Palm Springs heat slows downtown traffic, businesses adapt

Triple-digit temperatures in Palm Springs have led to a noticeable slowdown in downtown foot traffic, with restaurants and shops reporting many empty tables and fewer customers. Owners such as Aaron Raei of La Bonita's Mexican Restaurant and Angela Sublett of Lappert's Ice Cream say the heat is the primary cause, prompting them to shorten operating hours, run promotions, and emphasize air‑conditioned indoor spaces.

Local officials and business groups are encouraging residents and visitors to support the area through initiatives like the "Love Local Palm Springs" gift‑card program. Visitors are advised to beat the heat by using hotel pools, staying in air‑conditioned venues, heading out at night, getting up early for outdoor activities, or taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to cooler mountain elevations.