Hit the Links and Explore the Best of Palm Desert With This Day-to-Night Itinerary
California is home to some of the most prestigious and scenic golf courses in the nation. From the rocky, sweeping bluffs of Pebble Beach to the luxurious aesthetics of Bel Air C.C., the state is bedecked with top-notch courses, making it a common destination for golfers of every caliber. But perhaps no other golfing locale blends quality, luxury and scenery better than the sunny city of Palm Desert. With year-round sunshine and more than 100 courses to hone your skills on, it is a golfer’s paradise; with the wide array of options for playing, dining and vacationing, however, it can be tricky to plan out the perfect day on the links. So, to make things easier, read on for our full itinerary for the ultimate Palm Desert golf getaway.
9 a.m. Play a Round of Golf at Classic Club
To get the ultimate Palm Desert golf experience, we recommend making the trek out to Classic Club. Designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer, this course has everything a golf aficionado could wish for, including gorgeous water features, a meticulously maintained and groomed course and stunning views of the surrounding San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains. The course reflects the pedigree of its creator with challenging yet well-balanced terrain featuring over 14 acres of water features as well as a stunning collection of bridges and beautiful, aromatic pine trees. This course was also the home of multiple prestigious tournaments, including the Bob Hope Classic, and has been awarded numerous times by California Golf & Travel Magazine as well as Golfweek’s Best. After teeing off, guests are welcome to enjoy a meal on-property at the awarded Bellatrix restaurant (more on that later) and browse at the club’s nationally awarded pro shop, making it an easy choice for our ultimate golf getaway.
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2 p.m. Lunch on El Paseo
When it comes to delicious, elegant dining options, Palm Desert is a treasure trove, and at its core is El Paseo, the city’s mile-long shopping and dining district. Whether you are looking for casual patio dining to soak up some sun while enjoying a bloody mary or seeking something more upscale, this bustling street has it all. Some of our favorites include the ever-popular Il Corso for those seeking an elegant Amalfi-esque lunch after a day on the course as well as Mitch’s on El Paseo for a hearty lunch of seafood and steaks. Either way, you’re sure to find something to satiate your appetite on El Paseo.
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Stay the Night at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Lodging can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a one-of-a-kind golf getaway, and with Palm Desert being home to so many of the world’s most stunning resorts and boutique hotels, the choice is made even tougher. But if you’re seeking the best of the best, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is an excellent choice. This five-star resort will have guests reveling in the beauty of its lush, oasis-like grounds and water features, which guests can navigate and explore using the water taxis and shuttles available. The recently redesigned guest rooms and suites boast sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert and the surrounding mountain ranges while offering up all the luxurious amenities and accommodations one could wish for.
6 p.m. Sunset Dinner at Bellatrix
After an afternoon shopping, finish up your day and usher in the evening with a delicious dining experience at the Classic Club’s very own Bellatrix restaurant. A wine-lover’s paradise, this Mediterranean-style dining club is one of a kind. With dark-wooden armchairs, ceiling-to-floor velvet curtains, a warm, sun-soaked dining area and a full mahogany bar, the ambiance is comforting, luxurious and charming. The menu features upscale takes on comfort classics, including an assortment of decadent dinner salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood as well as an extensive wine list, many of which come directly from the restaurant’s cellar.
9 p.m. Catch a Concert at Acrisure Arena
Finally, end your evening with some live entertainment at the all-new Acrisure Arena. This state-of-the-art entertainment destination is one of the newest additions to the Palm Desert nightlife scene and offers some of the best amenities of any stadium or arena, making it the perfect place to see some of your favorite artists or even catch the CV Firebirds—the desert’s newest hockey team—play. With multiple bar areas, a restaurant, great views from nearly every section and an enticing upcoming lineup of world-class performers, this new venue is sure to impress.
