Thinking about visiting Palm Springs in 2025? We’ve got you covered! From fabulous new resorts to mouthwatering restaurants and must-see attractions, there’s no shortage of reasons to plan your trip to this desert oasis. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or a first-timer, you’ll love exploring the fresh updates that make this queer-friendly paradise even more irresistible.
Here’s the scoop on everything new in Palm Springs 2025—grab your planners because this guide is about to fill your itinerary!
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Finding a chic place to stay isn’t a problem in Palm Springs—it’s choosing between them that’s hard! Luckily, 2025 is bringing even more options to satisfy everyone, from resort-hoppers to retro-lovers.
La Quinta Resort & Club
This historic icon turns 100 next year, and it’s getting a glam makeover just in time. Sprawled across 45 acres at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the renovated La Quinta Resort preserves its beloved Old Hollywood charm while adding luxe new amenities. Think modern bathrooms, hand-painted tiles, a redesigned lobby, and—drumroll please—a brand-new main pool experience. Top up the SPF, because this one calls for poolside lounging!
The Rowan Palm Springs
Pickleball lovers, rejoice! The Rowan is serving up newly installed courts, bundled in special packages that include sumptuous stays and gourmet breakfasts. Pro tip? Challenge your partner to a game before indulging in rooftop cocktails—loser buys the next round!
Royal Sun & Riviera Resort
Two resorts are returning to their OG names, and we’re here for it. The Royal Sun is keeping its elegant design intact but shaking things up on the culinary side, promising some bold new food and beverage concepts. Meanwhile, the Riviera Resort (formerly Margaritaville) is kicking off a phased renovation in late 2025. Mark your calendars—this retro-meets-modern treasure will be fully revamped by mid-2026.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
The Ace Hotel continues to bring the desert-cool vibes with updated rooms that are more polished but still effortlessly chill. Don’t worry—the Amigo Room bar remains the iconic hangout spot for cocktails and casual socializing.
Bonus Staycation Vibes
Fancy a self-care moment? The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells has just unveiled the Renew Recovery Lounge. With hi-tech recovery therapies for muscles, travel fatigue, and even sleep, it’s perfect for anyone who likes their vacation with a side of wellness.
What’s Cooking? The Best Restaurants in Palm Springs
From upscale fine dining to fast-casual gems, eating in Palm Springs is essentially a vacation inside your vacation. Exciting new restaurants and tasty updates are on the 2025 menu, so you’ll want to arrive hungry.
HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room
Located in the swanky Thompson Palm Springs, this isn’t just a wine tasting—it’s a lifestyle. Sip on curated selections from HALL, WALT, and BACA Wines while taking in the chic desert ambiance. Wine and Palm Springs sunsets? A pairing we’ll never get tired of.
Donna Forte
Slated to open in Downtown Indio later in 2025, Donna Forte is Chef Gabriel Woo’s love letter to artisanal pizza and handmade pasta. This up-and-coming hotspot promises a cozy, shared-plate dining experience. Mangia!
Shake Shack
Because life’s too short for boring burgers, Shake Shack’s opening at the Shops on El Paseo is the perfect addition to Palm Desert. Expect Angus beef burgers, crispy hand-cut fries, and creamy milkshakes that scream treat yourself.
And for jet-setters, Palm Springs International Airport is unveiling some foodie-worthy spots of its own. Arriving in early 2025 are Vino Volo, a classy wine-and-dine spot in the post-security courtyard, and The Pink Door, a boutique café with gourmet snacks and your caffeine fix covered.
Palm Springs Attractions to Add to Your Bucket List
Palm Springs is leveling up its must-see factor with new and updated attractions that blend culture, history, and fun.
The Plaza Theater
This historic gem is set to reopen in December 2025 after a major renovation. Originally built in 1936, the Plaza Theater will once again be a hub for live performances, film festivals, and community events. If these walls could talk, they’d invite you for an unforgettable night out!
Ronald M Auen Learning Center at Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum is upping its game with the addition of the Ronald M Auen Learning Center. When the renovation is completed by September 2025, it’ll offer state-of-the-art educational exhibits alongside memorials honoring veterans.
Don’t Miss These Events
Desert X (March 8–May 11, 2025)
Art lovers, this one’s your playground! Desert X transforms the Coachella Valley into a vibrant open-air art gallery, featuring site-specific installations that spark creativity and delight.
Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix (March 21–23, 2025)
Thrill-seekers and racing enthusiasts flock to the Thermal Club for a weekend of high-speed excitement. With top INDYCAR drivers competing on the Twin Palms track, it’s a must-see event for anyone craving adrenaline-fueled action.
Your 2025 Palm Springs Cheat Sheet
From iconic resort revamps to trend-setting restaurants and exciting attractions, new in Palm Springs 2025 isn’t just an update—it’s an invitation. Whether you’re planning a luxe getaway, a foodie adventure, or an artistic escape, this destination continues to prove why it’s at the top of every LGBTQ+ traveler’s list.
Don’t wait—start planning your adventure now and experience what makes Palm Springs hotter (and cooler) than ever. See you in the desert!