If you remember the old water park in Palm Springs, you might be wondering what’s changed, and whether the Palm Springs Surf Club water park is still worth a visit.

I visited the newly opened water park at the Palm Springs Surf Club on opening weekend, and here’s my honest take.

What’s Changed at the Palm Springs Surf Club Water Park

First things first, the park feels different.

Several of the original slides are gone:

• The funnel slide
• The kids’ playground with the giant tipping bucket
• The vertical drop slide
• The pitch-black raft slide
• Another raft-based slide

However, a few options still remain:

• One raft slide (single or double riders)
• Two body slides (one enclosed, one open)

Overall, you’ll find fewer slides, but there’s still enough to keep things fun. Just don’t expect a full-scale thrill park.

Palm Springs Surf Club Water Park Lazy River Review

Without a doubt, the lazy river is the main attraction, `and where I spent most of my time.

The design feels relaxing and easy to navigate. Even on opening weekend, it stayed popular without feeling chaotic. Drinks are available throughout the pool area, although I didn’t see anything clearly stating whether they’re allowed in the lazy river itself.

If your ideal day includes floating and completely zoning out, this alone makes the visit worth it.

Pool, Splash Pad, and New Additions

The pool area feels like one of the newer additions and has more of a relaxed, social vibe.

You’ll find:

• A bar
• Built-in steps along the edges for lounging
• Plenty of space to cool off

For families, the park includes a splash pad along with a couple of “baby” slides for the little ones. So even though the large playground structure is gone, younger kids still have a place to play.

Seating at the Palm Springs Surf Club Water Park

Now let’s talk about the biggest downside—seating.

By the time I arrived at 11am, most of the available spots were already taken.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Daybeds (available to rent, up to 4 people)
• Adirondack chairs
• A limited number of lounge chairs

In addition, tables near the bar work well for eating, but not for relaxing long-term.

If you plan to stay for a few hours, especially if you want to read or unwind, you’ll want to grab a chair early. Otherwise, it could be a challenge.

The Wave Pool (Surfing Costs Extra)

The wave pool now focuses on surfing, and it’s not included with a standard water park pass.

On top of that, cabanas sit on either side of the wave pool and rent for around $400 (based on what I saw).

So, if surfing is your main goal, plan ahead for the added cost.

Food and Drinks at Palm Springs Surf Club

When it comes to food, you have a couple of solid options.

The Restaurant at PSSC

The main restaurant stays open to the public, so you don’t need a water park pass to dine there. They serve brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Since I visited on a Sunday, I went with brunch. I showed up barefoot, in a wet swimsuit, and had no problem getting a table on the patio overlooking the lazy river. If dining solo ever feels intimidating, I’ve shared a few tips from my own experience in my post Eating Alone at a Restaurant.

I ordered the EBLT (egg, avocado, lettuce, tomato—no bacon). It was:

• A generous portion
• Served with fries, sweet potato fries, or salad
• Priced under $20

As for drinks, most landed around $15, which felt pretty reasonable for the setting.

Drifters

If you prefer something more casual, Drifters offers patio-only seating near the wave pool along with a full bar and menu.

You can also order food from the Island Bar by the pool. Just keep in mind, they bring it over from the main restaurant, so it’s more of a grab-and-go setup.

Pricing and What to Know

Before you go, here are a few helpful details:

• General admission: around $40
• Surfing: additional cost
• Cabanas: around $400
• Parking: currently free (but this may change in summer)
• Hours (when I visited): 10am to 6pm

One important tip: bring your own towel and sunscreen.

Is the Palm Springs Surf Club Water Park Worth It?

All things considered, I had a really fun and easy day.

Throughout the visit, I:

• Floated the lazy river
• Tried a couple of slides
• Enjoyed a long brunch
• Relaxed poolside with a book

The staff felt welcoming, the drinks were solid, and the overall vibe stayed relaxed.

That said, seating remains the biggest issue.

If the park adds more lounge chairs, this easily becomes a go-to summer spot.

For around $40, I’d absolutely go back—especially if you’re looking for a simple, no-hassle day that feels like a mini getaway.

Just make sure to arrive early… and claim your chair.