The first thing I noticed as I arrive in Palm Springs, a city nestled in the arid Californian desert, is its distinct mid-century modern architecture and pop of pastel colours on many buildings. It gives off a distinct 1960s vibe, which makes me feel as though I have just stepped into a bygone era of old Hollywood.
The name alone, Palm Springs, conjures up images of glamorous movie stars of past and present, due to its historical connections to Hollywood. During a foregone time when movie stars were obliged by contractual obligations to remain within driving distance of the studio in case of movie reshoots, Palm Springs landed on the map as a desirable location due to its proximity to major Hollywood studios. What then began was a love affair between Hollywood and Palm Springs which continues to this day. More recently, the city was the backdrop for the movie “Don’t worry Darling” starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles.
What makes Palm Spring such a great destination?
Due to its location in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California, the city boasts high temperatures year round, with low humidity and roughly five inches of rain each year. With an average temperature of 24 degrees, which climbs up to over 40 degrees in the summer months, and down to 21 degrees in winter, you are guaranteed 350 days of sunshine every year.
With breathtaking natural beauty, hot springs, spas, hiking trails, vintage boutique shopping and a diverse culinary scene, the city offers plenty to keep you entertained during your stay. If you want to relax and soak up the sun, Palm Springs is famous for its pool parties and day clubs, where you can lounge by the pool, sip on cocktails, and enjoy live music and entertainment whilst people-watching. If that is not enough, there is an abundance of activities and attractions such as paint splattering with Superbloom, going up the Aerial Tramway, hiking in the stunning Indian Canyons or simply enjoying a spa day at The Spa at Séc-he. When the sun goes down, the city has a vibrant nightlife with nightclubs, bars and lounges.
One of the many reasons Palm Springs is such a popular destination is its abundance of luxury accommodation. From sprawling holiday rentals to boutique hotels, the city offers a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. If you are looking for a famed heritage boutique hotel you will find an abundance of them in Palm Springs. The city boasts 98 boutique hotels which are well known for their unique designs and old Hollywood decor and charm.
Villa Royale Hotel
This adults-only desert hideaway has been a Palm Springs fixture since 1947, during which time its villas have accommodated some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The 38-room Spanish colonial style property instantly transports guests back to the golden age of Hollywood with its bright colours, bold patterns, geometric tilework and monochrome prints.
Guests enjoy the feeling of seclusion in an intimate setting with beautifully ornate courtyards, flowing fountains and wonderful views of San Jacinto Mountain despite being a few minutes drive away from Downtown Palm Springs. For those who wish to explore their surroundings in a more leisurely way, stylish complementary bikes are provided to guests free of charge to explore Palm Springs.
The vibe at Villa Royale is undeniably cool and hip, and each uniquely decorated room has its own character. Tastefully furnished villas with vintage mid-century furniture, mahogany woodwork, Taschen fashion books and original pieces of artwork commissioned exclusively by the hotel, add to the eclectic mix of old California architecture. Art is everywhere you look at the Villa Royale, both within the rooms and outside with murals of Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Kennedy adorning the walls of the property. The three acre estate also has two heated pools, a large spa and the Del Rey Restaurant and Bar.
The Del Rey Restaurant, like the hotel, is a cosy eatery and bar. It features a twelve-seat oak and marble bar, tufted green vinyl booths and an outdoor patio to soak up Palm Springs long sunshine days and a firepit for cosy nights whilst stargazing. The menu is tapas-style with small plates for sharing inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean flavours. Stand out tapas include beef and port meatballs, fried eggplants, Spanish mussels and grilled oyster mushrooms.The wine menu is Mediterranean leaning and its cocktail list with names like ‘Good Days’ and ‘The Party goes on’.
The Drift Hotel
For visitors who want to stay somewhere closer to the action and more modern, whilst still enjoying that small boutique hotel vibe, new kid on the block, The Drift, fits the bill. Situated right in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, 5-minute drive from Palm Springs international airport, it offers a range of options from studios to 4-bedroom apartments. The larger suites come with a fully functioning kitchen and balcony overlooking its large pool. Rooms are tastefully decorated giving a rustic farmhouse feel, with wooden furniture and woven baskets sourced by Mexican and California artisans, which takes inspiration from the colours of the Mexican desert.
Its stylish concrete structure blends beautifully into the Palm Spring landscape with spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountain range in the distance. The pool excludes California vibes with a resort-style pool, adorned with yellow pool umbrellas, daybeds, cabanas and loungers so guests can relax in style. I was especially impressed with the contactless check-in feature which allows guests to check in and out of their rooms online without going to hotel reception. This reduces plastic waste as guests can enter their rooms using a code which is typed into their hotel door keypads, making lost room cards a thing of the past.
The hotel has an onsite restaurant Meleza, an upscale Baja-inspired restaurant. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and a range of brunch cocktails you will be spoilt for choice. Sample their fish ceviche, oysters, burgers or one of their delicious tacos. Dinner is a sharing experience rooted in Baja tradition and on the menu is red shrimp, pork chop and rainbow trout. For guests who prefer to make use of their room kitchens to prepare meals, they can source products from the Drift Pantry, a specifically curated in-room selection of locally sourced goods.
For those who want to shop 'til they drop, Palm Springs offers a variety of shopping options from high-end boutiques and vintage shops to art galleries. You can find everything from trendy fashion and accessories to one-of-a-kind souvenirs to commemorate your experience. Many shopping spaces also double up as entertainment spaces and offer personalised experiences offering a unique and eclectic shopping experience.
The Webster
The newest designer shopping mecca to Palm Spring is The Webster. Founded in Miami in 2009 by Laure Hériard-Dubreuil, the luxury multi-brand boutique houses a selection of curated designer fashions and accessories, and shoppers can enjoy a completely personalised shopping experience. The Palm Springs site opened in 2023, its ninth store opening and fourth in California. The Webster, Palm Springs site was designed by French interior designer Stéphane Parmentier who took inspiration from Brazil’s geometric, timeless architecture. The site comprises 4,200-square-foot space which has been completely transformed from an original Art deco building built in 1939. Designer brands include Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Casablanca, Amina Muaddi, amongst others. Many items are exclusive to The Webster or produced in collaboration so you can take away something you won’t find elsewhere.
Market Market
For shoppers who love vintage goods, Market Market is the place to visit. A concept created by James Morelos, Market Market is a 4,000-square-foot emporium dedicated to fine vintage and repurposed clothes, accessories, homeware, furniture, art and design. Another newbie to Palm Springs, it opened in 2023 and it is already the place to get your hands on one of a kind vintage pieces. The emporium is made up of over two hundred designers and scrolling through the rails, I found vintage Versace print silk blouses and Dior mixed in with independent designers.
More than just a shopping space, Market Market also hosts a series of events throughout the year such as Sip and Shop, where shoppers can enjoy a drink whilst mingling. Friday Fete invites exhibitors and customers to enjoy tacos, drinks, music and conversation in store and Desert X gives visitors an opportunity to meet the exhibition’s curators and artists.
Covet
For fans of jewellery and accessories, Covet is a must visit for hand-designed pieces at great prices. It was founded by Lead Designer Adrienne Wiley, who started making jewellery on her kitchen table. Her pieces are inspired by her appreciation for travel, exploration, curiosity and a wandering spirit and features a range of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. A signature piece is her ‘permanent’ bracelet which consists of a quick and painless process that uses a micro welding technique to connect a chain together without a clasp. The pieces are versatile, easy to wear and layer well together. The mall that houses Covet also features a cafe with outside seating and other stores so you can enjoy a day of exploring and shopping for jewellery and gifts.
Palm Springs is known for its diverse culinary scene and being California, it also means that the health conscious and allergy and tolerance sufferers are catered for. The city boasts a vibrant food scene with a diverse range of cuisines in different settings, from trendy rooftop restaurants to upscale eateries with celebrity chefs.
FARM, tucked away in a historic plaza, is an intimate, country-style chic eatery that offers farm-to-table Provençal cuisine. The restaurant setting transports you to the South of France and it's the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing meal, either indoors or on their patio. The menu comprises of traditional European dishes, packed with locally sourced produce and artisanal meats.
Highly recommended is the Kings Highway diner at the Ace Hotel. This uber-cool Ace Hotel diner offers an eclectic Cal-Mexican menu highlighting locally sourced ingredients. Along with delicious food, they also host Bingo nights with local celebrity, drag queen Bella Da Ball who works the room like a pro. This is a fun and unique dining experience that brings lots of laughter and adds a touch of entertainment to your evening.
For those looking for a hip and trendy option right in the heart of the LGBTQ community, Blackbook in the Arenas District is right up there. This stylish restaurant offers a modern and creative menu with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. It's a great spot for a memorable dining experience. Their famous tacos are to die for.
If you're staying at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, their restaurant Chi Chi is a must for a brunch or dining experience. This vibrant restaurant offers a modern take on the traditional California menu. On the menu is breakfast burrito and Acai bowl and their sunrise sandwich. With a poolside setting and a lively atmosphere, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
For a classic American dining experience, Lulu California Bistro is a must-visit. This restaurant offers a diverse menu with something for everyone. From burgers and sandwiches to fresh seafood and vegetarian options, Lulu is known for its expansive menu and lively atmosphere.
For meat lovers, Mr Lyons Steakhouse is the top choice in Palm Springs. With its vintage-inspired decor and high-quality cuts of meat, this steakhouse offers a luxurious dining experience. From the perfectly cooked steaks to the decadent sides, Mr Lyons is a prime destination for meat enthusiasts.
Colony Club at Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows, designed by renowned architect Steve Hermann, is a stunning venue that offers both indoor and outdoor dining options. The menu features California-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely brunch or a romantic dinner, Colony Club is sure to impress with its old Hollywood vibes.
To experience a taste of Palm Spring history, you can’t leave town without a visit to Las Casuelas Terraza, a historic family-owned Mexican restaurant that dates back four generations of the Delgado family. Known for its authentic flavours, generous sized drinks and buzzy atmosphere with live music, this Downtown Palm Spring restaurant quickly became a landmark when it opened in 1979. The menu features a range of delicious, award-winning seasonal and local dishes, such as sweet corn tamales made with local corn, pomegranate guacamole in winter, enchiladas, tacos, burritos and family recipe sauces. This has ensured that it continues to win the “Best Mexican Restaurant” in the area year after year.
In Palm Springs, there are also plenty of options for those looking for a laid-back and casual dining experience. Boozehounds is a popular gastro pub that serves small plates that are best for sharing. They also offer an eclectic bar menu with a variety of craft beers, sake and killer cocktails. Established in 2020, the concept is simple. To create a place where “dogs can bring their humans” and it has fast become the go-to spot for dog owners in the state. It has dog friendly zones and offers water bowls and a pup-friendly menu for your four-legged friends.
Located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, inside the Kimpton Rowan Hotel lobby you will find Juniper Table, a Mediterranean restaurant and cafe which places an emphasis on using local and organic ingredients in their dishes. You can enjoy a selection of light breakfast options, salads and pizzas as well as a full barista and a variety of craft beers on tap.
If you're looking for a fun and affordable option, Trixie Motel Happy Hour is a great choice. This quirky and retro-themed spot is a “pink paradise" located in the heart of Palm Springs right off Palm Canyon Drive. It is a motel that has seven custom themed rooms, including three suites, three queen rooms and a honeymoon suite. Reservations are highly recommended as the rooms get booked up quickly, however they have limited entry for their bar for those unable to secure a room.
For coffee lovers, Cafe La Jefa is a must-visit. This cosy and charming cafe offers a selection of artisanal coffees and pastries. It's the perfect spot to start your day or get a mid-afternoon pick-me-up in one of their pink coffee cups which are instagram friendly.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Aerial Tramway, considered to be the number one attraction in Palm Springs, is the world’s largest rotating tram car. Ascending two and a half miles up the steep cliffs of Chino Canyon, it allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Mountain San Jacinto State Park wilderness and the Coachella Valley below. At the top, you’ll find a sprawling nature preserve waiting to be explored, complete with hiking trails, picnic areas, and even winter snow sports during the colder months. The newly renovated restaurant serves food and drinks so visitors can enjoy the views for longer and there is a small exhibition which highlights the many animals that live in the surrounding wilderness.
The Spa and Séc-he
Palm Springs is a haven for spa enthusiasts, which is perfect for those craving some pampering and relaxation. The city has a reputation as an oasis for wellness and it is home to numerous world-class spas offering a wide range of treatments and services to ensure you and your squad feel rejuvenated and refreshed ahead of the big day. The Spa and Sec-he, located in the heart of downtown, is a haven of tranquillity where you can indulge in rejuvenating massages, facials, and other holistic treatments. With its tranquil surroundings, serene ambiance, top-notch amenities and skilled therapists, this spa offers an escape where you can pamper your body and mind and ensures that it leaves all who visit feeling completely pampered and refreshed.
Paint Splatter with Superbloom
Art enthusiasts and those who want to explore their creative side will feel right at home doing a paint splatter activity with Superbloom. Designers Alexis and Chris Ramirez founded this artistic experience because of their desire to leave behind careers in fast fashion and the corporate world in New York, and create meaningful connections through colour. Upon arrival at the Superbloom studio, I felt as though I had entered another world. Away from the mountain desert terrain, I enter a world of colour and art and was surrounded by paint-splattered products such as sneakers, caps, bags and their signature Sombra del Sol wide-brimmed hats.
The ninety minute experience was one of the highlights of my trip to Palm Springs and serves as a wonderful group experience. The experience takes you on a journey of self-expression, creativity and colour. Visitors are given a private tour of the studios, enjoy refreshments and have an opportunity to learn more about the foundations of the brand and the meaning behind their ten specifically designed colours which gives the experience more meaning.
For the paint splatter activity, you are given protective gear, Superbloom’s ten paint colours, and tools such as paint brushes, and a splatter item of choice such as a vase, mobile phone cover or picture frame, whilst facilitators are on hand throughout the experience to offer tips, support and guidance. It is more than an activity, it is an opportunity to explore, connect with others, discuss colours and art. The experience felt joyful and almost therapeutic.
The Elemental - The Contemporary Centre of the Arts
The Contemporary Centre of the Arts is a hub for contemporary art exhibitions, performances, workshops and lectures. The thriving artistic hub celebrates and showcases modern art in all its forms. This cultural institution is dedicated to fostering creativity, encouraging dialogue, and exploring the diverse perspectives that contemporary art offers. Inside the Centre, visitors are treated to a myriad of thought-provoking exhibitions that feature both established and emerging contemporary artists. Works from various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, video art, and installation art, provide visitors with a comprehensive and immersive experience. The Centre's curators are committed to curating exhibits that challenge existing norms, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of traditional art.
At the time of my visit The Gaia Hypothesis was a display featuring works from an international array of fourteen artists. The first chapter of the exhibition aims to look at the issue of climate change and its complexities by examining four elements; Earth, Fire, Water, and Air and how these natural forces that sustain our lives continue to shift in the face of the climate crisis.
Modernism Architecture Tour
One of the Palm Springs main attractions is its art-deco, mid-century architecture and the city boasts a rich collection of mid-century modern homes that blend effortlessly with its desert surroundings. As you move around you can’t help but be in awe of the geometric shapes of these architectural marvels and sleek lines that transport you back in time. For a more comprehensive experience, the best way to learn more is to embark on a guided architecture tour that will take you on a journey through Palm Springs' architectural past.
The Palm Springs Modernism Architecture Tour is a unique and captivating experience that takes visitors on a journey through iconic architectural buildings and homes showcasing an impressive collection designed by world renowned architects. The tour takes you through some of the city’s best known architectural gems, most of which have celebrity connections. You will visit the Kaufmann Desert House, a masterpiece designed by Richard Neutra in 1946. With its clean lines, open spaces, and integration with the surrounding desert landscape, this house perfectly embodies the principles of modernism. You will have the opportunity to explore other architectural marvels such as the Frey House II, designed by Albert Frey, the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, designed by William Krisel and the homes of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe amongst others. Each building showcases the innovative use of materials, functional design, and an appreciation for the natural environment.
Palm Springs VillageFest
VillageFest is an exciting and vibrant shopping event that takes place in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs every Thursday evening, where approximately 180 vendors line the streets with their selection of unique items and food for sale. This gathering draws large crowds of locals and tourists alike, all eager to experience the unique atmosphere and explore the wide variety of vendors on offer. One of the major attractions of the Palm Springs VillageFest is the sheer number of vendors that participate in the event and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding something unique.
The diversity of the range of vendors is another intriguing aspect of VillageFest. There are both local artisans and merchants as well as vendors from different parts of the country, creating a melting pot of cultures and products. Whether you are looking for clothing, jewellery, art, home decor, handicrafts, or even fresh produce, it provides a great opportunity for visitors to discover unique, one-of-a-kind items that cannot be found elsewhere. In addition to the participating vendors, VillageFest also offers plenty of entertainment such as live music performances by local musicians which creates a buzzy atmosphere.
Jazz at the Palm Springs Cultural Centre
Jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike can enjoy a night of jazz with Leanna and The Jazz Collective at the Palm Springs Cultural Centre, which promises to take attendees on a melodious journey through the world of jazz. The small, dimly lit venue attempts to take the audience back to the hey-days of the Palm Springs speakeasy experience with smooth tunes and rhythmic beats. Locally acclaimed Jazz Vocalist Leanna and Miguel are a husband and wife duo who bring along with their special guests to create a live band experience featuring American jazz, Latin jazz and Bossa Nova as well as old time classics. It’s an intimate affair, and visitors can enjoy a happy hour menu from the film noir cafe, Mildreds and small bites whilst taking in the music.
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