We had the chance to spend a few days in Palm Springs and got the opportunity to really explore and discover this vibrant and unique city. Located in the middle of a dessert valley area, the temperatures can soar to the 90s and 100s during the day (higher in the summer) and cool down for a chilly night once the sun sets. Palm Springs is popular for their unique architecture and vibes that can’t be found anywhere else. Pair that with great food choices and lots of fun activities and you’ll find yourself coming back for more. From SFO you can fly direct to Palm Springs, making it an easy Bay Area getaway. Read below for some of the places we checked out this time around.

Stay

V Palm Springs is a newly renovated motel style hotel. The fun centers around the pool and bar area of course, which is very important when the temps rise over 100 degrees. The rooms are comfortably modern, ours overlooked the pool area and had a great view of the majestic mountains.

Eat

Kaiser Grille is the perfect place for a stop by for Happy Hour. Located in the middle of Palm Canyon Drive, they have a beautiful bar and plenty of cool seating indoors or out. Our favorite dish was their good ‘ol Shrimp Cocktail which was perfect for a Palm Springs evening!

Johannes was one of our best meals while on our little vacation. Chef Johannes Bacher comes from Austria and brought along with him a passion for food and decades of classical training as he ventured to the desert. Who would have thought we would find schnitzel in Palm Springs? They even have an impressive schnitzel lovers menu with tasty options. We loved the Cucumber Dill Sauce and Cranberry that was served along side our meal.

King’s Highway at Ace Hotel & Swim Club is everything Palm Springs stands for. From their awesome retro decor to their prune shakes, you’ll be feeling the Palm Springs vibes after your first sip. If you’re going for breakfast like we did, make sure to try their avocado toast- we’ve never had anything quite like it. And though prune shakes might not be for everyone, theirs is worth a try!

Jakes Palm Springs is a great lunch spot. They have refreshing salads and a cool porch to enjoy your meal. We thoroughly enjoyed the Grilled Pineapple, Watermelon and Chicken Salad and Shrimp Tacos. If you still have room in your stomach, finish off your meal with one of their huge slices of cake…yum!

Lulu California Bistro is a Palm Springs staple. With its open high ceilings and big patio perfect for people watching, the food and service completes the whole experience. For dinner they have a great multiple set course selection of different number of courses and dish choices (depends how hungry you are!). Our favorite was their dessert selection, so make sure to save room.

The Steakhouse, located in the Spa Resort Casino is a great option if you are looking for a classy meal steps away from all of the entertainment. We enjoyed an al fresco meal on their outside patio which was perfect after the sun went down. They have early bird specials on Sunday-Thursday so make sure to check their website for more info and other great deals. Also located in the casino is the Oasis Buffet and the Corner Deli. Make sure to pick up a warm pie at the deli, you won’t regret it!

Café Europa serves up a great breakfast for you to start out your day. Omelets, Scrambles, and healthy options like a breakfast salad should satisfy eaters will all cravings. If it’s not too hot out, grab a table on the patio and enjoy the sunshine!

See & Do

Spa Resort Casino is a great one stop shop for Palm Springs. With multiple choices for entertainment and dining you could spend days here without doing or eating the same thing. Don’t forget to also check out the Sunstone Spa located at their sister casino, Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa. It has been voted one of the top spas in Palm Springs!

Palm Mountain Resort Spa has recently been renovated and expanded with more plans of upgrades coming soon! The location of this resort can’t be beat with the peace of the mountains looming behind the hotel. At the same time, it is also walking distance to the heart of Palm Springs downtown. We loved the fact that their pool actually has a machine that cools the water to the perfect temperature for the summer heat.

Palm Springs Doors – Palm Springs is known for it’s collection of Mid Century Modern homes. It’s fun to take a ride around the neighborhoods to explore this unique and timeless architecture style. During our stay we were lucky enough to go on a Door Tour with Palm Springs Style. There are so many wonderfully colorful and unique doors to admire and we made sure to stop by the famous pink door for photos!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must see during your trip. Start from the hot desert valley and head up over 8000 feet to the mountain top where temperatures are around 20 degrees lower (bring a jacket!). Have a meal and watch the sun set over the valley below, or take a refreshing hike through the many trails of lush greenery that you would never think you’d find in Palm Springs!

Moorten Botanical Gardens and Cactarium is a treasure trove of succulents and cactus. With thousands of species from all over the world you are sure to see some crazy and interesting looking plants. We loved exploring the little pathways and greenhouse. If you have some time to spare don’t hesitate to stop by this unique place and take in some nature.

SunnyCycle Palm Springs is a fun way to see a the city in a fun and unique way. Hop on board with friends and family to do a group ride while listening to your favorite tunes. Wave at people as you pass by, take photos, take selfies, and hang on for the ride! Don’t worry, they have you covered if you get tired…the bike has its own motor.

Palm Springs Art Museum is a great place to cool off mid-day. We enjoyed their modern art exhibits that included many intriguing pieces of art. Make sure to check out their calendar for up to date exhibits and events.

VillageFest is a Thursday night street fair that features art, food, and entertainment from the evening into the night. It’s a great family fun activity to walk around town as the sun sets and temperatures cool. There are plenty of food options and if you are a shopper, you’ll have a grand time! We loved walking around to relax and wind down before heading for dinner.