Sunshine and Pool Time Are Just What the Doctor Ordered
Who hasn’t dreamed of slipping on a new swimsuit and lounging by a palm tree-lined pool with a cocktail in hand? We sure have! And if you’re itchin’ for some adventure, you’re in luck—Greater Palm Springs is calling your name! It’s time to pack your bags and experience the laid-back luxury of this sun-kissed oasis. From championship golf and poolside cocktails to open-air dining and world-class shopping, there’s a 100% chance you won’t ever want to leave. Here’s how to spend an action-packed 72 hours in Greater Palm Springs.
Day 1
Stay at Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert
One of the sleekest hotels in Palm Desert, Hotel Paseo is no slouch when it comes to first-class amenities. This midcentury modern-inspired retreat sits just steps away from Palm Desert’s El Paseo, so you can experience world-class shopping and still spend the rest of your day by the pool (with a cocktail in hand, of course).
Breakfast at Wilma & Frieda
For breakfast, head over to Wilma & Frieda’s outdoor patio, which is the perfect setting to watch the shop-lined street of El Paseo rise and shine. Known for its twist on old favorites, this charming cafe whips up a mean short-rib eggs Benedict, one of their crowd favorites. But before you go, be sure to order one of their housemade pop tarts—you won’t regret it.
Explore The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens continues to grow with exciting new exhibits and an abundance of educational opportunities. Head over to the new 4-acre Rhino Savanna, which is home to two black rhinos and 12 different African species! Visitors can also feed giraffes and embark on a private safari tour. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers a wonderfully wild experience for people of all ages!
Grab a Date Shake at Shields Date Garden
If you’ve ever wondered where a date—the kind you eat, not the kind you court—comes from, then add Shields Date Garden to your Greater Palm Springs itinerary. Talk a stroll through the grounds and sit at the theater to learn about the many types of dates that are cultivated here. Then visit the cafe and belly up to the 1960s original shake counter and indulge in what locals consider the official date shake of Riverside County.
Visit Old Town La Quinta
With its cobblestone sidewalks, white-washed adobe buildings, local boutiques and dreamy mountain views, it’s no wonder Old Town La Quinta is a popular place to spend a day. This enclave is often referred to as “the gem of the desert”—and for good reason. Peruse through the many boutiques, pamper yourself with a trip to the spa or salon and enjoy al fresco dining at one of the many charming Old Town restaurants!
Dine at RD RNNR
While in Old Town La Quinta, a visit to RD RNNR is top-of-list for dining. With drinks, pints and plates, this cozy neighborhood spot, which now sits in an upstairs space that overlooks a courtyard, invites you to settle in for a full-on craft American experience. Satisfying comfort food makes up the menu here, with hearty dishes like lamb chili, adult mac & cheese and a double-cut pork chop. Take note of the in-house art, and leave with some RD RNNR swag!
Enjoy a Nightcap at The Nest
With its classic decor and upbeat atmosphere, this nightlife venue is the perfect place to go for an after-dinner drink and some live music. Frankly, this is considered the “in” place to spend an evening if you want to see and experience the underrated nightlife scene of Greater Palm Springs.
Day 2
Stay at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
This 152-room, high-rise hotel in the heart of Palm Springs is as chic as it gets—and it’s even dog-friendly! Each room is outfitted with stylish furnishings and all the amenities you’ll need for a posh getaway. Head up to the rooftop, where you’ll find a pool, bar and restaurant and far-reaching views of the surrounding Coachella Valley. The best part? Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs lies in the heart of downtown, so you can easily experience the energetic vibe of the city.
Hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This 2.5-mile ride up the mountain takes 10 minutes and reaches an elevation of 8,516 feet. The tramway car rotates, offering a bird’s eye view of the valley below and a close look at the rock formations and flora that call the mountains home. At the top, explore the trails, museum and gift shop, and enjoy a cocktail at one of the mountaintop restaurants.
Dine at Delicias Mexican Cuisine
Born from memories of life below the border, Delicias Mexican Cuisine is an homage to the culture and cuisine of Mexico. This restaurant leaves no meal untouched throughout each day, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and street food-inspired snacks from morning to night. Sip on a house horchata and fill up with a pambazo—a traditional sandwich made with guajillo-soaked and toasted bread, stuffed with potatoes and chorizo and served with queso fresco.
Shop at The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five
Thankfully, this iconic Modernist building designed by E. Stewart Williams was preserved and repurposed. The building now houses 14 small luxury boutique stores and galleries. Shop everything from handmade pottery and Moroccan rugs to stylish hats and chic accessories. Trust us, you will want to take your time here.
Snag a Scoop at Ice Cream & Shop(pe)
Treat yourself to a scoop of pomegranate chip or vegan date ice cream from Ice Cream & Shop(pe) at ARRIVE Palm Springs. This local ice cream parlor and gift shop serves up an assortment of unique flavors like passion fruit, cappuccino crunch and more!
Relax at Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa
Soak and rejuvenate at this oasis in the heart of Desert Hot Springs! Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis offers an unbeatable spa experience with amenities like mineral water spas, a dry sauna, fire pits and breathtaking mountain views. Fresh mineral water emerges from the ground at 174 degrees, and distant vistas of Mt. San Jacinto provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing space where you can soak your worries away.
Day 3
Stay at La Quinta Resort & Club
Enjoy a desert getaway at the iconic La Quinta Resort & Club! This 781-room destination features 45 pristine acres of lush landscaping, 41 temperature-controlled pools, three on-site restaurants and plenty of outdoor space to rest and relax. Check-in to one of their spacious Spanish-style casitas or villas to enjoy sumptuous amenities like private patios, indoor fireplaces, bathrooms with dual vanities and proximity to the pool.
Stroll Through The Shops on El Paseo
Valet parking and golf carts transport you along this seven-block, art-filled center boulevard, often dubbed the “Rodeo Drive of the desert.” Shopping meets luxury at this outdoor destination, where designer stores like Ralph Lauren, Sarit and Grayse abound. Be sure to walk through the corridor to The Gardens on El Paseo, where you can sit and take a breather under the shade of swaying palm trees.
Refresh at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage
When you’re done shopping and ready to relax, a visit to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage is your next order of the day. Here you can take in the spirit of the mountains with a treatment that uses desert herbs and mineral salts to rejuvenate your body. Other treatments include a detox that employs warm herbal poultices to invigorate muscles and joints while boosting circulation and a wellness massage that guides you on breathing and visualization.
Stop for Lunch at Luchador Brewing Co.
Owners Brent Miller and Jaime Benson started Luchador Brewing Co. to honor their love of beer and brawls. Located in Cathedral City, this brewing company relives the spirit of Mexican wrestling from aesthetic to eats and drinks. With four ten-barrel tanks, there’s no shortage of cerveza here—21 beers on tap to be precise. And you can’t go wrong with the birria tacos or any number of tortilla-based options from their onsite food truck.
@luchadorbrewingcompanycatcity
Take a Self-Guided Art Tour Through La Quinta
With your hat, sunglasses and water bottle in hand, set out to wander the art-filled streets of La Quinta! From paintings and sculptures to beautiful murals, this sunny city is chock-full of things to see. For a taste of local history and art, visit La Quinta Museum. If you prefer modern art, the “Bloom,” “Hydra” and “Volta” murals at La Quinta Public Library are all must-sees!
Tee off at SilverRock Resort
Golfers marvel at the stunning views on this 200-acre course at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The course’s natural bunkers and water features are sure to challenge even the most proficient of golfers. SilverRock is open to the public—both to La Quinta residents as well as visitors.
Sip a Beer at La Quinta Brewing Company
Making history in Greater Palm Springs, this brewery was the first to open its doors in 2013. Stop by during their weekday “hoppy” hour and order award-winning beers like their Poolside Blonde, Una Mas Por Favor! or Even Par 7.2 IPA, starting at just $4 per pint. You’ll love the vibe of this local taproom!
Dine at Adobe Grill
Alas, your whirlwind trip through Greater Palm Springs is coming to a close, but before you return home, a meal at La Quinta Resort & Club’s Adobe Grill is a must. Sit down to an al fresco dinner and enjoy a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. From hand-shaken cocktails and tasty appetizers to a curated menu of entrees that includes mole poblano enchiladas and skirt steak with avocado chimichurri, Adobe Grill is, no doubt, a cut above.
