The Ultimate Palm Springs Travel Guide

With chic poolside retro-California vibes, hot desert sunshine year round, and some of the best shopping and dining, California’s Palm Springs is one of 2020’s hottest destinations (literally). Palm Springs is not only a perfect place to pack up and quarantine with friends or family for a month or so, it’s also a great weekend destination with girlfriends, or a romantic getaway with your loved one, and is also now considered one of the best bachelorette party destinations in the US for the perfect mix of mellow, poolside days mixed with a great nightlife as well (when that opens up again!). 

Here is your Ultimate Guide to Palm Springs, California

The best hotels in Palm Springs:

Parker Palm Springs

The upscale, eclectic and chic Parker Palm Springs is easily my first choice of where to stay in Palm Springs. 

Check rates for your dates here.

Photo via the locals only guide to Palm Springs

The Saguaro Palm Springs

Fun, trendy, affordable and always a non-stop party. It’s the quintessential Palm Springs bachelorette party home base, and their pool is the picture-perfect spot to roll up in matching one-pieces and sarongs.

Where to stay in Palm Springs with a group:

Hotel El Cid

This chic Palm Springs airbnb is designed for group stays, with six completely new, bungalow style units (7 beds/7 baths) that offer a fun, Cal- boho desert-chic style. The walled grounds feature a large pool, elegant cabanas, dining tent, firepit, BBQ, outside shower and more to make your stay unforgettable.

Other airbnbs I like for groups in Palm Springs:

 

 

What to do in Palm Springs:

Take a trip to Joshua Tree

Nestled in the Coachella Valley, uber-trendy Joshua Tree is a total haven for those seeking a little secluded desert escape. There are so many things to do when traveling to Joshua Tree – from hiking in the National Park, to exploring Joshua Tree Village. And if you want to spend the night – check out my post on the best airbnb’s in Joshua Tree for a getaway. 

Golf!

Palm Springs is heaven for golfers. I’m not a golfer myself, but I’d recommend checking out this list on the 10 Best Golf Courses in Palm Springs to plan your weekend golf trip! 

Photo via Golf Advisor

Do some hiking!

There are some awesome hikes in Palm Springs – like Indian Canyon and Painted Canyon, but beware that it does get HOT out there.

Hang poolside!

My favorite thing to do in Palm Springs is relax poolside – after all, you came to the desert for an escape right? Here are some of my favorite bikinis to wear in Palm Springs:

Where to eat in Palm Springs:

Mr. Lyons

Frank Sinatra lived in Palm Springs in the early 1950s and if we had to guess, this restaurant would have been his favorite with the plush green velvet booths, black and white striped marble floors, and deliciously old-school menu of this upscale retro steakhouse. I’d recommend booking a table on the patio – How cute is this for outdoor dining in the desert?

Copley’s on Palm Canyon

A chic patio restaurant on what used to be Cary Grant’s estate in the heart of Palm Springs, Copley’s serves up some seriously delicious neighborhood dining on one of the most romantic garden patios in town.

5 Restaurants to Dine Alfresco in Greater Palm Springs

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Life

Chi Chi

In a playful poolside Palm Spring setting, Chi Chi at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows is an ideal Palm Springs brunch or dinner spot – with a small-bites menu by star chef Tara Lazar filled with delicious Latin-Cali creations that range from healthy gluten-free pancakes to hearty soul food plates like coconut oil fried chicken and collard green enchiladas (yum).

Photo via ParTaste

Workshop Kitchen + Bar

This stylish, rustic farm-to-table bistro located in a historic Spanish-Deco El Paseo building is a local favorite for creative dishes like duck fat fries, beef carpaccio with truffle salsa, and wood-fired pizza — and of course, the delish cocktails.

What to pack for Palm Springs:

Lovers and Friends x Jetset Christina Farrah Midi Dress in Fuchsia Pink 

Lovers and Friends x Jetset Christina Easy Breezy Maxi Dress in Yellow

Check out these other posts:

The best airbnbs in Palm Springs

The Best Airbnbs in Joshua Tree

The Ultimate San Diego Bachelorette Party Guide

The Ultimate Santa Barbara Travel Guide

The Best USA Destinations to Travel Right Now

 

What to pack for a beach vacation

The best airbnbs for groups in Palm Springs

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The Ultimate Miami Travel Guide

The Ultimate Big Sur Travel Guide

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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