Palm Springs flights and travel guide

In the olden (and golden) days of Hollywood, Palm Springs was where the stars kicked back and partied. Under the old-style Hollywood contract system, actors were not allowed to travel more than a couple hours from the studios. Palm Springs was in that radius, and the stars such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Liberace came to top up their tans, play a round of golf, fall in and out of love and dance under the celestial stars.

They still do. Palm Springs exerts the same magnetic pull on young Hollywood. And seniors looking to enjoy their golden years. And gay travellers. And golfers. And architecture buffs. And convention goers. And those who take cheap flights to Palm Springs just to kick back under the crystal blue skies and starry, starry nights.

If the resorts and spas and poolside treats of this desert town start to wane, Palm Springs has much to explore. There are kitschy celebrity home tours to take, casinos, golf courses, tennis courts, hiking, biking and walking trails, world-class cuisine and that still-going-strong nightlife.

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Palm Springs climate

Sheltered by the three mountain ranges - the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the Santa Rosa Mountains and the San Jacinto Mountains - Palm Springs has a hot, dry climate. The sun shines almost all year round. Rainfall is negligible - about 150cm. Daytime summer temperatures can hit 42 degrees Celsius. Winter temperatures dip into the balmy 20s.

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When to fly to Palm Springs

With 350 days of sunshine each year, anytime is a good time to take cheap flights to Palm Springs.

Peak Season:

November through April is high season, when most visitors arrive on cheap flights to Palm Springs. Several festivals and cultural events take place during this time such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival (January), the White Party Spring Break and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April).

Shoulder Season:

May and October are shoulder months.

Off Season:

Low season takes in June to September. Temperatures are sizzling - daytime highs of 42 degrees Celsius.

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Getting around Palm Springs

There is no shortage of ways to get downtown from Palm Springs International. There are several limousine, shuttle and taxi services available. There are also half-a-dozen bus companies including Morongo Basin Transportation Authority (MBTA) for more budget-minded travellers.

Renting a car (or a Harley-Davidson motorcycle) at Palm Springs International Airport is the best way to see Palm Springs and the surrounding areas.

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Palm Springs insider information

• Walk of Stars - they're all here. The names of Hollywood's brightest stars are embedded in the sidewalks of Palm Canyon Drive, from the silent movies to talkies and celebrity politicians too (Presidents Ford and Reagan and Sonny Bono, former mayor of Palm Springs).
• The Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States. It's just a half-hour’s drive away, a vast tract of wilderness, breathtaking geologic displays and nature reserve. There are several established campgrounds, hiking trails and climbing routes. There's also the opportunity to go backcountry camping.
• Catch the Palm Springs Follies at the Plaza Theatre. The showgirls and boys are all professionals who, in their younger years, worked on Broadway, on TV and on the silver screen. The high-kicking stars range in age from 55 to 84, which proves the famous quote from Billie Burke (aka Mrs. Florenz Ziegfeld) "Age doesn't matter unless you're a cheese".
• Palm Springs has more gay-exclusive resorts than any other city in the world and there are several festivals and events that cater to this demographic. These include Palm Springs Lesbian Book Festival (February), Dinah Shore Weekend (March/April), White Party Spring Break (April) and Greater Palm Springs Pride (November).

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Palm Springs airports

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) (www.palmspringsca.gov) is located 3km east of Palm Springs' central business district.

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