The Complete Palm Springs Bachelor Party Guide and Itinerary

Palm Springs is world-renowned as the destination for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, but this California desert town offers so much more to visitors. With a unique Hollywood history and well-maintained golf courses, a Palm Springs bachelor party is exactly what a more relaxed group would enjoy when it's not festival season. For a warm weather retreat that offers outdoor sports, a fantastic bar scene, and nearby natural wonder, this bachelor party destination is emerging as a hot spot for prewedding festivities.

Palm Springs Bachelor Party Planning in This Article:

• What Are Some Palm Springs Bachelor Party Ideas?
• What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Palm Springs?
• Where Should I Stay in Palm Springs for a Bachelor Party?
• Palm Springs Bachelor Party Nightlife
• Expert Palm Springs Travel Tips

What Are Some Palm Springs Bachelor Party Ideas?

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A Palm Springs bachelor party weekend is an ideal option for groups looking to spend a lot of time outside. Whether it's exploring nearby Joshua Tree, golfing, hiking, mountain biking, or offroading, the town also has casinos, fantastic restaurants, and an eccentric bar scene.

For the Golfers

There are plenty of links to choose from throughout Palm Springs—more than 100 renowned courses to be exact. And with more than 300 days of sunshine a year here, you won't find a bad time to hit a few on your trip.

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For the Adventure Seekers

Whether it's a mountain bike tour through Palm Desert, an ATV experience in nearby Joshua Tree National Park, or flying over it all in a biplane, there are plenty of ways to boost your adrenaline throughout the desert landscape.

For the Nightlife Lovers

Pick your poison: Game night at one of three casinos in the area, or check out Palm Springs' many bars, which run the gamut from laid-back breweries to retro-themed nightclubs.

What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Palm Springs?

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Follow our three-day itinerary for the ultimate bachelor party in Palm Springs that includes plenty of time enjoying the sunshine—and nights to remember.

Day 1

Morning: Check in to your hotel or house for the weekend. Then head off to Elmer's for your first breakfast in the desert. Here you'll find breakfast staples from crepes and waffles to French toast and pancakes, as well as benedicts and skillets.

Afternoon: Today is all about getting to know Palm Springs, and there's no better way to take in the Coachella Valley than from the top of San Jacinto Peak. Grab what you need for lunch from On the Mark then head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes you to the peak's summit. We hope no one on your trip is afraid of heights, because the views from the tram, which rotates as you rise, are unbeatable. If you'd rather take on something more rugged, rent mountain bikes from Big Wheel Tours, then hit the Bump n' Grind trail, a 3.5-mile out-and-back loop through the desert that offers great scenery, thrills, and is meant for first-timers to intermediate mountain bikers.

Evening: Kick off the weekend, officially, at Bootlegger Tiki's happy hour. This Palm Spring mainstay offers, what else, tiki cocktails, including a sharable punch bowl. Then make your way to Happy Sushi here you'll find fantastic rolls in a casual setting, so no stress if members of the party get a bit sloppy during happy hour. When you've all sobered up, chill out at Hair of the Dog, a great pub-style spot for good drinks and catching a game if there's one on TV.

Day 2

Morning: Brunch today is at Cheeky's, known for its quirky take on comfort food. Don't miss out on the bacon flight (a sampling of different flavored bacon) as well as top-notch brunch cocktails, including a deliciously spicy bloody Mary.

Afternoon: It's tee time. Today is all about golf. Play 18 holes at your choice of courses around Palm Springs. Desert Willow Golf Course offers two courses, including the Firecliff Course which has been voted #1 by Desert Golf Magazine three years in a row. Escena Golf Club offers stunning panoramic views of the desert, a championship course, and a fantastic lounge and grill for lunch or post-game drinks. Or play the Pete Dye course at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, a world-class course set on a beautiful 360-acre property.

Evening: Tonight, take the gang to dinner at Rooster and the Pig, a tasty Vietnamese-American spot with coconut black mussels, lump crab rice paper rolls, pork belly fried rice, and five-spice chicken on the menu—oh, and don't forget the restaurant's craft beers. From there, make your way to The Tropicale a supper club restaurant and bar with an awesome tiki patio. Or make tonight game night at Agua Caliente Casinos.

Day 3

Morning: Start your day at Grand Central Palm Springs in the heart of downtown. This casual spot offers California-style cuisine, including a fried chicken, avocado, and bacon sandwich, lobster benedict, breakfast burritos, orange ricotta pancakes, and banana-stuffed French toast. Don't skip the brunch cocktails, either, like the mimosa flight or the Ginger Snapple (Titos, pineapple juice, lime, and ginger beer).

Afternoon: This afternoon, pick your adrenaline rush. Take to the skies in a biplane on the Coachella Coaster 30-minute ride that is full of thrills. If you'd rather get elevated in a different way, book a rock climbing session on Viator. Those looking to keep their feet on the ground can look for a thrilling Indian Canyons Hiking Tour by Jeep.

Evening: If you haven't had enough of a workout, consider a happy hour on a bike through Social Cycle. On this man-powered ride, you'll pedal your way through downtown Palm Springs and stop at a collection of top-rated bars. Then it's on to dinner at Birba, a great spot for farm-to-table fare, and out-of-this-world wood-fired pizzas. To end the weekend, make your way to Rooftop 262, where you'll craft cocktails and beer, live music, and DJ vibes with sexy views.

Where Should I Stay in Palm Springs for a Bachelor Party?

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There are plenty of options for places to stay in Palm Springs, and no matter where you are you'll have to rely on cabs and Ubers here and there. Downtown is good if you want to be within walking distance of some bars and restaurants. But if your aim is desert views, resort-style pools, or being by the golf course, staying outside of the city center isn't a bad alternative.

Best Palm Springs Bachelor Party Hotels

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa: Located outside of Palm Springs in Rancho Mirage, this property is worth the extra distance. Here's why: Groups will enjoy a luxe resort experience that offers a world-class golf course (most of you are here to golf), as well as three pools and numerous onsite dining options.

Hilton Palm Springs is a great option for tighter budgets without skimping on amenities or room quality. The hotel offers modern rooms, a fantastic pool scene, and a great location close to many bars and restaurants downtown.

The Rowan Palm Springs: For mid-range budgets, consider this property. It places you downtown for great walkability, plus includes nice rooms and a good-sized pool.

Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best Palm Springs Bachelor Party Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a Palm Springs bachelor party, so check out TripAdvisor, VRBO, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hopper Homes. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure Palm Springs hotel day passes on ResortPass.

A Mid-Century Charmer: This option is great for groups of 8 or less. Within a reasonable price range, the home offers three bedrooms, a private pool, and mountain views.

San Jacinto Cottage: If you want to be closer to downtown, consider this historic four-bedroom home with a large pool within a five-minute walk of downtown.

Group Guest Home: Large groups will enjoy the space of this rental with views of both downtown and the desert mountains. The home has six bedrooms that actually sleep up to 14, a pool and hot tub, easy access to hiking and biking trails, and nearly 2,000 square feet of outdoor space.

Palm Springs Bachelor Party Nightlife

A desert rich in international cuisine and retro dining, dinner in Palm Springs is always fun and flavor-filled. As for the drinking, you'll experience resort-style vibes at the destination's top tiki and karaoke bars.

Best Palm Springs Bachelor Restaurants

Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey: You'd think fresh fish were a rare commodity out in the desert, but Palm Springs always delivers when it comes to sushi (this is California, after all). Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey lives up to equal parts of its namesake, slicing sashimi so fresh, that it's as if you're on an Okinawan beach shack. Order the 24-piece sashimi platter and see for yourselves. The huge whiskey list features American bourbons, Japanese whiskeys, and inventive whiskey cocktails.

The Pink Cabana: When in Palm Springs, you have to embrace retro pink. The Pink Cabana is like going back to the 1950s and enjoying a time pre-smartphone and HDTV tech. Inside, you'll switch off and get merry with friends old and new over delicious dishes of the Mediterranean. A full-service bar with Med wines and seasonal cocktails influenced by the Great Spice Route means there's no hurry to leave.

Monsoon Indian Cuisine: For anyone who's been to an Indian banquet, the celebratory atmosphere is infectious. Over on Sunrise Way, the spice is just right at Monsoon. This longtime South Asian restaurant has big tables, super reasonable prices, and best of all (for hungry lads) a buffet. There's also a hefty booze menu to offset the chili.

Best Palm Springs Bachelor Party Bars

Tonga Hut: For the quintessential Palm Springs experience, pile the boys up at Tonga Hut in the heart of downtown. The bar is a tiki fantasy brought to the desert, outfitted with Polynesian art and wood carvings, and with a fun, island-life vibe from staff to guests. Whatever's on your mind, you'll forget it after a couple of tiki cocktails. A secret room for bachelor parties is available to book for groups of 6 to 12.

Truss & Twine: Gents with a taste for a quality cocktail will love Truss & Twine. The chic cocktail lounge celebrates the history of drinks in America, from the golden ages to today, so there's something for everyone no matter what their era of preference. Sample items on the menu include Old Fashioned (Golden Age), Hanky Panky (Prohibition), Planter's Punch (Tiki), and Cosmo (Dark Ages). Wines and beers are also available.

Street Bar: This historic queer bar is a must if you're traveling with a group that's got karaoke on their mind. Street Bar lets patrons take to the mic from Sunday through to Wednesday, usually with a little encouragement from a resident drag queen, host, or DJ. And since it's packed with a friendly, all-welcoming crowd, it really doesn't matter how limited your vocal range is. Generous pours will help you lose all inhibitions anyway.

Expert Palm Springs Travel Tips

Out-of-state boys will land at Palm Springs International Airport, but most Californians choose to get here by car. Speaking of which, you'll definitely need one, especially to reach points of interest such as Joshua Tree National Park. Pack sneakers and layers, as well as a backpack for more active outings. If you're golfing, don't forget sunscreen and golf gear.

Though the weather is warm all year, the best time for temperatures is December to April. Of course, avoid clashes with festivals like Coachella if you're not attending. As one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the US, Palm Springs is a gay-cation hotspot and an all-welcoming space for bachelors of all orientations.

Allyson Johnson contributed to this article.