Come with me to Palm Springs, CA!
I’m not one to really enjoy the sun or super hot weather, BUT if you go to Palm Springs at the right time of year—before it gets to the triple digits—it really is a magical place. There’s something about all the mid-century homes, and the nostalgia around the city that just screams old Hollywood to me. We’ve been visiting Palm Springs for many years now and I like to think I’ve developed a great list of fantastic places to eat, drink, stay and do there.
“Palm Springs is my favorite oasis. It’s where I go to pause, breathe, and find my center.” — Frank Sinatra
Where to Stay:
Ace hotel and Swim Club
Central to the city and just a beautiful property, you really can’t go wrong here. The pool is huge and the rooms are really nice. The restaurant on property, King’s Highway is one of my favorite places to eat while visiting. More on that later though!
the saguaro
A great mid-price point hotel without a lot of frills but it’s great and gets the job done. There are always awesome deals and the location is perfect. Really central to the city. It’s also a colorful property with lots of photo opportunities if that’s what you’re into!
thompson Palm Springs
A four-star hotel right in the center of downtown. You can walk to so many great shops and places to eat. The rooftop pool is awesome with amazing views. Bar Issi is worth checking out, not only for the beautiful decor, but incredible drinks and food. It’s a whole vibe!
Trixie motel
If you’re a fan of drag race and love lots of fun colorful decor and want to stay at a trendy spot, then this place is for you! Not a huge property but each room has a unique theme and is decorated to the nines. A fun place to visit at least once. Just note that they do not have 2003 Dom Perignon.
luxe Villa (Airbnb)
Just recently stayed at this Airbnb for a week for my wedding anniversary and I have to tell you, it’s one of the best places I’ve stayed in Palm Springs. The house is beautiful and huge with everything you need for a relaxing getaway. The pool and spa are incredible and makes you feel like you stepped into a dream.
Casa Angela (Airbnb)
I’ve stayed at this Airbnb so many times, I’ve lost track. Fabrizio the host is amazing. He’ll always welcome you with some snacks and a bottle of sparkling wine. The house is clean, spacious and the pool is incredible. I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s a mid-century oasis.
Where to Eat:
The Heyday
Think Shake Shack but elevated and even more delicious. One of, if not my favorite, places to eat in Palm Springs. Simple menu but done really well. The space is so cute too. Did I mention they make amazing martinis? They also offer a martini and burger special worth getting and don’t miss out on the late nite fries or their chicken wings!
Mr. Lyons Steakhouse
An old-school steakhouse with a modern twist. The bar area inside is dark and dreamy. The food—you won’t get a bad dish I promise. Start with the shrimp cocktail, then do the iconic wedge salad, move on to their steak or Korean fried chicken and add some sides like their mac and cheese or fries and you’ll be set. The drinks are delicious too. Might I recommend a cosmopolitan?
Bar cecil
It’s hard to get a reservation here. I recommend checking back constantly and setting up an alert so you stay on top of it. When you do finally get it, it’s 100% worth it. Just please sit inside if possible. It’s a beautiful space. The martinis are exceptionally made and the food is to die for. The steak frites and shrimp cocktail are a must.
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
Concrete, modern, cold (in a cool way) and incredible menu. That’s what you’ll find here and you won’t be disappointed. If you can score a both, rather than their communal table in the middle, you’ll be set. The menu changes seasonally but their pork belly fried rice is not to be missed!
El Salvador Cafe
A simple, down-to-earth, stripmall hole-in-the-wall worth checking out. The pupusas are some of the best I’ve ever had. There are so many different flavors to choose from and the fried yucca with pork is something I still dream about. Bonus: next door is a Peruvian place that is also incredible.
King’s Highway
As promised more on this amazing diner attached to the Ace Hotel. It’s a beautiful mid-century diner with old-school charm. Not fancy or fussy but incredible food. The burger is delicious and the nachos are surprisingly so good. Breakfast is also one of the best diner meals you’ll get there.
Where to Drink:
Truss & Twine
Located right next door to Workshop, it’s a classic cocktail bar that’s moody and spectacular. It offers drinks from in America from the Golden Ages through today’s modern classics. You can’t go wrong here.
The Tonga Hut
LA’s oldest tiki bar from 1958 has a location in Palm Springs that offers that classic vintage tiki bar charm. This one also has a great food menu so you can nosh and drink while enjoying that tiki life with friends.
Bootlegger Tiki
Continuing on our tiki journey, this place is a tiki hideaway. It sits behind a coffee shop and offers some of the best tiki drinks in the city. If you’re looking for a fun spot to grab a drink then this place is it. The cups some of the drinks are served in are so fun to see!
Las Palmas Brewing
A small local brewery specializing in lagers, unfiltered IPAs and farmhouse ales. It’s located in downtown so walking around after or before is a must. The place is small but a fun place to stop for a quick drink.
Boozehounds
Technically a restaurant BUT worth going just for drinks. It’s a huge beautiful space that just screams classic Palm Springs to me. They offer lunch, brunch and happy hour so I’m sure you’ll find something great to enjoy there any time of day.
Bar Issi
Another restaurant but with an absolutely beautiful bar. Sit at the bar and enjoy a drink or two. It’s located at the Thompson hotel complex so right in downtown. This place is a must visit when you’re in town.
What to Do:
Palm Springs Art Museum
A breathtaking space with amazing art. Now I’m not saying it’s loaded with famous pieces like The Met or anything, but you’d be surprised with what you can find here. This is a great place to stroll around and enjoy the air conditioning on a hot day. All while getting some culture in.
Palm Springs Air Museum
If you’re an airplane enthusiast like my husband, then you’ll love this museum. They have some pretty awesome WWII aircrafts on display in one of their 5 air-conditioned hangers. You can even book one of their warbird rides to really get the full experience.
The Living Desert zoo & Gardens
A fun small zoo and conservation where you can feed giraffes. The employees are friendly and the place is clean and kept really nicely. There are always fun events happening and some great animals to see.
Children’s Discovery Museum of the desert
I have a kid so had to include some kid friendly things to do. He’s obsessed with this place. He can run around and climb on things and do all sorts of different activities. Enjoy the AC while your kid(s) run around and you get to see them have lots of fun.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
It’s the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. Opened since 1963 and a great way to see some absolutely incredible views of the valley. It’s a 10 minute ride. There are two restaurants a lounge. You can hike, ski, camp or go on a guided nature walk.
Modernism Week
If you’re a lover of Mid-Century modern homes like I am, then this is a must. Visiting Palm Springs during Modernism Week is a rite of passage. It’s a week highlighting modern architecture, art, interior design, landscape design, and vintage culture in Palm Springs. There are tours, educational programs, and special events.
