Nestled in the California Desert: A Premier Resort-Style Water Park and Surfing Haven

Palm Springs has long been a place of escape for Angelenos (and city folk from around the world). In fact, it was one of the major places Hollywood stars used to go in between movie shoots during the Gilded Age when they wanted to unwind. From the plethora of hiking trails and world-class museums to the vibrant Palm Canyon Drive, there’s plenty of things to do in Palm Springs. And now, with the arrival of Palm Springs Surf Club, there’s yet another reason to hop into a car (or on a plane) and head to the desert ASAP.

Set in what was once a Wet n’ Wild water park, where many West Coast millennials have spent countless childhood summers, the Palm Springs Surf Club has revived a cult-classic favorite theme park and transformed it into a chic place for some tide-turning fun (something that is so very needed in a city where temps blow past the 100s in the summer). Whether you’re looking to chill out in the lazy river (there’s one here!) or want to catch some serious waves, this stunning new resort-style water park is an absolute must for those seeking a little adventure in the desert.

One of the things that makes Palm Springs Surf Club so unique is the advanced Surf Loch wave technology (created by the legendary Tom Lochtefeld), which has the ability to generate a variety of kinds of waves for all skill levels. Whether it’s your first time surfing or your 1,000th, the water park’s wave menu hosts a slew of offerings such as A-frames, “5 Slabs,” and reform waves (which are perfect for those just starting out). You can book a two-hour sampler session (which includes a few different types of waves), or book by wave type. You can also book day passes for the Jacuzzi or reform waves, if a surf session feels a little out of reach. As of the writing of this article, day passes start at around $75, while sessions start at around $160.

Waves might be the main thing that draws people over to Palm Springs Surf Club, but they’re certainly not the only thing it has going for it. In addition to the wave pool, there’s also a lazy river, a few water slides, a splash pad for kids, a lounge pool for chilling, and a couple of chic but casual bars and restaurants for your refreshment needs. And while the attractions themselves are something you might expect from your run-of-the-mill water park, where Palm Springs Surf Club stands out is its attention to detail and meticulously designed spaces. From curated events (like music festivals and swim nights) to fully loaded cabanas, everything feels premium here.