Cool nights, warm days, turquoise pools, nodding palms and stylish lodgings welcome fall visitors of both the two-legged and four-legged varieties to the Greater Palm Springs resort area. Dog-friendly lodgings are everywhere here, so finding places to rest your heads (and paws) is the easy part.
We’re partial to several dog-welcoming establishments, including the Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, a four-star property at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, whose jagged silhouette rims the background. The grounds are spacious enough for a proper morning walk with your pup, and the shaded courtyards provide a cool retreat during warmer afternoons. Also in the luxury category, La Quinta Resort & Club has taken pet-friendly to a new level with its PAWS La Quinta Experience, geared to make pets feel as pampered as their people from the moment they arrive. The PAWS package includes an in-room dog bed, food and water bowls, and access to acres of manicured lawns and walking paths.
All the usual motel chains are represented in Palm Springs, and the city also abounds in boutique motels and resorts sporting retro architecture and modern amenities. The desert-modern Ace Hotel & Swim Club, a refurbished Westward Ho! Property dating to 1959, is a standout for dog owners—the relaxed vibe means your pup fits right in, and the courtyard is a great spot to lounge with your dog. Caliente Tropics, a tiki-themed blast from the past; and Riviera Palm Springs, with an Old Hollywood theme, are among others worth checking out.
Beyond the hotels, fall is one of the best times to visit the desert with your dog. Temperatures drop from the triple-digit summer highs into the comfortable 80s and 90s, which means you can actually enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about hot pavement burning your dog’s paws. Morning hikes on dog-friendly trails like the Homestead Trail are perfect this time of year, and the seasonal farmers markets and outdoor events ramp up as the snowbird crowd returns. Pack a collapsible water bowl and some treats, and you and your pup will have a great time exploring the desert. For more trail ideas, see our guide to dog-friendly hikes in Greater Palm Springs.
