Trade your winter boots for sandals and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner under palm trees this year! The beautiful desert oasis of Palm Springs is a great place to escape the chill, where you can gather with loved ones in a spacious vacation rental, cook up a delicious holiday meal and relax poolside. Here are some things to consider when planning your Thanksgiving vacation in Palm Springs.
Things to Do
Late November brings relatively mild weather in Palm Springs, with daytime temperatures between 65-75°F and sunny skies. This is one of the most comfortable times of year for outdoor activities, making Thanksgiving weekend a popular time for visitors.
Get Thanksgiving Day off to a running start with the Palm Springs Turkey Trot 5K. This fun run is open to all ages and the flat course is stroller and dog-friendly. Later that afternoon, basketball fans should check out the Acrisure Classic NCAA Tournament in nearby Palm Desert (advance tickets are recommended).
Take advantage of the great weather and head out to explore the stunning natural scenery around Palm Springs. Get the lay of the land from on top of Mount San Jacinto with a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy lunch with a view at one of the two restaurants. Grab your golf clubs and hit up one of the expertly designed golf courses around Palm Springs. Explore nearby Joshua Tree National Park, where the namesake trees and rock formations create an otherworldly environment, or take a hike through the palm trees and desert springs at Indian Canyons.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, discover the upscale boutiques and vintage stores of the Uptown Design District, or wander through the shops along Palm Canyon Drive showcasing mid-century modern design and local artisans. Explore the Hollywood Golden Era history of Palm Springs on a walking or biking tour with Palm Springs Historical Society, or learn more about the local flora and fauna at the Living Desert Zoo and Moorten Botanical Garden.
Of course, enjoying the amenities of your vacation rental is a great way to spend the day in Palm Springs. After a fun day lounging around the pool, enjoy dining al fresco on your patio and relax in the hot tub or cozy up to the fire pit as the stars come out.
Where to Stay
Apek Rentals offers vacation rental options for any size group and budget in Palm Springs, with many properties offering seamless indoor/outdoor living space to fully take advantage of the local weather. Backyard amenities like pools, hot tubs, patios and fire pit seating provide places to spend time with loved ones throughout the entire day and night.
For those looking to spend as much time as possible soaking up the sun or playing yard games with family, there are plenty of Palm Springs vacation rentals offering a private backyard retreat. Immerse yourself in the zen garden vibes of the Serenity House, a desert oasis minutes from downtown. Enjoy indoor/outdoor living at its finest at The Ritz, with a resort-style backyard pool, cabana area and a speakeasy bar. Or browse all of our Palm Springs homes here.
Thanksgiving Dinner Options
Our vacation rentals offer fully equipped kitchens with all the tools needed to prepare your Thanksgiving feast. Properties like The Ivy and The Desert Xscape also feature expansive gourmet kitchens and open plan living to make your holiday cooking experience easy.
If you are not in the mood to cook, head to one of these excellent Palm Springs restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner:
- The three-course Thanksgiving menu at Jillian’s provides a fine dining experience in an intimate setting (reservations required).
- A lively dining experience can be found at Lulu California Bistro in downtown Palm Springs, where you can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner in their eclectic indoor space or outdoor terrace (reservations recommended).
- The festively retro atmosphere at The Tropicale adds a bit of Palm Springs flair to Thanksgiving dinner, with lounge and patio seating available.
If you are dreaming of spending Thanksgiving in a warm place, Palm Springs is a fantastic option. With vacation rentals in the area offering full kitchens, plenty of space for family gathering and amazing backyard amenities, you will have a great time creating holiday memories. Check out what our Palm Springs vacation rentals have to offer for your Thanksgiving vacation!
