Best Places to See the Seasons Change in Palm Springs

In Southern California—where the weather is consistently warm and sunny— catching glimpses of the seasons can be a rare delight. Here, we highlight three places in and around Palm Springs that capture a touch of fall. 

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens – Located in Palm Desert, this 2.8-square-mile garden and conservation zoo offers a range of outdoor activities to help you soak in a new season—from feeding the resident giraffes and touring the butterfly and hummingbird-rich gardens to taking on the five-mile Wilderness Loop trail. 

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens – Skip town for a day to scope out The Huntington in Pasadena. Something is always in bloom on the 120 acres of manicured grounds. Bring a blanket and some reading material and spend the afternoon on the lawns near the 10-acre Desert Garden, or meander along the koi-filled ponds of the Japanese Gardens. For some indoor relaxation, make a reservation for a meal (and tea) in the Library’s Rose Garden Tea Room. 

The Getty Center – Another fun-filled day trip into L.A. could include a stop at the Getty Center, where you can take in current exhibits and the incredible views of L.A. from the 134,000-square-foot Central Garden, which boasts towering bougainvillea climbing through custom-made rebar trellises and a stream cascading over a stone waterfall into a pool containing a maze of colorful azaleas.