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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 – sunrise from room 108 - 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 – Bloody Marys - 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.
Frey House II on San Jacinto Mountain 
Indian Canyons North – Door Tour 
Door Tour – Polka-dots! 
Tahquitz Canyon Trail waterfall 
Post hike Aperol Spritz 
Two Bunch Palms 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!
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Visiting Napa Valley
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Visiting Napa Valley
How to Get There:
Unless you have access to a private plane, fly into Sacramento or San Francisco and drive to Napa. Unless you really want to see San Francisco, I think the drive from Sacramento is faster (no traffic) than the drive from San Francisco.
What to Pack:
Everyone is dressed fairly casual in Napa. If it’s warm, shorts or casual dresses are appropriate. If it’s cool, blue jeans with a shirt or sweater. Wear comfortable shoes or sandals for the tours, the wineries have a lot of uneven surfaces and steps. (The winery staff get a laugh out of the women who show up to “the farm” in heels.) Bring a sweater or jacket for the cool wine cellars and dinner. I suggest bringing a pair of yoga pants and a jacket for early morning walks, biking or hot air balloon rides.
Hot air balloons at sunrise Transportation:
If you have a large group or know you will be drinking (not just tasting) there are several private transportation companies as well as Uber and Lyft in Napa. Even if you’re not driving, start with your farthest winery at the beginning of the day and work your way back throughout the day.
Places to Stay:
I would suggest staying in Yountville or St. Helena. Both are centrally located quaint towns with many restaurants and tasting rooms. You’ll still have to drive to the wineries for tours, but you could easily walk to tasting rooms and dinner every night in either town. Look at hotels, VRBO and Airbnb for places to stay. Pricing fluctuates a lot depending on the season and local events.
Winery Tastings and Tours (The reason you’re going to Napa!):
Make a reservation, even at places that don’t require it. You will have a more personalized and pleasant experience if you make an appointment. Most wineries and tasting rooms offer elevated tastings so do a little research for the best possible experience.
Make an appointment for one winery in the morning, most open around 10:00 AM, stop for lunch and then plan to do one or two more winery tastings in the afternoon. Most wineries close between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM (with the final tour scheduled for 3:00 PM) while tasting rooms will be open as late as 7:00 PM. Rank the vineyards you want to go to and book your tops ones first, then fill in the rest of your time with your second and third choices.
Many vineyards use an online website called CellarPass for their tours and tastings. Set up a log-in the first time you book a tasting to save you time with additional bookings. Also, you can easily access, change or cancel any reservations on CellarPass.
There are hundreds of wineries in Napa so talk to your friends and research online before scheduling. If there are Napa wines you like, check their tour / tasting information online. You’re more likely to join the wine club if you already know you like their wine. Wine club members usually get a Club Member discount on purchases and access to exclusive wines that are not distributed through retailers, as well as invitations to private events.
Here are a few of the wineries I have visited or that were recommended to me. (click on any light blue words below to go directly to the associated website)
The Wine Train We took the wine train from Napa up to St. Helena the first time we visited Napa. If you’ve never been to Napa, this is a great thing to do on your first day to get a feel for the layout of the valley. Both Castello di Amorosa (The Castle) and Grgich Hills below can be combined with your wine train experience for a full or half day adventure.
Castello di Amorosa The mason work and details at the castle are amazing! There are a lot of events and concerts at the castle so check the website to see if anything is scheduled while you’re in town.
Castello di Amorosa wine cellar Grgich Hills Estate Mike Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated “Paris Tasting” of 1976 when his 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was selected as the finest white wine in the world.
Duckhorn Winery Estate Tasting We really enjoy the Estate Tasting. It’s a little more expensive but you are tasting the top Duckhorn wines in a private room with a different glass for each wine so they have time to breathe, plus they have a delicious cheese pairing for each wine.
Duckhorn Winery gardens Stags’ Leap Winery and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars There are two wineries named Stags Leap located in the Stags Leap District. The difference is the placement of the apostrophe. If you like a Stags Leap wine, make sure you’re going to the correct winery. Both have great wines, but Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars had the Cabernet that beat the French Cabernet in Bottle Shock and their wines are quite a bit more expensive than Stags’ Leap Winery.
Stags’ Leap Winery vineyard Quintessa I strongly suggest the Quintessential Experience tasting. The wine is amazing, and the views from the pavilion are stunning.
Quintessa pavilion view Domaine Chandon This winery doesn’t offer tours but has a beautiful patio and gardens where you can taste your wine with light snacks. The nice thing about this winery is there are no set times (unless you have more than ten people in your group) which means this is a nice add-on tasting after you’ve booked your other tours and tastings. Side note: Domain Chandon makes one of my favorite sparkling wines: étoile Rosé.
Schramsberg Winery If you like sparkling wines, I’ve heard this is a great place to visit.
Odette This is just a tasting, not a tour; it will take about 30 minutes. There are three different tastings to choose from. We purchased a case of their Adaptation Cabernet.
Jessup Cellars Highly recommended. This is just a tasting room in Yountville, but they offer many levels of tastings – some with food pairings.
Shafer I heard this is a great vineyard to visit.
Lindstrom Wines This is a small vineyard recommended by a Napa resident during one of our stays.
Where to Eat: (make your dinner reservations in advance, many restaurants use OpenTable)
Thomas Keller has several restaurants in Napa. The most famous is the French Laundry, but if you can’t get in there or aren’t interested in a really fancy meal, try Ad Hoc and Bouchon Bakery. Bouchon has great pastries and amazing macarons. The line is down the block for the fresh pastries in the mornings, but it goes fast and it’s worth the wait.
The Chef’s Table at Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena. This is a delicious four course meal with wine pairings, they accommodate all dietary restrictions with advance notice. If you eat at the chef’s table, they have wine pairings for each course and continually top off your glass, so make sure you have a driver. I’m sure the food in the restaurant is great as well and the restaurant often has live music.
Archetype in St. Helena has wonderful food and cocktails. We had Sunday brunch here.
Bistro & Bar at Auberge du Soleil Have lunch or dinner on the patio of the Bistro & Bar. This is a popular sunset destination and they don’t take reservations, so make sure you get there well before sunset to see the beautiful colors over the valley.
Farm at Carneros Inn Located at an amazing resort. The dinner was delicious, and the desserts were very unique. It’s Southwest of Napa so if you stay in St. Helena, it might not be worth the drive.
Dessert at Farm Bottega A classic Napa restaurant owned by Chef Michael Chiarello. If you go here, try to go early and walk around Yountville. There are many shops and tasting rooms in Yountville so you could easily spend an afternoon here; then finish with dinner at Bottega.
RH A beautiful indoor / outdoor restaurant with 100-year-old olive trees inside the Restoration Hardware store. A great place for brunch or lunch. Insider Note: You can request Mimosas for the table by the bottle instead of the glass.
RH – one of the many chandeliers, and 100-year-old olive trees Bistro Don Giovanni A nice Italian restaurant. Request a table outside.
Gott’s Roadside in St Helena Stop here for a delicious burger and beer between wine tastings. The shakes are amazing if you want something sweet and cold. Don’t miss the daily specials listed by the register. This is a Napa Institution and it gets busy so try to arrive a few minutes before Noon.
The Grill at Meadowood Also check out The Restaurant Bar. This restaurant is at another amazing resort.
Morimoto Napa If you like Chef Morimoto, don’t miss the opportunity to eat at his restaurant. Finish with the signature dessert: Fiery Salty Caramel Chocolate Tart and have your camera set to video.
Oxbow Public Market in Napa is a cute indoor market with several restaurants, a little grocery and a few shops. A fun place to browse through and purchase some snacks or souvenirs and/or have a casual dinner.
Helpful Napa Valley websites:
Napa Valley Michelin Rated Restaurants This site lists all of the restaurants who earned Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmand or L’assiette ratings.
Visit Napa Valley This site has hotels, restaurants, wineries, things to do, maps, and more.
Napa Valley This site has a little more detail about each of the Napa Valley towns, experiences you can book, suggested itineraries, etc.
Napa Valley Vinters This site has history and information about Napa Valley as well as details about all of the local vineyards and wineries.
Wine Tasting Tips:
Wine tasting can seem overwhelming if you have never been before. Here are some tips on how to be best prepared to have your best day wine tasting.
Eat Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and that is especially true when you are wine tasting.
Don’t wear perfume: A huge part of wine tasting is smell. It is important that nothing interferes with your sense of smell while you are wine tasting.
Bring lots of water: It is really important to drink water throughout the day. Wine tasting can be dehydrating, especially in the warmer months. You will feel much better if you drink water before and during your tasting.
Turn off your cell phone: Once you have taken a picture of the vines and the tasting room turn off your cell phone and really enjoy your experience.
Taste, don’t drink: When you are tasting wine do not be afraid to use the dump bucket. The dump bucket is there for you to use when you are ready to move on to the next wine. Only finish the wines you really love. Your host will not be offended if you dump your wine!
Wine is just fermented grape juice: Do not feel intimidated by any wine experts in your group. A true wine lover will enjoy teaching and listening to someone who is new to wine tasting. However, wine snobs are insufferable and should be avoided at all costs.
Everyone’s palate is different: Don’t feel pressured to like a wine because it’s highly rated or has won awards. However, give each wine three sips to really taste the wine before dumping.
Don’t be afraid to ask a question: There are no stupid questions. Tasting hosts are trained to answer all kinds of questions about wine and are there to teach you. You will have the best experience if you show your host that you are interested in the wine, process and history.
Tip for a good experience: If you receive excellent service or a special experience a small tip is always appreciated.
Buy wine to take home: A lot of the wines you will try will be “winery exclusive” which means that you will only be able to taste them and buy them there. There are lots of ways to get your wine home so don’t let that stop you from taking home what you like. If you like something buy it!
Watch the movie Bottle Shock before you go to Napa Valley. You’ll hear it mentioned at least once while you’re there.
