A Guide to Palm Springs, CA

Located 107 miles east of Los Angeles and nestled at the base of San Jacinto mountain you’ll find the bustling resort town of Palm Springs.

Brought into popularity by the 1930s by Hollywood elite, Palm Springs remains a hot spot where historical charm meets all things modern. Whether you are searching for ultimate poolside relaxation, outdoor adventures, or cultural immersion via the impressive museums and architecture on offer – there is something for everyone at this sunny destination.

If visiting for more than a few days, we recommend the short drive to explore our other favorite nearby destinations Idyllwild and Joshua Tree.

Palm Springs offers a wide selection of food and drink options, many of which are found along or near the main drag of Palm Canyon Drive or tucked away in the many hotels. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Ace Hotel Palm Springs is a mainstay for its King’s Highway diner, dark tavern-inspired Amigo Room, and outdoor pool-adjacent patio dining spaces. Expect elevated comfort food alongside a strong beer, wine, and cocktail list (try the Paloma slushy).

Across from ARRIVE, Heyday Palm Springs is a relaxed local hang known for smash burgers, crispy wings, and a well-curated playlist. The burger-and-martini special is reason enough to stop in.

For breakfast, plan for a wait at Cheeky’s, a long-running cult favorite serving playful takes on classic morning dishes and a rotating daily pancake.

Tucked slightly off the main drag, Chef Tanya’s Kitchen delivers some of the city’s best vegan food, with hearty sandwiches, baked goods, and a small on-site shop featuring house-made products.

When happy hour rolls around, Boozehounds is one of the best options in town. The mid-century-inspired interior, mountain views, and dog-friendly patio pair well with their Japanese-influenced Southern California menu.

For cocktails, Truss & Twine remains a go-to. This intimate sister bar to Workshop Kitchen + Bar specializes in thoughtfully made drinks, bites via local elevated pop-ups, and an easygoing but polished atmosphere.

Dinner with strong visual impact can be found at Bar Cecil, where bold design, modern art, and a lively bar scene channel classic supper-club energy. The patio is especially appealing on warm desert nights. Insider’s tip: Their adjacent salon and patio, Beaton’s, is the perfect vibe for pre- or post-dinner drinks.

For something more playful, Bootlegger Tiki pours rum-forward tropical cocktails in the original 1953 Don the Beachcomber location. Arrive early — it fills up fast.

For a rooftop view, High Bar sits atop the Kimpton Rowan Hotel and offers the city’s best sunset vantage point, with classic cocktails and poolside seating seven stories above downtown.

If you’d rather drink where locals actually hang out, Paul Bar/Food hides in plain sight near Vista Chino. Inside, vintage touches and a mahogany bar set the scene for well-executed classics like frozen Sidecars and Black Manhattans.

Beer drinkers should make time for Las Palmas Brewing, located right along Palm Canyon Drive. The light-filled space pours a rotating selection of house brews, guest taps, wine, and cider, best enjoyed on one of their two patios. Food pop-ups frequently set up out back — it’s worth checking their Instagram before heading over.

For a more iconic hotel-bar experience, Counter Reformation inside the Parker Palm Springs offers an unstuffy mix of rotating wines, champagne, and small plates in a candlelit, design-forward space.

There are several locations to shop for local and handmade goods in town, some even within walking distance of each other (if the desert temperatures allow). Mojave Flea Trading Post on Indian Canyon Drive is a 10,000-square-foot marketplace of makers and vintage wares under one roof that houses an art gallery and a multitude of vendors. Just a bit further down the street, you’ll find Thick as Thieves, a thoughtfully designed space full of apparel, jewelry, and home goods. Over on Palm Canyon Drive (and next door to Las Palmas) Windmill City Super #1 is chock full of locally designed merch loved by locals and visitors alike.

Further down Palm Canyon Drive you’ll find Mojave Flea’s big sibling Market Market where clothing racks sit alongside primo vintage furniture and household items (and more). Palm Springs Bottle Shop, located inside both Mojave Flea and Market Market, is a favorite for unique gifts and libations.

On Thursday evenings the main stretch of Palm Canyon Drive closes to traffic for Palm Springs VillageFest. Take in the cooler evening temperatures and stroll the street full of food vendors, local craft booths, live entertainment, and people-watching opportunities galore.

Deal seekers can head to the Cabazon Outlets where you’ll find outlet shops for major brands and retailers spread across an open-air shopping complex. While en route, make sure to pull off at exit 106 for Cabazon and snap a photo with the Cabazon Dinosaurs. This beloved roadside attraction often boasts a seasonal paint job and we recommend taking the time to climb up into the apatosaurus for the vintage dino-themed gift shop.

For a city its size, Palm Springs has a few impressive museum offerings. The Palm Springs Art Museum is worth a visit for those interested in contemporary art. Make sure to visit their Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion outpost downtown dedicated to exploring architecture and design. The museum’s permanent collection also includes the Frey House II, a long-time residence of celebrated architect Albert Frey. 

Architecture rules supreme in Palm Springs, with notable numbers of mid-century modern homes and businesses dotted throughout the city. There is a highly anticipated Modernism Week held in October for architecture buffs or explore year-round with several operators that offer mid-century modern and Hollywood-era celebrity home tours. If you prefer to explore on your own, we suggest starting with this Mid-Century Architecture Self-Guided Tour. 

Also notable is the Palm Springs Air Museum for its extensive collection of aircraft and memorabilia. They even offer flights above the city in vintage aircraft (for an additional fee) for those seeking an aerial view. Check out their calendar as they host events ranging from DJ nights to microbrew festivals which are a fun way to experience the impressive collection of aviation history. 

The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is like a flora museum for cacti and other desert plants. Make a quick stop here to walk the grounds and greenhouse, see the desert tortoises wandering the grounds, and even purchase your own plants from their stand as the perfect desert souvenir.