Palm Springs Travel Guide
My Palm Springs Travel Guide will share the best things to do in this desert oasis with major mid-century vibes that will undoubtedly be your new favorite destination. I will share what to do and where to stay, also restaurants you’ve got to try. Keep reading for more on this chill desert town.
Palm Springs Travel Guide Highlights
- It’s a mid-century haven, therefore you’ll see the influence of this popular, historic style everywhere you look.
- Discover the world’s first Cactarium, a greenhouse filled with rare and unique cacti and succulents.
- Surrounded by Mountains, a desert oasis, and a National Park that is certainly one of the most unique.
- And lastly, a popular roadside attraction featuring 2 dinosaurs featured in cult-famous movies is just 20 mins outside of town.
Where To Stay
Palm Springs Travel Guide
The Saguaro
Rainbows galore
1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
The Saguaro (pronounced suh-waa-row) hotel is also well known for its bright, poppy rainbow colors.
The Alcazar
neutral & bright
622 N. Palm Canyon Dr.
Minimalistic and bright, this hotel is also the epitome of relaxation. I especially love the pool area with mountain views.
The Ace Hotel
trendy & unique
701 East Palm Canyon Dr.
Unique, rustic, and clean. This undeniably popular hotel chain is also a swim club you can visit, even if you’re not staying.
Other hotels on my to-stay list are Kimpton Rowan, Sparrow’s Lodge, Fleur Noir Hôtel, Holiday House, Casa Cody, Korakia Pensione, Les Cactus, Sacred Haven Joshua Tree, and lastly, The Parker.
The Alcazar
Breakfast & Brunch Spots
Palm Springs Travel Guide
Cheeky’s
Yummy breakfast options and if you’re into bacon, surely you’ll love the bacon flight.
Wilma & Frieda’s
A cute little spot that above all has pretty good basic breakfast offerings.
Elmer’s
This place has some old-school Denny’s vibes and is also known for its German Pancakes.
Kings Highway
Another trendy restaurant with a cute interior and a pretty decent breakfast.
Visit Moorten Botanical Garden & Cactarium
If you are into cacti, succulents, and all kinds of unique desert plants, surely you will love Moorten Botanical Garden & Cactarium. In addition, the famous “Cactarium” greenhouse with amazing cactus plants in it can be found here, too. Undeniably, the perfect for that next Instagram photo.
Visit | 1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive
To learn more, check out my post on the Moorten Botanical Garden here
Explore Joshua Tree National Park
Do you love unique cacti, weird rock formations, and especially the vast openness of the desert,? Joshua Tree National Park is another perfect desert visit just an hour outside of Palm Springs.
Visit | West Entrance Station Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Visit my post on A November Day in Joshua Tree National Park to learn more
Take A Selfie With The Cabazon Dino’s
If these guys look familiar to you it’s because you may remember them from two great movies from the 1980s. Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and The Wizard, are equally amazing cult-following movies. These dinos have become more and more popular over the years, undoubtedly increasing visitation since the 1980s. The tourist stop has added attractions and because of increased tourism, they even paint the dinos to align with select holidays and occasions throughout the year.
Visit | 50700 Seminole Dr. roughly 25 minutes North West of Palm Springs
Presently, there is an additional museum extending past the two large dinos. Inside, there were animatronics and smaller dinos along with signage surprisingly explaining their belief that man existed with dinosaurs according to science and the bible. It is still entertaining to visit, even if this is not your belief.
Lunch & Dinner Spots
Palm Springs Travel Guide
Birba
My favorite pasta dish pappardelle bolognese was on the menu so I had to get it, also, we got a pizza and both were so delicious it was hard to not just eat here every night we were there.
Guacamoles
Another good Mexican place we found, brought back food, and regardless of inside seating, we ate outside at a picnic table at our hotel.
Al Dente
An Italian spot that’s not as trendy as some restaurants, hence it appeared to have an older crowd. Nonetheless, the food was pretty good, though.
Also check out Workshop Kitchen & Bar, Farm, Counter-Reformation, El Jefe Desert Cantina, Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, The Pantry at Holiday House, 4 Saints, Azúcar, The Barn Kitchen, The Pink Cabana, and Blackbook
Hike The Indian Canyons Oasis
Just on the edge of Palm Springs is the Indian Canyons. A secluded, beautiful landscape of the world’s second-largest California Fan Palm Oasis surrounds Andreas creek on one side and some seriously alien-looking rock formations on the other. This fairly easy hike only takes about 30-40 minutes and despite a 200-foot elevation, we found it pretty easy and enjoyable.
Visit | 38500 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs
Check out my post on the Andreas Canyon hike within Indian Canyons
Ride The Palm Springs Aerial Tram
The Aerial Tram is a really fun way to experience Palm Springs, because not only is it a ride, it takes you to the top of a mountain. Regardless of being in the desert, the swift and extreme elevation change to the top of Mount San Jacinto will be a chilly one. The tram slowly spins around, therefore giving you amazing 360-degree views of the mountain, Palm Springs, and the Coachella Valley beyond.
Visit | 1 Tramway Road
Sweets & Treats Spots
Palm Springs Travel Guide
Great Shakes
Milkshake shop with many options and toppings, therefore giving you many options to enjoy.
Lappert’s Ice Cream
Premium ice cream in many flavors, specifically known for their dole soft serve and date shakes.
Palm Springs House & Door Tour
The Pink Door was the most popular photo hot spot, however, due to the increased visitation the property now has signs to keep off the property. It’s fun to drive around town and admire the beautiful, Mid-Century style homes and unique doors which undeniably make for fun photos!
Visit | Various locations throughout Palm Springs
Swim Late Night And Stare At The Stars
I tend to avoid the bright sun and am not a big fan of swimming with other people which is why I love being in pools in Palm Springs. Depending on the hotel, the pool hours may go late into the night which gives you the opportunity to float in the pool and look at the starry desert night sky or soak your bones in the hot tub after a day of hiking in nature. Late night is my favorite time to be at the pool. The desert night is cool and breezy, meanwhile giving you the perfect book reading environment.
More Palm Springs Posts We Think You’ll Love
Leave a Reply