Palm Springs is a mere 2 hours from San Diego, but seems a world away. The playground of the rich and famous during the golden age of Hollywood, it harkens back to a bye-gone era, think three martini lunches and duck a l’orange. Parts of Palm Springs seem a bit lost in time, but some cool hotels and restaurants are breathing new life into the city. Joshua Tree National Park is a gem and just 45 minutes from Palm Springs. We recommend a couple nights of outdoor adventure in Joshua Tree followed by some pampering in Palm Springs for a well rounded vacation.
Eat/Drink:
Canyon Flours Bakery
We’ve been eagerly awaiting the grand opening of this gluten-free bakery. Located in a stylish mid-century modern building, we’re pleased to say it’s now open on the weekends as a tasting kitchen. Take advantage of the free beach cruisers provided by the Ace Hotel and peddle two miles down N. Palm Canyon Dr. to get to the bakery.
515 N Palm Canyon Dr. Suite B-10
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
760-327-7771
http://canyonflowersbakery.com/
Ace Hotel’s Kings Highway and Amigo Room
In addition to a fun Hipster vibe, the Ace Hotel’s two restaurants have great food and drinks.
The Kings Highway is a good option for breakfast, or lunch. Whether you decide to dine inside the sixties-style diner or chill poolside, you’ll be able to order Stumptown coffee and an array of breakfast items. Options include a great huevos rancheros or lighter home-made granola with fresh fruit. The Kings Highway also serves pie and other deserts… great for a late night snack attack.
Escape from the Palm Springs sun into the Amigo Room. The low lit bar and restaurant serves refreshing mixed drinks made with fresh fruit. They also offer a great local beer called Kings Highway on tap, a great deal during happy hour.
The Amigo room menu can be ordered in the restaurant, or out by the pool. The popcorn with truffle oil and black bean burger are highlights but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
701 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA
760-325-9900
http://www.acehotel.com/palmsprings/dining
The Parker
Swallow the pill and fall down the rabbit hole… the look of this hotel is a “trip.” A photographers dream, the well-manicured back forty allows you to get lost at the pool, pingpong tables, or a hidden area for pictures. The Parker also has three different places for food and drinks. Mr. Parker’s is the most upscale and offers an old hollywood vibe with big booths and a very french menu. Sit outside under the covered patio and enjoy breakfast or lunch at Norma’s, a sort of upscale diner. Located in the lobby, “The Mini Bar” is a great place to get a drink or light meal.
4200 East Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA
760-770-5000
http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/dine/
Stay:
The Ace Hotel and Swim Club
As Ace Hotel loyalists, we have slept, eaten, and partied at each of their four locations (Seattle, Portland, New York, and Palm Springs). While we love them all, this might be our favorite. The stylish boutique hotel has found the perfect mix of functional space, hip vibe, great location, and fantastic food. We typically like to explore on our vacations, but the Ace is so cool we hardly leave once we step on the premises.
There are two great pools which allow for a respite from the consuming desert heat. Wait staff offer food, refreshments, and snow cones. 3-speed beach cruisers are a free amenity provided to all guests, making it easy to ride through the neighborhoods and into downtown… or if you want a change of scenery, peddle due south on East Palm Canyon Dr. two miles to the Parker.
Fireplace common areas are scattered throughout the grounds great for enjoying wine late in the evening. If you are traveling with a larger group/event, look into renting the event space located by pool #2 and inquire about the taco dinner the hotel offers for bigger parties. The Ace’s rates are pretty reasonable but we’ve found some screaming deals on travel websites during the hotel’s off season.
701 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA
760-325-9900
http://www.acehotel.com/palmsprings
The Parker
We have yet to stay here (it’s hard to stay anywhere but the Ace), but we do plan on trying it one of these days. The Jonathan Adler designed hotel is mid century modern meets Alison and Wonderland. It’s very playful and whimsical and I especially love the vast and extremely lush grounds.
4200 East Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA
760-770-5000
http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/
29 Palms Inn (Joshua Tree)
An oasis in the middle of the desert, the 29 Palms Inn is simple but stylish and seems at odds with the town it’s in (Twentynine Palms is dusty, sprawling and completely lacking character). The only reason to go to Twentynine Palms would be to gain access to Joshua Tree National Park or stay at the Inn or both. 29 Palms Inn also has a great restaurant that serves simple but well prepared dishes. It’s actually quite popular. Reservations are recommended.
73950 Inn Ave.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
760-367-3505
http://www.29palmsinn.com
Do:
Run/Bike
Many of the most well preserved mid-century modern homes in the U.S. are in Palm Springs. The best examples are in the neighborhoods right around old town. We love running or biking through the neighborhoods and pointing out our favorites.
A run in Palm Springs is a stroll down memory lane and a trip back to the golden-era. If you decide to run, get out early… it heats up fast and there is very little shade.
By bike: there are signs that point out good routes for cyclists. Follow posted signs into town, through the neighborhoods, or along the edge of the local foothills.
http://www.palmsprings.com/city/palmsprings/bikemap.html
Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Springs is a great place to station yourself if you’re planning to visit Joshua Tree National Park. A playground for rock climbing enthusiasts, you can go for the day or camp overnight. Joshua Tree has nine campgrounds to choose from. Our favorite is Indian Cove campground, which offers roomy campsites and great rock scrambling/top-roping. Each site has a fire pit. Tent camping doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” The restaurant at 29 Palms Inn is a short 20 minutes away if you’d rather dine out and enjoy a nice cocktail… but wine under the stars at your campsite isn’t bad either.
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
eat.do.stay 