Discover Palm Springs: where to eat, stay & play
Glamorous, Sunny and Vibrant
During the Golden Era of Hollywood, Palm Springs’ proximity to Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County turned it into a favorite retreat for movie stars seeking refuge from the glare of the spotlight. Gossip columnists could not pursue the stars there (the journalists could only expense travel within 100 miles of LA; Palm Springs is just over the limit), so the stars could relax just out of reach. People also flocked to the area for health reasons (its dry, desert climate can be healing), cementing Palm Springs as a sought-after wellness destination.
Fast-forward to today, and Palm Springs still exudes Hollywood glam, but with a modern tiwst. Beyond being the famous backdrop for Coachella — the bohemian, star-studded music festival held every April — the city shines as a destination in its own right. The streets are dotted with stylish boutiques and inviting eateries, all bathed in that signature desert sunshine. The iconic mid-century modern architecture gives the town a cool, retrochic vibe, while the abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to golfing and tennis, ensures you can stay active.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this desert escape offers something for everyone. Below, I’ve outlined a few handpicked highlights of what to see, do, eat, and where to stay. Of course, there's so much more to explore, and when you reach out to me, I’ll tailor a trip just for you. Until then, enjoy this taste of Palm Springs — your dream desert getaway.
Need to know:
Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Transportation: You’ll likely want to rent a car or Uber around Palm Springs, especially if you plan on visiting some of the surrounding areas and towns (Joshua Tree, Palm Desert). But downtown Palm Springs is very much walkable. Or take the train. Amtrak connects Palm Springs to other U.S. destinations.
Best time to visit: Palm Springs is a desert; it gets very hot during the summer. For milder temperatures, stick to January through April (although expect crowds), or visit during the fall.
Ideal length of stay: You can cover a lot of ground in three to four days. But if you want some time to linger, lounge and relax (and you do), five to seven days is ideal.
Dress code: Your favorite glamorous get-up, a brightly colored swimsuit and plenty of sun protection (hat, sunnies, SPF
Where to stay in Palm Springs:
Colony Palms Hotel: A historic, glamorous Art Deco gem. Book with me to snag $25 food / beverage credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and late check-out.
ARRIVE Palm Springs: Hip, boutique playfulness in the heart of the desert. My exclusive Palisociety partner perks include a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
Holiday House Palm Springs: A 28-room boutique hotel with prominent splashes of blue throughout its tasteful design scheme (michelin key). Our exclusive partner perks include $25 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and late check-out.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs: Youthful and vibey, always with something fun going on.
Sparrows Lodge: A restored 1950s retreat. The Lodge has a modern rustic vibe, outdoor fire pit and vegetable garden, accented by a collection of art works by Ruche Kelly Katz and Bald sar
What to do in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers a vibrant array of activities suited for everyone — from culture buffs and history lovers to outdoor adventurers. Start your exploration at Sunnylands, a sprawling mid-century modern estate where desert gardens and art exhibitions converge. Next, dive into the rich contemporary art and architectural wonders on display at the Palm Springs Art Museum, which also features live performances at the Annenberg Theater by celebrated comedians, musicians, and dancers. For an upscale gallery experience, Janssen Artspace is sure to impress.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Palm Springs Air Museum offers an impressive collection of aircraft from World War II, the Vietnam War, and beyond. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even book a Warbird Ride to soar through the skies in one of these historic planes. Palm Springs is also renowned for its mid-century modern architecture, opt for self-guided or guided architecture tour (which I can totally arrange for you).
Outdoor lovers will find Palm Springs a paradise of activities. With abundant hiking and biking trails, one of the standout hikes is Tahquitz Canyon, a short 2-mile trail that rewards you with a waterfall. If hiking isn't your style, or you’re seeking a more leisurely experience, the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers breathtaking views as it climbs through Chino Canyon to the heights of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Golfers and tennis players will be right at home too, with plenty of top-notch courses, including Escena Golf Club, PGA West, and Indian Wells Golf Resort.
The downtown area offers a mix of charming boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Serious shoppers may want to venture to the El Paseo Shopping District in nearby Palm Desert. For a truly local experience, the weekly Palm Springs VillageFest is a bustling street fair that happens every Thursday.
Don’t forget to carve out time for a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Whether you choose to hike, enjoy a scenic drive, or indulge in a wellness retreat, there’s something magical about this desert park. Consider visiting The Integratron for a sound bath or heading to the Mojave Desert Skin Shield Spa for holistic treatments that focus on natural, plant-based ingredients.
Palm Springs festival highlights:
Palm Springs International Film Festival (January): A glamorous event featuring film screenings, galas, Q&A sessions, and presentations.
Modernism Week (February & October): Celebrate all things mid-century modern with exhibitions, tours, fashion shows, and lectures.
Desert X (every other March): Public, site-specific art installations scattered throughout the Coachella Valley.
Coachella (April): The iconic music festival known for legendary performances and eye-catching fashion.
Stagecoach (April): A lively country music festival that brings both big names and rising stars to the stage.
Splash House (August): An epic pool party meets music festival, featuring top DJs and electronic artists.
Pride (November): A vibrant celebration complete with parades, parties, and a bustling outdoor market.
Where to eat in Palm Springs
Start your day at Cheeky’s, a legendary breakfast spot that serves comfort classics like fried chicken & waffles and chilaquiles. It has an entire menu section dedicated to bacon. (Cheeky’s also serves lunch, but it’s famous for breakfast.) For your morning cuppa, Koffi Coffee is a local favorite; there are a few locations sprinkled throughout town. Enjoy pizza, pasta and cocktails at Birba, also from the team behind Cheeky’s. The James Beard Award-nominated Workshop Kitchen & Bar is sleek and tastefully spare (the restaurant’s design is famous for a reason). Go here for seasonal, well-crafted plates like wood-fired cauliflower with tahini and ras-el-hanout-spiced beets with date labneh.
Palm Springs’s Mexican food game is strong. Tac/Quila is a hip mainstay beloved by locals and Michelin alike. The all-day Maleza is breezy and casual, perfect for elevated fare and craft cocktails (and an excellent mezcal list). For ice cream, head to the scoop-shop-gift-shop hybrid Ice Cream Scoop Shop(pe), where rotating flavors may include delights like vegan date, Mexican chocolate or lavender. Bar Cecil is great for a playful brasserie moment, and Colony Club, at the Colony Palms Hotel, is ideal for a locally source meal in a chic, handsome space.
