How to Travel to Palm Springs on Points and Miles

This desert oasis is about a two-hour drive from L.A., but you could fly there — and stay — on points.
Christie Olsen
By Christie Olsen 
Published
Edited by June Casagrande

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Although Palm Springs is often known for its golf courses, this stunning desert city has something for every type of traveler. Sun seekers, tennis lovers, shopaholics and avid foodies can head to this California resort oasis to unwind beneath the blue skies or to partake in the famous sights and endless activities.

Getting to Palm Springs is a breeze, and there’s a wide selection of great places to stay. If you plan right, you can pay for all or most of your Palm Springs escape with airline miles and hotel points. Here’s your points and miles guide to Palm Springs.

Getting there

Nearest airports

The Palm Springs International Airport is two miles east of downtown Palm Springs.

Major airlines flying to Palm Springs

There are currently 11 airlines that fly into Palm Springs:

  • Air Canada.

  • Alaska Airlines.

  • Allegiant.

  • American Airlines.

  • Delta.

  • Frontier Airlines.

  • JetBlue.

  • Southwest.

  • Sun Country.

  • United.

  • WestJet.

Flying to Palm Springs on points and miles

Whether booking a flight using airline miles or tapping into Chase or AmEx points, the cost depends on your point of origin. Here are some current examples of the best points and miles options for cheap flights to Palm Springs. Prices are round trip.

Airline or rewards program

Flying from

Miles or points

Alaska

San Francisco

10,000 miles

American

Chicago

20,000 miles

Delta

Seattle

8,000 miles

JetBlue

New York

28,000 points

Southwest

Denver

5,020 points

United

Houston

25,000 miles

Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Vancouver

25,284 points

AmEx Membership Rewards

Calgary

36,629 points

Hotels on points in Palm Springs

The greater Palm Springs area is made up of several cities that offer a unique blend of experiences, architecture and culture. The inspiring landscape of the valley is set with sprawling hotels, luxurious resorts and inviting spas. Check out these hotels to book with points in Palm Springs and beyond.

Marriott Bonvoy

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

Looking to splurge? Located on a cliff top overlooking scenic Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage offers unparalleled luxury set among 20 miles of hiking trails.

Cost to book in points: Rooms usually start at 50,000 points per night, but can rise to 70,000 during peak travel times. NerdWallet currently values Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cent each. This property also has a $40 daily resort fee that isn't typically waived on award stays.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points

Use points to book an affordable Palm Springs trip with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. It currently offers an annual free night award valued up to 35,000 points. Terms apply.

You can also accumulate points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Plus, they throw in a free night award valued up to 85,000 points. Terms apply.

If you want Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, but don’t want to commit to a Marriott-branded credit card, check out The Platinum Card® from American Express, which also comes with automatic Marriott Gold Status. Points you earn with the card can be transferred to the Bonvoy program at a 1:1 ratio. Terms apply.

Hilton Honors

La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Photo courtesy of Hilton

This hacienda-style resort is another excellent splurge location. Nestled between five scenic golf courses, La Quinta Resort & Club boasts 41 pools, seven restaurants and a spa.

Cost to book in points: Rooms at this property often cost 64,000 to 166,000 points per night, and NerdWallet values Hilton points at 0.5 cent per point. The resort fee is $35 a night, but Hilton may waive the fees on award stays, increasing the value from booking with points.

How to earn Hilton Honors points

One of the best ways to earn Hilton Honors points is with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, where you’ll receive Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, among other valuable benefits. Terms apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express also comes with automatic Hilton Gold Status. And the American Express Membership Rewards points you earn with the card can be transferred to the Hilton Honors program at a 1:2 ratio, which means 1 American Express point equals 2 Hilton points. Terms apply.

World of Hyatt

Hyatt Palm Springs

Photo courtesy of Hyatt

The budget-friendly Hyatt Palm Springs features all-suite accommodations and private balconies and is located in the heart of iconic downtown.

Cost to book in points: Log into your World of Hyatt account to find this Category 3 bargain, which costs just 9,000 points per night for an off-peak stay. NerdWallet values Hyatt points at 2.3 cents each. Resort fees are $22 per night, but Hyatt will waive resort fees on award stays, increasing the value of booking with points.

How to earn Hyatt points

Your best option for earning points is with the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which lets you earn points for spending on the card and also comes with an annual free night.

If you visit Palm Springs

The Palm Springs area is a popular destination with no shortage of trendy hotels, luxurious spas, shopping and outdoor activities. And if you tap into these tips for how to get to Palm Springs with points and miles in 2021, you can cover the cost of a trip with awards, too.


How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:

Travel Cards from Our Partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1x-5x

5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Points
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1.5%-6.5%

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Cashback

Intro offer

$300

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

2x-5x

Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Miles
See more travel cards
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