PALMS SPRINGS DESTINATION GUIDE
/PALM SPRINGS IS KNOWN FOR:
Palm Trees, Mid-Century modern architecture, Frank Sinatra, Coachella, amazing weather, the playground to the stars
PALM SPRINGS:
The land of Mid-Century modern, old Hollywood stars and endless summer. This is a special destination guide because I used to call Palm Springs home! I’ll be honest before I landed my former job as an anchor/reporter at the local TV station in the desert, I’d really never heard of Palm Springs. I think I was living under a rock in the Mid-West but this town has quickly become a huge part of my life. I love the beauty, the cocktail culture, the history, and the renaissance the town is experiencing right now. I could go on for days, but to keep this focused I’m going to share my five favorite things to do in Palm Springs along with my usual guide to getting here and making the most of your trip.
PALM SPRINGS CLIMATE:
Warm, Warmer, Hot, HOT AF
CHECK OUT MY TOP 4 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN PALM SPRINGS VIDEO TO GIVE YOU A TASTE OF WHAT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER
CLIFF NOTES VERSION:
Get a scoop and shop at Ice Cream & Shoppe
Treasure hunt at Thick as Thieves
Explore Palm Springs’ very own not so secret garden (Moorten Botanical Garden)
Treat yourself at Norma’s
PALM SPRINGS HISTORY:
It’s refreshing to find a place that manages to honor its past while still being able to see into its future. Damn, that sounded like a famous quote…Nope just wrote that bad boy myself. Anywho, Palm Springs is ALL ABOUT celebrating its history. From the city’s first pioneers, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, to the Hollywood celebrities who called this town their playground, Palm Springs continues to remember its roots.
I won’t go too in-depth but one of the main draws back in the day was how close Palm Springs is to Hollywood. The stars could come out to get away from the crazy grind of LA and not be bothered. Many people can’t think of Palm Springs without thinking of Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. The tradition lives on with celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio owning homes in the city. It’s not hard to see why the who’s who of Hollywood loves Palm Springs.
GETTING TO PALM SPRINGS:
Here’s the best thing about our little town, WE HAVE AN AIRPORT. Seriously, it’s the best. Palm Springs International Airport is small and it’s so easy to fly in and out of. I love it. I refuse to fly into any other airport because it’s so easy and there’s rarely any delays. During the season there are direct flights from Chicago and New York which makes me really happy when I get the urge to visit my favorite city.
WHERE TO STAY IN PALM SPRINGS:
Since I lived in the desert, I had very little need to stay at hotels. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t love frequenting these spots for cocktails and dinner with friends. And now that I’m hosting a video series for Visit Greater Palm Springs, I’ve got an inside look at some of the valley’s BEST hotels.
Spoiler alert, there’s a lot!
Parker Palm Springs: This will, without a doubt, always be my favorite hotel in the entire world. And that’s really saying a lot. The service is top-notch and this is the hotel where stars like Beyonce, Tom Hanks, and the Kardashians stay when there in town. So if it’s good for them, it’s good for me.
Arrive: This is one of the newer hotels in Palm Springs and it’s on the far north side of town. Arrive is known for its unique atmosphere and laid back vibes. Ice Cream & Shoppe and Customs Coffee are attached to the hotel along with their yummy restaurant Reservoir. Heads up Arrive is adults only. Which in my opinion, sorry kids, is a plus lol.
La Serena Villas: Another new property in town. This one is located right in the heart of downtown and is a smaller boutique hotel, only 19 rooms. This is also adults only. I love their restaurant Azucar and the décor is impeccable throughout the hotel.
Sands Hotel and Spa: While this boutique hotel is not actually in Palm Springs, this Moroccan inspired oasis is one of the most in-demand places to stay in the desert. Located in Indian Wells, just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Palm Springs, the Sands Hotel and Spa is in the perfect location for anyone wanting to stay closer to Palm Desert or La Quinta. And even if you’re not staying, a visit to their onsight restaurant, The Pink Cabana, is worth the drive.
Korakia Pensione Hotel: this stunning Mediterranean inspired boutique hotel is one of the more exclusive hotels of the bunch. Only open to guests, this intimate property would be perfect for any couple looking to keep a low profile while staying just steps away from downtown Palm Springs.
The Kimpton: You can’t miss this giant. It’s the tallest building in Palm Springs. It opened in 2017 and it’s a larger scale hotel. But that doesn’t mean its impersonal. The hotel is known for offering nightly wine hours for its guests. The hotel has an awesome rooftop bar and pool and their restaurant 4 Saints is super yummy.
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WHAT TO DO IN PALM SPRINGS:
Wow there’s so much. Here’s my shortlist. This doesn’t include my top four favorite things because being redundant is annoying.
Hike the Indian Canyons
I love, love, love this part of Palm Springs. It’s the city’s own little oasis. And really it is because there are natural waterfalls on the trails. It’s such a peaceful place and there are a variety of hikes you can do for all skill levels. Or if hiking isn’t your thing, you can go on a horseback ride with Smoketree Stables and explore the trails on horseback (THIS IS SO MAGICAL!)
Take a historical walking tour with the Palm Springs Historical Society
I always think it’s important to learn a bit about the city’s past. And Palm Springs isn’t short on history. There’s a number of different tours you can take. Including one that takes you past all the old Hollywood celebrity’s homes!
Treat Yourself at Trina Turk
You can’t go to Palm Springs without stopping by Trina Turk. Her designs are perfectly Palm Springs and the bright colors will light up any room. There’s a location in the Uptown Design District in Palm Springs and a new second location on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
Stop into the many boutiques along Palm Canyon
Especially Christopher Kennedy’s store (it’s right next to Trina Turk) and tell him I say hi!
Christopher Kennedy is a well-known designer based in Palm Springs who famously transforms one home each year for Modernism Week. He’s a doll and his shop is so cute! Great for souvenirs!
Shopping is a must and there are so many good stores to pop into.
Here’s some of my favs:
The Shops at 1345 - This pink collective of retailers is an eclectic mix of treats. From Morrocan rugs to cacti, this is not a spot to skip.
Peepa’s - A great shop to snag some “Just Because” gifts for yourself or others
The Frippery - If you’re looking to snag the most fabulous caftan to lounge poolside in, this is the spot
Dazzles Palm Springs - Looking for antiques - go here!
Bon Vivant - In need of more antiques, check out this spot too!
Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs is all about culture and where better to get your daily dose than at the art museum? It’s great to spend a morning perusing the works and then have some lunch at their newly renovated restaurant Persimmon Bistro!
Make your own door tour
One of my favorite ways to get around town is by bike. And while it’s fun to bike around downtown, it’s even more fun to make your own little Palm Springs door tour and swing by some of the most amazing mid-century modern homes in the city! You’ll fall in love with all the colorful doors and the unique style of homes. Plus they make for great photo backdrops (just make sure you’re being respectful to the homeowner!)
Some neighborhoods to check out:
Indian Canyons
Vista Las Palmas
Twin Palms
Some streets to check out:
Alhambra
Yosemite
East Sierra Way
Murray Canyons Drive
Take a Windmill Tour
Curious to learn more about the history of the infamous Palm Springs Windmills that greet you as you’re driving into town from the west? You can learn ALL ABOUT THEM by taking a Palm Springs Windmill Tour and then once you’re done, snag an insta worthy pic!
SNAG MY PALM SPRINGS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE TO EAT IN PALM SPRINGS:
Gosh, where to even begin. During my time here I feel as if I’ve eaten my way through the Coachella Valley. There’s so many delicious places to eat, it’s so hard to narrow it down. Here’s a few of my absolute favorites!
Counter Reformation: This place. Honestly, all of the restaurants at Parker Palm Springs are phenomenal. This is my favorite because it’s all about small bites. Chef Herve Glin knocks it out of the park nightly and the food is sinfully good. This is why the small restaurant has its very own confessional for you to get some things off your chest if you need to. Order the Avocado Tartine and the Cheese Board.
Farm: I can’t say enough about this hidden gem. It’s located literally right in the center of town but once you walk into the courtyard you immediately feel like you’re in the French countryside. Unless you dine there in the summer, then you know you’re in Palm Springs lol. The ambiance is what makes this place amazing. The food is what takes it over the top. Order the Bloody Mary and the mushroom crepe.
Evzin: If Mediterranean food is your thing, this spot will be your new favorite restaurant. The owners hail from Greece and once you’re inside you can see touches of their culture woven into the design of the restaurant. There’s this beautiful black and white mural right when you walk in that the owner’s wife hand painted. It’s pretty impressive. The food is just as spectacular. I always go for the falafel.
Kreem: If you have a sweet tooth or love coffee, this is your spot. Kreem is all about organic and homemade ice cream and man is it delicious. They even have vegan options if that’s your thing. Their ice cream sandwich is made with homemade cookies and it’s so decedent!
Azucar: Whether it’s lunch or dinner this place is on point. It’s the restaurant inside La Serena Villas and the décor is every girl’s dream. Amazing black and white tiled floors and a wall dedicated to Frida Kahlo. How cool is that? Make sure to order their blood orange margarita and the cauliflower risotto.
Raw Remedy: Into eating artfully crafted acai bowls?! Even if you didn’t know that was your thing, I promise after eating one of these it will be. Raw Remedy is the go to place for healthy drinks, lunch and sweets. I mean look at these master pieces. Perfect on any hot day!
And if you need even more suggestions, check out my COMPLETE guide on where to eat in Greater Palm Springs.
WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK IN PALM SPRINGS:
Bootlegger Tiki: If you don’t enjoy a fun fruity cocktail served in a crazy tiki glass than I really don’t think we can be friends. Lol but for real, this spot is a must if you’re visiting Palm Springs. The bartenders are experts at creating custom cocktails to your liking. You tell them a liquor and your flavor profile and they’ll make something delicious. Heads up, it’s a tiny spot. Get their early if you can, so you can secure a spot to sit.
Truss and Twine: This cocktail bar is the perfect spot to meet friends and snack on some nosh. The cocktail menu sections off its drinks based on era. It’s also open pretty late which can’t be said about all Palm Springs spots.
Seymour’s: Get to this intimate speakeasy-style cocktail spot through the velvet curtain at Mr. Lyons. The vibe is sleek and sultry and you’ll find tons of fun cocktails to sip on at the tile-covered bar.
The Draughtsman: If you’re into craft beer and corn hole this is your spot. The Draughtsman is a great spot to hang with a big group of friends. It’s about as “sports barey” as Palm Springs gets, which isn’t that sportsy. They also serve yummy food that’s a mix of comfort and pub classics.
The Bar at 4 Saints: Views for days up here. The bar inside 4 Saints in the Kimpton is classy and minimalistic. They’ve got a great cocktail list and a phenomenal wine selection.
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THE BEST PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS IN PALM SPRINGS:
Pics or it didn’t happen right? Here are some of my go-to spots for Instagram photos in Palm Springs.
Ice Cream & Shoppe
Address: 1551 N Palm Canyon Dr a, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Thick as Thieves
Address: 183 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Moorten Botanical Garden
Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
The Saguaro Hotel
Address: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
The Shops at 1345
Address: 1345 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Parker Palm Springs
Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
The Windmills
Drive to Palm Springs Station Road, park your car, and walk towards the big windmills…you can’t miss them.
Salvation Mountain:
To learn more about the history of this colorful mountain check out this post!
Address: Beal Rd, Calipatria, CA 92233
I hope you fall in love with this town and see just how special it is. Be sure to share your photos from the Destination with the #GalsAbroad so I can travel along with you!!
Adventure Awaits!
Xx
