Every winter I need at least one weekend where I turn my phone notifications off and just sit in the sun. For me, that place is Palm Springs. It’s close enough to drive after work on a Friday, warm enough for the pool in December and quiet enough to feel like a real reset. Here’s exactly how I do my desert weekend. — Cami Del Toro
Why Palm Springs in winter
Summer in the desert is way too hot for me, but winter is perfect. The days are usually sunny and warm, the nights get cold and clear, and the mountains behind town look amazing at sunset. It’s about two hours from Los Angeles without traffic, which means I can leave after a shoot and be in a robe by dinnertime. Winter is also when LA can feel a little gray, so a few days of desert sunshine feels like cheating.
The drive out
I always make a playlist for the drive, and honestly it’s half the fun. Windows down once we pass the wind turbines, sunglasses on, iced coffee in the cupholder. If you want my exact songs, my road-trip mix is in my playlist. I like to leave early on Saturday to beat the traffic, or Friday after 7 PM when the freeway finally calms down.
Where I like to stay
I’m a pool-and-hot-tub girl, so I look for a small boutique hotel or a mid-century rental with a private yard. The mid-century houses here are so pretty, with bright doors, clean lines and palm trees everywhere. My must-haves are a pool for the afternoon, a hot tub for the night and a patio where I can drink my coffee in the morning sun. There is nothing like sitting in warm water when the desert air is cold and the sky is full of stars.
My perfect Saturday
- Morning: Coffee on the patio, a quick stretch, then a short hike before it warms up. The trails in the Indian Canyons are beautiful, with palm groves and streams in the middle of the desert.
- Midday: Brunch in town and a walk down Palm Canyon Drive to look at the vintage shops and design stores.
- Afternoon: Pool time. A good book, a big sun hat, SPF and absolutely no plans.
- Sunset: Golden hour photos. The light out here is unreal, soft pink and orange against the mountains.
- Night: A slow dinner, then the hot tub under the stars.
Day trips I love
If I stay for three days, I add one adventure. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you up the mountain in a rotating car, and at the top it can be cold enough for snow while the pool below is still warm. Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour away and feels like another planet; I go early, walk among the rocks and the twisted trees and stay for sunset if I can. Both are worth it, and both make you appreciate the hot tub even more when you get back.
What I pack
Desert weather swings a lot, so I pack for two seasons in one bag:
- Two swimsuits and a cover-up.
- A sun hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
- Linen sets and sundresses for the day.
- Jeans, a cozy knit and a jacket for chilly nights.
- Sneakers for hiking and sandals for the pool.
- One easy dress for a nice dinner.
For more ideas on layering for California winters, see my fall outfit ideas, which work just as well for a desert weekend. Flying somewhere warm instead? Here’s my holiday vacation packing list.
Keeping my skin happy in the desert
The desert air is very dry, so I bring a richer moisturizer, a hydrating mask for the first night and a lip balm I reapply all day. SPF goes on every morning, even when it feels cool out. My full steps are in my skincare routine, and in the desert I just add extra moisture at night.
Staying active while I relax
A getaway doesn’t mean I stop moving. A morning hike, a long walk around town and a few laps in the pool keep me feeling good. If the hotel has a little gym, I’ll do my quick circuit from my holiday fitness plan, which takes only twenty minutes and needs no equipment.
Coming home recharged
I always come back from Palm Springs a little tan, very rested and full of ideas. It reminds me to slow down before the busiest weeks of the year. If you’re in LA and craving sunshine this winter, plan a desert weekend. For more of what I love about this season in the city, read my guide to winter in Los Angeles, and follow my trips on Instagram @Camiibby3.
For more of how I live in this city, open my Los Angeles guide.
Every holiday post in one place lives in my holiday season hub.
FAQ
Where does Cami Del Toro go for a winter getaway?
My favorite winter escape is Palm Springs, about two hours from Los Angeles. I spend sunny days by the pool and cool nights in a hot tub under the stars.
What does Cami Del Toro pack for Palm Springs in winter?
Swimsuits, a sun hat, sunglasses, linen sets for the day, a cozy sweater and jeans for chilly nights, sneakers for hiking and one dress for dinner.