NICK + ANG
THINGS TO DO
DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS
The downtown Palm Springs plaza has something for everyone to enjoy -- from fine foods + casual dining to upscale shopping + small mom + pop shops, there's plenty of things to do here. These are just a few of our favorite restaurants + great places to check out: KOFFI -- come here for coffee + pastries BIRBA -- come here for pizza + homemade pasta NORMA'S -- located at The Parker Hotel, come here for brunch on their cute + colorful patio KINGS HIGHWAY -- located at The Ace Hotel, this is a good spot for brunch or lunch EL JEFE -- located at The Saguaro Hotel, come here for Mexican food + margaritas + mezcal TONGA HUT -- come here for tiki cocktails + good vibes
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
This is one of the world’s most incredible natural desert treasures. With nearly 800,000 acres, there's plenty to see + do here. Whether you're looking to go on one of many hiking trails, camping, or just taking in the beautiful scenes of the park + Joshua trees, this is a must see if you have the time. It is about 50 mins Northeast of Palm Springs + totally worth the trip. If driving from PS, the west entrance is the closest.
PAPPY + HARRIET'S
This is a legendary honky-tonk bar, BBQ restaurant + music venue near Joshua Tree National Park in Pioneertown. Pioneertown was founded in 1946 by a group of Hollywood legends like Roy Rogers + Gene Autry. They built facades used as a “cantina” set for more than 50 films + television programs throughout the 1940s + 1950s. Located about 40 mins from Palm Springs, this is a great spot to grab some food + catch some live music.
THE LIVING DESERT ZOO + GARDENS
The Living Desert specializes in the deserts of the world -- with over 500 animals representing over 150 species + 50 immersive gardens representing deserts of North America and Mexico, there's plenty to see here. Giraffe feeding opportunities are offered daily + is one of many fun activities you can do while visiting. It is about 30 mins from Downtown located in Palm Desert.
PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY
This is the world’s largest rotating tram car -- it travels over 2.5 miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
MOORTEN BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Moorten Botanical Garden + Cactarium is a 1 acre family-owned botanical garden specializing in cacti + other desert plants located in South Palm Springs.
SALVATION MOUNTAIN
This one’s a bit of a haul, but if you’re in search of folk art, you’ll find it here. It is a literal man-made mountain 28 years in the making, painted in half a million gallons of latex paint, inlaying bible inscriptions + a monument to love + God. It is about 90 mins from Palm Springs located just east of the Salton Sea.
AGUA CALIENTE CASINO PALM SPRINGS
For those who want to do some gambling, this is your best bet with locations right in Downtown Palm Springs + another about 20 mins away in Rancho Mirage.