11kg). A fee of $100 per stay applies for up to two pets or $150 for three pets.
During our visit, we stayed at the affordable Motel 6 Palm Springs Downtown. As well as its convenient location, a big plus is that two pets can stay per room for no additional fee.
Tips for Visiting Palm Springs with a Dog
Palm Springs is located in the Colorado Desert, meaning the temperatures can get very high during the day in summer. I recommend skipping visiting the city in summer with your dog. Instead, consider a visit to this desert oasis with your dog during the cooler months of the year. We visited in late October and found the conditions ideal.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.