Dog Friendly Palm Springs, Your Ultimate Local Guide [2024]
Is Palm Springs a good place to visit with my dog?
Palm Springs is a desert oasis known for its stunning landscapes, mid-century modern architecture, and relaxed vibe. Eclectic artistic statements keep things interesting with every turn in the vibrant downtown. With its abundance of dog-friendly parks, trails, and restaurants, Palm Springs is a great place for you and your pup to explore under the sunny California sky. To make sure you get the best local recommendations, we teamed up with Rikke Christensen for tips on what to do in dog friendly Palm Springs!
Your Guide: Rikke Christensen
Rikke hosts vacation rentals in Palm Springs and Lake Arrowhead. Her unique experience in Southern California can help you find style and adventure as you explore Palm Springs
Looking for a great dog friendly place for your stay in Palm Springs?
Check out The Great Escape
Featured Accommodation: The Great Escape
Experience luxury in a Mid Mod oasis nestled in Little Tuscany, minutes from Palm Canyon Drive. Revel in retro-chic elegance with designer art and furnishings, an airy open-concept layout, and expansive glass walls seamlessly merging indoor-outdoor living. The resort-style garden adds allure, while iconic nods to “The Great Escape” adorn the property, creating a captivating blend of style and sophistication. Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a pet fee. Visit The Great Escape
Top Activities for Dogs and Their Owners in Palm Springs
Moorten Botanical Garden
Moorten Botanical Garden is a privately owned arboretum created to share the beauty and extraordinary varieties of desert plants with everyone who visits. The garden features desert trees, plants, and cacti from around the world, ranging in size from miniature to giant. Home to the world’s first cactarium—my favorite area of the garden—this unique space showcases fascinating cacti varieties. Dogs on a leash are welcome throughout the garden, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes side by side with your furry friend. This makes it a top spot for dog-friendly Palm Springs adventures.
Downtown Palm Springs
The feeling of dog-friendliness truly comes to life in Downtown Palm Springs. It’s a vibrant downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and unique art installations. What makes Downtown Palm Springs special for dog lovers is how welcoming the local businesses are. Shop owners immediately offer pets, water, and treats, creating a warm atmosphere for dogs and their humans alike. With its lively energy and dog-welcoming spirit, Downtown Palm Springs is perfect for exploring and soaking in the local culture with your pup by your side.
Ruth Hardy Dog Park
Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs is another fantastic destination for travelers with dogs. This pet-friendly park spans 22 acres and is used for many different activities, including dog walking. In addition to its spacious green areas, the park features tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball courts, plus picnic tables and grills, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Since it’s free to visit, it’s a great spot to enjoy a day out without any cost, providing a relaxing environment for both you and your pet to unwind and have fun in dog-friendly Palm Springs.
Outdoor Activities in Dog Friendly Palm Springs
Whitewater Preserve
Whitewater Preserve is a dog-friendly nature area in Whitewater, CA. This large nature reserve spans over 2,800 acres near the Whitewater River and offers trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a day of hiking with your pup in the natural beauty of the desert. Make sure to wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water for you and Fido. Also, note that there is no cell service in this area, so it’s good to be prepared. The best part is that it is free to visit.
Butler Abrams Trail
Butler Abrams Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Rancho Mirage, California. This trail is generally considered an easy route and takes an average of 44 minutes to complete. It is a popular trail for horseback riding, road biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. Open year-round, this trail is beautiful to visit any time. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash, making it a great option for a peaceful stroll with your pup.
Mission Creek
Mission Creek offers a scenic 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Rancho Mirage, California. This trail is also generally considered an easy route and takes around 44 minutes to complete. It is popular for horseback riding, road biking, and running, but during quieter times, you can enjoy some peace and quiet with your dog. Open year-round, it’s a lovely trail to visit in any season. Dogs are welcome on this trail, but they must be on a leash, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Other Activities and Recommendations in Palm Springs
While Palm Springs offers many dog-friendly activities, there are also some beautiful spots to explore, even if you can’t bring your pup along. One such spot is Indian Canyons, a stunning nature reserve located in South Palm Springs. Indian Canyons is owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians as reservation land and spans over 31,500 acres. The park is known for its breathtaking canyons, unique rock formations, and lush vegetation that create a beautiful backdrop for a hike. While dogs aren’t allowed on the trails here, it’s a great place for you to enjoy a peaceful walk and take in the natural beauty of the area. You can find more information and trail maps on their website here.
Palm Springs is incredibly accommodating when it comes to canine travelers. This town goes above and beyond to make sure your four-legged friends feel welcome. A great example of this is their annual 4th of July celebration. Instead of traditional fireworks, which can be frightening for many dogs, Palm Springs turns the night sky into a spectacular laser show. This thoughtful approach reflects just how pet-friendly Palm Springs truly is, making it one of the most welcoming towns for dogs in the U.S. Whether you’re looking for a place to eat, shop, or explore, dogs are welcome almost everywhere, adding to the charm of your stay in dog-friendly Palm Springs.
Best Restaurants in Palm Springs That Welcome Dogs on Their Patios
Boozehounds
Boozehounds is a dog-friendly bar and restaurant located on the north side of Palm Springs, California. It was started by three friends with a simple dream: to create a place where people could bring their pups, enjoy an awesome cocktail or delicious meal, and socialize in style. At Boozehounds, the pup is the real VIP. Dogs have their own food menu, featuring tasty options ranging from $10 to $13, so your furry friend can enjoy a meal right alongside you. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon or evening out in dog-friendly Palm Springs, where both you and your canine companion can unwind and enjoy the ambiance.
FARM
If you’re looking for a place that feels like a little slice of France in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, FARM is the spot for you. This beautiful outdoor restaurant treats your dog like a celebrity, making it a welcoming place for both you and your pup. FARM’s commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients is what truly sets it apart. From vibrant produce to free-range meats, each dish reflects the bounty of the Coachella Valley. The menu changes with the seasons, so every visit is an opportunity to try something new, bursting with flavor and vitality. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner, where your dog can enjoy the attention while you savor the incredible food.
Tac/Quila
Tac/Quila is a hip Mexican eatery in Palm Springs known for its eclectic decor and welcoming patio for dogs. With a sizeable menu, there’s something for everyone, from classic street tacos filled with carne asada or al pastor to more upscale options like lobster and seared ahi tuna. The craft cocktails are also a hit, making it a great place to kick back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Dogs are welcome on the patio, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind while you enjoy the diverse flavors and fun vibe of Tac/Quila.
Best Dog Friendly Places to Stay in Palm Springs
Featured Recommendation: The Great Escape
🛌 The Great Escape
Experience luxury in a Mid Mod oasis nestled in Little Tuscany, minutes from Palm Canyon Drive. Revel in retro-chic elegance with designer art and furnishings, an airy open-concept layout, and expansive glass walls seamlessly merging indoor-outdoor living.
The resort-style garden adds allure, while iconic nods to “The Great Escape” adorn the property, creating a captivating blend of style and sophistication. Well-behaved dogs are welcome with a pet fee.
Image Source: Booking.com
🛌 The Saguaro Palm Springs
The Saguaro Palm Springs is a colorful hotel in the desert. There’s plenty of sunshine, a buzzing pool scene, and lots of local flavor. This hotel is a party scene and often the destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.
Dogs are welcome. The Saguaro Palm Springs welcomes two dogs of any size in designated rooms for an additional fee of $50 per stay. Dogs may not be left in guest rooms unattended. There is grass on the side of the hotel for dog relief.
Image Source: Booking.com
🛌 The Parker Palm Springs
Both the luxe-est and largest property in Palm Springs at 13 acres, the sprawling Jonathan Adler-designed Hollywood Regency-style hotel is posh, kitschy, whimsical, and service-centric all at once. Visit The Parker Palm Springs
At the Parker Palm Springs, we are pet friendly and appreciate that your pet(s) have sophisticated tastes. There is a fee of $200 per night per pet
Considerations for Traveling to Palm Springs with Your Dog
When planning a trip to Palm Springs with your dog, keep in mind that it can get extremely hot in the summer months. The pavement can become scorching, so bringing booties for your pup is essential unless you’re sticking to grassy dog parks.
Most people drive or fly into Palm Springs, but there are also bus options if you’re coming from nearby gateway cities like Los Angeles, Ontario, or San Diego. Make sure you plan your route and accommodations carefully, considering the heat and travel options, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog in dog-friendly Palm Springs.
Wrapping Up: Dog Friendly Palm Springs
Dog-friendly Palm Springs is a southern California paradise for canine travelers and their owners, offering a blend of vibrant downtown life, unique desert adventures, and stylish accommodations. From pet-friendly restaurants to scenic parks and trails, Palm Springs truly stands out as one of the most pet-friendly destinations in the U.S
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