Things To Do
Desert X 2023
Desert X is a site-specific, contemporary art exhibition that is held in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. The inaugural Desert X was held from February 25 to April 30, 2017, and has held subsequent exhibitions every two years. How to experience Desert X? Desert X is an exhibition conceptualized as a self-guided outdoor experience where you determine the start and end point of your journey. You can make a day of it to visit each site or visit as many sites as you choose – it’s all up to you. Maps and programs will be available on the Desert X website and at the Desert X Hub at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. All maps and programs are released on the opening of the exhibition on March 4, 2023 on the website and at the Desert X Hub.
GO ON A BIKE RIDE DOWN PALM CANYON DRIVE
Palm Springs is pretty easy and safe to bike around. Plus, a lot of hotels even offer bikes to ride for free (if not, Bike Palm Springs has fun, colorful bikes to rent). We recommend riding down Palm Canyon Drive through Downtown Palm Springs and hopping in and out of the shops, museums, and more!
Explore Indian Canyons Palm Springs
Andreas Canyon Trail Distance: 1 mile (round trip) Hiking Time: 30-40 minutes Difficulty: Easy Elevation Gain: 200 feet If you only have time for one Palm Springs hike, make it Andreas Canyon Loop. Andreas Canyon is considered the world’s second-largest California Fan Palm oasis. This trail is great — it’s an easy 1-mile trail that leads alongside Andreas creek and under palm trees, which keeps it cool for hot days. You’ll hike under a tall cliff, and it really feels like you’re deep in the desert. I think this is the best Indian Canyon hike Palm Springs can offer when you aren’t looking for something too long or hard!
Hop On The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is two and a half miles of breathtaking views! It takes you to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where you’ll be at more than 8,000-foot elevation!
Day Trip To Joshua Tree
If you’ve never been to Joshua Tree before, strap in for a wild ride. We've visited Joshua Tree a few times and there is just something about this desert that feels almost magical — I can see why it’s a hub for spiritual gurus. With a combination of the Joshua Trees, insanely cool rock formations (one even looks like a skull), pastel pink sunsets, brilliant starry skies and a hip town full of vintage shops, visiting Joshua Tree will be unlike any California road trip you’ve done in the past.
Do Some Pool Hopping
Not all hotel pools are equal. Many allow outsiders into their pool area for a day fee. If your hotel pool isn’t that great, or you’re a little bored of sitting by the same one all week, grab your towel and start exploring Palm Springs via pools!
Visit The Moorten Botanical Garden
This cactus garden is such a magical place. It’s only $5 to enter, and such a fun place to do a self-guided or full tour. If you’re driving, you can also buy cacti here!
Mojave Flea Trading Post
A 10,000 sq. ft marketplace of makers & merchants from Joshua Tree, the Coachella Valley + beyond. Open every day 11am - 5pm!
King's Highway
Located in the Ace Hotel, King’s Highway has major 70’s vibes in all the right ways. We love their fried chicken sandwich and Paloma Slushie. $$
El Patron
El Patrón Crafted Taco's and Drinks, inspired by its family roots of authentic Mexican Tacquero's rooted in Mexico City, Mexico, crafting Mexican traditional street food from scratch since its first Taco Stand in 1970, with now over seven locations across Mexico City owned and operated by its family members. $$
Boozehounds Palm Springs
Boozehounds in Palm Springs has a dog-friendly open air atrium lounge and cabana bar & patio, as well as an inviting indoor bar and contemporary dining room facing the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. Craft cocktails and locally sourced Southern California menu items with an Asian influence round out this amazing experience. Enjoy daily happy hour from 2pm-5pm! $$
Cheeky's
One of the absolute best places for breakfast or brunch in downtown Palm Springs! But make sure you get there early to get a seat! It fills up fast. $$
Las Palmas Brewing
A hidden gem in Palm Springs. The beer and wine selections are great, the staff is extremely friendly, the merch is the best we've seen, the back patio is relaxing, and there are fantastic pop-up food options that work for dinner or a snack. If you enjoy breweries, make sure to stop in here! $$
Bootlegger Tiki
Bootlegger Tiki is a really neat little drinking hole offering a relaxed atmosphere with an island sunset vibe. The drinks are unique, tasty, moderately priced and strong! It’s a busy and popular destination for locals and tourists alike, so be absolutely sure to reserve a table on their website, or expect to wait a long time for a no-show or cancellation to get a seat, especially on the weekends. $$
Colony Club Restaurant
The "New" Colony Club has created a modern American Cuisine at the historic Colony Palms Hotel. You can dine inside the main dining room with its modern take on Art Deco glamour, or enjoy warm breezes while eating al-fresco with views of the pool and mountains. $$$
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
If you’re looking to dress up a little and have a world-class meal, Workshop Kitchen & Bar is the place. They recently expanded with a new location in Los Angeles because the food is THAT good. $$$$