Shop, Sip and Stroll Your Way Down This Desert Promenade
Is your desert girlsā trip finally making it out of the group chat? Then this oneās for you! If you havenāt spent a full day shopping, sipping and strolling through The Shops on El Paseo, youāre seriously missing out. Think luxury boutiques, chic brunch spots, art galleries and stylish cafĆ©sāall in one walkable hotspot. Whether youāre in the mood to splurge on designer sunnies, sip martinis at sunset, or find the perfect home decor piece, this itinerary is serving major galsā day inspo.
So grab your besties and clear your calendarāthis Palm Desert El Paseo itinerary is for the girls!
10 a.m.
Babes Brunch at Daily Grill
Weāre kicking off this day the right way: brunch with a side of gossip at Daily Grill (now under new management!). This spot is a total vibeāupscale, cozy and full of made-from-scratch deliciousness. Start with a round of mimosas and then indulge in weekend brunch offerings like the filet mignon steak and eggs or blackberry brioche French toast. Whatever you pick to nosh on, pair it with a mimosa (or threeāwe wonāt judge).
11:30 a.m.
Pick out a New Pair of Sunnies at āOliver Peoples
Now itās time for a little retail therapy because nothing says āmain character energyā like a new pair of designer shades. The Oliver Peoples boutique is the place to score handcrafted, celeb-approved sunglasses that youāll wear for years. The best part? Theyāre designed in Southern California, meaning the brand just gets it when it comes to that effortless desert-chic aesthetic.
12:30 p.m.
Shop for Athleisure at Vuori
Your gym clothes? They deserve an upgrade. Enter: Vuori, the Encinitas-based athleisure brand thatās basically wearable butter. Their performance joggers? Life-changing. Need a cute new set for pilates? Youāll find it here. Even if youāre just in it for the comfy-cozy airport fits, Vuori is chefās kiss when it comes to workout apparel and loungewear.
1:30 p.m.
Quick Lunch at Shake Shack (new!)
At this point, itās time to refuelāso a quick and casual lunch at the newly opened Shake Shack on El Paseo is necessary. This isnāt just any burger joint; itās a cult favorite known for its juicy Angus beef burgers, crispy crinkle fries and thick, hand-spun milkshakes (yes, weāre getting the black truffle burger and Thai iced tea shake). Pro tip: grab a table on the patio at this El Paseo restaurant for some prime people-watching.
3 p.m.
Shop for Home Furnishings and Art
Now that weāve secured new fits, itās time to give our spaces a little love. Whether youāre looking to upgrade your living room, add a touch of culture to your walls or simply get inspired, this trio of stops at The Shops on El Paseo is a must for any design-loving girlie. Start at Roche Bobois, a French luxury furniture boutique known for its bold, modern pieces and collaborations with design icons like Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix Maison. Next, head to Skidmore Contemporary Art, a gallery celebrating California-based realist and photorealist painters. The pieces here are bright, expressive and endlessly coolāperfect for anyone looking to add a fresh, West Coast aesthetic to their home. Finally, wander into Dawson Cole Fine Art, a gallery showcasing an impressive collection of sculptures, unique prints and rare works from art-world legends like Pablo Picasso, Chuck Close and Hunt Slonem.
5/18
5 p.m.
Cocktails nā Yap at Porta Via
Itās officially 5 o’clock, which means itās time to toast to a successful girlsā day on El Paseo in Palm Desert with cocktails at Porta Via. Known for its seasonal, farm-to-table menu and an expertly curated wine selection, this El Paseo restaurant is the epitome of casual eleganceāthink warm wood interiors, sleek marble accents and a patio thatās perfect for golden hour sipping. Whether youāre craving something crisp and refreshing or smooth and spirit-forward, the cocktail menu has options for every mood. Our go-to? A perfectly chilled Pali Spritz for that just-got-back-from-Europe vibe or a dirty martini with extra olives (because weāre classy like that).
6:30 p.m.
Girl Dinner at ShorebirdĀ
To close out this iconic girlsā day, weāre stepping into beach house bliss at Shorebird. This airy, modern eatery feels like it was pulled straight from a Nancy Meyers movie. Think bright, breezy interiors, crisp white accents and a laid-back yet upscale atmosphere that instantly puts you in vacation mode. At the heart of the menu is the wood-fire grill, where premium cuts and fresh seafood are cooked over an open flame.
If youāre craving something hearty, the Faroe Islands Salmon Mignonāperfectly seared and served with seasonal accompanimentsāis always a hit. For something more social, grab a round of sushi rolls at half price during happy hour, or go all in on an oyster bar experience, where you can sip crisp white wine while indulging in the freshest shucked-to-order selections. Shorebird is the perfect final stop on El Paseoābecause every girlsā day deserves a āgirl dinnerā moment.
