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Local Love & Wanderlust | Cleveland-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Local Love & Wanderlust | Cleveland-Based Travel & Lifestyle Blog

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Palm Springs Travel Guide

Destinations, Guides

Pool scene at Palm Springs Alcazar Hotel

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.

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A black hat that says Palm Spraaangs

Palm Springs Travel Guide Highlights

  1. It’s a mid-century haven, therefore you’ll see the influence of this popular, historic style everywhere you look.
  2. Discover the world’s first Cactarium, a greenhouse filled with rare and unique cacti and succulents.
  3. Surrounded by Mountains, a desert oasis, and a National Park that is certainly one of the most unique.
  4. And lastly, a popular roadside attraction featuring 2 dinosaurs featured in cult-famous movies is just 20 mins outside of town.
Palm Springs cactus against pink wall

Where To Stay
Palm Springs Travel Guide

The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs

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.

Pool scene at Palm Springs Alcazar Hotel

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.

Sign at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs

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.

The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs
The Saguaro
The Saguaro Hotel pool Palm Springs
The Saguaro
The Saguaro Hotel pool Palm Springs
The Saguaro

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 Hotel Palm Springs
The Alcazar
The Alcazar Hotel bathroom Palm Springs
The Alcazar
The Alcazar Hotel Palm Springs
The Alcazar
The Alcazar Hotel pool Palm Springs

The Alcazar

Breakfast & Brunch Spots
Palm Springs Travel Guide

Cheeky’s

Visit Site

Yummy breakfast options and if you’re into bacon, surely you’ll love the bacon flight.

Wilma & Frieda’s

Visit Site

A cute little spot that above all has pretty good basic breakfast offerings.

Elmer’s

Visit Site

This place has some old-school Denny’s vibes and is also known for its German Pancakes.

Kings Highway

Visit Site

Another trendy restaurant with a cute interior and a pretty decent breakfast.

Breakfast food spread at Cheeky's Palm Springs
Cheeky’s
Wilma & Freda's breakfast in Palm Springs
Wilma & Freda’s
Moorten Botanical Gardens Cactarium

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

Moorten Botanical Gardens Cactarium
Moorten Botanical Gardens

To learn more, check out my post on the Moorten Botanical Garden here

Woman standing in Joshua Tree National Park

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

Man standing in front of rocks in Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park

Visit my post on A November Day in Joshua Tree National Park to learn more

Joshua Tree National Park
Cabazon Dinosaurs in California

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

T-rex in Cabazon Dinosaurs in California
Me for scale
Inside t-rex mouth Cabazon Dinosaurs in California
Inside T-Rex’s Mouth

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.

Cabazon Dinosaurs in California

Lunch & Dinner Spots
Palm Springs Travel Guide

Birba

Visit Site

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.

La Bonitas

Visit Site

A small family-owned restaurant with undoubtedly tasty homemade Mexican food

Guacamoles

Visit Site

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

Visit Site

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

Pasta at Birba
Birba
Burger and Fries at Kings Highway
Kings Highway
Palm Springs cacti
Family hiking the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs

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

Oasis in Indian Canyons in Palm Springs
Rocks meeting palm trees in Indian Canyons in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Palm Springs Aerial Tram

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

Mount San Jacinto
Looking down Mount San Jacinto

Sweets & Treats Spots
Palm Springs Travel Guide

Great Shakes

Visit Site

Milkshake shop with many options and toppings, therefore giving you many options to enjoy.

Kreem

Visit Site

Ice cream is made in-house with vegan coconut-based flavors.

Lappert’s Ice Cream

Visit Site

Premium ice cream in many flavors, specifically known for their dole soft serve and date shakes.

Ice Cream & Shoppe

Visit Site

Ice cream and gift shop attached to the Arrive Hotel.

The Pink Door House in Palm Springs

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

Palm Springs Home
Party Lions
Palm Springs Home
Pink House
Pool at night with floats

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

  • Andreas Canyon, An Easy Desert Hike in Palm Springs, California
  • Moorten Botanical Garden & Cactarium
  • A November Day in Joshua Tree National Park

Find more content like this under: Destinations, Guides, California, Palm Springs

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Hi, I'm Jen - a Cleveland-based photographer, designer, and content creator with a love for travel and my hometown. I share curated travel guides, inspiring itineraries, business and restaurant spotlights, hiking-focused outdoor content and all the best things to do in Cleveland showing you why it, too, is a travel-worthy destination.
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@localloveandwanderlust

Shop Small in Cleveland This Weekend! (& beyond) Shop Small in Cleveland This Weekend! (& beyond)

To celebrate #smallbusinesssaturday, I’ve updated my huge list of local shops to help you find the best gifts ever this year, plus, you get to help support a small, local business. It’s a win-win. 

Before we get going, if you’re new here, hi & welcome! Don’t forget to follow me at @localloveandwanderlust where I help you discover awesome things to do in Cleveland and beyond. 

Now, to get the list you can find it linked in my bio, or, if you comment “I shop small” I can DM you the link + a list of the Instagram accounts of all the shops listed so you can easily follow them. (If you have a private account send me a DM so I can message you back ☺️)

Don’t forget to…
🪩 SAVE this post to reference later

🪩 SHARE with a friend

🪩 TAG your fave shops to give them extra love

Featured shops in this post: @citygoodscle @oceannejewelry @the_druzy_dreamer @shoresociety @coolworldcle @flowerchildcle @shopbanyantree @homefortheholidayslakewood @theprintshoponwolf 

#thisiscle #shopsmall #shoplocal #cleveland #ohio #locallove #ohiotheheartofitall #clevelandblogger #smallbusiness #supportlocal #clevelandpopupshops #ohioblogger #ontheblog
🎅❄️🎄 Its officially Christmas Bar season 🎅❄️🎄 Its officially Christmas Bar season in Cleveland!

✨Christmas Explosion✨at Rollhouse Mentor’s Bomb Bar is now open!

#hosted | we were invited to a sneak peek at the this over-the-top seasonal bar and It’s a Christmas-lovers dream.

🪩 be sure to follow me at @localloveandwanderlust for more holiday fun, things to do in Cleveland, and awesome travel inspiration 🪩

Christmas Explosion has over 4000 ornaments hang from the ceiling, and every inch of the space is full of holiday decor sure to fill you with a festive feeling.

They have a menu of seasonally-themed cocktails and beer on draft and some other sweet treats. (I had the White Christmas!)

Lots of games set up from shuffleboard, giant tic tac toe, connect four, and Jenga, and lots of space for your friends and fam to hang out, take Christmas themed photos and selfies, and more.

Save & share this post with someone who would love to visit!

The details:
👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly until 9pm, then it’s 21+
📆 Opens on 11/11 - full schedule on their website
📍 7300 Palisades Parkway, Mentor, Ohio 44060

#remarkablelakecounty #mentorohio #thisiscle #ohiotheheartofitall #xmasbar #christmasbar #clevelandthingstodo #popupbar #clevelandblogger #ohioblogger
Try This: A Night Hike 🌙✨🥾 Enjoy the magic Try This: A Night Hike 🌙✨🥾 Enjoy the magic of hiking at night in Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest Reservation. 

(((But first, don’t forget to follow @localloveandwanderlust  where I share more awesome things to do in 📍Cleveland, Ohio, and Beyond ✈️ )))

Complete your evening and have dinner at Biga Wood Fired Pizzeria and a treat at Kirtland Creamery (open till December), both just minutes from the park.

Tag someone you think would enjoy the darkness and sounds of the night along this well-lit, easy-to-moderate hike in NE Ohio, and be sure to save this post to remember to visit, you have from now until mid-March next year!

📍9938 Chillicothe Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
🌳 Arbor Lane Loop Trail near Hobart Road entrance
🥾 Easy-Moderate, 1.25-mile loop with some uphill walking on compacted gravel/dirt, (Want to find the wooden bridge? Take the connector trail)
⛷Great for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
🔥 On the walk back you may pass a picnic shelter with a fire going near a volleyball court, perfect to get warmed up.
⏰ Dusk till 11 p.m.
📆 Now through mid-March

#lakemetroparks #thisiscle #clevelandthingstodo #northeastohio #nighthike #chapinforestreservation #optoutside #clevelandblogger #ohiohiking #ohioexplored #ohio #naturalohio #remarkablelakecountyoh #beautiful_ohio_scenes #bestofthebuckeyestate @lakemetroparks
✨🍁 Farewell for now, October 🍁✨ It was ✨🍁 Farewell for now, October 🍁✨

It was a good month filled with some new, some old, and lots of fun. A few highlights:

• Hocking Hills during peak fall for the first time 🍂🥾
• Explored lovely waterfalls at Bedford Reservation @clevemetroparks 💦
• Corn & Pumpkins at @szalays_farm_market 🌽🎃
• Lake Erie sunsets 😍
• Fun cookie decorating class with mom
• Found a new hidden gem cocktail bar @the_spirit_roomcle inside @wizbang_circus_theatre on Cleveland’s east side🎪***
• Had so much fun at @enter.otherworld in Columbus
• Fun Halloween cocktails at @blitzenspopupbar 
• Delicious small plates and drinks at @baramazonia that opened in October 🤍***
• My attempt at making a ghost painting on my iPad on the Cleveland Script Sign, inspired by a Reel @thisiscle shared a few weeks ago. (Kinda rushed it, but cute!)

Here’s to lots more fun and adventure in November (and maybe some rest, too 💤)

*** These visits were kindly #hosted by the tagged accounts
#cleveland #columbus #hockinghills #octoberfun #fallincleveland #monthlywrapup #ohiotheheartofitall #otherworld #clevelandblogger #ohioblogger
✨UNIQUE THEATRE & COCKTAIL BAR EXPERIENCE✨ Wi ✨UNIQUE THEATRE & COCKTAIL BAR EXPERIENCE✨

Wizbang! Circus Theatre + The Spirit Room is a very unique hidden gem in the Cleveland Heights area, just about 25 minutes east of Downtown Cleveland. #hosted 

I had so much fun during my recent visit that I had to share this interesting space with all of you. (I can’t wait to come back!)

But first, save this post so you remember to visit and be sure to follow @localloveandwanderlust for more adventures in Cleveland Ohio & Travel.

Celebrating its 10th year, the theatre had its beginnings as a pop-up and at the Cleveland Public Theatre. Imagined by Jason & Danielle Tilk (aka Pinch & Squeal) You’ll find a wide variety of acts from circus performances, cocktail choirs, spooky movies, music, and so much more. Plus, the recently opened Spirit Room serves up delicious drinks in a sparkly and vintage-inspired cocktail bar connected to the theatre.

I attended their recent show featuring Dr. Zachariah’s Terrortorium and had an entertaining evening of vintage Halloween & horror clips and movies mixed with some crowd interaction. It was a lot of fun and I highly recommend checking it out. 

There is one more showing of Dr. Zachariah’s Terrortorium coming up this Thursday, October 26th. Seating is limited so check out their website for tickets asap.

P.S. this isn’t a Halloween pop up, but a permanent theater & cocktail bar! Be sure to follow @wizbang_circus_theatre and @the_spirit_roomcle to learn about upcoming events.

Tag in the comments or share with someone who would love this place!

📍2134 Lee Road Cleveland Heights Ohio 44118

#thisiscle #cleveland #clevelandheights #wizbangtheatre #wizbabgcircus #hiddengem #ohio #ohiotheheartofitall #thespiritroom #cocktailbar #varietyshow #varietyshow

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