Here is my long awaited guide to what to eat, where to stay and what to do in Palm Springs!
We took a 5 day family trip to Palm Springs to celebrate Charles’s 50thu birthday. I came with zero expectations and left with a heart full of new memories and a soft spot for this corner of the world. While we didn’t get a chance to do everything on our list, I was lucky enough to gather feedback from hundreds of members of the social media community, which I’ve summarized for you here.
How to get to Palm Springs?
We took a short 3 hour direct flight from Vancouver to get to Palm Springs which is our preferred travel route. Honestly, we will take any opportunity to start our vacation at Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, and this was no exception. We got down and parked our car so our holiday really began. They have the most comfortable rooms with a view of the planes that took off which the kids loved, a pool, beautiful gym and a great restaurant, the Globe. Order anything seafood on the menu: the Chilean Seabass was incredible, as was the fish and chips. Plus, you’re literally steps from your gate. Travel completely stress-free.
What to do in Palm Springs?
There are so many things to do in and around Palm Springs. We stayed in Palm Desert (more on that below) and found the attractions to be really spread out. Here’s a list of things to do in Palm Springs with extra notes on what we got a chance to enjoy.
Living Desert (zoo)
This was highly recommended to us as a family activity and I can see why. The boys were able to see all kinds of African and South American animals, including a cheetah, rhinos, zebras and even feed a giraffe for $10 each. Go early as it is hot.
If you go to the Living Wilderness and have a car, you can continue up Highway 74 into the mountains to experience what is called a switchback. It’s a super windy road that’s really cool and there’s a lookout point at the top where you can see the valley. If you don’t want to spend money to get on the tram, this is a great alternative.
Boomers
We didn’t get to go here, but next time. It was a little sticky, but it was obviously a riot for the kids. Boomers is affriendly entertainment center with mini golf, go carts, arcade games, batting cages, bumper boats and rock wall.
Take a walk
Here’s a rundown of the top recommended hikes in the Palm Springs area:
- Joshua Tree
- San Andreas Canyon
- Indian Gorges
- Ladder Canyon Hike
- Painted trail of the canyon
- Mountain of Salvation
- Taquitz Canyon Hike
- Beat and grind
- Split Rock (you actually drive through a rock)
Aerial tram
One of the most recommended things to do was the Aerial tram. Truth? As a Canadian, I didn’t come to Palm Springs to see snow in April. I have put it on my list for the future. Obviously, it’s beautiful and there’s a place to grab a bite to eat at the top too. Dress warmly and wear proper shoes.
Other things to do in Palm Springs:
- Shopping in El Paseo
- Street Fair Night Market (Thursday Nights)
- Sunnylands
- Visit the Date Farm (and try a date shake)
- Statue of Marilyn Monroe
- Elvis Presley and Priscilla honey house it’s in a cool neighborhood to even cruise around the houses!
- Waterslide Park
- Surf Wave Park (not open when we went)
- Bicycle rental
- Night golf at INDIAN WELLS
- Children’s Museum
- Watch a polo match
- Saturday morning outdoor market
- Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve. A stunning and easy hike/walk for all ages of majestic and beautiful old palm trees that look like Jurassic Park.
Palm Springs Day Trips:
Need to rent a car in Palm Springs?
Yes. In my humble opinion. I was surprised at how spread out everything is in Palm Springs to be honest, and having wheels was essential to have the flexibility to get it all done.
Where to eat in Palm Springs
The list was long and our time very short. We did our best, but we have to come back to deal with the rest!
Wilma and Frieda
Oh my WORDS! One of the best mornings of my life. Start with the homemade cinnamon roll (or try a homemade pop tart) and don’t miss the Churro Waffles. Any of the benny’s are also incredible. Big portions, incredible service… get there early to get a seat. It is located on the second level of a shopping complex in the heart of the bustling El Paseo.
The farm
This place is highly recommended. While they are known for their brunch we went for dinner. It was quaint with live music and a rustic yet luxurious atmosphere. We literally ordered one of everything on the menu (which changes daily). Highlights included the potato leek soup, roast chicken and short ribs. I would go back but without kids lol.
La Quinta Cliffhouse
This place was cool – built into the rock with a waterfall cascading down the entrance. The drinks were incredible: I highly recommend the Pear Martini and the Peach Blossom White Cosmo. Order the Poke Firecracker Nachos for an appetizer and The Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass served with a honey-soy glaze, ginger sticky rice, baby bok choy and coconut curry sauce. Although it looked cozy inside, be sure to ask for a table outside for the best experience.
Okura
The food was tasty, although not what I would consider traditional Japanese. The Marilyn Monroe roll was delicious and the Jalapeno Poppers with shrimp were dynamite.
Top recommended restaurants in Palm Springs
Where to stay in Palm Springs
We stayed at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, and we really enjoyed our time. It was very kid focused but has pools for all ages. If you have younger children it would be perfect. The lazy river and the slides are really good. Charles and I took advantage of the wonderful gym they have and my favorite part was enjoying our morning coffee on the beautiful patio with the fire tables, surrounded by a sea of colorful snapdragons.
Other recommended places to stay in Palm Springs:
P.S. We always close a photo shoot with Mygographer for every single trip to capture our memories: you can use the code FRAICHE50 for $50 from the download – highly recommended.
Tell me what I’m missing below! I hope this is helpful for any of you traveling to Palm Springs!
