Greater Palm Springs: A Group Travel Oasis

When you think of Greater Palm Springs, what likely comes to mind is stunning mountain views, abundant sunshine, and the breeze gently swaying through area’s signature palm trees. But in addition to the laid-back west coast vibes, this destination offers plethora of options for group travel, no matter the goal of your trip. Keep reading to learn how all the area’s amenities converge to create a truly group-friendly destination. 

Begin your journey by landing at Palm Springs International Airport, with its open-air terminals and expanding nonstop routes. Upon arrival, immediately get swept up in the area’s sense of adventure as you make your way to one of the area’s world-class desert resorts, including:

• La Quinta Resort & Club: Celebrating its 2026 Centennial, this historic desert retreat welcomes groups to a newly refreshed resort featuring renovated casitas, lush gardens, and open-air venue spaces. Planners booking qualifying meetings or incentive programs in April, May, September, or December can receive a 5% rebate on total guest room revenue. 

• The Avalon: Set on four acres of charming garden grounds with mountain views, this stylish boutique resort offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, from courtyards and ballrooms to poolside spaces for up to 170 guests. Full property buyouts are also available for customized events and experiences. 

• The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa: Groups booking 50-100 rooms can enjoy added benefits, from a wood-fired pizza station for the evening to weekend certificates to return for a two-night stay, and more. Located less than 10 miles from the airport, the resort also features pickleball and tennis courts, three pools, and a full-service spa. 

Greater Palm Springs is also home to a number of signature venues perfect for group trips and meetings of all kinds.

• Palm Springs Air Museum: Named one of the top aviation museums in the world, this 86,000 square-foot venue showcases more than 50 vintage WWII aircraft inside climate-controlled hangars. The space can host events ranging from 50-person dinners to receptions for several thousand, surrounded by striking aviation murals and exhibits.

• Acrisure Arena: This $300 million, 11,000-seat venue has quickly become a major entertainment hub and home to the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The arena features 27,000 square feet of event-ready floor space, four premium hospitality clubs, and full-service catering.

• Palm Springs Convention Center: The first convention center in California certified as an Autism Center, this 261,000 square-foot facility includes expansive exhibit halls, elegant ballrooms, and well-equipped flexible meeting rooms.

• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: Offering 235,000 square feet of meeting space and 26 event rooms for up to 3,000 guests, this resort is widely known for its 160,000 square feet of outdoor event space. With over 350 days of desert sunshine in the region, groups can take advantage of the clear skies and mild evenings by hosting events at The Springs Terrace, overlooking the tennis lawns, palm tree-lined Grove, and surrounding mountains, or at The Pointe, with sweeping golf and lake views.  

Beyond lush desert resorts and top signature venues, groups can also let loose with some unforgettable group-centric experiences at the area’s variety of attractions, including:

• Palm Springs Surf Club: When in the desert, everyone wants to be outdoors, making this innovative surf park the perfect off-site team-building experience where groups can reserve the entire surf pool along with catering and bar packages.

• BMW Performance Center: Add some thrills to the next team outing with The Corporate Driving Experience for some exciting time on the professional track, paired with private lounge space and catering.

• PGA West: As one of the world’s premier golf destinations, Greater Palm Springs invites groups to tee off at top courses like PGA West. Here, planners can host corporate rounds, with full-service coordination including equipment rentals, food, beverages, and more.  

Those interested in exploring further will find plenty of inspiration and group offers at Visit Greater Palm Springs.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs.