Curator’s statement
When you live in the Pacific Northwest, nothing resets you quite like a sunny early spring escape. The dry, sculptural contrast of the California desert is the perfect antidote to a long gray winter. Palm Springs is remarkably easy to reach from anywhere on the West Coast, and its mostly open-air airport sets the tone the moment you land. From there, you can settle into a mid-century pool day in town, soak in the mineral waters of Desert Hot Springs, or head out to the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a region that rewards both stillness and exploration in equal measure.
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Where to stay in Southern California
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Things to do in Southern California
Hike Hidden Valley in Joshua Tree: A scenic one-mile loop through massive boulder formations and the park’s namesake trees, this is the quintessential Joshua Tree hike. Go early or late for the best light and cooler temperatures.
Catch sunrise or sunset at Arch Rock: A short half-mile loop leads you to a 30-foot natural rock arch that’s one of the most photographed spots in the park. It’s especially magical in golden hour light.
Hike Murray Canyon Trail in the Indian Canyons: Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, this Agua Caliente tribal land hike winds through palm oases and creek-fed canyons toward the Seven Sisters waterfalls. It feels worlds away from the city.
Wander Moorten Botanical Garden: A historic Palm Springs landmark since 1938, this family-run “cactarium” is a wonderland of desert flora packed onto a single acre. It’s quiet, quirky, and a great low-key morning stop.
A day pass, or overnight at Two Bunch Palms: The Desert Hot Springs original. Soak in their natural mineral pools, wander the grounds, and let your shoulders drop. An overnight is dreamy, but a day pass delivers most of the magic.
Drive Highway 62 through the high desert: The road from Palm Springs up to Joshua Tree threads through Yucca Valley and Pioneertown, full of vintage shops, roadside diners, and that golden desert light photographers chase.
Mid-century architecture tour: Palm Springs is a living museum of mid-century modern design. Self-guided maps from the Palm Springs Visitors Center make it easy to drive past Kaufmann House, Frey House II, and other icons.
Bring home a bottle of T'MARO Amaro: Our favorite souvenir from the trip. T'MARO is a women-owned distillery crafting date-based spirits from organic Coachella Valley dates, and their Amaro is herbaceous, citrus-forward, and unlike anything else in our home bar. We first tried it in a cocktail at Kitchen in the Desert and picked up a bottle to take home at Perry’s Fine Wine and Liquor in Palm Springs.
Places to eat & drink in Southern California
The Restaurant at Two Bunch Palms: A serene farm-to-table dining room that mirrors the calm of the property. Ideal after a long soak.
Reservations at ARRIVE Palm Springs: ARRIVE's all-day restaurant is a stylish gathering spot with a great patio, strong cocktails, and a menu that works equally well for a long lunch or a low-key dinner.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar. A James Beard-recognized standout in a striking concrete space on Palm Canyon Drive. Seasonal Californian cooking and excellent cocktails. Book ahead.
Más o Menos (Joshua Tree): A laid-back cocktail bar on 29 Palms Highway with a sun-drenched patio and a creative drinks list. The perfect first stop after a day in the park.
Kitchen in the Desert (Joshua Tree): A charming New American spot with Caribbean influences and a leafy outdoor dining area shaded by palms and umbrellas. Order a cocktail featuring local T'MARO Amaro, and reserve ahead, especially on weekends.
Tropicale: A Palm Springs classic for old-school glamour, tropical cocktails, and dinner under string lights in the courtyard.
Cheeky’s: The brunch spot in Palm Springs. Expect a wait, and order the bacon flight.
Pappy & Harriet's (Pioneertown): Worth the drive for mesquite barbecue, cold beer, and the chance of catching a surprisingly big-name act on the outdoor stage.
Need to know
Plan for a little longer than a long weekend. Three to five nights is the sweet spot for really settling into the area, with enough time to enjoy a proper pool day, a soak in Desert Hot Springs, at least one full day in Joshua Tree, and a few good meals without feeling rushed.
Rent a car. Unless you’re planning to settle into one property for the trip or stay central in Palm Springs and walk the village, you’ll want the freedom to explore. Desert Hot Springs, Joshua Tree, and Pioneertown all reward a road trip mindset. Some hotels offer complimentary bike rentals, which are perfect for getting around town.
A few practical notes: pack layers (desert nights can be surprisingly cool, especially in early spring), and bring more water than you think you need on any hike. Time Joshua Tree visits for early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds. Spring wildflower season (typically February through April) is magical but unpredictable, so check bloom reports before you go.
And if you’re a cocktail enthusiast, save room in your suitcase for a bottle of T'MARO Amaro from Perry’s Fine Wine and Liquor, a women-owned, locally distilled date-based spirit that captures the Coachella Valley in a glass.
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