Palm Springs Favorites
Peninsula Pastries
Just a five-minute walk from Ingleside, Peninsula Pastries feels like a little slice of Paris in the heart of Palm Springs. This charming French bakery serves up incredible, freshly baked croissants, pastries, and sweet treats. It's the perfect spot to grab a morning coffee and something delicious before starting your day. The sticky bun is an absolute must!
Norma's
Tucked inside the iconic Parker Palm Springs Hotel (famously designed by Jonathan Adler and photographed by Gray Malin), Norma's takes brunch to a whole new level. It's definitely a splurge ($$$, you've been warned!), but the beautiful grounds and whimsical design make it worth a visit alone. Our favorites are the Huevos Rancheros and Crab Louie. Be sure to wander around the property while you're there!
Blue Coyote Grill
It has become a tradition that every Palm Springs trip starts with dinner at Blue Coyote. I knew we had good taste when we learned that Quentin Tarantino popped in before the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2020. When he accepted his “Director of the Year” award that night, he name-dropped the restaurant and said he had had three Blue Coyotes (their famous margarita).
Azúcar Palm Springs
Azúcar is a chic, colorful restaurant and rooftop bar tucked inside La Serena Villas in downtown Palm Springs. Known for its bohemian charm, delicious margaritas, and stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains, it's a great spot for brunch, dinner, or sunset cocktails.
The Tropicale Palm Springs
The Tropicale is the ultimate retro-chic, 1960s supper-club vibe with a vibrant blend of mid-century glamour. Stop in for a fun happy hour drink or for dinner!
Bar Cecil
In our opinion, Bar Cecil is the best restaurant in Palm Springs! Reservations are a must, and the maximum party size is 5. From the atmosphere to the food and service, every part of the experience is incredible. Our favorites were the Caramelized Onion Tart, Steak Frites, and Pavlova. Whatever you do, DO NOT skip the Pavlova!
Bar Issi
Bar Issi brings a little taste of the Italian Riviera to Palm Springs. With its chic interiors, coastal Italian-inspired menu, and lively atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for a fun dinner or cocktails. Come for the pasta, stay for the people-watching and effortlessly stylish Palm Springs vibes!
Rooster and the Pig
Rooster and the Pig is a cozy, buzzy Vietnamese-American restaurant and a true Palm Springs favorite. Known for its inventive dishes, bold flavors, and intimate atmosphere, it's a great spot for a memorable dinner. The menu is perfect for sharing, so come hungry and order a little bit of everything! It's a small space and popular for a reason, so be prepared for a wait.
Joshua Tree
If you have an extra four hours to spare while in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a must-see! The otherworldly landscape makes you feel like you've landed on Mars. Before heading into the park, stop by Joshua Tree Saloon, an old-school Western bar just outside the park, to grab a drink and map out your adventure.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world's largest rotating aerial tramway, carrying passengers on a 2.5-mile journey up the rugged cliffs of Chino Canyon to the pristine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Large tram cars rotate slowly 360 degrees during the journey, giving riders panoramic views of the Coachella Valley below. You might even see some snow at the top.
Andreas Canyon Trailhead
Andreas Canyon Trail in the Indian Canyons is a gentle, 1-mile flat walk featuring a flowing creek and massive native palm groves. For a gentle and scenic outing in the Palm Springs area, several easy, low-incline options offer beautiful desert views and lush oases without a strenuous climb.
North Lykken Trailhead
The North Lykken Trail is a scenic 2.8-mile out-and-back hike with sweeping views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains. Rated moderate, the trail starts at the end of Ramon Road (where you'll find an unpaved parking lot) and climbs roughly 1,000 feet through rocky terrain, boulders, and seasonal wildflowers. Bring water!