Where to Go on a Vacation from San Diego to Palm Springs

Looking for an exciting road trip to take this summer? Why not try driving from San Diego to Palm Springs? This route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in California, and there are plenty of things to do along the way. This blog post will outline how to get from SD to Palm Springs and what activities you can enjoy during your stay. So pack your bags and get ready for a road trip you won’t forget!

Do you want to discover more hidden secrets about the Palm Springs area? Take a look at our Palm Springs Vacation Guide! It contains local insight into all the best things to see and do in the area. 

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How to Drive from San Diego to Palm Springs

The drive from SD to Palm Springs is 139 miles, and on a good day will take you around two and a half hours to drive. The scenery through the drive on I-15N is quite breathtaking. Drive past Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Cleveland National Forest, where you can see California’s beautiful mountains and forests. For all transportation options, find out more about how to get from LA to Palm Springs below.

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What to do in Palm Springs

When you finally arrive in Palm Springs, you’ll be able to enjoy all that this unique city has to offer. Driving from San Diego means you can actually stop at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you to the top of a mountain for some stunning views that you cannot find anywhere else! There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as golf courses and tennis courts if you’re looking for a more active vacation. While Palm Springs might not have Maverick or the other pilots of the Top Gun Naval Academy, it does have the Palm Springs Air Museum with dozens of flyable warbirds. You can also relax by the pool or take a dip in one of the many hot springs in the area.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Palm Springs, California, that you cannot do in the city of Angels.

• Visit the ancient home of the Agua Caliente Indian band. 10% of Palm Springs is Cahuilla Indians’ reservations land, where you can visit the Agua Caliente Casino, Cultural Museum, and Tahquitz Canyon.
• Joshua Tree National Park, named after the Joshua trees, which are native to the Mojave desert.
• Go stargazing on a Sky-Watcher Tour under a naturally dark sky.
• Attend the internationally acclaimed Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs