Nightlife in Palm Springs features swanky bars with large terraces, glitzy casinos, and romantic stargazing spots. This well-known desert oasis is only a short trip from the busy streets of Los Angeles. From unique watering holes to mountaintop views, this lovely town is a destination to be visited in any season.

The cool winter months are typically known as the high season. The clean air and star-filled sky makes for a magical evening stroll filled with music, lights, and always friendly people to mingle with. For inspiration on how you can spend a memorable evening in this city in the Sonoran Desert, read on through this list of things to do in Palm Springs after dinner.  

  • 1

    Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

    Take on the house at one of Palm Springs’ best casinos

    Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Morongo Casino, Resort, & Spa is a short drive from Palm Springs but has everything one could need to enjoy a full evening of excitement as well as relaxation. Morongo is stacked with multiple casino floors of card tables, sports betting, and slot machines.

    If you need to take a breather, head to the spa for a luxurious treatment that will make you feel 10 years younger. If you come in the hot summer months, there are 2 pools with drink services to help you cool off.

    Location: 49500 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230, USA

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +1 951-849-3080

    Map
  • 2

    Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory

    Stargaze and explore the cosmos

    Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory organizes stargazing tours in Palm Springs. It’s a great place to visit earlier in the day to learn about the history of the observatory and find out more about the cosmos. When you visit, be sure to ask about the schedule of events to where and when the observatory is open for public stargazing tours.

    If you attend a stargazing evening, you’ll catch a glimpse of galaxies up to 20 million light-years away and explore the anomaly of outer space without leaving the ground. Thanks to crystal-clear skies and cozy night-time weather, this spot in Palm Springs is a fascinating attraction for couples and families. Stargazing nights are scheduled on the website.

    Location: CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to midday and 1.30 pm to 4 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Phone: +1 760-341-7323

    Map
  • 3

    The Date Shed

    For a night of live music in Palm Springs

    The Date Shed
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    The Date Shed in Palm Springs is arguably one of the best music venues in the Sonoran Desert. Although the name comes from the local date farming industry, the Date Shed makes for a great place to take your significant other. They regularly host local and traveling musicians and are always happy to make the perfect drink to suit your evening. 

    Check their website for the schedule of bands, or just drop in for a pleasant surprise. You’ll find the V.I.P. seating is very comfortable and the dance floor is spacious enough to let your body move with the music.

    Location: 50725 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92201, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 2 pm to 2 am (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +1 760-775-6699

    Map
  • 4

    Truss & Twine

    A speakeasy offering some of the tastiest cocktails in Palm Springs

    Truss & Twine
    • Couples
    • Luxury
    • Nightlife

    Truss & Twine is the go-to spot for the tastiest cocktails in Palm Springs. The speakeasy ambience will bring out that Frank Sinatra vibes well known to the area. They have an extensive selection of wine, craft beer, original handcrafted cocktails, and, of course, a full list of the classics. The Old Fashioned here is especially good.

    From the food menu, small plates of cold cuts and cheeses are a popular accompaniment to the beverages. If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy dinner and not have to leave for the rest of the night, Truss & Twine is the place to be.

    Location: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

    Open: Daily from 4 pm to 12.30 am

    Phone: +1 760-459-3451

    Map
  • 5

    Marvyn's Magic Theater

    A must-see show for the family

    Marvyn's Magic Theater
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    Marvyn's Magic Theater near Palm Springs is a cozy stage show that’s guaranteed to spark your imagination. The 75-minute performance is brought to you by Vegas magicians, Broadway talent, and artists from further afield. There are typically 2 shows per day, and the performance changes weekly. 

    Arrive early and you will enjoy a cold beverage in the lobby while listening to the live pianist. The seating capacity is 126, so if you are in Palm Springs during the high season, we advise that you make a reservation in advance.

    Location: 46630 Washington St, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA

    Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm, Friday–Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm

    Phone: +1 833-627-8967

    Map
  • 6

    Red Barn

    Beverage with the locals in this classic American dive bar

    Red Barn
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    Red Barn is classified as an upscale dive bar in central in Palm Springs. This is a great bar to meet the local community and enjoy a night out without needing to wear your heels. 

    The barn has several board games such as pool and shuffleboard, and when you drop a coin in the jukebox, you can play your favorite records. The drink prices are some of the best in town and, if you’re lucky, you can hop on the BUZZ shuttle to and from the bar as it loops around town until 10 pm.

    Location: 73290 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260, USA

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 2 am

    Phone: +1 760-346-0191

    Map
  • 7

    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

    For a desert experience with incredible sunsets

    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the world's largest rotating cable automobiles. It will take you 6,000 ft up the side of Mount San Jacinto. Witness the finest views of Coachella valley and Chino Valley, and if you visit early in the day, bring your hiking shoes to enjoy miles of nature trails. For the best photos, come around dusk when the fading light gives the desert an ethereal glow.

    There’s a gift shop at the top of the aerial tramway, informative exhibits on the surrounding nature, and a theater for historical documentaries. At the mountain station, you can sit for dinner at Peaks Restaurant before catching the last automobile down.

    Location: 1 Streetcar Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

    Open: Thursday–Monday from 8 am to 8 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

    Phone: +1 888-515-8726

    Map
  • 8

    Backstreet Art District

    Palm Springs’ neighbourhood of the arts

    Backstreet Art District
    • Budget
    • Couples
    • Nightlife
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Back Street Art District is a redesigned strip mall that took creativity to new heights in Palm Springs. This neighbourhood is a host to several art galleries and food venues. You will find an eclectic selection of art, from sculpture to intricate painting, as well as hand-blown glass on display. 

    Every first Wednesday of the month, Palm Springs Back Street Art District becomes a hub for the city’s monthly art walk. This is a great place to visit to see what’s new and exciting and to support Palm Springs’ local artists.

    Location: 2600 Cherokee Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA

    Phone: +1 760-328-4144

    Map
  • 9

    High Bar at Rowan

    A rooftop pool with a beautiful view

    High Bar at Rowan
    • Couples
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    High Bar at Rowan Hotel is a well-rounded venue for those hot summer months in Palm Springs. Rowan High Bar is stationed on the rooftop of the hotel where you'll find a cozy restaurant, a friendly bar, and an expansive rooftop pool to dip your feet in. 

    Try to get here before sunset, because the view of the sky shifting colors over the desert hills is pretty much unmatched throughout Palm Springs. The music and ambience make for a relaxing evening, and the handcrafted cocktails will put the perfect cap on your evening.

    Location: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA

    Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 9.30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 12 am

    Phone: +1 760-904-5015

    Map
  • 10

    Neil’s Lounge

    A friendly karaoke bar near Palm Springs

    Neil’s Lounge
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Neil’s Lounge is a fun, clean, and comfortable bar for those looking to interact with lively crowds and possibly a show your singing skills. Neil’s offers a classic American menu of food such as burgers and fries and a few special dishes that periodically come on the menu. 

    They have a spacious outdoor dining area to take in the fresh air and a large area for dancing and drinking indoors. Once you’ve enjoyed a few beverages and plucked up some courage, grab the microphone and sing your heart out on the karaoke stage.

    Location: 80956 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201, USA

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 2 am

    Phone: +1 760-347-1522

    Map
Colby Murray | Contributing Writer