What to Do on Your Next Trip to Palm Springs
Just a few hours from bustling Los Angeles lies a desert outpost for the glamorous and elite. Just trade mansions for mid-century modern ranch homes that channel the town's glittering heyday of old-Hollywood visitors. The small town–which yes, Sonny Bono was once mayor of– has long been the destination to which icons of classic Hollywood, such as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor, would escape.
Nowadays, the oasis is just as sought after by luxury travelers and an A-list crowd due to five-star accommodations and trendy cuisine. Just in time for the tail-end of peak season, we've scouted the best places to stay, dine, and explore in the desert– from kitschy hotspots to outdoor adventures, here are the best things to do on your next trip to Palm Springs.
When to Go
Depending on how relaxed or jam-packed you want your weekend to be in Palm Springs, here are some key dates that you will want to take note of.
Peak Season: January through April
Off Season: May through September
BNP Paribas Open: March 4-17 2019
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival: April 12-14 and 19-21 2019
Stagecoach Country Musical Festival: April 26- 28 2019
White Party Palm Springs: April 26-29 2019
Palm Springs International Film Festival: January 2020, specific dates TBD
Modernism Week: February 13-23 2020
Where to Stay
For the See-and-be-Seen: The Parker Palm Springs
Don't let the humble facade of the Parker Palm Springs fool you. As the venue for various events during the Palm Springs International Film Festival or Coachella Music Festival, the five-star hotel has always catered to an A-list crowd. The hotel is outfitted in '70s decor, designed by Jonathan Adler to complements its mod entrance and the hotel's famous Old-Hollywood ambiance. Don't forget to reserve a bungalow at the pool for the ultimate people watching and Slim Aarons experience.
For the Romantic Weekend: The Colony Palms Hotel
Get lost with your partner amongst the Colony Palms Hotel's charming hacienda, where the suites offer enough privacy you'll feel like you're on your own private estate.
For the Group Getaway: Colony 29
Whether it's girl's trip or family reunion create a private oasis for your group at Colony 29. Rent the main villa or a few of the smaller bungalows that are tucked into the side of the mountain within the former artist colony. Every accommodation is as luxurious as the next, just be sure to book in advance as its a popular venue for weddings and can book up.
What to Do
Take a Guided Tour
With so much history in Palm Springs it's no wonder there are tours catering to all sorts of interests. Ride inside a classic Jeep for an exploration of the San Andreas Fault (featuring a show-stopping desert sunset), hop aboard the Palm Springs Celebrity Grand Tour and visit the homes famous Palm Springs residents, or appreciate the area's modern architecture with interior and exterior access to homes by noted mid-century modern architects on the Modern Tour.
Book Now San Andreas Fault Sunset & Stargazing Jeep Tour, $160 per person for 3 hours
Book Now Palm Springs Celebrity Grand Tour, $54 per person for 2.5 hours tour
Book Now The Modern Tour, Reservations for up to six people start at $200 per person
Hike the Indian Canyons Trails
Work off yesterday's brunch and hit the hills. Indian Canyons has some of Palm Springs' best hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate experience levels. Offering stunning vistas and glimpses at the area's vegetation of wildlife– it's worth taking some time away from the pool for. The park's canyon is open daily from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. between October and July (see summer hours here) and there is a small fee to enter. Make sure to come prepared with plenty of water-it is the desert after all.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Explore the desert's vast wilderness at Joshua Tree National Park, a spot that earned its moniker from its unique and photogenic inhabitant, the Joshua Tree. At the park, which is about an hour outside of Palm Springs, spend the day hiking, rock climbing, camping, or even just observing it's natural splendor.
In order to maintain the park there is an entrance fee that varies based on how much time you are planning to spend there. Visit just for the day or stay overnight as the park allows camping and has a unique Airbnb option at Joshua Tree House.
Learn More Book Now The Joshua Tree House, $225 per night for 6 people
Ride the Aerial Tramway
Experience Coachella Valley's scenic vistas, sans incline, by taking the state park's aerial tramway to the summit. Watch from your comfortable cable car as you venture higher and higher to the peak of the mountain. Only a quick 10 minute ride, the park's two restaurants, cocktail lounge, observation decks, hiking trails, and attractions like the natural history museum await you. After experiencing damage during a winter storm, the trams are temporarily closed but will begin operating again on April 1st. Tickets are available at the tramway or for purchase in advance.
Learn More Book Now Peaks Restaurant; Reservations are recommended.
Visit Sunnylands Estate
A post shared by Sunnylands (@sunnylands) on Oct 21, 2018 at 9:39am PDT
Previously owned by Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, the Sunnyland Estate has become one of Palm Springs' most iconic mid-century modern homes. Explore the house with an interior tour, wander through the sculpture and plant gardens on the vast 200 acres property, or grab a bite to eat at their outdoor cafe. Tickets are required for house and garden tours, but the grounds are free of admission from 8:30 am to 4pm Wednesday through Sunday.
Hit the Links
Whether a golf professional or novice, there's nothing more beautiful than soaking in the desert sun on the fairways. The 18 hole course at Escena Golf Club is rated sixth in California's public courses by the PGA and offers instructional lessons, a selection of tee times from 7am to 9 pm (Wednesday- Saturday), and full-service dining at their mid-century modern clubhouse. Fore!
Where to Eat
Norma's at the Parker Palm Springs
If you're not a guest at the Parker Palm Springs, dining at one of their posh restaurants is an absolute must. Norma's, the open-air terrace restaurant at the Parker, is open all day and serves up everything from fluffy blueberry pancakes to cheesy lobster macaroni.
Book Now 4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr; 760-770-5000
King's Highway
A post shared by King's Highway & Amigo Room (@kingshighwaydiner) on Jan 19, 2019 at 11:01am PST
Embrace the retro vibe of Palm Springs by visiting King's Highway, a roadside diner and former Denny's restaurant that's now apart of the Ace Hotel and Swim Club. Step onto the linoleum floors at one of hottest eateries in town, which is known for its high-quality Californian cuisine and an Instagram-friendly atmosphere.
Book Now 701 E Palm Canyon Dr; 760-969-5777
Cheeky's
A breakfast to reckon with! #breakfast #cheekysps #dineGPS ??: @audrey.e.ma
A post shared by Cheeky's (@cheekysps) on Jan 17, 2019 at 9:30am PST
Read Reviews 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr; 760-327-7595
It's hard to find a place where the brunch scene is more vibrant than Palm Spring-and a favorite spot for people to score their mimosa and frittata is Cheeky's. It's all day breakfast menu changes every week but one guaranteed staple to try is their ingenious Bacon Flight (yes, it's as amazing as it sounds). They don't take reservations and there is usually a line, but it is well worth the wait.
4 Saints
Book Now100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, 760-392-2020
For a chic and upscale dinner, be sure to reserve a table at 4 Saints. Its modern decor is edgy yet elegant, which sets the mood for their gourmet creations like the Santa Barbara Uni. The cherry on top? The restaurant's jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the San Jacintos mountains.
Le Vallauris
Book Now 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way; 760-325-5059
Enjoy the low key and elegant setting of Le Vallauris' outdoor patio, which just so happens to have been the hangout for stars such as Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and more. For an extravagant occasion, dine off of the restaurant's degustation menu and enjoy a selection of caviars.
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