Forget the long weekend, busy bees! Palm Springs does desert chic in 24 hours flat.
We’ve got your stay, slay, and fuel all mapped out. Think poolside paradise, art scene adventures, and a taste of the local foodie haven. A-listers flock to Palm Springs for a reason, and you’re about to find out why!
STAY
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Forget the poolside fight for a spot! Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs has the Coachella Valley’s only rooftop oasis all to itself. Imagine dipping your toes in refreshing water with panoramic mountain views and a craft cocktail in hand. This isn’t just any pool; it’s a scene-stealer. Located on top of the swanky Kimpton Rowan, it shares space with the trendy 4 Saints restaurant serving up seasonal delights. But the luxury doesn’t stop there. Descend from your poolside paradise to 153 mid-century modern suites. Each is a masterpiece with blue-tiled accents, chic lighting, and spa-worthy showers. Indulge in the Insta-worthy lobby lounge. Pamper yourself with in-room spa services. Soak in the endless mountain views. This is Palm Springs living at its finest!
Casa Cody
Calling all desert divas! Casa Cody, the oldest dame in Palm Springs (and proudly female-founded!), is where old-school charm meets modern glam. Think organic textures, local finds, and zero pretension. Each white-washed casita hides behind a curtain of pink bougainvillea, whisking you away to a Spanish revivalist dream. The details are divine. Parachute Home linens, vintage art, and chic Zellige-tiled kitchenettes make your stay feel effortlessly posh. Plus, Spanish-style doors lead directly from their farm-fresh mercantile to the Market Pool. It’s the ideal spot for a poolside latte under a scalloped umbrella. Local tip: Casa Cody’s charming neighborhood is also home to the epic Mojave Flea Market and the vibrant Palm Springs VillageFest.
Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
Trade the desert heat for island time at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs! This tropical escape boasts two refreshing pools and the largest resort spa in town. Lush greenery and tropical vibes will transport you straight to the Riviera Maya. Choose from Paradise or Palm Suites, or splurge on the two-level Jimmy Buffet villa. Each boasts island-inspired decor, comfy furnishings, and private balconies. Grab a signature “Pink Cadillac” cocktail from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, snag a poolside chaise lounge, and soak up the sunshine.
Life House Palm Springs
Life House Palm Springs isn’t your average hotel – it’s a real-life Pinterest board come to life! This serene escape blends right into the vibrant art scene with nearby galleries, music venues, and markets. Step inside and be greeted by a calming fusion of Japanese and East Asian design. Think sage green walls, burnt orange accents, and rooms featuring chic burlwood tables, soft revival linens, and luxurious rain showers. But it gets better! Mīnerva’s Pool House fuels your day with healthy, plant-based delights. This all-day eatery sits poolside, so you can go from a refreshing dip to a guilt-free lunch. Don’t forget to explore the on-site apothecary and artfully curated clubhouse.
DINE + DRINK
Trio Restaurant
Uptown Palm Springs staple Trio (inside the iconic Turonnet building) is back and better than ever! This year’s refresh brings a sleek new look and a menu focused on seasonal, local ingredients. Expect fresh dishes like pork belly rice salad, heirloom tomato burrata, and zesty halibut ceviche. Pair your meal with a perfect wine or a creative cocktail. Try the whiskey Uptown Lemonade or floral Flower Sour!
Wilma & Frieda
Clandestino
Craving sophisticated Mexican? Clandestino, the “moody sister” of local fave Tac/Quila, delivers! This downtown gem boasts mountain views and a menu that’s both familiar and adventurous. Fresh seafood and elevated classics like cochinita pibil round out the experience. Don’t forget the craft cocktails — the vibrant energy here extends to every detail!
Boozehounds
Calling all canine companions! Boozehounds in Palm Springs lets your furry BFF join the fun. This dog-friendly spot offers yummy pup plates and a menu bursting with seasonal flavors for humans. Enjoy shared plates and creative cocktails in the stylish dining room, open-air atrium, or the pawsome cabana bar and patio.
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
Craving a taste of Scandinavia meets Japan? Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey elevates your sushi experience with Chef Engin Onural’s award-winning creations. Think Venue Rolls bursting with tuna, salmon, and tobiko, or black mussels steamed in a fragrant miso-sake broth. Pair your meal with a standout Japanese whiskey. Grab your friends and share the deliciousness!
Truss & Twine
Wrap up your Palm Springs adventure in style at Truss & Twine! This swanky bar celebrates the art of the cocktail,offering everything from timeless classics to playful concoctions. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or adventurous, their menu promises a delicious trip down memory lane (or a boozy adventure!).
Las Palmas Brewing
Need a relaxed spot to unwind? Las Palmas Brewing is your oasis! This family-owned gem offers farmhouse ales, unfiltered IPAs, and classic lagers, all on rotating taps to keep things fresh. Plus, it’s BYOF (bring your own food!), making it the perfect casual hangout. Catch a buzz, relax, and soak in the laid-back Palm Springs vibes.
SHOP
Mojave Flea Trading Post
Calling all shopaholics! The Mojave Flea Trading Post is a 10,000 square foot haven for local artisans and vintage finds. Founder James Morelos turned a pop-up success story into a brick-and-mortar dream, offering a treasure trove of unique items. Imagine browsing handmade dresses, artwork, accessories, and home decor, all displayed alongside rotating art exhibits. Find the perfect something special for yourself or a one-of-a-kind gift.
Thick as Thieves
This little boutique is your one-stop shop for beating the heat in style. Think Western hats, vintage tees, and earthy scents to match the desert landscape. We’re loving the Kelly + Jones Mezcal Roja Eau De Parfum, a fragrance that blends smoky mezcal with desert flowers and minerals. It might just be the coolest boutique in Palm Springs!
The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five
Calling all fashionistas and design devotees! The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five is your Palm Springs shopping haven. This iconic pink mid-century modern building houses 14 independent boutiques, each overflowing with unique treasures. Picture this: finding the perfect poolside outfit, scoring one-of-a-kind jewelry, or snagging some statement planters for your home. From vintage Murano glass to handcrafted pieces and coveted mid-century furniture, this swoon-worthy collective has it all.
DO
Palm Springs Art Museum
Escape the desert heat and explore the “Meditations in Glass” exhibit at the Palm Springs Art Museum! This stunning showcase (open until February 2025) features both permanent collection pieces and works by contemporary artists, all crafted from the unexpected medium of glass. Prepare to be mesmerized as glass transcends the ordinary, transforming into a canvas for metaphor and imagination. Each delicate piece invites contemplation and daydreams, offering a fresh perspective on this everyday material. Local tip: Don’t miss free admission every Thursday night from 5-8 pm!
Palm Springs VillageFest
Thursday nights in Palm Springs sizzle with the vibrant Palm Springs VillageFest! This bustling street fair transforms downtown Palm Canyon Drive into a pedestrian paradise from 6-10 pm. Stroll through a marketplace overflowing with the best the Coachella Valley has to offer. Find unique art, handcrafted designs, and local entertainment alongside fresh produce, flowers, and delicious food vendors. There’s something for everyone at VillageFest.
Reforma Palm Springs
Reforma Palm Springs isn’t your average restaurant. By day, it’s a place to savor delicious food in a dramatic setting. But as the sun sets, the transformation begins! This hotspot morphs into Palm Springs’ premier nightclub, pulsating with live DJs and dancing revelers. Think supper club vibes, where you can seamlessly transition from a decadent meal to the dance floor. Ample space means there’s room for everyone to groove all night long. A state-of-the-art sound system and eye-catching light shows keep the energy high. Craving a more relaxed atmosphere? The private lounge and bar area offers a perfect escape.
The Movie Colony
Palm Springs’ Movie Colony, developed in the 1930s and ’40s, offers a self-guided tour through Hollywood’s golden age. See the former homes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Cary Grant! This upscale area was a playground for the stars, and its unique blend of modern architecture and timeless glamour continues to attract visitors worldwide. Craft your own itinerary and explore the neighborhood’s hidden gems. We’re talking celebrity homes, vintage hotels, intimate restaurants frequented by stars (past and present!), and green parks perfect for a shady escape. The Movie Colony promises a glimpse into a bygone era of Hollywood magic. Grab a map, channel your inner stargazer, and explore!
