It is HOT in Palm Springs right now, so packing the right pieces for a summer trip there is essential. Today on the blog, I’m sharing everything I packed for our Palm Springs weekend vacation. Consider it your Palm Springs essentials packing checklist for summer.
Despite the fact that I’m a gal who loves clothes and photographing my outfits, I’ve always been a pretty light packer. I try to pack the least amount of items required, probably because unpacking is one of my least favorite tasks in the universe.
I am all about packing versatile pieces you can use in multiple ways or wear more than once. This Palm Springs packing list contains just the essentials so you can spend more time by the pool and checking out the palm trees, and less time worrying about your outfit.
P.S. Don’t forget a good book!
(If you’re looking for where to stay in Palm Springs – check out this post!)
Palm Springs Packing Checklist
Duffle Bag
Not all duffel bags are created equal. The folks at Dagne Dover really thought about functionality with their bags.
This duffle features multiple interior pockets designed for computers, small personal belongings, etc along with it’s main interior section. It comes with two separate pouches that connect to an interior leash, which also conveniently serves as a key leash so you don’t lose them. They really thought of all of the things here, including an exterior phone pocket for easy access and back slits that allow the bag to slide over a luggage handle. (Plus it’s stylish! Yes to stylish, minimalist luggage!)
Toiletry Bag
Per the above, I’m a total organization geek. I love a clear toiletry bag so you can see exactly what you packed and access what you need much quicker than rifling through a typical makeup pouch.
I love this one from Paravel because you can monogram it, or try this clear makeup pouch as a more affordable but equally chic option.
A Straw Bag for the Pool and Around Town
Palm Springs is a pretty casual town. It’s in the middle of the desert, after all, so you really don’t need to bring multiple purses or anything like that. Plus, if you’re going to PS in the summer, you’ll most likely be at the pool all day, anyway. I’m a fan of straw bags because you can use them at the pool and then around town.
Lightweight Dress
In 100+ degree heat, the less and lighter, the better. A lightweight dress keeps you cool, and you can always throw it on as a cover up after you wear it. I love linen, because it’s super breathable in the heat and dries quickly.
Here are some great lightweight linen dress options for your trip to Palm Springs:
Comfy Jean Shorts
Don’t even think about wearing jeans in Palm Springs in the summer. Pack a pair of comfortable jean shorts instead. I don’t have to state the obvious here, but I will: you can wear these more than once with a different top. I personally like white jean shorts for summer, but your favorite blue pair will work, too.
Basic Tank Tops
Pack a tank top or two for those low-key days when you have a casual lunch or you’re just hanging out by your hotel at night. Palm Springs is pretty casual, so I like to pack a few of tanks to wear with my shorts.
Swim Suit
Don’t forget a swim suit! If you’re in Palm Springs for the weekend, you really only need 1 – 2 suits max. I say 2 suits in case you’re that person that doesn’t like to put on a damp suit. I found that since it was so hot, my suit dried pretty quickly outside, but a girl needs options I guess, right?
J.Crew always has a great selection of suits and a large variety of both two-piece and one-piece options.
Sunglasses
The sun is bright, and there’s nothing worse for your eyes (or wrinkles) than squinting through it all day. Pack sunglasses! These tortoise sunglasses from Madewell are under $100.
I always like to pack tortoise sunglasses on trips because of the black and brown combo. (AKA, regardless of what I wear, the sunglasses match.)
Pool Slides
These white Birkenstock pool slides arrived the day before they left. I love them so much I wore them around town, too. They’re made from an ultra-lightweight, waterproof material (somewhere between a foam and plastic) and the perfect pool slide. Plus they’re super affordable and under $50!
Bonus points because the footbed didn’t get hot and burn my feet!
They come in other colors too, but I just love the white for summer.
Slide Sandals
Pack a neutral pair of summer slides or sandals for when you’re not at the pool. A neutral shade like tan or brown will go with whatever you packed to wear in Palm Springs.
Oversized Graphic Tee
Graphic tees are such an easy way to elevate a plain t-shirt, and they provide automatic edginess to any look. Go for something. with desert-inspired tones of graphics. When in Rome, right?
Sun Protection
Honestly, SPF might be the most important thing on my Palm Springs packing checklist. It’s is a must, all day, every day there. I use Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen as my facial SPF for everyday use because it’s clear and also serves as a makeup primer. When I’m by the pool, I use Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense, which is more like a traditional facial sunscreen.
For my body, I like SunBum’s SPF spray. It doesn’t smell *too* sunscreen-like and keeps me protected.
Straw Hat
Ever since working at Dermalogica, I’ve been more and more cautious about sun exposure on my face. A hat is a must for me anytime I’m laying out, even in my backyard. I like a straw hat because it tends to be more breathable than a cloth hat. Wear by the pool (duh) but also as a cute accessory when you’re shopping.
Bandana
Other than maybe your hat, a bandana is *the* ultimate desert accessory. It’s such an easy throw-on to make your t-shirt or tank instantly more stylish. It also serves as a great little face cover if you go on a hike and run into a dust storm.
Of course, depending on your reason to visit Palm Springs, you may want to pack some other things, but this essentials packing list is a great starting point.
Enjoy your trip!
