S&T Travel Guide: Palm Springs
We love going to the desert because it’s the easiest weekend getaway from Orange County and LA, in less than two short hours you can be lounging in a bikini poolside soaking in the desert heat and blue skies. For all of our out of state peeps, we refer to Palm Springs (and the surrounding area) as “the desert”
Jo spent the majority of quarantine/2020 in La Quinta and Palm Desert with her family. She visits all the time since both sets of her parents have places there. Aside from that, we’ve visited for Coachella, weddings, Bachelorette parties, and anything else you can think of. We’ve really done it all so we wanted to share a full travel guide with all of our favorite places to eat, drink and workout when we’re there!
Where to Stay:
La Quinta Resort - Bachelor, anyone?! We love this spot in La Quinta. They have a great Mexican restaurant too!
Ace Hotel - we haven’t personally stayed here before but have heard great things!
The Parker - this place is to die for. On the pricey side but incredible decor (completely redesigned by Jonathon Adler). You can always go for breakfast or a drink too!
Villa Royale - we haven’t personally stayed here before but have heard great things. We have friends that stay here all the time!
ARRIVE - great location right in downtown Palm Springs. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, etc.
L’Horizon - we haven’t personally stayed here before but have heard great things!
Airbnb that Jacqs stayed at for a Bachelorette linked here. Jo’s parents have a rental property (28 day minimum) you can book here.
AM Food:
Cheeky’s - unreal breakfast food, they have an entire bacon sampler plate.
FARM - farm to table food, cute and quaint spot.
Wilma and Frieda’s - great for bigger groups and families. All American, classic breakfast.
Norma’s - located at the Parker Hotel. Adorable spot especially if you want to check out the Parker but aren’t staying there.
State Fare Kitchen at Ritz Carlton - incredible views! Great for a special occasion.
Sherman’s deli - classic old school deli that is unbelievable. Nothing fancy, and that’s whats great about it. You need to get the Reuben with extra thousand island sauce.
Cartel Coffee - Cute coffee spot and to go items
Ernest Coffee - Cute coffee spot and to go items
IW Coffee - Just tried this spot for the first time! Cute coffee shop with lots of great natural light. Delicious coffee and pastries.
PM Food:
Spencer’s Restaurant - beautiful spot right in the mountains, also a great wedding venue!
La Spiga - delicious Italian food and feels like you’re in Tuscany. We recommend eating outside under the hanging lights (see photo)!
Tommy Bahama - one of our favorite places to go. They have the absolute best happy hour! We recommend the fish tacos, coconut shrimp and goat cheese.
Rooster and The Pig - one of the best places in the desert!
The Pink Cabana - hands down best decorated restaurant, lots of photo opps here and just overall great atmosphere.
El Tropicale - GREAT for bachelorettes! Classic spot in the desert, very vibey and fun.
Wildest - delicious, upscale vegetarian food. Went here with my fam and we all loved it!
The Cliffhouse - beautiful spot, great for drinks and apps.
El Jefe - I’ve never been but this is a really popular spot for Bachelorette parties!
Going out + Night Life:
COPA Nightclub - great for bachelorettes!
Toucan’s Tiki Lounge - great place to grab drinks especially for bachelorettes!
The Nest - oh, this place is a must! Such a scene; it’s a cougar bar, with a clown, DJ and a good time.
Workout:
Ara Pilates - beautiful studio that offers a variety of reformer pilates classes in Indian Wells! Classes have a consistent, mindful flow to them, very relaxing yet effective.
Hike - There are a lot of great hikes in the desert and we highly recommend as long as you start early (before it gets too hot!)
Orange theory fitness
Full Cycle
F45
*Almost all the hotels and communities have gyms.
Things to Do:
Pool Day at a hotel - some of the hotels in Palm Springs offer pool parties that are great especially if you are there for a bachelorette. The Saguaro is the most popular.
Take the Aerial Tram - the aerial tram takes you up to San Jacinto mountain. There is a restaurant there which is fun to go to!
Thursday night Market - they closed down the street in Palm Springs and setup a bunch of vendors, food, drinks, etc.
Hike - There are a lot of great hikes in the desert. We recommend the Murray Canyon, Cactus to Clouds (very challenging) and the Cross hike. You must go early in the day and pack a ton of water.
Art museums and galleries - usually for an older crowd but have heard raving reviews.
Vintage shops - there are a ton of vintage guides online depending on where you’re staying. Great consignment stores for clothing and furniture! A few stories: The Shops at 1345, Misty’s, Just Fabulous & Jill’s.
Golfing - so many courses to choose from. If you’re there during off season, a tee time is way cheaper.
Joshua Tree - you can do a day trip or to/from Palm Springs.
Tips:
2 hour drive from LA if you leave at the right time. Plan ahead! Take the 91 toll road (register your car online beforehand) to save time.
Most popular time to visit is January-May
The desert is super spread apart so staying in La Quinta vs PS is like 45 mins away - Plan ahead since things can be farther apart than expected!
Always pack sunscreen. UV Rays are INTENSE.
