Road Trip:
Los Angeles to Palm Springs

Discover the beauty of Southern California as you embark on a road trip from the bustling city of Los Angeles to the serene desert oasis of Palm Springs. This journey will take you through picturesque landscapes and a lot of desert, making Palm Springs a must-visit destination.

The type of car you should rent depends on your travel preferences and the activities you plan to engage in during your trip. For a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride, consider renting a sedan or compact car. If you're planning to explore the desert or the mountains, an SUV or AWD vehicle is a better choice, offering more ground clearance and better traction on uneven terrain.

To travel from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, the most direct route will take you approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of 109 miles. Begin by merging onto US-101 S and keeping left at the fork to continue on San Bernardino Fwy, following signs for I-10 E/San Bernardino. Continue onto I-10 E for about 101 miles, passing by Starbucks on the right after 54.2 miles. Finally, take exit 120 for N Indian Canyon Dr toward N Palm Springs, and you'll soon arrive at your destination.

For those arriving at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Kyte makes the car rental process a breeze. Book your Kyte rental and take a 5-10 minute Uber ride to the handover location at Grand Avenue Courtyard, 1960 E. Grand Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245. Detailed instructions for your handover will be available in your Kyte App.

From the handover location, head east on E Grand Ave toward Continental Blvd, turn left onto N Nash St, and then turn right onto Atwood Way. Next, turn left to merge onto I-105 E toward Norwalk. After 16.1 miles, take the exit onto I-605 N and continue for 12.7 miles. Take exit 22 to merge onto I-10 E toward San Bernardino, and then follow the previously mentioned directions to Palm Springs.

For those interested in a scenic alternative, consider taking the CA-60 E route, which offers a different view from the more direct I-10E route. To begin, merge onto US-101 S and keep right at the fork to stay on US-101 S. Use the right lane to take the CA-60 E exit toward Pomona, and then continue onto CA-60 E for 24.3 miles. Keep left at the fork to stay on CA-60 E, following signs for Pomona/Riverside, and continue for 27.9 miles. Proceed onto CA-60 E/I-215 S for 4.4 miles, and then keep left to continue on CA-60 E/Moreno Valley Fwy for another 18.0 miles. Finally, use any lane to take the ramp onto I-10 E and travel 26.1 miles before taking exit 120 for N Indian Canyon Dr toward N Palm Springs.

This alternate route provides a more diverse landscape, taking you through rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque desert vistas. It may be slightly longer, but the scenic beauty makes it well worth the extra time.

Always check the weather and road conditions before embarking on your journey.

Experience the thrill of driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) through the breathtaking desert landscape surrounding Palm Springs. Numerous tour operators offer guided ATV tours that cater to various skill levels, allowing you to explore the desert's unique terrain and enjoy stunning views.

Palm Springs offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its array of trails for hiking and biking, set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes. The Indian Canyons, for instance, is a must-visit attraction for hikers, featuring lush palm oases, natural streams, and towering cliffs that create a serene and picturesque environment. Joshua Tree National Park is another popular hiking destination known for its otherworldly rock formations, wildflower displays, and expansive vistas that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

For those who prefer biking, the Coachella Valley Preserve is a great option, featuring scenic trails that wind through diverse desert habitats, including groves of towering palms, wetlands, and sand dunes. Alternatively, the Palm Canyon Drive bike path is an excellent way to experience the city's unique architecture and vibrant culture, as it takes you through the heart of Palm Springs, passing by historic landmarks, art galleries, and bustling shops and restaurants.

Downtown Palm Springs is a shopper's and foodie's paradise, offering a diverse range of shopping and dining experiences that cater to every taste and budget. With an eclectic mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and world-class restaurants, there's something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood.

One of the must-visit spots in Downtown Palm Springs is the Uptown Design District, a trendy area that showcases the best of mid-century modern furniture and home décor. Here, you'll find unique and stylish pieces that will elevate the aesthetics of your living space.

When it comes to dining, Downtown Palm Springs doesn't disappoint. From casual cafes and local delis to fine dining establishments, the area boasts a wide variety of culinary options that cater to all palates. Whether you're in the mood for a classic burger, a hearty pasta dish, or a fresh seafood platter, you'll find it all here, prepared by some of the best chefs in the region.

Palm Springs is not just a desert oasis for outdoor enthusiasts and shoppers; it is also a thriving cultural hub that hosts several annual festivals and events that celebrate the city's rich heritage and vibrant arts scene. One of the most prominent of these events is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which is held every January and attracts movie stars, film enthusiasts, and critics from around the world. The festival showcases a diverse selection of films from various countries and genres, ranging from documentaries to feature films, and includes screenings, Q&A sessions, and red-carpet events.

Another major event that takes place in Palm Springs is Modernism Week, a ten-day celebration of the city's mid-century modern architecture and design. This event draws design enthusiasts and collectors from all over the world, offering a variety of tours, exhibitions, and lectures that showcase the unique architecture and design of the city.

For music lovers, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a must-visit event that takes place every spring. This multi-day festival features some of the biggest names in the music industry and showcases a diverse range of genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic music. The festival also features art installations and sculptures from renowned artists, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for attendees.