Palm Springs, California

3 Perfect Days in Palm Springs, California

rchavarria•Jul 1•3 min read
Day 1

Discover Downtown

Arrival & Check-In

  • Arrive in Palm Springs and settle into Palm Springs Tennis Club or Vista Mirage Resort. Both are in convenient locations, making it easy to begin exploring the area right away!
  • Take a stroll through Downtown Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive is lined with boutiques, galleries, public art installations, and some of the city's most popular restaurants.

Afternoon: Culture & Local Flavor

  • Enjoy lunch at Lulu California Bistro. A longtime Palm Springs favorite known for its expansive menu, colorful atmosphere, and people-watching patio.
  • Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. Explore contemporary art, photography, architecture, and rotating exhibitions in one of the city's cultural landmarks.
  • Browse the Uptown Design District. Discover vintage shops, home décor boutiques, and galleries showcasing Palm Springs' iconic design heritage.

Evening: Dining & Desert Night

  • Enjoy dinner at Tac/Quila. This award-winning restaurant serves elevated Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails in a lively setting.
  • Walk through Downtown Palm Springs after sunset. The warm desert evenings and illuminated palms create a distinctly Palm Springs atmosphere.
Day 2

Scenic Landscapes

Morning: Breakfast & Adventure

  • Start your day at Farm. One of Palm Springs' most beloved breakfast spots, known for its French-inspired dishes and charming courtyard.
  • Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Travel from the desert floor to over 8,500 feet above sea level while taking in spectacular Coachella Valley views.

Afternoon: Explore Above the Desert

  • Enjoy lunch at Peaks Restaurant. Located at the top of the tramway, it offers panoramic views alongside classic American fare.
  • Explore Mount San Jacinto State Park. Several easy walking paths and overlooks allow you to experience an entirely different landscape from the desert below.
  • Visit Moorten Botanical Garden. This compact but fascinating botanical collection features thousands of desert plants from around the world.

Evening: Elevated Dining & Cocktails

  • Enjoy dinner at Copley's on Palm Canyon. Located on the former Cary Grant estate, this longtime favorite blends history, atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine.
  • Stop by Bar Cecil. Known for its stylish setting and expertly crafted cocktails, it's become one of Palm Springs' most popular evening destinations.
  • Return to your resort after a full day of exploring. Time to unwind!
Day 3

Desert Beauty

Morning: Brunch & Exploration

  • Enjoy brunch at Cheeky's. A Palm Springs institution famous for creative breakfast dishes and fresh ingredients.
  • Visit Indian Canyons. Home to scenic hiking trails, palm groves, and stunning desert landscapes, it's one of the area's most iconic outdoor experiences.

Late Morning: Shopping & Local Favorites

  • Browse The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five. This collection of boutique retailers, home décor stores, and local businesses offers a uniquely Palm Springs shopping experience.
  • Stop by Great Shakes. Their famous date shakes are considered a must-try desert tradition.
  • Spend your final hours poolside or exploring downtown. Palm Springs rewards both activity and relaxation equally well.

Departure

  • Return to the resort to check out. Its central location makes for an easy departure.
  • Take one final drive through the city. The mountain views, palm-lined streets, and desert scenery make a memorable farewell.
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