Already sold out for January, The Palm Springs Surf Club may require some pre-planning to catch the ultimate wave, bro, but you can ride in any time for an amazing meal – and watch the surfers!

Book your wave at the first global surf destination in Southern California nestled in the heart of the desert. A few years ago the words ‘desert’ and ‘surf’ in the same sentence didn’t seem possible. But today you can find a state-of-the-art wave pool housed in the original updated 1986 Wet ‘N’ Wild waterpark in Palm Springs.

The club also offers guests access to a warm lazy river, seasonal waterslides, and splash pad for kids. Cabana rentals (with views of the mountains and surfers that can’t be beaten), lounge pools, indoor/outdoor event venues, and a social club with bottle service and a complete viewing deck are just some of the surf club options. 

Experience the perfect engineered wave ranging from two to seven feet thanks to Cheyne Magnusson who in 2018 curated the original wave prototype in Waco, Texas. He and surf icon Kalani Robb partnered with James Dunlop to build this next-generation wave prototype.

A wide selection of rental boards will be available for surf session reservations with a variety of boards available for purchase as well. Riding the waves for two hours with two breaks starts at $100 for beginners (group of 12), $150 for intermediates (group of 12), and $200 for the advanced (group of 9). For around $4000, you and perhaps your favorite 12 friends can rent the whole place for 2 hours and surf up to 7-foot custom waves. Wetsuits are definitely needed in the winter, as the wave pool is unheated and water temps are below 70 degrees for much of the year. Winter club entry for general admission starts at $20.

Accommodating up to 25 surfers simultaneously, the park’s waves are not only pre-programmed for individual preferences but are also a testament to sustainable practices. The Palm Springs Surf Club uses just 1% of the water volume required by a typical golf course while generating over 70% of its energy resources in-house.

The surf club also offers two restaurants, Amala and Drifter’s. Guests are welcome to visit Amala for the restaurant experience and forgo the park entrance fee. Those hitting the waves or lounging poolside can also grab a quick bite at the laid-back Drifter’s. Three full bars with custom cocktails and beers on draft are available too. The retail store will have a curated selection of wetsuits, clothing, and accessories. 

Amala’s open indoor-outdoor bar restaurant offers an outstanding dinner experience helmed by Chef Mondragon. It is the perfect place to relax and take in the club’s desert surroundings.

Find an extensive wine list and craft cocktails abound. We were super impressed with their cocktail options and the stellar menu they rolled out. Sip sunset cocktails like Tequila for Christmas with Mezcal, fresh pineapple, orgeat, and pomegranate syrup or the Baja Sandilla with Mezcal, watermelon, cucumber, lime, and Lofi hibiscus amaro with tajin rim.

We loved the Short Rib Barbacoa from Brandt Beef Ranch with Poblano Mash and Harris Ranch Prime Angus Ribeye but you may want to try Pistachio Crusted Mahi Mahi or one of their many other choices.

Chicharron Esquite (filled with elote), Tuna Tartar with lotus root chips, and Pork Belly Bao Buns make outstanding options for sharing. Don’t miss the large warm churro stuffed with ice cream. Live music will occur on select days. This venue makes the perfect spot for a private event.

We hope to be in the jacuzzi next time in front of one of the private cabanas with an epic Mezcal cocktail watching the surfers. Large LED displays are strategically placed throughout the club, capturing and projecting the dynamic surf action. While the motto emphasizes that surfing can be for everyone, non-surfers are also catered to with a range of additional attractions and offerings at The Palm Springs Surf Club.

Learn how you can immerse yourself in the excitement. Follow @thepalmspringsurfclub and sign up for their email list to learn when February sessions are available.