Goodbye, summer. Hello, desert skies, early mornings, and one last hurrah before school routines take over. For Labor Day weekend, we packed up and headed to Palm Springs, California—a trip filled with poolside downtime, history brought to life, and wide-open desert adventures. It was the perfect way to close out summer, and yes, the desert surprised us in all the best ways.

Our Desert Home for the Weekend

Hosted by Vacation Escapes, our stay at Desert Vacation Villas in Palm Springs was the perfect home base for our family trip. Just one mile from downtown Palm Springs, this family-friendly Palm Springs resort offered spacious condo-style accommodations with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a private balcony with mountain views.

From morning coffee on the patio to afternoons splashing in the pool, it gave us space to unwind and convenience to explore. Having a spot like this made our Palm Springs family vacation itinerary run smoothly — and it instantly felt like home.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Day 1 started with Palm Springs Windmill Tours, one of the most unique Palm Springs attractions for families. You can’t miss the iconic windmills driving into town, but getting up close was an entirely new experience.

Our guide explained how the gearboxes and blades capture the desert wind and turn it into renewable energy. The kids had a blast jumping through the massive shadows as we drove between rows of turbines.

Standing beneath one of the giant windmills was surreal — equal parts science lesson and desert magic. It was the perfect way to kick off our first day in Palm Springs.

Lulu California Bistro

Day 2 began with brunch at Lulu California Bistro, one of the most iconic Palm Springs brunch spots right in the heart of downtown. Lulu’s is colorful, bustling, and full of California flair.

I stuck to my classic — Eggs Benedict — while the kids fueled up with pancakes and smoothies. Between the bright energy and the hearty food, Lulu’s was exactly what we needed before a full day of exploring.

Palm Springs Air Museum

After brunch, we headed to the Palm Springs Air Museum, a highlight of our trip and one of the best things to do in Palm Springs with kids.

From Navy planes (special to me since my dad served ) to stepping inside the historic B-17 Bomber, history came alive at every turn. The kids loved climbing into cockpits and even sitting in the pilot’s seat.

We saw planes from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, and even came across a Star Wars–themed aircraft that instantly became a family favorite. The volunteers were incredible — answering every question and making the history feel interactive and approachable.

This stop wasn’t just for aviation fans —

it’s an engaging, hands-on Palm Springs attraction for families that I’d recommend to anyone.

Joshua Tree National Park

Since we were so close, we couldn’t resist a Since we were so close, we couldn’t leave without driving through Joshua Tree National Park, one of California’s most iconic desert landmarks.

We made all the classic stops: Cap Rock, Keys View, and the Cholla Cactus Garden. Each place offered a different perspective — from sweeping views to the quirky silhouettes of Joshua trees against the sky.

The kids climbed rocks, we snapped photos at the entrance sign, and we all soaked in the beauty of this unforgettable California desert travel destination.

Back at Desert Vacation Villas, we ended the day with pool time, letting the desert heat fade away as the evening settled in.

Red Jeep Tours: San Andreas Fault

Day 3 started bright and early — with a 5am alarm to make our 7am Red Jeep Tour through the San Andreas Fault.

This was hands-down one of the most memorable experiences of our weekend. Riding in an open-air Jeep through twisting canyons felt like stepping into Earth’s storybook.

We walked through slot canyons, discovered a hidden palm oasis with water running through it, and listened as our guide shared stories about the Cahuilla people and their connection to the land.

The kids thought the Jeep ride was the coolest thing ever, while I couldn’t get over how the rock layers told a story millions of years in the making. This San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour wasn’t just sightseeing — it was connection, education, and adventure all in one.

Why Palm Springs Was the Perfect End to Summer

Palm Springs is more than pools and palm trees (though those are always welcome). It’s a place where families can blend relaxation with discovery, where history meets adventure, and where a long weekend can turn into lasting memories.

A huge thank you to Vacation Escapes for hosting us at Desert Vacation Villas, to Palm Springs Windmill Tours and the Palm Springs Air Museum for letting us explore, and to Red Jeep Tours for giving us a ride through the desert we’ll never forget. 💛

Why These Moments Matter

Life doesn’t slow down unless you make it. Between school schedules, work, and the everyday noise of life, weekends like this are a reminder to pause, reconnect, and notice the little things — like kids jumping windmill shadows, standing inside a WWII bomber, or sipping coffee on a quiet balcony.

This Palm Springs family vacation gave us all of that and more, wrapped in sunshine and desert air. And I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye to summer.