Palm Springs is a desert resort city about 120 miles northeast of San Diego in the Coachella Valley, and the drive takes about 2 to 2 hr 30 min via I-15 and I-10 or SR-79 and SR-74. The main draws are the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which rises 2.5 miles from the desert floor to Mountain Station at 8,516 feet in about 10 minutes; Indian Canyons, with palm-lined hiking trails on Agua Caliente tribal land; the Palm Springs Art Museum; Joshua Tree National Park, about 45 minutes beyond the city; and a collection of mid-century modern buildings that visitors tour by car or on guided architecture tours. Downtown Palm Springs has a walkable Palm Canyon Drive with restaurants and shops, and El Paseo in Palm Desert has upscale boutiques. Summer daytime highs exceed 105F, so visitors go between October and April. The long drive makes this a demanding day trip, so some visitors leave early and return after dinner, and others stay overnight.
| Distance | About 120 miles (193 km) northeast of Downtown San Diego |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2 to 2 hr 30 min by car |
| Getting there | Drive I-15 north and I-10 east (or SR-79 and SR-74) to Palm Springs, about 2 to 2 hr 30 min; there is no train, and intercity coach schedules vary. |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car or own vehicle
- Cost
- Fuel plus rental; Aerial Tramway about $35-45 adult
- Frequency
- Daily; leave by 7am
- Operator
- Self-drive
- Departure point
- Downtown San Diego via I-15 N and I-10 E
- Mode
- Intercity coach
- Cost
- Varies; confirm with operator
- Frequency
- Limited daily departures
- Operator
- FlixBus and similar carriers
- Departure point
- Downtown San Diego
Location
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
33.8365, -116.6014 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mountain Station at 8,516 feet
- Hike the palm canyons at Indian Canyons
- See mid-century modern architecture
- Stroll Palm Canyon Drive and visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
- Add Joshua Tree National Park for a long day
Tips for visiting
- Leave San Diego by 7am and plan to be back before the evening I-15 traffic.
- Aerial Tramway tickets are about $35-45 for adults; reserve a timed ticket online, and bring layers since the summit is 30 degrees cooler.
- Avoid June to September, when midday highs exceed 105F.
- Fill the car with fuel before the desert stretches and carry water.
When to visit
October to April; avoid midday in summer.
Accessibility
The Aerial Tramway and Palm Canyon Drive are accessible; Indian Canyons trails are uneven.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from San Diego to Palm Springs?
About 2 to 2 hr 30 min for roughly 120 miles, depending on traffic through Temecula and Riverside County.
Can Palm Springs be done as a day trip?
Yes, but it is a long day; many visitors choose one or two highlights, such as the Aerial Tramway and Palm Canyon Drive, or stay overnight.
Is there public transport?
Intercity coaches serve Palm Springs from San Diego, but schedules and fares change; confirm with the operator, and a car is more flexible.