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Palm Springs residents and visitors face intense summer temperatures that regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with recent records reaching 124 degrees. Local officials and businesses have developed innovative solutions to help the community escape the Palm Springs heat through indoor activities, elevated retreats, and specialized cooling facilities.
1. Aerial Escape to Mountain Station
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers residents a dramatic temperature change within 10 minutes. The rotating tramcar transports passengers from the 2,643-foot Valley Station to the 8,516-foot Mountain Station, where temperatures can be as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the desert below.
The Mountain Station features two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, two documentary theaters, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Celebrated naturalist John Muir once wrote that "the view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth." The facility operates year-round and provides access to Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area.
2. Professional Ice Skating Facility
The Berger Foundation Iceplex in Palm Desert serves as Coachella Valley's only regulation public ice skating rink. The 36,000-square-foot facility operates seven days a week with a robust programming schedule, including public skates, learn to skate, learn to play hockey, pick up games, hockey leagues, and more. Located adjacent to Acrisure Arena, the facility features a 250-spectator-seat NHL ice rink, four locker rooms, two party room areas, and a mezzanine where visitors can enjoy concessions.
Special events open to the public include public skating sessions, hockey and skating programs, tournaments, exhibition ice shows, and themed and charitable activities, such as DJ Skate nights. The facility serves as both the practice rink for the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team and a cooling refuge for residents seeking relief from extreme desert temperatures.
3. Cultural Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum serves as both an educational destination and a cooling refuge during extreme heat periods. Located at 101 N. Museum Drive, the Palm Springs Art Museum features carefully curated collections of sculpture, painting, photography, and contemporary art with air conditioning on full blast during the summer months.
The museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art, Native American pieces, and rotating exhibits, with the Annenberg Theater hosting occasional performances and film nights. Operating hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday.
4. Community Cooling Centers
The City of Palm Springs operates three cooling centers in partnership with the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County during the summer months. The centers operate at no cost from the beginning of June through the end of September when temperatures reach 100 degrees. Locations include the Demuth Community Center at 3601 E. Mesquite Ave, the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center at 480 W. Tramview Road, and the Palm Springs Public Library at 300 S. Sunrise Way.
Volunteers provide water, refreshing snacks such as green salad, and a place to rest for people seeking relief from extreme temperatures. These facilities serve residents who may lack adequate air conditioning at home.
5. Luxury Spa Mineral Retreats
The newly opened Séc-he spa offers cooling mineral bath experiences centered around ancient hot springs. This desert oasis features a 12,000-year-old hot spring made from snowmelt and rainwater containing key minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium, with 22 mineral baths available for day pass guests.
The Swedish-inspired Relaxing Desert Rain Massage incorporates aromatic, locally sourced desert botanicals, such as sage and lavender, to boost immune function, reduce stress, and diminish fatigue. Additional amenities include float pod suites, grounding rooms, tranquility gardens, and shaded cabanas with refreshing smoothies available.
Palm Springs has experienced record-breaking temperatures in recent years, with officials documenting concerning trends. The city recorded an all-time high of 124 degrees on July 5, 2024, and has experienced temperatures of 110 degrees or above in 78 days since the start of the year, the most ever recorded in a single year. In October 2024, Palm Springs reached a temperature of 117 degrees, matching the highest temperature ever recorded in the U.S. during October. These extreme conditions make cooling facilities essential for public health and safety throughout the extended summer season.
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