The 6 Best Luxury Family Vacation Spots in Palm Springs for Space, Sun & Easy Living

Palm Springs is often thought of as a couples’ or design-lover’s escape, but it’s also one of California’s best destinations for luxury family vacations. With sunshine nearly year-round, spacious homes built around pools and outdoor living, and neighborhoods that feel calm and contained, it’s a place where families can truly relax — without giving up comfort or style.

The key is choosing the right area. Some neighborhoods make it easy to walk to ice cream and casual dining, others offer gated privacy and resort-style amenities, and a few are perfect for multi-generational trips that need room to spread out.

So, where should families stay in Palm Springs? That depends on how you want your days to feel — active and walkable, pool-first and private, or quietly scenic with space to slow down.

This guide breaks down the best luxury family-friendly areas to stay in Palm Springs, with insight into what each is best for and the Wander homes that work beautifully for traveling with kids, teens, and extended family.

→ Browse all luxury Palm Springs vacation rentals here

1. Downtown Palm Springs – Best for Walkability & First-Time Family Trips

Downtown Palm Springs is one of the easiest places for families to base themselves, especially if it’s your first visit. Staying close to the city center means shorter drives, plenty of casual dining, and easy access to activities that work well with kids of all ages.

Why it works for families:

• Walkable access to restaurants, cafés, and shops

• Close to attractions like the Palm Springs Art Museum and parks

• Easy orientation for first-time visitors

Downtown stays are ideal if you like having options close by — morning walks, quick lunches, and easy evenings without long drives.

Wander Homes to Explore Downtown

• Wander Palm Springs Gem – A modern, family-friendly home with a private pool and spa, open living spaces, and seamless indoor–outdoor flow.

• Wander Palm Springs Sapphire – A refined retreat with a saltwater pool, shaded outdoor areas, and space for relaxed family afternoons just moments from downtown.

2. Movie Colony – Best for Classic Palm Springs Style with Kids

The Movie Colony blends iconic Palm Springs design with a calm, residential feel — a great combination for families who want style without chaos. Streets are quiet, homes are spacious, and downtown is still just minutes away.

Why it works for families:

• Residential streets that feel safe and calm

• Large homes with pools and yards

• Close enough to walk or bike downtown with older kids

This area is especially popular with families who want that unmistakable Palm Springs look — mid-century lines, palm trees, and mountain backdrops — while still having room to breathe.

Wander Homes to Explore in Movie Colony

• Wander Palm Springs Estate – A polished family retreat with a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and landscaped gardens designed for long pool days and relaxed evenings.

• Wander Palm Springs Glow – A design-forward home with a private pool and spa, putting green, and flexible indoor–outdoor spaces that work beautifully for families.

3. Old Las Palmas – Best for Privacy & Multi-Generational Family Stays

Old Las Palmas is one of Palm Springs’ most established neighborhoods, known for its gated estates, mature landscaping, and sense of quiet privacy. For families traveling together — especially with grandparents or older kids — this area is hard to beat.

Why it works for families:

• Large estates with generous outdoor space

• Quiet streets and a retreat-like atmosphere

• Easy access to downtown without feeling central

This is a great choice if your trip revolves around being at the house: swimming, outdoor meals, and slow evenings together.

Wander Homes to Explore in Old Las Palmas

• Wander Palm Springs Buena Vista – A classic Palm Springs estate with a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and plenty of space for family gatherings.

• Wander Palm Springs Desert – A private retreat with mountain views, a sparkling pool, outdoor dining areas, and indoor spaces designed for comfort and connection.

4. South Palm Springs (The Mesa & Surrounding Areas) – Best for Scenic, Slower Family Escapes

South Palm Springs sits closer to the mountains and feels noticeably calmer than central areas. It’s ideal for families who want quieter mornings, scenic surroundings, and evenings spent outdoors.

Why it works for families:

• Less traffic and noise

• Dramatic mountain views and open skies

• Easy access to hiking trails and nature

This area works especially well for families who enjoy outdoor time but don’t need to be close to nightlife or busy commercial areas.

Wander Homes to Explore in South Palm Springs

• Wander Palm Springs Mesa – A half-acre estate with a pool, spa, firepit, and game spaces that give kids and adults room to spread out.

• Wander Palm Springs Haven – A relaxed desert home with a pool, hot tub, and expansive outdoor dining areas framed by mountain views.

5. Rancho Mirage – Best for Resort-Style Family Living

Just outside Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage offers larger properties and a more residential feel — perfect for families who want a resort-style stay without a resort.

Why it works for families:

• Bigger homes with extensive amenities

• Quiet environment suited to longer stays

• Space for kids to play and adults to unwind

This area is ideal for families who plan to spend most of their time at the house, mixing pool days with easy outings.

Wander Homes to Explore in Rancho Mirage

• Wander Rancho Mirage Foothills – A modern family retreat with a pool, hot tub, firepit, putting green, and sweeping mountain views designed for all-day living.

6. Palm Springs Foothills & Cahuilla Hills – Best for Views, Space & Older Kids

The foothills above Palm Springs offer elevated views and striking architecture, making them a great fit for families with older children or teens who appreciate space, scenery, and standout design.

Why it works for families:

• Panoramic valley and mountain views

• More privacy and dramatic settings

• Cooler evenings during warmer months

These areas are best for families comfortable with hillside driving and looking for something a little more special.

Wander Homes to Explore in the Foothills

• Wander Palm Springs Summit – A mid-century-inspired home with panoramic views, a circular pool, and multiple patios for family time.

• Wander Five Palms – A private desert estate with a lap pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness center, and expansive entertaining spaces ideal for active families.

So, Where Should Families Stay in Palm Springs?

For first-time visits, Downtown Palm Springs or Movie Colony offer the easiest balance of access and comfort. Families seeking privacy and space will love Old Las Palmas or Rancho Mirage, while those craving scenery and a slower pace should look to South Palm Springs or the Foothills.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs with Wander

Traveling with family is all about space, ease, and flexibility — and Wander’s luxury vacation rentals across Palm Springs are designed with exactly that in mind. These thoughtfully curated homes offer private pools, multiple bedrooms, generous outdoor living areas, and hotel-level service without the constraints of traditional accommodations.

From iconic mid-century estates to quiet desert retreats built for long pool days and relaxed evenings, Wander makes it easy to create a Palm Springs family vacation that feels both effortless and elevated.

Explore luxury vacation rentals in Palm Springs with Wander →