Palm Springs is one of my favorite cities (along with LA and Traverse City, in case you were wondering) and it works equally well as a weekend away destination or as a longer vacation option. I’ve been lucky enough to make dozens of trips there over the last few years and friends always ask for recommendations on what to do in PS, so it’s time to make it official.

Do:

Walk around downtown Palm Springs or El Paseo in Palm Desert – Both areas are great for strolling and shopping.
Living Desert Zoo – We go every single time we’re in town and we’re still not sick of it. The zoo is basically a one-mile loop from start to finish. There aren’t tons of animals which makes it completely possible to fully explore within a half day. We usually walk the full loop and make a stop at the giraffe area where you can pay a few bucks to hand feed them (and right now you can also pay to feed the camels). One of our favorite family photo ops! There is also a giant train set that the kids love to watch and explore.
Moorten Botanical Garden – This small cactus garden is one of the most photogenic spots in town. I would go if you have a kid that’s young enough to strap into a back pack or old enough to not instantly touch all the cacti. Or better yet, leave the kids with someone and go get cocktails afterward!
Palm Springs Airplane Museum – I resisted going here for years because I would not consider myself an airplane or history enthusiast, but we went on a rainy day and really enjoyed it. There are airplanes the kids can go in and the actual space is really neat to walk around. Plus, if you hang around for any amount of time you’ll most likely get to watch one of many classic planes taking off or touching down.
Park hop! There are a ton of playgrounds around all the desert cities for the kids. There are so many, in fact, that I wrote an entire post about my favorite parks organized by desert city.
Swim! – This one is pretty obvious. No matter where you stay in Palm Springs or the surrounding cities, there will be a pool. Even if your rental or house has a pool, you can still pay a day fee at most of the hotels and check out other pools if pool-hopping your thing.
The Palm Springs Art Museum - This is another excellent option if you want to be inside for a while or you just don’t feel like swimming in the pool anymore. We have taken our daughter multiple times and the museum is small enough that it’s enjoyable to walk around and no one gets oversaturated or grumpy. They also have a lot of events (like weekly lecture and free Thursday night entry) so make sure to check out their jam-packed calendar.
Palm Springs Tram – Although I haven’t done this yet, I’ve heard really great things about it and it seems to be on most people’s to-do list.

Eat:

Brunch:

Farm – This hidden gem, which serves traditional brunch foods, seems to get overlooked in favor of the trendier spots (like Cheeky’s which you might noticed is not on my recommend list) but it’s a super solid option. They have a beautiful covered patio that makes you feel like you’re sitting in Provence instead of downtown Palm Springs.
Wilma & Frieda’s – This new-ish addition to PS, located on the second floor of a complex downtown, serves “comfort food with a twist." I had one of the healthier omelet options but next time I’m ordering the churro waffle and a Bloody Mary! I went on my last trip and was surprised that we were able to get a table right away so this could be a great option for crowded weekends.
Elmer’s – I almost published this article without mentioned Elmer’s which would have been a travesty! Think of this as a sort of upscale IHOP but way, way better (order the sunrise omelet or the bacon and Tillamook potato cakes!). It’s literally perfect for kids because it’s super loud, but come early or else you will wait forever.
King’s Highway – You’ve all seen this restaurant on Instagram even if you don’t know you have. The food is good, the retro diner vibes are great, they have date shakes which is always a plus and there is even a photobooth through the bar.

Dinner:

Rooster & The Pig – One of my favorite spots in PS, this teeny Vietnamese fusion restaurant is a must-visit, but be warned it is extremely popular. My advice is to go right when it opens (or even better about 20 minutes before) and get in line or else visit later in the night.
Workshop Kitchen – This is probably one of the first responses you’d get when asking people where you should go on date night for a reason. Located in the Uptown design district, this upscale farm-to-table spot is beautiful and modern inside and has a great menu with amazing cocktails.
Bill's Pizza – Order the Elton John pizza and thank me later! We tend to place a pick-up order from them every time we’re in town because of their awesome selection of specialty pizzas but they do get very busy so make sure you order early or else you risk an extremely long wait.
Birba – Right downtown on the north side of town, this pizza and salad spot has an amazing patio with a view of the street and mountains.
Rio Azul – This is a great spot for a large group. It’s a huge restaurant with lots of different dining areas (including a cute patio). You can get loud and rowdy here if you wish especially during Sunday’s drag queen brunch. We usually sit out on the patio and order a huge plate of rice and beans and then our toddler is entertained for at least an hour.
El Mirasol – Hands down one of my favorite spots and I’m a fan of both locations. One is on the north side of town with the cutest front patio and the second location is equally as fun and conveniently located next door to ice cream spot Kreem. The food is great (I always get the garlic shrimp) but the spicy margaritas are where it’s at!

Treats:

Kreem – This cute little shop is between the main shopping/walking areas so it doesn’t get as much attention but it’s my favorite ice cream spot in town and it’s oh so cute! Pair it with a meal at the Mexican spot next door and then waddle over for a perfect desert dessert.
Ice Cream Shoppe – This is attached to The Arrive hotel and it’s a super solid choice. Not only is the ice cream great (really are there many bad ice creams spots??) but they have the cutest little gift shop as well to pick up some Palm Springs memorabilia as you wait for your scoop. And they tip it off with Insta-bait neon ice cream signs, so you know they know what they’re doing.
Great Shakes – This spot is literally in the middle of everything and the first few sips of your milkshake will be heaven. But the servings are massive so consume an entire shake at your own risk.

Drink:

I’m pretty much always with a two-year old so most of my Palm Springs drinking is in the form of copious amounts of water because of the extreme heat and my body’s refusal to accept it, but here are a few places I do like (or know I will like) when I am childless for a night:

Drinks at the Arrive Hotel – Have a drink by the pool in one of the cabanas with your own personal fire pit. One of my favorite spots to grab a drink.
Rowan Hotel Rooftop – This is pretty much the dreamiest, most perfect Palm Springs rooftop so it doesn’t even really matter what they serve, the location is worth it. I plan on sneaking away for a date here next time I’m in town.
Tiki bars! One of the best parts of Palm Springs is that it embraces the retro kitsch factor – and these bars really own it. I’m a fan of The Tonga Hut and Tiki Bar and the Bootlegger Tiki.

Stay:

In full transparency, I have never stayed at a hotel in Palm Springs proper (I have stayed in La Quinta and HIGHLY recommend). I have always rented an AirBNB or just stayed at my in-laws. But I have stopped in many of them or just driven by them a gazillion times. Here are the spots I would check out:

The Sparrows – My parents actually stayed here and enjoyed it. They did find the rooms a bit dark but if you’re looking for a small, adult-only boutique hotel with amazing food options, this is your spot.
Rowan Hotel – This hotel is so beautiful I am definitely planning on a staycation here as soon as I can. Perfect downtown location, picturesque rooftop deck and stylish interiors.
The Arrive Hotel – If you’re looking for a little bit of that fun party vibe but you don’t want to be fully in it (like Ace and Saguaro) this would be a great option.

Do yourself a favor and book a trip to Palm Springs! I promise you will not regret it.

- Callie