West coast is the best coast
Palm Springs, California – once a sleepy, small-town for the retired, is now one of the hottest spots in the United States. Voted March 2016’s, “10 Hippest Cities in America”, this desert getaway is more desirable each and every year. Driving into this picturesque desert oasis, you’re immediately taken aback by the colorful buildings, vintage architecture and natural mountain beauty. You step into a quaint town that, over the years, has gone from Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe to today’s biggest starlets, like Saiorse Ronan and Brad Pitt. What do visitors love so much about it? You have the perfect blend of relaxation and activities.
We rounded up our top picks for where to eat, where to shop and what to do for your next trip to Palm Springs…
EAT
COFFEE
Ernest Coffee
Kick off your day with a sweet dose of caffeine. In 1953, Don the Beachcomber’s tiki restaurant opened in this very space where Earnest now serve you delicious coffee every morning. The shop was named after this legend’s given birth name, Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, celebrating the founding father of tiki restaurants and bars while serving you honest and delicious Stumptown coffee to get your day started. Ernest Coffee is open from 6am to 7pm seven days a week serving up Stumptown Coffee with soy, almond and coconut milk as dairy alternatives.
BREAKFAST
King’s Highway is the roadside diner at Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Formerly a Denny’s restaurant, King’s Highway celebrates the ineffable, bohemian spirit of the wide open West. The breakfast menu includes staples like overnight oats, avocado toast and breakfast burrito.
LUNCH
Cheeky’s
A Palm Springs institution that arguably has the best brunch spot in town!
Lulu’s
At Lulu California Bistro, talent, expertise and a passion for great food combine to produce a captivating dining experience. Menu options are both varied and value-priced. The quality is always high.
DINNER
Sandfish Sushi
Introducing Palm Spring’s newest Uptown sushi and whiskey bar – yes, you heard that combo right. It’s delicious and perfectly designed. Eater Magazine once said, “The space, designed by local architect Chris Pardo, brings together Scandinavian and Japanese elements with its concrete walls, natural woods, and groovy fish-scale tiles behind the bar.” It offers an ideal destination for both epicures and the curious.
Billy Reed’s Steakhouse
Sometimes we feel like old-school classics are the way to go – this is Billy Reed’s steakhouse. Opened in December of 1975, ths long standing Palm Springs staple is one you can’t miss if steak is one of your favorites. This place is open 7 days a week and includes a number of specials local can’t get enough of. They serve everything from breakfast to lunch and into dinner. Our favorite part? LIve music every night of the week.
DESSERT
Kreem Ice cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for – Kreem Ice Cream. Palm Spring’s must-devour artisan ice cream shop. All the ice cream are hand-made in house and are based with organic and natural ingredients, non-GMO, no preservatives or additives. Lines can get long, so get there early and enjoy!
SHOP
Palm Springs is known for their fabulous shopping – both interior, design and vintage just to name a few. While we love good designer and trend options, there’s something victorious about snagging a great timely piece that comes from a classic home like Palm Springs. Start digging for buried treasure at a few of our top picks..
Just Fabulous – Trinkets and Palm Springs memorabilia
Haus of Rex – Vintage furniture and home goods
The Fine Art of Design – Vintage consignment clothing and accessories
ACTIVITIES
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Get a bird’s eye view from 8,500 feet on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. When you think of Palm Springs, you may initially be thinking desolate desert with cactus and very little elevation. If so, you are quite wrong. Palm Springs is actually surrounded by mountains. Since 1963, over 20 million people have traveled the 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride, which begins at the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 feet) and ends at the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 feet).Tickets are $25 and the whole trip only takes 10 minutes to reach the top.
Joshua Tree National Park
Named for the region’s twisted, bristled Joshua trees, the park straddles the cactus-dotted Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert, which is higher and cooler. Keys View looks out over the Coachella Valley. Hiking trails weave through the boulders of Hidden Valley. Only a 50 minute frive my Palm Springs, this park is one surely not to miss.
Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium
Ready to make all your cactus dreams come true? Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, open to the public since 1938. This intimate garden boasts thousands of cactus, ranging in size and shape. Nothing screams Palm Springs likes these green beauties.
Cabazon Dinosaur
If you’re looking for a perfect photo op, look no further than the infamous Cabazon Dinosaur. This roadside attraction on the way into Palm Springs becamse famous from multiple movie appearnaces since 1975. They are two massive, metal dinosaurs named Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex. Tickets are $13.
Pink door tour + more
Palm Springs is known for its mid-century modern architecture and whimsical colored doors. To really capture the essence of the city, hop on a bike and take a pink door tour. There are routes throughout the town that let you know tons of multi-colored entryways – the owners are cool with it, too. We love this article from The Salty Canary on the best route.
Now that you know all the best restaurants, shopping and activities to do in Palm Springs, get to planning.
Coming July 2019. We’ve got the best spot just waiting for you – and don’t forget your bikini! Xoxo, Stay Minty
