From Luxe Resorts and Restaurants to Cultural Hubs, Here’s the Latest and Greatest in Palm Springs and Beyond
We live in a world where everyone is pining to find the newest and hippest restaurant, experience or stay—and Greater Palm Springs is always a destination of interest. Each of us wants to be the first in the door and the first to post about it. There’s no shame in this desire—it’s the digital era, after all—and we’re here to make it easy with our list of the newest and coolest things to do in Greater Palm Springs. There are places to eat, explore, experience and even lay your head, all during a big day of adventuring. Check out our recs and make your way to this ever-evolving nook of California!
EXPLORE
SilverRock Resort
Dine in decadence and play where the pros play at the stunning SilverRock Resort! Tucked away in the sun-drenched desertscape of La Quinta, this golf destination stands as a premier place for those seeking a blend of luxury and nature. Golf enthusiasts will find the Arnold Palmer Classic Course at the heart of this 200-acre retreat, offering 7,200 yards of meticulously groomed greens framed by towering palms and pristine white dunes. A haven for golfers, it’s no wonder SilverRock was selected to host the PGA American Express Golf Tournament for four consecutive years.
Before you play or once you’ve finished your round, head to the resort’s own SilverRock Grill (which serves breakfast all day!) for a well-deserved meal. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or lunch, the new menu features American classics like biscuits and gravy, hearty tuna melts and fresh Cobb salads. Take in views of the fairways, greens and beautiful mountains as you chow down and admire what makes this golf resort one of the best in Greater Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Surf Club
Surfing in Palm Springs? Yes, you read that right! The long-awaited Palm Springs Surf Club has started making waves among the mountains, and it’s truly an experience like no other. By booking a private surf sesh, you and a dozen friends can enjoy these man-made waves, which offer fun for everyone from beginners to pros. Insider tip: private sessions are booked out 4-6 weeks in advance, so you’ll want to plan ahead of time. If you are more of a spectator, you can enjoy the pools, lazy river, splash pad and waterslides, all with access to on-site restaurant Amala or poolside Drifters. The Island Bar is also a nice spot to grab a beverage and watch surfers get barreled.
Location: Palm Springs
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
In May of this year, the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert reopened its doors, welcoming curious young minds into a world of hands-on exploration and imagination. The museum’s vibrant new main gallery now boasts nearly 40 interactive exhibits, each designed to inspire children to “imagine,” “express,” “move,” “experiment,” “explore,” and “dream.”
Fan-favorite activities like the Pizza Place, Grocery Store, Veterinary Clinic, and Train Tables have been thoughtfully updated in the secondary gallery, ensuring endless fun and imaginative role-playing. Outside, adventure awaits with the Trike Track, Music Garden, Tortoise Habitat, and Discovery Garden, where kids can explore nature and creativity in the open air.
Location: Rancho Mirage
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a bucket lister. Open seven days a week, this is a super fun field trip for families to soak in the Palm Springs sights and sounds by sky. The Tramway is a 10-minute ride that traverses to the top of Mount San Jacinto (a little over 8,500 feet high) where you’ll find a restaurant, cafe, lookout lounge, observation deck, museum and gift shop. There’s also plenty of room to roam, hike and explore for the curious cubs. The temperature is often chillier up there due to the elevation, so be sure to pack something warm! Tickets are just under $35 for adults, $21 for kids, and children under 2 are free. There is also a fun ride and dine option that includes a meal at Pines Cafe after 4 p.m. for only a little bit more.
Location: Palm Springs
Private Safari Tour at The Living Desert Zoo
The Living Desert Zoo is always a preferred pitstop for animal enthusiasts and adventurers looking to get their wildlife fix. Get up close and personal with the wild kingdom on a private safari tour that includes a designated guide, private shuttle and behind-the-scenes pass to see some of the coolest animals at the park. Be sure to inquire about the giraffe feedings and the rhino encounter—both will have your kids saying, “Best day EVER!” Safari tickets range in price from $80-$99 for adults and $53-$69 for kids, depending on the day and membership status. Children under 3 are free. The zoo is open daily until 5 p.m. from October through June and features 1,200 acres with over 500 animals to check out!
Location: Palm Desert
12/8
Happy Alley
A fun new art installation has come to the happening town of Indio, and it’s bound to put a smile on your face. Happy Alley is straight out of a storybook with its canopy of colorful umbrellas perfect for staying shady. This highly Instagrammable installation is located on Miles Avenue between Towne Street and Oasis Street. There are also murals lining the alleyway that feature classic Greater Palm Springs imagery, including a glow-in-the-dark painting by local artist Lauren McElroy. This artistic haven pays homage to the spirit of the region and showcases some truly talented creators.
Location: Indio
Fantasy Balloon Flights
The sky’s the limit when it comes to this list of adventures. No, really, the sky is the limit when you take flight with Fantasy Balloon Flights. Seasoned pilots cover miles across Greater Palm Springs for a flight time that typically lasts between 60-90 minutes. Upon landing, guests are treated with champagne and sparkling juices to celebrate the flight. Tickets cost $250 for adults and $175 for kids, but the memories are priceless. Reserve your flight in advance to ensure they have your preferred time and date available!
Location: Greater Palm Springs
Smoke Tree Stables Horseback Trail Ride
We’ve shown you Greater Palm Springs by land, air and, well, surf—now let’s see it by horseback. Smoke Tree Stables is a family-owned and operated ranch that offers everything from trail rides to equine therapy. For a fee of $175 per person, guides will take you through Andreas Canyon and Murray Canyon to check out the native palm groves, as you ride along streams and desert terrain. Choose a departure time that best suits you and your group! Rides leave at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on most days (they are closed on Wednesdays and most Thursdays). Riders must be at least 7 years old!
Location: Palm Springs
Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
Get ready for something truly unique. Cabot’s Museum is a 1940s pueblo made from reclaimed and found materials. It’s an inspired Hopi-style structure built by Cabot Yerxa himself. Yerxa was one of the founders of Desert Hot Springs, and his former home has been filled with Native American artifacts and souvenirs from his travels. A trip here makes for an entertaining and educational experience through American history. The pueblo has four stories and spans over 5,000 square feet, including 35 rooms, 150 windows, 30 rooflines and 65 doors. There’s a reason this is considered a hidden gem in the desert.
Location: Desert Hot Springs
Stargazing at Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
To end one of your days in Greater Palm Springs, we highly recommend stargazing at Rancho Mirage Observatory. It’s free to the public and provides access to powerful telescopes, so you can explore above and beyond what the naked eye can see. There are indoor and outdoor activities, and you’ll have the opportunity to chat with astronomers and learn fun facts about the galaxy. This Greater Palm Springs activity is a drop-in style, open-house event, so there’s no need to register.
Location: Rancho Mirage
EAT
Alice B.
You may recognize Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken from their time spent on Bravo and the Food Network, and now you can enjoy their newest eatery, Alice B., dishing up dinner from Wednesday through Sunday. It’s a little bit Southern, a little bit seafood and a whole lot of soul. Sit at the bar and order the burger, or take over a table and taste it all. Don’t skip the tahini ice cream! Located in the lobby of Living Out Palm Springs, this place is for allies and adventurous eaters alike.
Location: Palm Springs
Kestrel, A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge
Another Bravo and Food Network regular, Richard Blais is a renowned chef who is all about making everyday meals memorable. Located at Indian Wells Golf Resort, his new restaurant, Kestrel, is a coastal California kitchen that serves locally sourced steaks and seafood—as well as liquid nitrogen margaritas (yep, you read that right). It’s a great spot to start or end a round of golf or perch up on the patio with a chicken oyster po’ boy for happy hour. Furthermore, Richard Blais loves to cook outside the box—take, for example, his toast that looks like tartare, topped with something sweeter than the normal egg yolk.
Location: Indian Wells
DSRT Club
There’s a new club in La Quinta that goes by the name of DSRT Club, and we think it fits right in. Paying homage to the 1937 Desert Club of La Quinta, this Greater Palm Springs newcomer is all about evoking nostalgia. Serving dinner during the week, as well as lunch on the weekends, DSRT Club is a great spot to kick off your heels, sip a Cafe Casita and spill a secret or two. They also have zero-proof options for the sober-curious crowd. Select some share plates for the table, like the Filet Bits n’ Fries and smoked salmon tacos. This place is California-cool, which means you’ll want some swag with their logo, especially after a Wicket Cricket or two.
Location: La Quinta
Gabino’s Creperie
If you have ever wanted to visit a place featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” now you can. Gabino’s Creperie in Indio is doing savory crepes every which way. Their original Palm Springs location is a walk-up joint that’s semi-easy to miss. However, the new Indio outpost has plenty of room for the whole family. If you want the Guy Fieri special, look no further than the chicken ranch crepe—a thin, crispy crepe packed with chicken, vegetables and a secret sauce. Or, opt for something lighter, like the chicken Caesar salad. This place really is at the corner of tasty and delicious in Flavortown.
Locations: Palm Springs and Indio
Indio Taphouse
Another Indio eatery that’s fresh on the scene is Indio Taphouse, a classic bar with a gastropub feel that is sure to be your new place to watch football on the weekends. The atmosphere is casual, the cuisine is elevated, and the vibes are spot-on. They have trivia nights, corn hole contests, Tostada Tuesdays and Sunday night football specials. You’ll know you’re at the right place by the colorful mural that takes over the side of the building and the old-school taphouse sign. The chicken sliders and taco salad are new menu items worth trying. Meanwhile, they have a designated kids’ menu, so bring your little ones along for the fun.
Location: Indio
Yes Please Café
For a decadent brunch, head to Yes Please Café! Situated in the heart of Old Town La Quinta, this charming new cafe welcomes even the latest of Sunday brunchers with open arms. With brunch served all day long, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy their mouthwatering menu. Be sure to order some bubbly to go with it—opt for a mimosa kit and craft your perfect pour! Can’t decide between the decadent French toast brûlée or the classic eggs hollandaise? Do yourself a favor and indulge in both with a sweet and savory share. It’s the ideal spot for brunch lovers looking to relax and indulge.
Location: La Quinta
STAY
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Recently rebranded, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells is showing off its new facelift, which includes upgraded guest villas and suites, two new dining concepts, a refreshed pool experience and elevated amenities and features. This hospitality group knows how to pamper guests, and they also know fun, which is why this 45-acre destination is home to the largest waterpark in Greater Palm Springs. This feature makes it an ideal stay for families—kids can get their wiggles out at the waterpark and adults can relax at Agua Serena Spa. Book one of the new daybeds and cabanas ahead of time to ensure availability, and enjoy the on-property dining options, which include Tía Carmen and Carmocha. With plenty of room to spread out and explore, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells promises a resort-style escape with premium experiences.
Location: Indian Wells
Thompson Palm Springs
Thompson Hotels are synonymous with modern luxury, each one an urban oasis that promises all the amenities of a high-end hotel without the pretentiousness. Now accepting reservations, this brand-new boutique stay in downtown Palm Springs is offering guests a $100 food and beverage credit to Lola Rose Grand Mezze, as well as a special welcome amenity and a waived resort fee. This offer includes complimentary valet parking (one car per room), a buy-one-get-one-free ticket to the Palm Springs Art Museum, 15% off at the BMW Performance Driving School in Thermal, and discounts at the Brandini Toffee and Ice Cream storefront.
Located right in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, Thompson tempts with promises of picturesque mountain views and proximity to local hotspots like Las Casuelas and Las Palmas Brewing. However, for those looking to stay on-site, Lola Rose Grand Mezze serves up some serious eats from the Middle East that are meant to be savored and shared. You can’t go wrong with the hand-crafted cocktails, too!
Location: Palm Springs
