A BLONDE VINTAGE

I’m sure it’s no secret to those closest to me that I am one hundred percent OBSESSED with Palm Springs. As a family, we have been going down to the area for over 15 years and it is without a doubt my favorite destination on the West Coast! It’s unlike any other place I’ve ever been…it’s rich in history, mid-century modern style, glam flamboyancy and basically everything fanciful that swings on the edge of pushing the envelope. It’s filled to the brim with stylish oldies (read: spritely and fashionable senior citizens), celebrity culture (including vintage Hollywood retirees) and is a mecca for the gay lifestyle, as over the decades word spread that Palm Springs was the place where the beautiful people dropped their inhibitions. Basically, SIGN ME UP! For reals though, I’ve been trying to get my husband to move to Palm Springs since day ONE of marriage. Hey, I’ve converted him to a Oregon Duck (he used to be a Oregon State Beaver), so anything is possible! travel guide to greater Palm Springs California

So, without further ado, I’m excited to share with you my travel guide to greater Palm Springs, California… so that you can plan the best trip ever to the area and not miss one single thing to see, eat or enjoy!

Arrive

The best time to visit Palm Springs and the Palm Desert area is between September and May, when the daytime temperature settles between the 70s and upper 90s. During the prime summer months of June through August, the weather can be extremely hot. During the summer months you can find locals and visitors exploring indoor attractions such as the galleries, museums, and shops I mention at the end of this post.

Palm Springs is roughly a two-hour drive from the Los Angeles area, however if you’re coming from further away you may choose to fly. Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has some great flights available is a serviced by over 8 different carriers.

Once you’ve arrived, consider only renting a car if your hotel falls outside of the downtown Palm Springs area and is located in nearby towns such as Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta or Indio. Personally, the area is so spread out, we enjoy having a rental car to get around to explore.

Stay

La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria – Dating from 1926 and set on 45 acres, this bright golf resort is a sight to be seen! The rooms are luxurious and warmly decorated, and in true Waldorf Astoria fashion, you will be left wanting for nothing. Even if you are not staying at this gorgeous resort, consider strolling the ground and having a meal onsite at one of their six restaurants.

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – Close to eateries on a downtown Palm Springs street with views of the San Jacinto Mountains, this chic hotel is 3 minutes’ walk from the Palm Springs Art Museum and 2 miles from Palm Springs International Airport. It’s also “the place” to be seen in the evening as it’s buzzy vibe is contagious and attracts people from hotels all around.

The Westin Desert Willow Villas – This hotel is located in Rancho Mirage and is perfect if you are traveling with your family or a larger group. Each villa has either a kitchenette or a full kitchen, and the resort features a kids’ club, BBQ area and a warm restaurant/bar with a terrace, as well as a gym and an 18-hole golf course. This is a wonderful place to call home for a long weekend or week.

Hotel Paseo, Autograph Collection – Located in the heart of Palm Desert, Hotel Paseo is a luxury boutique hotel steps away from upscale shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife on El Paseo, also known as “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” It’s also the newest hotel, having opened in 2018 and features a full-service onsite spa, yes please.

Parker Palm Springs – If you want to dive right into Palm Springs at it’s finest, then this resort set on a 13-acre complex featuring decor by designer Jonathan Adler, is right up your alley. This chic, upscale resort offers a terrace eatery, an opulent restaurant, and a bohemian bar, plus a cocktail bar and a lemonade stand. Photo opps abound!

Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Strategically perched on a 650-foot bluff overlooking world-famous Palm Springs and the picturesque Coachella Valley, this upscale resort offer sweeping views unlike no other. All spaces are thoughtfully-designed to complement the desert mountain location by featuring natural elements of stone, wood and fire – which reflect the local landscape, hues and regional surroundings. This is sophisticated luxury at it’s finest.

JW Marriott Desert Springs – This luxury resort set amid lakes and gardens, is a welcome retreat. Featuring amenities including an active lobby complete with gondola rides throughout the properties meandering waterways, six restaurants serving everything from fresh sushi to locally sourced culinary delights, two championship golf courses and an onsite spa. You will never want to leave.

Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection – Located in the heart of the Movie Colony district, this hotel offers amazing views, a charming, intimate environment, lavishly appointed rooms and suites, and a stunning location. I especially love the charm and location of this hotel. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway to the Palm Springs area as you can walk to almost everything.

Eat

The below restaurants are what’s popular and delish right now, including some of my old favorites!

EIGHT4Nine Restaurant is located in the fashionable Uptown Design District of Palm Springs, and offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for any meal of the day! They even offer Happy Hour cocktails and food selections all day, every day in the lounge!

Ristorante Mamma Gina located on El Paseo Drive, this cozy Italian restaurant serves up authentic meals and is one of my favorite places in the valley. With white linens and a classy atmosphere, Ristorante Mamma Gina is the perfect spot for your next date night or family get together.

Farm eating at this restaurant is like being transported to the south of France and I could seriously eat here every single day. I love everything from their crepes to their authentic croque madame and monsieur to the delightful prix fixe menu they offer (only on Friday and Saturday nights) for $52 per person. My favorite thing on the menu is the Bacon, Chicken and Waffles…seriously. do. not. miss. this.

AC3 Restaurant & Bar is a collaboration between Andrew & Juliana Copley of Copley’s Restaurant and Tony Marchese of Trio Restaurant. Two of my very favorite restaurants. It’s located in Palm Desert on El Paseo Drive and the food is divine. I particularly love their Happy Hour and Bar Bites Menu which is served nightly and their weekend Brunch!

Trio Since opening in 2009, Trio has generated recognition as one of Palm Springs top Restaurants and is listed as TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Percent of Restaurants Worldwide, is a Zagat highly-rated restaurant, and has been local favorite since opening day! Every single time we are in town, we come here for dinner right before Village Fest and it’s always one of our favorite meals of the trip!

Cheeky’s I still remember the very first time we ever went to Cheeky’s to enjoy the “Bacon Flight”. Seriously, bacon prepared five different ways?! Yes, please! That had my family’s name written all over it! It was delicious, it always is. Go early to avoid the line.

Copley’s was once the guesthouse of actor Cary Grant. Talk about history! Copley’s has a stand-out Spanish theme with adobe-tiled roof, olive trees, and a dining patio with a fire pit. They serve up American cuisine with tropical and European influences is served at this restaurant and are only open for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended!

Mister Parker’s is the secret restaurant inside The Parker Palm Springs (like its sister property, the Parker Meridien in New York).  Once inside behind the velvet curtain there’s old-school decor that includes dark-wood paneling and a mirrored ceiling. The menu is classic French, including escargot and pan-roasted duck, and if you’re up for a splurge, they also offer caviar service. Also, if you’re looking for a place to grab a drink on property at The Parker…consider heading over to Counter Reformation, a wine bar speakeasy hidden through the main lobby doors towards the gardens. 

Enjoy

Village Fest Every Thursday night from 6-10 pm, this street fair in downtown Palm Springs features local artisans, crafts, food, and entertainment! It is one of my total favorites! Seriously the people watching alone will keep you coming back. Do not miss this!

Cruise Around Downtown Palm Springs – Almost every hotel in Palm Springs offers guests the use of complimentary bikes for exploring the many pretty neighborhoods. Consider hopping on and pedaling around the beautiful mid-century modern buildings and gardens with a tour through Indian Canyon, Twin Palms, and the Historic Tennis Club neighborhoods. There will be plenty of photo opps too!

Moorten Botanical Garden I’m a sucker for succulents and I adore this place. It’s a small unique botanical garden with many types of cacti, trees, and desert vegetation.. It’s a great way to spend a leisurely few hours.

Hike the Desert  The area around Palm Springs & Palm Desert has some amazing hikes. Just be sure to back lots and lots of water, wear layers, apply sunscreen and bring a map! Oh! And please beware of rattlesnakes. Here are a few of my favorites…Visit a real Oasis along the Palm Canyon Trail within Indian Canyon; hike the Tahquitz Canyon Trail to see a 60-ft waterfall or meander the Murray Canyon Trail.

Aerial Tramway The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is absolutely one of the best experiences in the area. We went the last time we were in the area, and it was absolutely breathtaking. Just make sure that you do not have any medical issues in which being at a high altitude could cause a problem.

Palm Springs Home Tours I’m obsessed with mid-century modern architecture and Palm Springs is the mecca! Cancel out all your prior feelings on guided home tour and go! This is one of my favorite activities in the area as they are super fun and informative!

Palm Springs Art Museum This is the perfect hideaway from the heat and a great place to discover local and well-known artists!

Day Trips

If you’re itching to get out and about, there are several easy day trips from Palm Springs. There is sprawling wine country in Temecula which is about hour-and-a-half out of town. You can also head up towards Joshua Tree for amazing sunrises and sunsets. Nearby Joshua Tree is Pioneertown which is worth a stop for the barbecue at Pappy & Harriet’s and the celebrity sitings! Last time we were up in Pioneertown we met half the cast of Grey’s Anatomy!

Shop

If you like flea markets, and fun finds check out The Estate Sale Company, a 90,000-square-foot consignment warehouse in south Palm Springs that locals swear by. Rumor has it that when Palm Springs’ elderly, second-home owners pass away, the entire contents of their homes are brought to the shop. If you find something you’d like to take home- they will even ship it for you!

El Paseo is a unique nine-block shopping district in Palm Dessert filled with over 200 delightful little shops, restaurants, art galleries and more!

Uptown Design District One of my favorite spots to shop and take in the scenery is the Uptown Design District which abounds with cool interior shops, vintage stores, and fashion boutiques for the “not afraid to spend” types.

Desert Hills Premium Outlets I love to shop and this is my favorite outlet mall in the history of outlet malls. They have EVERYTHING including ridiculous deals at big-name brand outlet stores including Barneys, Balenciaga, Frette, John Varvatos, and many more. It’s definitely worth the drive out there.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my travel guide to greater Palm Springs California..like always, if you ever have any questions or suggestions please leave them in the comments below and thanks for reading!

XO,

M

P.S. Do you love to travel? Want to know what I take in my carry-on? Check out this post highlighting all the specifics!

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