Palm Springs On-The-Go: A 5-Day Itinerary

A mid-morning arrival allows your group to take in the natural setting that is uniquely Palm Springs. Blue skies, desert horizons, and a flourishing valley nestled at the base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Fuel up with a Mexican lunch at the iconic Las Casuelas Terraza, then head downtown to indulge in the area’s mid-century modern designs, art, shopping, and local flavors. Be sure to sample regional favorite Brandini Toffee and grab some swag at Destination PSP. Take advantage of an early check-in at The Kimpton Rowan and join your group at the High Bar for a rooftop cocktail with desert views and a chic poolside scene. Plan on a relaxed dinner with reservations at Workshop Kitchen.

Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park for bucket-list hikes and photo opps. On the way, take a detour for an immersive lunch experience at Shields Date Garden (the Coachella Valley is a world-class producer of dates). Nosh on different date varietals and share a famed date shake while learning about the history of the date. You can also take lunch in the garden. Road trip ready, traverse the impressive landscape to Joshua Tree (where the Mohave and Colorado deserts meet). You will discover unique rock formations, expansive earth eco-systems, as well as the fauna and flora synonymous with its name. End your day at Pioneertown’s Pappy and Harriets Western Oasis where good food, libations, and live music can be found.

Explore what’s called the charming East Valley with a start at one of the areas best brunches. The La Quinta Resort’s TWENTY6 restaurant offers spectacular service in the most beautiful setting. This resort haven is full of lemon trees, smells of jasmine, and is a fun celebration of history (Frank Capra is said to have written “It’s a Wonderful Life” here).

By mid-afternoon, you’ll be ready for one of the desert’s most amazing experiences in nearby Indio. Get ready for the 2 pm Polo game at Empire Polo (home of Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals). During the winter months, this “sport of Kings” opens its grounds so that revelers can stomp divets at half-time with champagne in hand. If you ever wanted that “Pretty Woman” moment, this is your chance (IYKYK!!)

After the game, the Tack Room Tavern will satisfy your appetite or head to Old Town La Quinta’s outdoor restaurant and retail center with popular options such as La Quinta Brewing Company, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, Enzo’s Italian, Disco Rabbit, and DSRT Club.

In my opinion, one can never go wrong with Brunch and La Provence Patisserie & Cafe Palm Desert is exquisite. The menu (and macarons) are delicious as well as presented fashionably to fit the casual elegance of the atmosphere. Then navigate the savannas and wildlife of the Living Desert and Gardens, where you’ll experience the native habitats of the American, African, and Australian deserts. In addition to reptilian creatures, you can feed a giraffe, have lunch with a leopard, wave to a wallaby, or glimpse the elusive (and endangered) Mexican Wolf.

When your “safari adventure” ends, head down to nearby, El Paseo, also known as the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert”. Delight in sampling a gelato at La Dolce Piccola Gelateria while walking down this posh enclave. If vintage and sustainable shopping is on your list, Palm Desert’s Atelier 27 and the Fine Art of Design are your must-visits. End the day at the JW Resort Palm Desert with an unexpected boat ride to Mikado Japanese Steakhouse.

On their final day, this particular group decided to split up to experience something personal for their taste. Excursions included hiking the Indian Canyons, hitting the links at Escena Golf Club, self-care in the healing waters at The Spa at Sec-he, and a bit of play at Agua Caliente Casino, Palm Springs. Something for everyone to treat themselves to and remember the true happiness that a desert vacay can give.