When cold weather sweeps across most of the country, warm destinations start calling. Two favorites along the west coast are Lake Havasu, Arizona and Palm Springs, California. Both offer a warm escape and their own version of sunshine season, but the energy, scenery, and pace of each are distinct. If you’re deciding between the two, may we suggest a stay at Whiskey Blues in Lake Havasu or The Brooklyn Penthouse in Indio near Palm Springs? The right choice comes down to the type of winter experience you want.
Weather & Atmosphere
Lake Havasu eases into winter with temperatures that hover in the upper 60s and low 70s during the day, and sunsets that stretch long across the water. There’s a calm, unhurried feel to the area this time of year. The usual summer and spring breakers are gone, the lake is quieter, and the sky often feels like it belongs just to you.
The Palm Springs are, on the other hand, has a social pulse even in its mildest season. Days are slightly warmer, pools are still busy, and outdoor patios fill with travelers escaping colder climates. Indio sits just minutes away from the heart of Palm Springs, offering a quieter home base without losing access to the livelier heart of the Coachella Valley.
Things to Do
In Lake Havasu, the lake remains the center of everything, even when the water cools. Boating, fishing, hiking, and off-roading fill the calendar for visitors who prefer open space to resort crowds. The views alone make the trip feel restorative, and the slower winter pace means no rush for parking, dining, or activities.
Indio delivers a completely different rhythm. Golf courses stay busy all season, spa resorts are open for day use and treatments, and the shopping and dining scene thrives. Art events, weekend markets, and design tours keep the valley buzzing, and nearby Joshua Tree offers a dramatic day-trip contrast. If you enjoy wandering, tasting, browsing, or playing a round under the sun, this area leaves no shortage of ways to fill your days.
Where to Stay in Lake Havasu or Indio
Finding the right luxury vacation rental in Lake Havasu or Indio is key to the right trip. Whiskey Blues in Lake Havasu is designed for travelers who want room to stretch out and settle in. The home feels like a private retreat—modern, open, and geared toward groups or families who value space and quiet. The outdoor areas invite slow mornings and sunset hours, and the lack of noise and traffic in winter makes it easy to forget there’s a peak season at all.
The Brooklyn Penthouse in Indio has an entirely different personality. It brings a polished, stylish, and contemporary aesthetic to the desert, channeling the Palm Springs resort vibe without the bustle of a hotel. It’s a perfect choice for couples' trips, golf weekends, festival stays, or anyone who plans to dip into the nightlife, shopping, and dining nearby. The home feels sophisticated but relaxed, and its location makes it easy to spend a day in Palm Springs, then retreat to something more private at night.
Dining & Social Scene
Dining in Lake Havasu leans local and unfussy. There are waterfront patios, breweries, and longtime favorites that don’t try too hard—which is exactly the charm. Even on a weekend evening in winter, you can usually walk in and enjoy a meal with a view. The nightlife is casual and friendly, more about conversation and cold drinks than reservations and dress codes.
Palm Springs and the surrounding towns offer a more curated scene. Reservations are common, presentation matters, and cocktails get the same attention as entrées. Rooftop bars, brunch spots, lounges, and late-night patios give the area a social energy that doesn’t go dormant with the season. For travelers who like to explore restaurants and soak in ambiance as much as sunshine, it’s a major draw.
Avoiding the Crowds
Winter in Lake Havasu flies a bit under the radar compared to its peak seasons, which makes it one of the best times to visit. The lack of heavy traffic makes the entire area feel like it’s yours, and it tends to be easier to secure the best accommodations. Palm Springs and Indio don’t exactly slow down in winter—travel remains steady, events continue, and prices reflect the demand. That doesn’t mean it’s crowded everywhere, but you’ll notice the difference on restaurant patios, golf courses, and hotels.
Your Ideal Winter Getaway Spot
If your ideal winter escape is sunny, quiet, and filled with natural scenery, Lake Havasu delivers it effortlessly. Whiskey Blues gives you a private, high-end base without resort congestion, and the setting is tailored to anyone who prefers open air over itinerary planning. The luxury vacation home features:
- 3 bedrooms
- 3 1/2 bathrooms
- Game room w/ beverage fridge, dance central 3 arcade, poker table, boxer champion & basketball arcades, shuffleboard, and pool table
- Outdoor entertaining area
- Luxurious private pool w/ slide, sun deck, and hot tub
- Outdoor kitchen with BBQ and firepit
- Yard games
- Plenty of parking
If you want warm weather with a side of culture, design, dining, or golf, Palm Springs and Indio make winter feel alive in a different way. The Brooklyn Penthouse puts you close enough to everything without being swallowed by it, and it balances privacy with access to activity. You find:
- 5 bedrooms
- 5 bathrooms
- Game room w/ Transformers & Tekken7 arcade games, air hockey, Golden Tee Golf, basketball, darts, and more
- Theatre room w/ 120” screen + luxury reclining leather seats
- Luxurious 40-foot private pool w/ slide, sun deck, and hot tub
- Outdoor kitchen w/ pizza oven, natural gas BBQ + outdoor fire features
- Covered patio with smart TV and fireplace
- Secure gated community
In the end, both destinations are worthy winter getaways—it simply comes down to your preference: desert calm with lake views or mid-century flair with mountain backdrops? Whiskey Blues or The Brooklyn Penthouse. Solitude or social energy. The good news? Neither choice is a wrong one. Check our availability today to start planning your stay!