Palm Springs City Guide

Local food is mostly American with international options like Mexican and Asian. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan choices. Late-night food is limited but available.

Nightlife is relaxed with LGBTQ+ bars, live music, and hotel lounges. It focuses on social spots rather than clubs.

Good coffee scene with several specialty shops focusing on quality and comfort.

Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%), taxis (15-20%), and other services ($2-$5 or 10-20%).

SIM cards are sold at AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon stores. Coverage is good, and eSIMs are increasingly supported. ID is required for purchase.

Clean streets and well-maintained public areas. Regular waste and recycling services.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores open 24/7. Limited late-night food options.

Supermarkets like Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons, and Whole Foods have international products. Smaller specialty stores and farmers' markets offer fresh produce. Most stores open early and close late.

Most businesses accept credit and debit cards. Cash is rarely needed for daily purchases.

ATMs are common in banks, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5.00 per use. Major banks include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase.

Palm Springs Unified School District serves the area. Schools teach mainly in English. No major international schools in the city, but options nearby.

Not a major nomad hub but attracts remote workers. Cafes with Wi-Fi and some coworking spaces available. Meetups exist but are informal.

Several parks offer shaded paths and outdoor areas for running and relaxing.

Safe running routes include parks and residential areas with mountain views; heat can be extreme in summer.

Multiple gym chains with various equipment and classes.

Tennis courts at public parks and private clubs; equipment rentals and coaching available.

Padel courts are rare but can be found at certain sports clubs.

Many yoga studios offer a variety of classes, often with English-speaking instructors.

Dojo options include BJJ, Muay Thai, karate, and taekwondo. English-speaking instructors are common.

Nearby ski resorts are in the San Bernardino Mountains, around 1.5-2 hours away.

Limited water sports mostly on nearby lakes, which are not ideal for recreation.

The city is inland; surf spots are about two hours away on the coast.

Diving spots are far, on the Southern California coast.

Eisenhower Health is the main hospital with English-speaking staff. Healthcare quality is high but can be costly without insurance. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common, often with drive-thru service.

Tap water is safe to drink and meets all regulations.

Parks and kid-friendly restaurants are common. Family attractions include the aerial tramway, zoo, and museums.

One of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the U.S. with many safe spaces, events, and legal protections.

Very pet-friendly city with many hotels, restaurants, and parks welcoming pets. Veterinary services and pet stores are common.