The Perfect Palm Springs Itinerary
How to Spend the Perfect Long Weekend in Palm Springs
Where to stay and what to eat, shop, and do while you’re in the desert.
By Phoebe Neuman
With its perpetually sunny skies, dramatic San Jacinto Mountains, and colorful-meets-kitsch (in the best way possible) atmosphere, Palm Springs has all the makings of the perfect long-weekend destination. It’s one of our favorites in California—a place we love coming back to again and again.
Here, we’ve distilled those trips into the perfect three- or four-day itinerary for soaking up the very best of the desert heat.
Stay
There’s no shortage of great hotels to choose from in Palm Springs (a few of our favorites are the Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, and Korakia Pensione), but if you’re really looking for a treat, head just outside the city limits for a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage.
Known for its secluded hilltop setting, sweeping Coachella Valley views, and exclusive vibe, the resort has long been the place to be for some true R & R. And, fresh off a two-year, resort-wide revamp that gave its Spanish Colonial meets mid-century modern aesthetic an airy modern update, that’s truer than ever before. (Do yourself a favor and book a terrace firepit room. In addition to revitalized interiors, they come with outdoor living spaces with private firepits—perfect for cozying up over a nightcap before bed.)
While Palm Springs does not lack for things to do—we’ll get to that in just a minute—we recommend reserving a day to hang out at the resort. Get your blood pumping with a hike high above the valley floor, a group fitness class, or a solo workout session at the impressive fitness center (outfitted with Technogym equipment, of course). Relax by spending a few hours at one of the two pools or indulging in a treatment at the spa—the date scrub is an out-of-body experience, trust us. And eat your fill at the casual Air Pool Bar, the elevated State Fare Bar & Kitchen, or the Edge Steakhouse, where you can also learn to prep the perfect steak tartare or gazpacho at a private cooking class led by the resort’s executive chef.
See & Do
Part of what makes Palm Springs such a great long-weekend destination is its mix of cultural landmarks and outdoor adventure. If the former is more your speed, spend a few hours enjoying modern art at the Palm Springs Art Museum, or take a tour of Palm Springs’ iconic mid-century modern architecture. We’ve recommended booking such an experience through the Modern Tour in the past (a pick we still stand by!), which will get you access to some of the region’s most architecturally significant homes and neighborhoods. A tour of historic Sunnylands, the sprawling former estate of ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg, is also fantastic if you’re able to snag a reservation.
For some serious outdoor adventure, spend the day hiking and exploring the otherworldly landscape of Joshua Tree National Park (which is about an hour drive from the Ritz-Carlton). For something closer to town, head to Tahquitz Canyon for a hike through the desert scrub and swaying palm trees to a towering 60-foot waterfall. Once you’ve had your fill of the desert heat, escape to the cool mountain air by taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 8,516 feet up to San Jacinto State Park, where you can spend the day exploring 50 miles of pine-lined hiking trails, going on a guided nature walk, or taking in the views. (Though it’s worth noting that the tramway closes for annual maintenance from mid-September through mid-October.)
Of course, no long-weekend guide to Palm Springs would be complete without a bit of golf. There are more than 100 courses to choose from in the area, though your stay at the Ritz-Carlton will give you access to the Ted Robinson–designed Palm and Valley courses at the Desert Springs Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. The concierge can also help you score tee times at Desert Willow Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and PGA West.
Eat & Drink
Palm Springs is undoubtedly a brunch town, with plenty of trendy spots to choose from. Farm and Norma’s are classics where you won’t have to battle the Instagram crowd to get in, but Lola Rose Grand Mezze at the new Thompson Palm Springs and Cheeky’s are also well worth the wait. (If you’re in the mood for a quick coffee, head to Koffi, Café La Jefa, or Cartel Roasting Co.) For lunch, you can’t go wrong with a margarita flight and street tacos at Tac/Quila, some relaxed fusion fare at the dog-friendly Boozehounds, or a sandwich (and loaf of bread to go) at Aspen Mills.
Come dinner time, channel the Rat Pack that gave the destination it’s glamorous reputation with an epic steakhouse dinner. The Edge Steakhouse at the Ritz-Carlton (pictured above) serves up prime cuts with a side of incredible views; Mr. Lyons was a favorite of Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Marilyn Monroe; and PaulBar, while unassuming from the outside, has earned its chops as one of the best new steakhouses in the valley. If you’re after something other than steak, head to Workshop Kitchen + Bar for inventive American small plates, Sandfish for some of the best sushi in the desert, or Bar Cecil for a seriously good burger.
All of the restaurants we just recommended for dinner have heavyweight cocktail menus, but if you’re seeking something extra, head to Bootlegger Tiki for a taste of mid-century modern cocktails, Truss & Twine for creative twists on classics, and High Bar—on the roof at the Rowan—for more of the desert’s spectacular views.
Shop
Vintage treasure hunting is the name of the game in Palm Springs—you could spend the whole weekend popping in and out of the vintage furniture stores that line Palm Canyon Drive. A few of our must-hits include the Shops at Thirteen Forty Five, which is home to small boutiques selling both vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, accessories, and homeware; Market Market for a sprawling mix of collectibles, clothing, and furniture; and Re[x] for a covetable selection of mid-century furniture and art.
If you’re in the mood for something new, head to the Webster or Elizabeth & Prince for an eclectic mix of designer clothing, Isamu Store for Japanese menswear, and Trina Turk or Mr. Turk to pick up a piece of Palm Springs–approved resort wear.
A weekend in Palm Springs can be as busy or as chilled as you’d like. Even if you prioritize pool time over everything else, we’re willing to bet you’ll join us as part of the club that just keeps coming back to the Coachella Valley.
