Palm Springs, California is located about 100 miles east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley area of the Sonoran Desert. As a popular resort city for many years, Palm Springs is known for its natural hot springs, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, sunny weather, and - of course - dog-friendliness.

Downtown Palm Springs is always evolving, with new shops, restaurants, hotels, and neighborhoods, like the development of the north end as the Uptown Design District. The annual Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals have brought attention to the desert cities, and the January Palm Springs International Film Festival attracts top names and a growing number of visitors.

"Greater Palm Springs" encompasses eight cities in addition to Palm Springs: Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, LaQuinta, Indio, and Coachella. Tourism is the area's largest contributor to the local economy. I would recommend staying in Palm Springs and exploring these other cities by car. Palm Desert has a nice outdoor shopping mall and Indio / Coachella can be great for photo ops or if you’re attending a festival (without your dog).

We’ve visited a lot of dog-friendly places and when I say Palm Springs is the most dog-friendly city we’ve visited - I mean it! It’s hard to explain, but there was just a feeling of welcoming no matter where we went with Ruby and hopefully that comes through in this comprehensive guide.

when is the best time to visit Palm Springs

The weather in Palm Springs is arguably nice all year round, but there is a particular time that is considered the best to visit during - winter and early spring. Palm Springs feels extra special in the winter months, which occur November - January, because while the rest of the country is dealing with cold temps and snow Palm Springs is putting on a show with sunshine and 65-75 degree temps.

When traveling to Palm Springs with your dog, I would not recommend visiting anytime after March. Unless your only plan is to be by a pool the whole time during your visit. Summer temperatures are typically around 100℉ and can reach as high as 115℉, with humidity less than 10%.

where to stay in palm springs

Lodging in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert areas are a total vibe and one of my favorite things about visiting this city. From mid-century modern vibes to colorful retreats, this iconic destination has plenty of stylish, dog-friendly hotels right in the heart of downtown. I’d be in heaven just hotel and home rental hopping around this area.

1. ARRIVE Palm Springs
Address: 1551 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
ARRIVE combines sleek design with laid-back vibes. Dogs are welcome in their ground-level rooms, and the spacious outdoor areas make for a great place to relax with your pup by your side. The hotel’s central fire pits and refreshing pool are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Palm Springs.
Pet Policy & Fee: ARRIVE welcomes well-behaved dogs. Other pets may require prior approval; it's recommended to contact the hotel directly to confirm their pet policy and any associated fees.

2. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Kimpton hotels are known for being exceptionally pet-friendly, and the Rowan is no exception. The rooftop pool offers stunning mountain views, while your dog enjoys luxurious treatment right alongside you.
Pet Policy & Fee: Kimpton Rowan welcomes pets of all sizes and breeds with no additional charges or deposits. Amenities include pet beds, treats, and courtesy bags for walks. Pets are also welcome at the nightly hosted wine reception.

3. The Colony Palms Hotel
Address: 572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
The Colony Palms exudes old Hollywood glamour and modern comfort. Dogs are welcome in select rooms, and the lush garden areas provide a peaceful retreat for strolls with your pup. It's a tranquil escape while still being within walking distance of downtown shops and dining.
Pet Policy & Fee: The Colony Palms allows two dogs up to 40 lbs for a fee of $100 per stay. Dogs may be left unattended in rooms.

4. Casa Cody
Address: 175 S Cahuilla Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Casa Cody, Palm Springs’ oldest operating hotel, invites you and your pup to relax in its serene, Spanish-style adobe surroundings. This charming boutique hotel has cozy, dog-friendly rooms and shaded courtyards perfect for lounging in the desert breeze.
Pet Policy & Fee: Casa Cody allows two pets of any size for an additional fee of $25 per pet, per night. Pets cannot be left unattended in rooms.

5. The Saguaro Palm Springs
Address: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Famous for its vibrant rainbow facade, The Saguaro is as fun as it is dog-friendly. Your pup will love the outdoor spaces, and you’ll love the lively poolside atmosphere and proximity to downtown. The Saguaro blends playful energy with the ease of pet-friendly hospitality.
Pet Policy & Fee: The Saguaro allows two dogs of any size for a fee of $50 per stay. Dogs may be left unattended in rooms, and there are grassy areas on the property for pet relief.

6. Parker Palm Springs
Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
The Parker Palm Springs offers a luxurious and eclectic retreat with beautifully landscaped grounds and unique interiors. It's an ideal spot for travelers seeking a high-end experience with their canine companions.
Pet Policy & Fee: Parker Palm Springs welcomes two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $200 per pet, per night. Dogs may not be left unattended in rooms. Bowls and treats are provided, and the hotel has a grassy pet relief area with waste bags. Cats are not accepted.

7. Yara Hotel
Address: 1555 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Yara Hotel is a chic, adults-only boutique hotel offering a serene desert escape with modern amenities and a relaxing pool area. It's a perfect getaway for those looking to unwind in style.
Pet Policy & Fee: Yara Hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs for a fee of $50 per night plus tax. Dogs must be kept on a leash and be courteous to other guests.

8. La Serena Villas
Address: 339 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
La Serena Villas provides a romantic and intimate setting with private villas, each featuring individual patios and fire pits. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a delightful retreat for both guests and their dogs.
Pet Policy & Fee: La Serena Villas allows one dog up to 30 lbs for an additional fee of $100 per stay. Dogs may be left in the room unattended if a cell phone number is provided to the front desk. Treats and bowls are available upon request. Guests are asked to keep dogs off the grassy areas on the hotel property, but there are grassy pet relief areas in the surrounding neighborhood. Dogs must be at least two years old; cats are not permitted.

9. Thompson Palm Springs
Address: 400 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Thompson Palm Springs offers a contemporary and vibrant atmosphere with upscale accommodations and amenities. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring downtown Palm Springs with your furry friend.
Pet Policy & Fee: Thompson Palm Springs is pet-friendly, allowing dogs with no weight limit. Pets must be leashed at all times in common areas and cannot be left unattended in guest rooms. A signed waiver is required upon check-in.

If a home rental is your preferred lodging - we’re always fans of a kitchen and direct outdoor access - then head to AirBnB or VRBO and toggle on the pet feature. These are some of the home rentals I have saved on my wish list.

Dog-friendly Things to Do Around Palm Springs

Palm Springs has always been a dog loving city and with 354 days of sunshine each year there’s plenty of things to do that will welcome your dog with open arms. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a dog-friendly patio, wandering through beautiful desert gardens, or exploring the iconic landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, there’s no shortage of adventures to enjoy with your four-legged companion. Explore oru list of dog-friendly activities for planning your next dog-friendly getaway to Palm Springs.

dine at dog-themed restaurant Boozehounds Palm Springs & cafe 4 paws coffee co.

Boozehounds Palm Springs was started by three friends for one simple reason… they loved dogs and dreamed of owning a place where people could take their pups, enjoy an awesome cocktail or fab meal, and socialize in style. It’s the dog-friendliest restaurant we’ve ever been to for two reasons: 1) the dog menu is elite and offers fresh food options that accommodate common protein allergies, and 2) dogs are allowed inside in their atrium for dining, which is perfect when visiting in the winter months. We loved dining here for brunch and you can get an inside peek at our visit on Instagram.

4 Paws Coffee Co. is another dog-themed establishment in Palm Springs that you should check out. We were greeted with open arms as soon as we walked in the door and the cafe is decked out in dog-centric decorations and merch. We got to enjoy our pastry and coffee inside the cafe with Rue while she was spoiled with a pup cup. Purchases from the cafe help support their effort to give back to the local shelters and also reinforce their goal of bringing great coffee, food, and connections to the Palm Springs community.

explore moorten botanical garden & the World’s First Cactarium

Moorten Botanical Garden is a privately owned arboretum that was created to share the beauty and extraordinary varieties of desert plants with everyone who visits. The featured desert trees, plants, and cacti come from around the world and range in size from miniature to giant. They are home to the world’s first cactarium - my favorite area of the garden - and allow dogs on leash throughout the garden.

Parking for the garden is on the corner across the street from the entrance on S Palm Canyon Dr. The entry fee is $5/person and dogs are free. This small garden can be explored within 30 minutes with a leisurely stroll around the property. We spent a bit more time here because I was obsessed with taking photos in the cactarium. If you visit during the week, you should get lucky with little to no crowds.

Walk amongst the wind turbines at sunset

Something unique about Southern California is all the fields of wind turbines. They actually have an official tour in Palm Springs to get a closer look at them, but I’m not sure if they allow dogs. We opted for self-exploration.

To get the backdrop seen below, head to Indian Canyon Drive and Garnett off the I-10. If you're driving north on Indian Canyon, turn left on Garnett and go for maybe 1/4 mile and you'll see some spots where you can park. There is little to no traffic in this area, so as long as you’re not blocking a major road you should be ok to park wherever you want to shoot.

I’d recommend going for sunset. The desert really shows off at sunset with cotton candy skies, but the sun does tuck behind the mountains early so make sure you arrive before the true sunset time. There is fencing around the turbines, but it’s not really noticeable with the mountain backdrop in the shade and shrubbery in the area. You just have to embrace it.

stalk mid-century modern homes in indian canyons

This mid-century community is a gem for those interested in mid-century modern architecture. Nearly all the homes in Indian Canyon were built in the mid-century fashion with large glass windows, sprawling porches, and ample accessibility to pools. Because of this it has a rich architectural history and amazing, unobstructed views of the Mountains.

You’ve probably seen some of these homes on Instagram with their beautifully groomed landscaping and colorful front doors. The best way to enjoy these homes is by parking and walking the streets. I particularly loved the homes on South Yosemite and South Camino Real.

enjoy the shops, art, and restaurants in downtown palm springs

The feeling of dog-friendliness really comes to life around Downtown Palm Springs. It’s a vibrant downtown littered with shops, restaurants, and unique art installments. We had so many people come up to us and share how well-behaved they thought Ruby was and every shop owner immediately gravitated towards Ruby wanting to give her pets, water, and offer treats. If you follow us on social then you know Ruby has a case of stranger danger, but she quickly obliged to the pets being offered.

There is so much to do downtown and the main drags are on Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. I would recommend just making a loop and popping into whatever looks interesting. South Palm Canyon is a bit more kitschy and the northern area is more modern with its recent revival as the Uptown Design District.

Some store that were on my list to check out included: Ibis women’s boutique, Just Fabulous for Palm Springs souvenirs, Peepas, Out West Trading Co, Covet for permanent jewelry, and Destination PSP. Destination PSP had the best mid-century mod home ornaments.

Restaurants we enjoyed that were downtown were Boozehounds, 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Ice Cream and Shop(pe), and Tac/Quila (get the churro ice cream sandwich).

Besides shopping and eating your way around downtown, you can also spot some unique art displays scattered around the area, like the larger than life PS ❤️ You and Marilyn Monroe sculptures pictured above. If you have the time you can use this guide to find them all.

Pose in front of the greetings from palm springs mural at the visitor center

As you can already tell Palm Springs has a thriving art scene, and beyond large and obscure sculptures there are also several murals throughout the city. My favorite is the Greetings from Palm Springs mural at the Visitor Center.

It’s in a bit of an odd location on the wall of the bathrooms, but there is an overhang above the mural so you can snap some shaded pics. To me, this mural just encapsulates the feeling of Palm Springs: Vibrant with a lot to offer.

hike Butler-Abrams Trail

Experience this 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Rancho Mirage. It’s an easy, paved-route that takes an average of 45 minutes to complete. The trail is open year-round and offers a nice palm tree filled park at the trailhead with plenty of parking. There is also a dog waste station and trashcans at the trailhead. The trail is only partially shaded, so I would not recommend hitting the trail in the summer afternoon heat.

This trail dips in and out of the Whitewater Wash and becomes divided on the other side into separate asphalt and dirt trails (for equestrians). As it continues between a residential area and Morningside Country Club, the trail ends at Country Club Drive (one block north of Highway 111).

see the cabazon dinosaurs

The World's Biggest Dinosaurs™ have long been regarded as one of the most iconic roadside attractions. The Cabazon Dinosaurs, Mr. Rex and Dinny, can be seen from the highway and are a great stop to make on your way in or out of Palm Springs. Both dinosaurs get painted in celebration of various holidays throughout the year and can be visited anytime. We’ve seen them “dressed up” for Christmas and Valentine’s Day.

The facility includes a dinosaur garden, robotic dinosaurs, and work from scientists around the world. Dogs are not allowed inside the dinosaurs.

take a dog-friendly day trip from palm springs

Salvation Mountain and East Jesus

In the middle of the Sonoran Desert, midway between San Diego and Los Angeles, you’ll find a community of people living off the grid with no official electricity, running water, sewers, toilets, law enforcement, or trash pick up service. The residents of Slab City make do with generators and solar panels for electricity and have formed their own art installations, churches, bars, and open-air nightclub with live music performances. It’s known as the last free place in the United States.

Slab City California, or The Slabs as it’s called, is a large snowbird community used by squatters and recreational vehicle owners from all over North America. The Slab City population rises to over a thousand residents in the winter months and maintains a permanent residence of about 150 people. The name Slab City came from the large concrete slabs left behind by the US Marine Corp who utilized the area as a training ground for field and anti-aircraft artillery units prior to the U.S. entering World War II.

There are two main attractions in Slab City: Salvation Mountain and East Jesus. This highly unusual and fascinating area is safe to visit, but please be respectful and keep to the areas mentioned. Remember, people do live here and the area has no official law enforcement.

Salvation Mountain is frequented by tourists and built to be to be appreciated. It’s a massive work of art created by local resident Leonard Knight. He began work on the piece in 1984, though his first version collapsed and it took quite some time to find materials strong enough to withstand the harsh environment. The artwork is made of straw, adobe, and thousands of gallons of lead-free, latex paint. It features multiple bible verses and murals painted with Christian sayings. Knight said God guided him in its construction.

There’s plenty of free parking outside Salvation Mountain. The area surrounding the mountain is flat and easy to walk around. Sometimes the path is open to walk up the mountain or go inside of it. Both times we’ve visited everything has been closed off for repair.

While Salvation Mountain is full of religious text and iconography, East Jesus actually has no religious connotations. Rather than referencing the lord and savior, East Jesus refers to “east of Jesus” a location in the middle of nowhere, off the grid, and operating without municipal utilities.

Back in 2007 Charlie Russell left his job in the tech industry, packed all his worldly possessions into a shipping container, and made his home in the middle of a trash-strewn field in Slab City. He slowly repurposed that trash into sculptures, which became the beginning of East Jesus. After his death in 2011, The Chasterus Foundation took over the curation and further development of East Jesus. What stands today is an experimental, sustainable, and livable art installation. Mixed media art made from various recycled materials covers the property.

If you enter through the main East Jesus sculpture garden, you should run right into one of the locals who will be more than happy to give you a bit of history about the area. As you explore on your own, be mindful of the signage and keep an eye on your surroundings. There is a carpeted walkway you can follow that I’d recommend for dogs. There are some loose materials on the ground from the installations.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

If you're looking for a perfect day trip from Palm Springs that combines adventure, stunning landscapes, and plenty of space for your dog to explore, look no further than Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Just under two hours from Palm Springs, this vast and beautiful park is California’s largest state park and offers a unique desert experience with numerous trails, breathtaking vistas, and a variety of wildlife. Here’s a guide to enjoying a day at Anza-Borrego with your pup by your side.

The route from Palm Springs to Anza-Borrego is just under 90 miles and takes you through scenic desert highways, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views and even stop along the way.

Start your day off with the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, one of the park's most popular dog-friendly hikes. This relatively easy, 3-mile round-trip trail takes you through a scenic desert canyon to a small oasis, where you can see a palm grove and possibly spot some local wildlife like bighorn sheep or desert birds. It’s an excellent trail for dogs, as it’s well-maintained and provides plenty of shade along the way, especially during the morning hours.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, consider heading to Ocotillo Wells, a nearby off-road vehicle area that also allows dogs to roam the desert. The vast sand dunes are a striking feature of the landscape, and they provide the perfect backdrop for some photos with your furry companion.

One of the sights the park is known for is the metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda. These life-sized sculptures include towering figures of dinosaurs, mammoths, and even a giant serpent, all constructed from scrap metal and standing as an homage to the prehistoric past of the region. Located along the park’s winding roads, the sculptures make for an exciting stop on a desert adventure, offering unique photo opportunities and a sense of wonder. The display is part of a larger installation called Galleta Meadows, where visitors can discover these fascinating metal creatures scattered across the desert, adding a quirky and artistic touch to the natural beauty of Anza-Borrego

Depending on the time of year, one of the most memorable parts of a visit to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the wildflower bloom. In spring, the desert transforms into a colorful paradise of vibrant wildflowers that make for stunning photos and beautiful walks. Check the park’s bloom reports for the best times to visit if you’re planning your trip around the wildflower season. Dogs are welcome in most areas of the park, but be mindful of keeping them away from fragile plants and any wildlife you might encounter. The wildflower bloom can also attract crowds, so it’s best to go early in the day or during weekdays to avoid the hustle and bustle.

Joshua Tree and Pioneertown

Joshua Tree National Park and Pioneertown offer the perfect day trip for adventurous travelers and their pups. Located just over an hour from Palm Springs, this scenic duo provides a unique combination of rugged desert landscapes, quirky small-town charm, and plenty of pet-friendly adventures. Whether you’re exploring the iconic rock formations of Joshua Tree or wandering the old west-inspired streets of Pioneertown, your dog will love the sights and smells of these iconic destinations. Here’s a guide to help you plan a memorable day out with your four-legged companion!

Your adventure begins at Joshua Tree National Park, where the striking desert landscape offers some of the most iconic scenery in Southern California. With its fascinating rock formations and distinctive Joshua Trees, there are a handful of areas where you can enjoy the scenery with your dog.

Start your visit at Oasis of Mara, a short 0.5-mile loop trail, located in Twentynine Palms at the Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters. This flat paved loop is the most accessible place to view the California fan palm, as well as a number of plant species found in very few places in the park, such as arrow-weed and Mojave seablite. This trail is open year-round and is the most underwhelming dog-friendly activity in this guide as the most scenic part of the walk is within the first 2 minutes, and you will not see Joshua Trees here. But, since this is the only officially designated dog-friendly trail in Joshua Tree it’s worth a quick stop.

Next, head to Jumbo Rocks Campground to walk the 1.6-mile paved loop. This is an easy walk that takes an average of 35 minutes to complete. It’s a very popular area for camping, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. For a longer walk head to Big Horn Pass Rd. This is a 4.6-mile out-and-back road/trail that is generally considered a moderately challenging route. This “trail” is used for hiking, mountain biking, and off-road driving. This trail has limited shade and unreliable cell service. I’m not a huge fan of hiking a dusty road where cars are going by, so we drove part of the road and walked offshoots from the main road to enjoy the large concentration of Joshua Trees in this area.

If you’re looking for a scenic area without the traffic, head to Hidden Valley Picnic Area along Park Boulevard in the middle of the park. Located in an area of large rock formations with many Joshua trees, there are many picnic tables and grills available. The parking area and sidewalks with access to the restrooms are paved while the areas around the picnic tables are flat dirt areas. This is a popular spot for stargazing and is my favorite area to photograph.

After a morning of exploring Joshua Tree, head into the town of Joshua Tree for some much-needed lunch. Pappy & Harriet’s in nearby Pioneertown is a classic choice for dog lovers. While you’re enjoying a delicious meal of BBQ or classic American fare, your pup can join you on the dog-friendly patio and bask in the desert sunshine. Another great option is Crossroads Café in Joshua Tree, offering a laid-back atmosphere and fresh, healthy food.

Next up, explore Pioneertown, a quirky, Old West-inspired ghost town built in the 1940s as a set for Hollywood westerns. Today, it’s a charming stop for tourists and their dogs. The historic town offers a unique atmosphere with its wooden storefronts and western-style architecture, and you and your pup can take a leisurely walk around the town and soak in the sights. Dogs are welcome to stroll through the area, but make sure to keep them on a leash, as the town can get busy, especially on weekends. Be sure to snap a photo in front of the Pioneertown Post Office or the famous Pioneertown Saloon. Your dog will love walking through this film set turned real-life town, and it’s a great way to experience something off the beaten path in Southern California.

As the day winds down, head back toward Joshua Tree National Park to catch a stunning desert sunset. One of the best places to view the sunset is at Keys View, but there are also plenty of other scenic spots along the way, where you can pull over, stretch your legs, and enjoy the tranquility of the desert as the sun dips below the horizon. The colors in the sky are nothing short of magical, and it’s the perfect way to end a day of exploration with your dog by your side.

wrapping up our dog-friendly palm springs guide

Visiting Palm Springs with your dog offers a delightful blend of relaxation, adventure, and plenty of dog-friendly amenities. From enjoying meals at vibrant patios like Boozehounds Palm Springs to exploring the natural beauty of places like Joshua Tree National Park, there’s no shortage of activities for you and your furry companion to enjoy together.

With its sunny weather, welcoming locals, and abundance of pet-friendly accommodations, Palm Springs is truly an ideal destination for a memorable getaway with your dog by your side.

Enjoy your visit to Palm Springs and leave us a comment if you did one of these activities and loved it or if there’s a dog-friendly activity we missed that our readers should know about!

Note: The one thing we did do during our visit that didn’t make our list to recommend is Villagefest. This event was very crowded and hard to navigate with a dog, and we weren’t really impressed with any of the vendors.