Travel Guide: Palm Springs
Palm Springs was a weekend escape and wellness destination for well-heeled Angelenos starting in the early 1900s and rising to prominence as a glamorous escape for Hollywood’s elite in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Today it boast a unique mix of nostalgia, think mid-century architecture and retro diners, and health forward establishments including high end spas, healthy restaurants and more. With the opening of a new crop of high-end hotels and resorts the area is continuing to evolve and develop more of its health conscious facade.
{Get There}
You can fly directly to Palm Springs, JetBlue now has non-stop service from New York!, or you can drive. It's about 2 hours from LA and 3 from Las Vegas. It is easier to have a car there but you can get around via Uber/Lyft. The core downtown is walkable but many of the sites are not.
There is no shortage of beautifully designed and equally exclusively priced resorts and hotels in Palm Springs. From The Parker to the Korakia to L’Horizon, the Saguaro, the Ace, the Colony, Alcazar, to Sparrows Lodge, the list goes on. For the best and probably most cost effective experience I would recommend renting a house - preferably one with a pool and a good design aesthetic to help get you in the Palm Springs mood! This and this both look like delightful options.
{See & Do}
Architecture Tour in and around the Indian Canyons neighborhood
Beat the heat by the (any!) pool
{Eat & Drink}
El Jefe, the prickly pear margarita is unbelievable!
Rooster and Pig, they don't take reservations but WELL worth the wait! : put your name on the list outside then go in and get cocktails from the bar to sip in the parking lot while you wait. It's an experience, don't knock it ‘till you’ve tried it!
{Things to Know}
Yes, Palm Springs can be a bit scene-y and expensive but the vibe is very unique and I’d argue that it is worth at least one visit to check out the amazing architecture. Also, try and avoid peak summer if you can as it get VERY hot!
{What to Pack}