Palm Springs Welcomes Growing Wave of Solo Female Travelers | News

American women are increasingly embracing solo travel for relaxation, personal freedom, wellness and adventure – and Palm Springs stands out as one of the most accessible and comfortable American destinations for independent travelers.

Industry research shows that women now represent the majority of solo travelers, with many seeking destinations that combine walkability, safety, wellness experiences, and opportunities for both solitude and social connection.

No pressure. Just right.

“Palm Springs is such a great destination for solo female travelers because it naturally encourages you to slow down, recharge, and enjoy things at your own pace,” says April Smith, co-owner of the boho-chic boutique hotels Talavera and Dive Palm Springs. “Whether that’s lazing by the pool, exploring downtown, enjoying wellness experiences or just taking time for yourself, there’s something very liberating about being here.”

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels’ recent guide for women traveling alone highlights how many visitors are drawn to the city for precisely these reasons. The article notes that solo female travelers primarily seek destinations that feel calm, manageable, and invigorating, rather than crowded or overscheduled.

Palm Springs also appeals to travelers looking for flexibility. Many solo visitors deliberately avoid strict schedules, preferring to go to places where they can decide what to do along the way. That might mean relaxing poolside, exploring the local shops, booking a spa treatment, or participating in activities like riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or wandering the Palm Springs Art Museum.

A stay for every style and atmosphere

Small hotels and resorts in the city reflect a wide range of travel styles. Visitors looking for wellness-oriented stays, social energy, architectural character or tranquil retreats will find options to suit their vibe.

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels represents dozens of independent properties across the city, all with fewer than 50 rooms. These small-scale hotels – such as Korakia Pensione, known for its intimate courtyards and Mediterranean-inspired design, and Holiday House Palm Springs, praised for its smaller scale and walkable location – offer a more personalized alternative to large resorts, with staff often offering local recommendations tailored to individual guests.

“The majority of our solo travelers are women,” says Robert Hunt, general manager of the design-forward Alcazar Palm Springs. He notes that the increase in solo travelers to his hotel is due to women looking for a centrally located, protected and relaxing environment. “There is someone on site 24/7 to ensure the safety of our guests.”

The city’s boutique hotel culture also encourages organic social interaction without pressure. Many smaller hotels are intentionally designed around shared outdoor spaces where guests naturally gather around pools, fire pits, patios and cocktail lounges. This may be especially attractive to travelers who want to connect occasionally while still maintaining their independence.

Wellness and rejuvenation

Wellness trips have become another major factor driving solo female travelers to Palm Springs. Spas, yoga classes, hiking trails, mineral springs and slower experiences align closely with broader travel trends focused on self-care and recovery.

Boutique hotels such as Dive Palm Springs, La Serena Villas, L’Horizon Resort & Spa, Andreas Hotel & Spa and Terra Palm Springs offer wellness experiences in a tranquil, intimate setting. Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, The Spa at Séc-he (“the sound of boiling water”) is an ancient hot mineral spring cared for and protected by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Séc-he offers an unparalleled spa experience on the hallowed grounds that give Palm Springs its name.

Design and art fit for a queen

Design and aesthetics also continue to attract female travelers to the destination. Palm Springs’ internationally recognized mid-century modern architecture, colorful neighborhoods, and distinctive desert landscape create an environment that feels visually inspiring without being overly formal or inaccessible. Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue and Wallpaper have all recently highlighted the city’s boutique hotel scene, modernist heritage and creative vibe.

For art lovers, Palm Springs offers a world-class art museum and sculpture garden, extensive public art installations, plentiful art galleries, and the Desert Art Center where visitors can take art classes in everything from painting to photography.

Like no other place

For many solo female travelers, Palm Springs’ appeal ultimately comes down to simplicity. The city offers warm weather, a manageable scale, distinctive accommodations and an atmosphere that allows visitors to set their own pace. Whether someone is planning a first solo getaway or is already an experienced independent traveler, Palm Springs continues to provide an experience that feels both easy-going and genuinely welcoming.

“Palm Springs changes the way you move through a place when you’re alone,” says Sharon Kurtz, a veteran travel writer who recently shared her solo experience in Palm Springs on Big Blend Radio.

“There’s no negotiation over timing, no shared agenda, and no compromise on what to do next. Just an open desert city, a set of keys, and the freedom to follow whatever catches your attention at that moment.”

For more information about boutique accommodations in Palm Springs, visit Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. On the website, visitors can research what hotel suits them best and then book directly with the hotel of their choice. Several boutique hotels also honor Stash Hotel Rewards.