If you’re spending December in Palm Springs and want to experience a holiday tradition that actually feels local, the Walk of the Inns should be high on your list.

It’s festive without being chaotic, social without being forced, and refreshingly low-pressure. Most importantly, it highlights one of the things Palm Springs does best: small inns, beautiful architecture, and outdoor spaces that feel inviting rather than overwhelming.

What is the Walk of the Inns?

The Walk of the Inns is a free annual holiday tradition held in the historic Tennis Club neighborhood of Palm Springs.

On the evening of the event, a collection of local boutique inns decorate their courtyards for the holidays and open their gates to the public. Visitors are invited to walk from property to property, explore the grounds, and enjoy the atmosphere at their own pace.

There are no tickets to buy, no required route, and no obligation to see everything. You simply walk, wander, and decide when you’ve had enough.

When and where the Walk of the Inns is in 2025

The Walk of the Inns is a free, self-guided walking tour that celebrates Palm Springs hospitality and architecture, and it takes place on a single evening each winter.

For 2025, the Walk of the Inns will be held on:

• Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
• Time: Starting at 4:00 PM
• Map pickup: Palm Springs Art Museum at 4:00 PM
• Location: Neighborhoods between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way

The event is free, family-friendly, and dog-friendly. There’s no formal route and no required schedule. You pick up a map at the Palm Springs Art Museum, choose a direction, and walk at your own pace.

Local tip: Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and treat this as a wandering experience rather than something to “complete.”

Why this event works so well in Palm Springs

The Walk of the Inns feels tailor-made for Palm Springs because it leans into what the city already does naturally.

• Small, architecturally interesting inns instead of massive resorts
• Outdoor courtyards, fire pits, and palm-lined walkways
• A social vibe that feels relaxed rather than staged

Instead of funneling everyone into one crowded venue, the event spreads people out across a neighborhood. That alone makes it feel calmer than many holiday events.

The inns are the main attraction

The Tennis Club neighborhood is home to some of Palm Springs’ most charming and historic small inns, many of which participate in the Walk.

During the event, courtyards are lit with string lights, holiday music plays softly in the background, and guests mingle casually. Some inns offer drinks for purchase, others simply invite you to wander and enjoy the setting.

You don’t need to be staying at an inn to enjoy the Walk. In fact, many locals use the event as a way to explore properties they’ve driven past for years but never stepped inside.

Many participating properties are members of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, which represents independently owned inns throughout the city.

What to expect (and what not to)

This is not a high-energy street fair or a photo-op marathon. That’s part of the appeal.

• Expect: relaxed crowds, friendly conversations, and lots of time outdoors
• Don’t expect: live performances, rigid schedules, or anything that feels overly produced
• Dress code: casual and comfortable beats festive and fussy

If you’re looking for loud music and big spectacle, this probably isn’t your event. If you enjoy wandering, architecture, and a low-key holiday atmosphere, it’s a great fit.

Local tips for enjoying the Walk of the Inns

• Go early: The atmosphere is calmer earlier in the evening, and you’ll have more space to explore.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking more than you think.
• Don’t try to see everything: Pick a direction and wander. You’re not meant to check off every inn.
• Pair it with dinner or a drink: Many people treat the Walk as a pre-dinner activity.

Why locals keep coming back

The Walk of the Inns has lasted because it doesn’t try too hard.

It’s free, flexible, and rooted in the character of Palm Springs itself. For longtime residents, it’s a reminder of what makes the city feel like a community. For visitors, it’s an easy introduction to Palm Springs’ small-inn culture and laid-back holiday style.

If you’re looking for a holiday experience that feels genuinely Palm Springs rather than generically seasonal, this one is worth building into your December plans.