How To Visit Palm Springs With Your Dog

You’re craving sunshine, so a trip to Palm Springs, California, is at the top of your to-do list. You know there will be lots of sun, fabulous food, and great scenery, but your thoughts turn to your dog. Should we take him?

The answer is unequivocally, yes. It’s hard to find a community more dog-friendly than Palm Springs. Many of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels understand that pups are part of the family and will welcome them as warmly as they welcome you.

The best time to bring your dog to Palm Springs

Everyone is welcome in Palm Springs — including your dogs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

From October to mid-May, it’s rare for temperatures to reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the most comfortable time period to visit Palm Springs with dogs. Still, these high temps aren’t out of the question. Here are a few things to know about caring for your dog in the heat.

Walks should take place early in the morning or after 7 p.m. Sidewalks can be 30 to 60 degrees hotter than the air temperature. If it’s too hot for you to walk on pavement, it is too hot for your dog.

If you must head out to a restaurant at midday, your dog will appreciate being carried or having booties on. Paw pads burn easily and often peel or can even suffer permanent tissue damage.

Water becomes a necessity. As you quickly learn, you don’t go anywhere without a water bottle. Bring a collapsible water dish so you can give your dog a drink anytime.

Please note: Palm Springs requires dogs to be on a leash at all times. The only exception is at the dog parks scattered throughout the community.

Dining out with your pup in Palm Springs

4 Paws Coffee Co. welcomes dog customers too. Photo by Kathy Condon

One charming feature of Palm Springs is that most restaurants have outdoor patios. Under California law, animals are not allowed in fully enclosed restaurants, so patio dining is a convenient way to eat with friends or family any time of day. Boozehounds Palm Springs has a semi-enclosed atrium where dogs are welcome. It also has a special canine menu. 4 Paws Coffee Co. is also known for being dog-friendly and for its special treats.

Things to do with a four-legged friend

Take your dog downtown to walk by Marilyn. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs is home to many independently owned shops, and sometimes, you’ll see water dishes outside their doors. Most will welcome your dogs inside, and the store owner will often ask if they can give your dog a treat. It’s up to you; either answer is perfectly acceptable. They understand that dietary routines need to be respected.

Many Palm Springs visitors also plan on spending a day or two at nearby Joshua Tree National Park, but please note that they do not allow dogs. Also, while some Coachella Valley trails allow dogs, like at Mission Creek Preserve, others don’t, in order to protect the bighorn sheep. Your best bet is to swing by David H. Ready Palm Springs Dog Park and let your pup run around there.

Pet-friendly boutique hotels in Palm Springs

Gus is the official mascot of the Inn at Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of the Inn at Palm Springs

Many Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels welcome dogs, and I suggest calling the hotel directly to confirm their fees and find out if there’s a size limit. Here are a few spots to consider:

Aloha Hotel has a large outdoor space, so you’ll have plenty of room for walks and won’t feel confined to the room. Some rooms have a kitchenette, which is especially helpful if you are traveling with your dog.

Villa Royale welcomes dogs up to 75 pounds and allows two dogs per room. They provide dog beds, bowls, treats, and even a toy.

Arrive Palm Springs has a policy of dogs no more than 30 pounds. They offer ceramic bowls, plush dog beds, organic treats, and a chew toy for the road.

Inn at Palm Springs has a large garden area. It’s also directly across from 4 Paws Coffee Co.

Musicland Hotel has a limited number of dog-friendly rooms, with two pups per room, each one no more than 50 pounds.

Old Ranch Inn is a quiet, small boutique hotel that says it opens its doors to “well-behaved” dogs. It also has a reputation for having some of the area’s lowest dog fees.

Casa Cody has no size limits for dogs, an unusual policy in Palm Springs. The grounds are great for walks, and there is even a sign that reads “Treats on Us.”

Palm Springs is a wonderful place to bring your dog. From small boutique hotels that welcome four-legged guests to restaurants with dog-friendly patios and plenty of places to stroll, your pup doesn’t have to sit out the fun. Palm Springs makes it easy to turn a getaway into an adventure you can enjoy together.