Michael & Shannon
Things To Do
Get Weird in the Desert
There is a reason this part of California has been a playground for Los Angelenos and San Diegans for decades - it really gets your mind out of the day-to-day grind! Here are some of our favorites. Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown A quick hour north from La Quinta, this awesome music venue and roadhouse has Wild West reenactments throughout the day. If you’re on the way to Joshua Tree’s north entrance, it’s worth a stop for a good meal, a cold beer, and some live music in a truly unique atmosphere. Salton Sea & Salvation Mountain Salvation Mountain is a man-made mountain and labyrinth with a technicolor paint job in the middle of nowhere. It truly has to be seen to be believed - get your Instagram ready! Stop by the Salton Sea Visitor Center on the way to see California’s largest lake. It’s a salty, otherworldly sort of post-apocalyptic spot. The Integratron (https://integratron.com/) Near Pappy and Harriet’s, this beautiful dome structure offers daily one-hour “sound baths.”
One of a Kind Nature
Joshua Tree National Park The Joshua tree’s silhouette is totally unique - somewhere between a palm tree and one of those inflatable dancing tube men. La Quinta is so close, and you must visit not just the trees but the sculptural rocks and canyons of one of California’s best parks. It’s hot - take water and go early in the day. The south entrance Cottonwood Visitor Center is only 45 minutes from La Quinta. Mount San Jacinto Aerial Tramway (https://www.pstramway.com/) The world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over 2.5 mi along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your 10 min trip to Mountain Station, you'll see spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. From there, check out two restaurants, observation decks and over 50 miles of hiking trails! Tahquitz Canyon Desert flora, native rock art, waterfalls (well, maybe not in September) and miles of trails located right by Palm Springs.
Art Stuff
Palm Springs Architecture Tour (http://www.palmspringsmoderntours.com/) Recommended by The New York Times, this three-hour tour shows off the mid-century masterworks that make Palm Springs such an architectural destination. Palm Springs Art Museum Done with shopping? One block from Palm Canyon Drive, stop by this small-yet-powerful museum. Palm Springs has been an artist enclave for as long as it’s existed; they have a great permanent collection and excellent rotating exhibitions (proximity to the Los Angeles art scene is certainly helpful).
Shopping
Outlets for the Ultimate Steal of a Deal Cabazon Premium Outlets are a must if you're looking to spruce up your wardrobe or find that last little something to complete your wedding weekend outfit. Hosting all the big brands, and even the little ones, you can easily spend a day here! Palm Canyon Drive Whether you’re looking for trendy, retro, thrift, or just a new bathing suit and sunnies for the third day of lounging poolside, there are plenty of great shops on Palm Canyon Drive between West Baristo Road (to the south) and West El Alameda (to the north). Clothing and homegoods.
Partaaaaay!
Palm Springs has It all: club (Zelda’s), gay (Toucan’s Tiki Lounge), and 40+ crowd (The Nest). Here are some top party spots: Ace Hotel/Saguaro’s Pool Parties These two hotels trade off pool parties on weekends during the day - check their websites for a free RSVP. The DJ plays great music, the pools are beautiful, and the people watching is fantastic. The Ace is a classic mid-century all-white-and-cactus landscape, whereas Saguaro’s is painted in a Pantone-rainbow style. After hours, both hotels have fun bars with unique cocktails and dancing. Melvyn’s The Palm Springs spot to pretend that Sinatra is still alive and smoking at the bar. Check out the piano lounge or the more pop-oriented dance floor. Coachella Valley Brewing Company Southern California seems to open a new brewery every week! Coachella Valley Brewing is definitely making a name for itself with farm-to-table desert brewing; check out daily tours or grab some beer in the taproom and restaurant until 10pm (on weekends).
Get Active
Indian Wells Tennis Gardens One of the largest tennis compounds in the world. You can watch pros practice or get your own court! Only 10 minutes from La Quinta. Golf Literally everywhere. Other than pool lounging, golf is clearly Palm Springs’ favorite activity. You're likely to spot Mike on one of the many courses at La Quinta! Desert Hot Springs After all that physical activity, head to the small town of Desert Hot Springs and get a day pass for one of the mineral pools. We recommend Two Bunch Palms.
Eat, Drink and be Merry
Lavender's Looking for a nice meal within 5 min of the resort? Lavender's is where it's at with the cutest outdoor patio and the tastiest of California cuisines. Birba Pizza A modern outdoor space under the stars and twinkling lights in Palm Springs. Delicious pizza, pasta, and cocktails. The best of both worlds: taste and atmosphere! Farm Best brunch in Palm Springs, hands down. A quaint, leafy courtyard paired with delicious French brunch offerings (we highly recommend any of the French toasts). Put your name on the waitlist, grab a coffee, and wander the shops nearby until your table is ready: win-win.