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Palm Springs Travel Guide
A curated guide to the Californian desert oasis.
While Palm Springs is often synonymous with Coachella, it’s long been a favourite weekend destination for Californian locals. A desert oasis only two hours from LA, Palm Springs is a happening space for mid-century architecture, cultural art scenes, modern pool clubs and bars and natural hot springs.
Here, discover our travel guide to Palm Springs, from the hotels and resorts to stay to the best bars and restaurants and vintage stores to trawl through.
“Where to stay”
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs
Walking distance from downtown, Avalon is a luxurious boutique-style hotel with manicured lawns, classic turquoise swimming pools and individual Spanish-inspired studios and villas. Next door, you’ll also discover their sister property, Ingleside Estate, another charming hotel property that was a frequent hotspot for celebrities in the 50s and 60s.
A boutique hotel in Indian Wells designed in collaboration with Matryn Lawrence Bullard, who drew inspiration from the kasbahs of Marrakech and the Sahara desert. Their Moroccan-style spa is also a wellness hub where their treatments combine traditional Western techniques with Moroccan ingredients and minerals from around the world.
Described as ‘retro-regal’, the Parker is one of the largest and most unique properties in Palm Springs with Moroccan and French-inspired decor, lush gardens, a speakeasy bar and luxury spa.
A modern oasis that boasts contemporary style rooms with a few nostalgic Palm Springs touches. They also host regular events and sessions, including live open-air jazz series and DJ residencies and if you aren’t planning an overnight stay, there are day passes available for the pool and spa.
“Where to wine and dine ”
Melvyn’s Restaurant & Casablanca Lounge
Perhaps one of the most iconic restaurants in Palm Springs and a favourite of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, Melvyn’s remains a mainstay for its authentic French cuisine, refined interiors and elevated yet relaxed demeanour.
Tucked inside the Sands Hotel & Spa, this cafe and restaurant is a modern take on the 1950s and 60s tennis and racquet clubs of Palm Springs, outfitted with green and white chequered floors, palm tree wallpaper and rattan chairs.
A contemporary Japanese restaurant that specialises in modern sushi delicacies, paired with unique whiskey and cocktail formulas.
A local institution with a nostalgic 1950s feel, Keedy’s is a roadside grill with all the American classics on offer.
A taste of New York in the desert. Sherman’s is a classic family-style bakehouse with fresh deli bagels, sandwiches and salads.
“Things to do”
Visit Joshua Tree
Only an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree is a true natural wonder of the world with its unique rock formations and desert landscape. Even if you’re only planning a day trip, it’s worth staying for its incredible sunsets and crystal clear views of the night’s stars.
Book a jeep tour in the desert
Discover everything from the Palm Springs desert to the San Andreas Fault and the lush palm oases of the Indian Canyons in a true off-roading experience with an open air jeep.
Take a midcentury modern architecture tour
Palm Springs has some of the most iconic and interesting mid-century architecture in the world, and Modernism Tours by Modernism Week will take you through some of the most illustrious – from Elvis’ Honeymoon hideaway to the Kaufmann Desert House.
“Where to find the best vintage stores”
A vintage clothing and accessories space that focuses on mod, resort, bohemian style pieces.
A go-to spot in the desert for luxury second-hand designer goods including vintage jewellery, womenswear, menswear and archival pieces.
Embrace the mid-century architecture of Palm Springs and explore the eclectic range of vintage furniture at Hedge, including consignment furniture, vases, decor and art.