Seattle to Palm Springs Charter Flights
Charter flights let you chase the sun to a desert destination on your own schedule. Get out of the rainy and snowy PNW to Palm Springs where you can relax, take a dip, explore, and dine in perfect Palm Springs weather!
Located 100 miles east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley region of the Sonora Desert, Palm Springs has become one of the most popular resort cities in America. Thanks to its annual 300-plus sunny days per year, exquisite resorts, and exceptional restaurants — it’s been a destination favorite for celebrities since the 1930s.
An incredibly open-minded and inclusive community, this bustling town welcomes those from all walks of life. Artists. Musicians. Families. There’s something for everyone in this sunny slice of heaven.
During April the annual Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (fondly dubbed ‘Coachella’) showcases a wide variety of music genres including rock, pop, indie, hip hop, and electronic dance. You’ll also find large art installations and sculptures throughout the grounds at the Empire Polo Club.
Following Coachella, the Empire Polo Club into country music central known as Stagecoach. The three-day music festival showcases some of the best mainstream and up-and-coming country performers in a jaw-dropping setting.
When to Visit for the Best Palm Springs Weather
While Palm Springs can be enjoyed year-round (especially if there’s a pool nearby), it’s typically most enjoyable October through May. Thanks to lower temps during these winter and early-sping months (summer temperatures can reach 115℉ with next to no humidity), most visitors can comfortably enjoy the outdoors throughout the day.
7 of the Best Luxury Palm Springs Resorts & Hotels
1. L’Horizon Resort & Spa
After the semi-hidden entrance (a cut in the tall front hedge), it’s the quiet you notice. The peacefulness of a three-acre compound enclosed with privacy hedges and encircled by mountains. Originally designed in 1952, L’Horizon Resort & Spa’s chic design has an airy feel that’s both light and welcoming. A 21-and-over luxury boutique hotel is home to 25 bungalows outfitted with exquisite designs like private outdoor showers and copper-hooded fireplaces. Its on-site alfresco restaurant, SO•PA, is heralded for its progressive culinary cuisine and intimate dining experience.
2. The Parker Palm Springs
This hip resort pairs color and extravagance luxury into a destination that feels like it may have been constructed with a bit of Alice and Wonderland magic. In addition to attracting some of the country’s most rich and famous, it’s a favorite for honeymooners, snazzy couples, and girlfriends getaways. Designed by Jonathan Adler, the manicured grounds span 13 acres. Fire pits and cabana-lined saline pools are speckled throughout. An oversize chees board invites you to consider your strategic prowess on a grander scale while palm-tree-slung hammocks encourage afternoon lounging.
3. Korakia Pensione
Tucked into a historic Tennis Club neighborhood, Karokia Pensione’s offers an elegant twist on rustic elegance. It’s the kind of moody vibe that welcomes couples looking to lounge in comfort without all the pomp and circumstance. The compound is surrounded by olive trees. It features two fully restored villas, one leaning towards Mediterranean decore and the other Moroccan. Two heated pools offer a year-round opportunity to take a dip. And those looking for a bit of competitive activity can partake in bocce ball.
4. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Located in downtown Palm Springs, the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs hotel allows you stay in the middle of the action. After all, who wants to drive when you can walk to the best restaurants, bars, and shops? Though you may think twice about wandering after visiting the rooftop pool where stunning views and summer music parties abound. Daily happy hour in the lobby includes complimentary beer and wine. Plus, fur babies are welcomed with water bowls and plenty of pets.
5. Sparrows Lodge
Looking to ‘unplug’? Sparrows Lodge in Palm Springs sets the stage for a digital detox. There are no phones or TVs in any of the rooms. Though, you will find a plethora of indulgent amenities — like a horse trough bathtub perfect for a long soak. At its center, a large communal barn is the lodge’s hub — serving as the bar, restaurant, and lounge. Restored in 1952, large doors flank either side of this rustic space opening to a lush courtyard pool on one side and a cozy fire pit on the other.
6. Casa Cody
Just two blocks from Plam Spring’s downtown core, Casa Cody is a tranquil home for those who want to flirt between the bustle-bustle and a tranquil escape — thanks to protective gates and tall hedges Founded in 1920 by Buffalo Bill’s cousin, Harriet Cody, it’s the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs. A variety of smartly appointed rooms are available, including a self-contained bungalow with its own private outdoor space and kitchen. Saturday morning Hatha yoga classes are available. And the Market at Casa Cody offers a selection of foods, drinks, and hand-picked gifts perfect for remembering your stay.
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Located in Ranch Mirage, nine miles southeast of Palm Springs, this high-end hotel offers all the trappings you’d expect of a Ritz. Spacious showers. Generous soaking tubs. Multiple heated pools. A luxurious spa. Plus, it has the added bonus of nearby hiking trails and breathtaking views.
Top Palm Springs Restaurants After a Charter Flight
Boozehounds Palm Springs
If the name didn’t give it away, its slogan certainly will. This restaurant is the place, ‘where dogs bring their humans.’ The massive restaurant includes an expansive patio where pups are invited to shoes their own meal off a menu designed just for them. But don’t think that means the human selection is subpar. Both the midcentury-tropical decor and the Asian-inspired menu are delightful. Not to mention the extensive cocktail program including both frozen and tap offerings.
1501 Uptown
A neighborhood gastropub, 1501 Uptown is dishing up elevated bar fare, think panko-breaded onion rings, alongside hearty mains like braised Kobe short ribs and pan-roasted wild Mahi Mahi. The large bar menu is elevated by a thoughtful selection mocktails. While the roll-up glass doors and wraparound patio allow for an alfresco dining experience whether you’re ‘inside’ or out.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
The walls are concrete. The fries are cooked in duck fat. And the seasonal menu at Workshop Kitchen + Bar is a veggie-forward sampling of local farmers’ markets. Woodfired pizzas feature brilliantly blister crusts. Shrimp and grits are comfort food in a bowl while the apple and yam soup is studded with hints of brown butter.
Birba Palm Springs
The pizzas at this farm-to-table outdoor patio have attracted a loyal following from throughout Southern California since they opened. Traditional pies, like the margherita, are a staple. But for the adventurous dinners, combinations like pancetta, potato, taleggio Crème, scallions, and a farm egg are hard to beat. The same is true of the housemade pasta and the hearth roasted chicken.
FARM
It can feel a little hard to find. FARM is tucked into the courtyard of La Plaza and not visible from Palm Spring’s ‘main drag,’ which is indeed what ads to this Provence-inspired restaurant. The bougainvillea-covered trellis, rustic wood tables, strung lights, and bubbling fountain set the stage for an exquisite meal. Dinner here is delightful, but the locals praise FARM for its brunch fare. A selection of sweet and savory crepes are light and airy, which the brioche french toast options boast unique combinations like swiss cheese with crip bacon, and strawberry coulis.
Mr. Lyons
This swanky steakhouse has a bit of Mad Men vibe with its gold cutlery and green velvet seats. Icy martinis. Roasted bone marrow. Perfectly cooked beef Wellington. It’s hard to go wrong — even with the serious take on a burger, smothered in bacon-onion jam and served up with bistro fries. And don’t overlook the selection of sides, ranging from sugar snap peas with goat cheese to crispy Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze.
9 Fun Things to do in Palm Springs California
1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Sure, Seattle to Palm Springs flights may treat you to a bit of a view, the real birds-eye perspective can be found on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The largest rotating aerial tramway in the world — it stretched 2.5 miles along the Chino Canyon. The 10-minute ride traits you to views of the cliffs, vistas, and valley. For those who want to linger longer, there are two different restaurant options.
2. Palm Springs Art Museum
This innovative museum is nestled in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. It features a fabulous permanent collection of works by western, contemporary, and glass artists. Plus, it attracts exhibitions from internationally acclaimed artists.
3. San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm
San Gorgonio Pass (aka ‘the gateway to Palm Springs) is one of the windiest places in Southern California. Thanks to the power of Mother Nature, this windswept space is home to one of the three major wind farms in California. In 2017, it produced nearly 1.5 million megawatt-hours of electricity. Guided VIP tours and self-driving tours are available.
4. Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall Hike
Just 1.9 miles, this easy loop hike is well maintained and has less than 350 feet of elevation gain. While there is very little shade (you’d be wise to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and dress in breathable sun-resistant layers), it offers a tranquil reward for the effort — especially during the winter and fall when the season 60-foot falls are running.
5. Joshua Tree National Park
Known as a playground for climbers and hikers, Joshua Tree National Park is just an hour outside of Palm Springs. Its fascinating variety of plants and animals thrive thanks to the rare meeting of arid low desert and vegetated high desert.
6. Fan Palms at Palm Canyon
Shifting sand dunes, stony flats, and sparsely vegetated hillsides don’t seem like a place you would find a towering forest. But desert fan palms (Washingtonia filifera) have learned to thrive near the occasional stream, spring or seep — such you’ll find in the 15-mile stretch in Palm Canyon just 10 minutes outside of Palm Springs. You can hike in the shade of the palms along a moderately graded footpath.
7. Moorten Botanical Garden
This one-acre botanical garden is family-owned. It specializes in cacti and other desert plants. The breathtaking space features a selection of outdoor displays and a greenhouse loaded with cacti and succulents.
8. Palm Springs Villagefest
As the sun sets on Thursdays, the downtown core of Palm Springs along Palm Canyon Drive turns into a night market. This pedestrian-only street fair features more than 180 vendors ranging from local Southwestern artists to fresh produce and more!
9. Cabazon Dinosaurs
Regarded as one of the most iconic roadside attractions, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are located just 20 minutes outside Palm Springs. The attraction’s largest dinosaur — Dinny the Dinosaur — is 150 feet long. Its carnivore brother Mr. Rex is an impressive 65 feet tall and for those souls willing to brave his jaws, it’s possible to climb into his mouth. There are several other dinosaurs throughout the grounds for even more photo ops, along with a dino dig and fossil panning.
What to Know About Seattle to Palm Springs Charter Flights
Several airlines offer commercial flights from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), including Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. These airlines flying commercially recommend you arrive at least two hours before your boarding time in order to check your bags and pass through security.
Conversely, an air charter service allows you to fly out of a private terminal. Check-in is a breeze. It’s as simple as showing up, saying hello to your friendly Kenmore Air representative, and being guided to your private charter jet.
Could you fly on an empty leg? Definitely. If your travel dates are relatively flexible, you may be able to catch an empty leg and receive a special rate.
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