Travelers worldwide visit Greater Palm Springs for its stunning natural wonders. Palm groves hide in rugged gorges, waterfalls cascade from historic canyons, and pine-specked peaks rise above sandy washes. Eco tourism in Palm Springs offers a way to explore these landscapes while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring the natural beauty is preserved for future generations.
Here’s a guide on how to travel kindly, step lightly, and leave Greater Palm Springs better than you found it. Let Greater Palm Springs inspire new ways to invest in our priceless home, Earth.
There are many ways to enjoy a vacation responsibly in Greater Palm Springs. The mode of transport is as important as the trip’s purpose.
Best Eco-Friendly Hotels & Lodging in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a resort town. It’s famous for its luxury and desert views. It has embraced a rise in eco-friendly travel.
The city and its area offer eco-friendly hotels, attractions, and outdoor activities for eco-minded visitors.
Enjoy Palm Springs to the fullest. Leave the least environmental impact.
Experience Spirit of Sofia: The Ultimate Palm Springs Escape
The most Palm Springs-like experience you can get in Palm Springs is at Spirit of Sofia!
- Tucked away in the middle of the desert, this exquisite hideaway offers breathtaking views of the mountains. It has verdant gardens, and a tranquil ambiance that will leave you feeling revitalized and renewed.
Features
- Toilets with dual flush and low flow to save water
- Spirit of Sofia sanitizes all surfaces in between reservations using hospital-grade disinfectants.
- Private yoga sessions are among the wellness programs and services that the resort provides.
Address: 1491 Vía Soledad, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
Phone: (512) 777-1455
Website: Spirit of Sophia
Kimpton Rowan: Sustainable Luxury in Palm Springs
The boutique hotel takes eco-friendly travel seriously. It has drought-resistant native plants and a composting and recycling program.
- It uses refillable hair and body products by Atelier Bloem, low-flow toilets, and a bar soap recycling partnership with Clean the World.
- Also, the Kimpton Rowan helps preserve the Coachella Valley’s wildlife. It does this through a Kind Traveler partnership with a nonprofit, Friends of the Desert Mountains.
Features:
- A large portion of the hotel is powered by solar energy.
- drought-tolerant landscaping is one example of a water-saving technique.
- Green cleaning supplies and organic toiletries.
- allows guests to rent bikes on-site, encouraging “car-free” travel.
Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
Phone: (760) 904-5015
Website: Kimpton Rowan
Two Bunch Palms: Carbon-Neutral Resort with Mineral Springs
Situated in the neighboring Desert Hot Springs, Two Bunch Palms is well-known for its organic mineral hot springs and dedication to environmental preservation.
- Driven by a 3.5-acre solar farm, it’s one of the first carbon-neutral resorts in the nation.
- The resort’s nature-focused, sustainable, and wellness-oriented design shows in two ways. The resort’s organic products and Essense, the on-site restaurant, serve farm-to-table food.
Features
- solar-derived energy
- natural toiletries
- on-site organic farm
- Water-saving innovations
Address: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, United States
Phone: (760) 676-5000
Website: Two Bunch Palms
Korakia Pensione: Eco-Conscious Moroccan-Inspired Stay
Korakia Pensione, a historic resort with Moroccan and Mediterranean influences, is more than just a place to unwind.
- The resort uses energy-efficient tech, organic linens, and green cleaners. It heats the pool with solar panels and follows eco-friendly practices.
- Korakia Pensione urges guests to connect with nature. It merges with its surroundings and offers a minimalist luxury.
Features
- Heating from solar panels
- Eco-friendly and organic amenities
- Energy-saving appliances and lights
Address: 257 S Patencio Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
Phone: (760) 864-6411
Website: Korakia Pensione
Farm-to-Table Dining in Palm Springs
With many restaurants adopting the farm-to-table trend, dining in Palm Springs can be sustainable.
They source products from nearby farms and offer organic, fresh, and seasonal menus.
Farm Restaurant: Organic and Local Dining in Palm Springs
The farm is a Provençal restaurant in La Plaza de California. It is famous for using organic, local products.
- As customers enter the Farm, they enjoy a sensory feast. The patio, adorned with blooming flowers, sets the scene.
- The aromas of passing dishes will make you crave an afternoon in the south of France.
- Farm is great for lunch and dinner (don’t miss the croque madame). But, we love how this rustic patio transforms for supper in the evening.
Essential Information
| Opening Hours | Breakfast And Lunch: Daily: 8 am to 2 pmWalk-ins onlyDinner: Friday to Tuesday5:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
| Cuisine | French |
| Price: | $50 and aboveMenu |
| Location: | 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA, 92262Get Directions |
Cheeky’s: Palm Springs’ Best Spot for Farm-Fresh Breakfast
Cheeky’s has been the preferred spot for decadent breakfasts because of its inventive, seasonal cuisine that highlights fresh ingredients.
- This restaurant promises a lovely start to your day, whether your craving is for the famed house-cured bacon flight, the chilaquiles, or the buttermilk and corn pancakes.
- All set to play around? Get a spiked lemonade or a morning margarita, and end with a house-made dessert like the plum clafouti.
- Cheeky’s is a well-liked breakfast and brunch establishment that has won over residents and tourists. You won’t regret waiting—the cuisine is delicious!
Essential Information
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday |
| Time: | 8 am to 2 pm |
| Cuisine | American |
| Price: | $15 to $30Menu |
| Location: | 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262Get Directions |
Workshop Kitchen + Bar: Sustainable Dining in Palm Springs
The Uptown Design District’s Workshop Kitchen + Bar, housed in a historic structure, is dedicated to sustainability through its utilization of local ingredients and a seasonal menu.
- Using sustainable elements like repurposed wood, the restaurant’s sleek, minimalist design pays homage to the desert landscape.
- Eco-aware foodies should not miss the kitchen, which specializes in producing inventive yet sustainable foods.
Essential Information
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday |
| Time: | 5 pm to 10 pm |
| Cuisine | American |
| Price: | $50 to $100Menu |
| Location: | 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United StatesGet Directions |
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen: Iconic Vegan Dining in Palm Springs
The 706 S. Eugene Road location of Chef Tanya’s Kitchen is well-known for being a vegan restaurant.
- Serving as the first national chain of plant-based restaurants, the gourmet restaurant was actually named after an elephant, which is also referred to as “the OG (and world’s largest) vegan”.
- Chef Tanya’s plant-based dishes include Moroccan Roasted Cauliflower Salad, Lemon Drizzle Cake Bites, and Tempeh Powerburgers.
Essential Information
| Opening Hours | Monday to Sunday |
| Time: | 11 am to 8 pm |
| Cuisine | American |
| Price: | $10 to $20Menu |
| Location: | 706 S Eugene Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United StatesGet Directions |
Eco-Friendly Adventure Tours in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is surrounded by huge deserts, snow-capped peaks, and wild areas. They offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
Sustainable adventure tours educate visitors about efforts to conserve the desert. They also explore its natural treasures.
Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours: Explore Palm Springs’ Desert Eco-System
Offering eco-friendly guided tours into the heart of the desert, Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours aims to inform visitors about the surrounding ecology and conservation initiatives.
- These trips, which are guided by knowledgeable naturalists, offer guests a deeper understanding of desert ecology and sustainable tourism practices.
Features
- Emphasize teaching about desert conservation
- Tour cars that are low-impact
- assisting regional conservation initiatives
Joshua Tree National Park Eco-Tours: Sustainable Adventures for Nature Lovers
Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see for eco-tourists and is only a short drive from Palm Springs.
- The park provides a range of environmentally responsible tour choices, such as eco-tours that emphasize the preservation of the desert and guided walks.
- These excursions provide information on sustainable methods for maintaining this delicate ecosystem while highlighting the significance of safeguarding the Mojave Desert’s distinctive flora and fauna.
Features:
- Emphasis on education and desert preservation
- Low-impact, professionally led hikes
- Encouragement of Leave No Trace values
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: Conservation-Focused Tours and Experiences
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a well-known conservation center with an emphasis on desert ecosystems, is situated in neighboring Palm Desert.
- Through informative displays, wildlife interactions, and guided eco-tours, visitors can gain an understanding of the significance of desert conservation.
- The zoo has won multiple awards for its conservation initiatives and is committed to protecting desert species and their habitats.
Features:
- Programs for teaching conservation
- Initiatives for the protection of wildlife
- Water-saving technologies and environmentally friendly facilities
Conclusion | Sustainable & Eco Tourism in Palm Springs
More than a glitzy desert getaway, Palm Springs is a green travel refuge.
Palm Springs has eco-friendly hotels, local dining, and desert tours. They focus on conservation. This allows guests to enjoy luxury while minimizing environmental impact.
Also, responsible travel in Palm Springs shows its beauty. It protects desert ecosystems for future generations.
Sustainable & Eco Tourism in Palm Springs FAQs
1. What are the best eco-friendly hotels in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs offers a range of eco-friendly accommodations, including Kimpton Rowan, Spirit of Sofia, Two Bunch Palms, and Korakia Pensione. These hotels implement sustainable practices such as solar energy, water-saving techniques, and offering organic, locally sourced amenities.
2. How does Palm Springs promote sustainable tourism?
Palm Springs promotes sustainable tourism by offering eco-conscious lodging, farm-to-table dining options, and desert conservation-focused tours. The city encourages minimal environmental impact through energy-saving technologies, wildlife preservation programs, and eco-tourism activities.
3. What activities can I do in Palm Springs that support eco-tourism?
You can participate in eco-friendly adventure tours such as Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours and eco-tours in Joshua Tree National Park. These tours emphasize desert conservation, sustainable practices, and education about local ecosystems. Additionally, visiting places like The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens supports conservation efforts.
4. Are there sustainable dining options in Palm Springs?
Yes, Palm Springs has several farm-to-table dining spots that use organic and locally sourced ingredients, such as Farm Restaurant, Cheeky’s, and Workshop Kitchen + Bar. These restaurants focus on sustainability through their menus and eco-conscious dining practices.
5. What makes eco-tours in Joshua Tree National Park special?
Eco-tours in Joshua Tree National Park focus on educating visitors about desert preservation while encouraging low-impact activities like guided hikes. These tours highlight the importance of protecting the unique Mojave Desert ecosystem, its flora and fauna, and sustainable tourism principles.
6. How can visitors reduce their environmental impact when traveling to Palm Springs?
Visitors can minimize their environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly hotels, supporting local and sustainable dining, participating in low-impact tours, and following conservation principles such as “Leave No Trace” when exploring natural areas like Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding deserts.
7. Are there any eco-conscious wellness retreats in Palm Springs?
Yes, Two Bunch Palms is a carbon-neutral wellness retreat located in Desert Hot Springs. The resort offers mineral springs and sustainable practices, including solar energy, organic products, and farm-to-table dining, making it an ideal spot for eco-conscious travelers.
