Palm Springs and Palm Desert, California

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is my favorite warm weather airport. I love that when you walk out of the gate area and head to baggage claim, you are outside. There’s nothing like blue skies, palm trees and mountains in the distance to welcome you to Palm Springs. I’ve been to Palm Springs and Palm Desert several times; I’m certainly not an expert, but here are a few of the places and things I enjoy about the area.

As I’ve suggested before, when traveling to a new place, a little research goes a long way to ensuring the best trip possible. Always ask friends for recommendations, especially those whose travel style is similar to yours. Check out TripAdvisor and the local tourism sites, such as visit palm springs. Google “blog” followed by the name of the place you’re going, such as “palm springs” or “palm desert” to pull up blogs about the area, resort, etc. Also, start following Instagram accounts and tags related to the place you’re going. In this case, try following: visitpalmsprings, palmspringslifemagazine, palmspringsdoortour and #palmsprings, #palmspringslife, #palmspringsarchitecture, etc. Once you follow a few of these, you’ll find more accounts and tags to follow that fit your style.

Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs is all about Mid-Century Modern. From the old Hollywood resorts to stores like Shag and Trina Turk and the amazing houses with bright front doors, this area celebrates all things Mid-Century Modern. 

Where to Stay:

• The Avalon Hotel and Bungalows – Book a bungalow or courtyard studio for a room in the original buildings, rumor has it that courtyard studio #108 was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite room. Chi Chi restaurant is on-site as well as three pools (one adults only) and the Estrella spa.
• Parker Palm Springs – The only way to explore the hotel’s winding pathways and sprawling grounds is to book a Jonathan Adler decorated room as there’s a security guard at the grounds entrance checking for room keys. However, the bars and restaurants are open to the public. Make sure to check-out Counter Reformation and book a booth at Mister Parker’s for dinner.
• L’Horizon Hotel and Spa – Formerly a private residence of a Hollywood movie producer; renovated in 2015, the grounds now consist of 25 bungalows and an open-air spa and restaurant. So.Pa restaurant is open to the public; if you have a group of four or less, request one of the four booths for a great view of the entire restaurant.
• Vacation Rental – If you’ve always wanted to live in a midcentury modern house, consider renting a home from VRBO, airbnb or one of the many local home rental companies in Palm Springs.

What to Pack:

During the days, pack for your activities. For pool side lounging at your resort think Hollywood glam and bring a caftan, big sunglasses and a floppy hat. If you’re going to venture out for hikes, golf, tennis, etc. pack appropriate clothing, shoes, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. For dinner, leave your black outfits at home and break out the bright colors and fun prints. If this isn’t your style, bring a bright colored clutch or buy a patterned scarf to tie onto your handbag for a pop of color. The desert gets chilly quickly after the sun sets, so always throw in a wrap or light jacket.

Transportation:

If you’re planning to spend the majority of your time in downtown Palm Springs, you won’t need a car. For some reason, Lyft worked better for us than Uber while we were in town. If you are heading to Palm Desert or would like to explore outside of downtown, rent a car. The car rental at the airport is super easy and fast. After you pick up your rental keys, walk right out the baggage claim door to the car rental lot – no shuttles.

Restaurants:

There are many great restaurants. Check Trip Advisor, Yelp, Open Table, Resy, etc. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Farm – a farm-to-table French style restaurant for breakfast or lunch with a lot of great outdoor seating, the bloody marys were really good, order a side waffle for the table to snack on while you wait for your meal. You won’t be dissapointed.
• Wilma & Frieda – delicious breakfasts, get the biscuit with homemade jam as your bread option, the pastry case looked amazing (there’s a location in Palm Desert, as well)
• 4 Saints at the Kimpton Rowan – rooftop bar and restaurant with views of the San Jacinto mountains, great cocktails, reserve a table on the patio for the best views
• Melvyn’s Restaurant – old Hollywood style, classy and elegant with table-side cooking; after dinner hang out in the Casablanca piano bar
• Workshop Kitchen + Bar – farm-to-table menu with craft cocktails, there’s a large community table in the middle of the restaurant so if you’re with a group of 4 or less, request a booth when booking
• Chi Chi at the Avalon Hotel – great cocktails with pool-side seating, several great menu items including avocado toast, acai bowl and banana bread; make sure to check out the lounge area behind the bar
• Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey – great cocktails and delicious sushi
• Del Ray at Villa Royale – A fun tapas style venue. I love a good cocktail, but I think the drinks try a little too hard to be “different.” In a town that celebrates old school classics, it would be fun to see a few vintage cocktails on the menu. I love a great moody bar / speakeasy; but it is VERY dark inside. If it’s cold or rainy this is definitely a cozy, intimate place to be for two people, four people max. If it’s warm outside, I think a table in one of the alcoves or by the outdoor fire would be amazing.
• Copley’s on Palm Canyon – I loved this white tablecloth restaurant in what was formerly Cary Grant’s guest houses. (It was actually comprised of multiple, individual suites.) There is a huge patio with outdoor fires and heaters as well as a great indoor space if it’s cool or rainy. The service was impeccable and the food was amazing! If you have trouble getting a reservation, stop in for a cocktail.
• Mr. Lyons Steakhouse – the restaurant is swanky, but if you want good food with a little less formal vibe, try the lounge. Also, be sure to check out Seymour’s. A small speakeasy behind a velvet curtain inside Mr Lyons. There is also a large patio with an outdoor fire and bocce ball.

Things to Do:

• Check the “visit palm springs” website for activities and festivals during your stay. We were lucky enough to be in town during Modernism Week when the city celebrates Mid-Century Modern for 10 days with open houses, tours and special events.
• Aerial Tramway – to avoid a long wait, buy tickets 24 hours in advance online, at the top you’ll discover beautiful views of the city and great hiking paths, the temp at top is usually 30 – 40 degrees cooler than on the desert floor so if you’re planning to do this, bring a jacket and gloves
• VillageFest – every Thursday night from 6 – 10 PM Palm Canyon Drive between Amado and Baristo Roads is closed to cars and vendors fill the street with art, live music, food and assorted goods
• Art Museum – a great museum in an architecturally significant building with a rotating calendar of events
• The Modern Tour – small group tours of Palm Springs architecture that includes interiors of private homes, tickets sell out fast; if you aren’t able to get a ticket, try the Palm Springs Modern app for a self-guided tour of the area
• Modernism Week – If you love Mid-Century Modern, try to book your trip during Modernism Week. During this time you’ll have access to tours, houses and many fun events, like a Mixology Clinic.
• Door tour – if you enjoy the Mid-Century Modern homes, check out the door tour in the Indian Canyons neighborhood (map below)
• Several hiking trails – Tahquitz Canyon with a waterfall, Indian Canyon – includes Andreas Canyon lined with large palm trees and Seven Sisters Trail with another waterfall
• Desert Hot Springs is just North of Palm Springs and there are a few spas that capture the naturally heated mineral water for pools and showers, including Two Bunch Palms. There’s also an energy vortex in the area.

Palm Desert

If you’re looking for a newer resort with all of the amenities in one place, drive 30 minutes Southeast to Palm Desert where there is no shortage of golf courses, tennis courts, restaurants and shopping.

Where to Stay:

• The Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage – set in a gorgeous cliff top setting with amazing views of the valley, there are two pools, a hot tub, and firepits scattered around the grounds – some rooms even have their own fire pit or outdoor fireplace; make sure to book at table at The Edge Steakhouse
• La Quinta Resort Waldorf Astoria – this beautiful resort has gorgeous rooms, five golf courses, several tennis and pickleball courts, a spa and several bars and restaurants
• JW Marriott – this resort has beautiful grounds with flamingos in the lake; it includes two golf courses, twenty tennis courts, several pools, a spa and a variety of restaurants and lounges – you’ll never need to leave the resort; there are traditional hotel rooms as well as golf villas
• Vacation Rental – if you’re staying for several days / weeks or going with a group, consider renting a house or condo from VRBO, airbnb or a local home rental company

Restaurants:

• The Edge at the Ritz Carlton – a high-end steakhouse with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of the valley; the grounds here are gorgeous, consider coming early to order a cocktail and walk around the resort
• La Quinta Adobe Grill – check out the beautifully terraced patio with Mexican food and live music
• The Pink Cabana at the Sands Hotel – Instagram-worthy restaurant with Moroccan-Mediterranean fare
• Pacifica Seafood Restaurant – a delicious seafood restaurant at El Paseo
• Shorebird – a new steak and seafood restaurant at El Paseo, great vibe and delicious food

Things to Do:

• Check out the Palm Desert Visitors site for current events
• Sunnylands Center and Gardens – dubbed the Camp David of the West Coast, it has hosted several Presidents and dignitaries, tours available – book tickets far in advance
• Sports – there’s an abundance of golf courses as well as tennis and pickleball courts
• Professional Tennis – the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells every March
• Hike at Joshua Tree National Park or stroll through The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
• Dates are a thing here – make sure to try a date shake at Shields Date Garden
• Shopping – The Shops on El Paseo or Desert Hills Premium Outlets 
• Coachella – music festival every April

Leave a comment with your favorite places to stay or things to do in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. As always, feel free to contact me with questions.

Enjoy your vacation!