Palm Springs is fun in the sun, all year long. It's the perfect place to relax poolside, get a spa treatment, or spot a celebrity. Because of it's convenient location a few hours from Los Angeles, it's a favorite vacation spot for the Hollywood elite. There's so many fun things to do, that it's hard to know where to begin. Hot springs? Shopping? Fine dining? Hiking? Start with these ten great things to see and do.
First, find a great place to stay in Palm Springs
Experience The Best Of Palm Spring With These 10 Weekend Activities
1. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Canyon Drive, or downtown First, find a great place to stay in Palm Springs, is a great place to start exploring the town. There are several museums on Palm Canyon Drive, including the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum, the Palm Springs Historical Society, and the Cornelia White House. It's also home to the Palm Canyon Theatre, the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, and Ruddy's General Store. Browse a gift store, eat a variety of international cuisine, or just stroll down the palm tree lined street. There are so many things to see and do here!
2. Coachella Valley Preserve
The Coachella Valley Preserve is a protected area of approximately 880 acres just north of the Indio Hills. This unique habitat consists of desert wetland and palm woodland oases, and is the home of the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. Meander some of the 28 miles of trails that begin at the Visitors' Center. If you don't feel like walking there are also plenty of horseback riding trails.
3. Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
Remember those "House of Tomorrow" cartoons? How'd you like to see one in real life? The Alexander Estate is a mid-century icon of modernism, but it's more famously known as the place where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon and lived between 1966 and 1967. Time your visit during one of the special events like the honeymoon or Elvis' birthday. You can even rent the house for your own wedding or special event!
4. Essense Restaurant
The Essense Restaurant located in the serene gardens of the legendary Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa is all about refined taste and luxury. The dining room is elegantly furnished and has a phenomenal view of the mountains. Their gourmet California cuisine is organic, healthy, and uses local ingredients. Plus, there are many vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian dishes. Finish your meal with a stroll around the charming garden.
5. El Jefe
El Jefe takes Mexican street food to an entirely new level. Located in the elegant boutique hotel Saguaro, this restaurant is perfect for a romantic date. Try the simple but delicious tacos with shrimp, chorizo sausages, refried beans, radishes and tomatoes. Top it off with a margarita and you may start dancing to the live music.
6. Ace Hotel
Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a quirky yet charming 176-room hotel, resort, and spa located within biking distance of downtown First, find a great place to stay in Palm Springs. All the rooms are unique and their atmosphere is known has "bohemian organic." Some have their own garden patio while others have a fireplace or a record player and old records. The hotel is known for its many communal fireplaces great for meeting other guests. there are also two large pools, a vintage photo booth and the Amigo Room Bar that stays open late and has live music. By the way, it's pet-friendly!
7. Bootlegger Tiki
Bootlegger Tiki is a tiny speakeasy and tiki bar, a crazy combination that somehow works to perfection. There are subtle Polynesian touches including a few torches and colorful posters along with the dim lights and dark leather booths of the traditional speakeasy. Come during happy hour when the place is hopping and watch the bartender mix up tasty craft cocktails.
8. The Shops on El Paseo
There are shops, and there are THE SHOPS. The Shops on El Paseo is the desert's premier luxury shopping and dining destination. It's full of world-renown designer boutiques and inviting restaurants. Do some window shopping or fill your suitcase with gifts. Or better yet, treat yourself.
9. The Golf Center at Palm Desert
Fore! The Golf Center is one of the desert's best kept secret courses. It offers a nine-hole par three golf course, driving range, chipping and putting greens, lessons, clinics and more. So whether you're a newbie who's never picked up a club, or you're the next Tiger Woods, you can play a short round, practice your drives, perfect your putting and get your golf fun on at The Golf Center.
10. El Morocco Inn & Spa
This Moroccan Hot Springs Oasis, with its warm mineral water swimming pool and Jacuzzi style covered spa, will transport you to paradise. Step into the healing far-infrared sauna or enjoy a wide range of spa services including massages, clay wraps, and full body scrubs. Stay overnight in one of the twelve "bedchambers" which all feature California king beds. Some rooms even have seven-foot rounded beds so you can really stretch out.
This article was written by Lauren Gaw.