Planning a golf trip to Palm Springs? Good choice. The Coachella Valley has more than 100 golf courses, warm weather year-round, and plenty of great food and resorts. We’ve built a 3-day itinerary that highlights the best golf and experiences in the area — with Indian Wells Golf Resort as the centerpiece.
3 Day Overview
- Day 1: Arrive, check in, play a warm-up round or hit the range.
- Day 2: Play 18 at Indian Wells Golf Resort (Celebrity or Players Course), enjoy lunch at Kestrel – a Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge, and relax at the spa.
- Day 3: Play a second round nearby or return to Indian Wells, explore Palm Springs attractions like BMW Performance Center and The Living Desert Zoo.
- Stay nearby at Tommy Bahama Miramonte, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, or Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, all within walking distance to the golf resort.
- Book early — Indian Wells is one of only two 36-hole facilities in California with both courses ranked in Golfweek’s “Top 20 Best Courses You Can Play.”
Where to Stay
Choosing the right home base makes your trip easier. All three options are within walking distance of Indian Wells Golf Resort, so you can maximize your time on the course without worrying about long drives:
- Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa – Tropical-inspired rooms, lush grounds, and a full-service spa. Walk to the resort and practice facilities in minutes.
- Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas – Modern luxury with spacious rooms and villas, multiple pools, and fine dining. Just a short stroll to the golf resort, making it convenient to get to your tee time.
- Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa – Luxury resort with a massive pool, cabanas, and upscale dining. Conveniently located so you can walk directly to the course.
Day 1: Arrival and Warm-Up
- Check in at your chosen walking-distance resort and get settled.
- Practice at the range – Indian Wells Golf Resort has a full practice facility.
- Warm-up round – Play the Celebrity Course for a forgiving first round.
- Evening option: Head downtown for dinner. Birba is great for pizza and drinks, or try Workshop Kitchen for a more elevated experience.
Day 2: Championship Golf at Indian Wells + Kestrel Dining Experience
This is your main golf day. Indian Wells Golf Resort is the star. Both its Celebrity and Players Courses are ranked in the Top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California by Golfweek — the only 36-hole facility in California with that distinction.
Morning
- Play 18 on either the Players or Celebrity course.
Afternoon
Image Recommendation: Kestrel dining room or patio with golf views + portrait of Richard Blais
Chef Richard Blais is a James Beard-nominated restaurateur and Top Chef: All-Stars winner. His menu blends inventive California-inspired dishes with shareable small plates and craft cocktails — perfect for a mid-round reset or post-round celebration.
- Relax at the spa – After your round and lunch, enjoy a treatment at your walking-distance resort spa. Tommy Bahama Miramonte, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, and Renaissance Esmeralda all offer full-service spa options to recharge for the evening.
Evening
- Book Shots in the Night, Indian Wells’ after-dark putting experience with music and lights.
Day 3: One More Round + Palm Springs Experiences
- Play another round at Indian Wells – Try the other course if you only played one on Day 2.
- Check out another top course nearby – Classic Club or Desert Willow.
- Explore Greater Palm Springs:
- BMW Performance Center – Take BMW vehicles through handling courses and high-speed maneuvers.
- The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens – Desert wildlife park with native and exotic animals, walking trails, and interactive exhibits.
Golf trips to the Coachella Valley generate nearly $750 million in spending annually, and there’s plenty to fill your third day beyond golf.
Booking Your Trip
Image Recommendation: Call-to-action banner featuring golfers on the green or enjoying cocktails at Kestrel
Golf travelers typically stay about 3.3 days in Palm Springs. Reserve your tee times first, then add lodging, dining, spa, and experiences like BMW Performance Center and The Living Desert Zoo to build the perfect itinerary.