PALM SPRINGS
Lodging
Ace Hotel
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
The ACE hotel is a lovely — albeit increasingly expensive — place to stay in Palm Springs. They’ve got hot tubs for the cool nights, and pools for the hot days; great on-site food and drink; record players and records in the room; and (if you’re willing to spend a bit more) a small patio with a fireplace for your room. We haven’t been staying as much recently, as the price has gotten a bit too rich for our blood, and we began staying at Casa Cody (see below), which is a bit more centrally located and closer to the main downtown core.
Casa Cody
175 S Cahuilla Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
A cute little motel right outside the downtown core. It’s only three blocks from Palm Canyon Drive, and equally close to the Palm Springs Art Museum. The fireplaces do work (you just have to ask for wood, we found out), and there are two pools and one tucked-away hot tub (technically it closes at 10, but if you’re quiet, they won’t give you a had time). Rates are pretty reasonable, and there is a modest breakfast in the morning. This has been our go-to the last several times we’ve stayed in Palm Springs.
WEBSITE: http://casacody.com/
Food and Drink
Bootlegger Tiki
1101 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
A cozy tiki bar found in the back of a coffee shop. The drinks are strong and well crafted, and you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. The bartenders know their tiki, and are pretty friendly. There is a small patio if it’s too stuffy or crowded inside.
WEBSITE: https://www.bootleggertiki.com/
Sherman’s Deli
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
A wonderful throwback Jewish deli in the mold of Canter’s, it’s a must check out if you like Jewish food. Big slices of cake, matzo ball soup, pastrami — they’ve got all the Jewish Deli Hits. We always try to make it for a meal while we’re out there, usually opting for a Reuben or Pastrami sandwich, and occasionally an omelette or a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese.
WEBSITE: http://shermansdeli.com/
The Rowan
100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
We haven’t stayed here, but we have had food and drinks on their incredible rooftop pool and bar. It’s open to the public, so don’t be afraid to go up! It’s a bit pricey, but the views of the mountains and city are great (especially around sunset), and the drinks and food are pretty solid as well. It’s a nice place to catch a snack and the sunset before going out on the town for the evening.
WEBSITE: https://www.rowanpalmsprings.com/
King’s Highway / The Amigo Room
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
King’s Highway is an every-trip place for us. They make modern, interesting, seasonal food and drinks (both of which are great) in the shell of what appears to be an old Denny’s. It’s located at the ACE Hotel. The amigo room is just off to the side of the restaurant, and offers a great beer selection, and has on-site music and performances. You can also take your drinks outside by the pool on the hot evenings.
WEBSITE: http://www.kingshighwaydiner.com/
Fun
ACE Hotel Pool and Hot Tubs
701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Sensing an ACE theme yet? Because we spent a lot of time at the ACE early on, we got very accustomed to its grounds and offerings. The Swim Club is great, and free if you are an ACE guest. If not, you can pay for entry. They play music and serve drinks, and it tends to be a pretty festive experience (at least in the summers).
WEBSITE: https://www.acehotel.com/palmsprings/spa-and-swim-club/swim-club/
Just Fabulous (Shopping)
515 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
A funky, bright, fun-loving store, they’ve got all sorts of wares to keep you busy and browsing for a while. Books, tchotchkes, ornaments, decorations, cards, etc. The staff is friendly, and the merchandise eclectic; it’s definitely worth stopping in to see what they’ve got!
WEBSITE: https://www.bjustfabulous.com/
Mid-Century Architecture Tours
THE WHOLE CITY
There are lots of great lists of buildings and self-guided tours you can find online (or in apps), and if you’re willing to drive, bike, or walk around the city, there is so much to see! Palm Springs is one of the most spectacular examples of mid-century modern architecture anywhere around, and much if it is well manicured and cared for. Gina and I borrowed bikes form the hotel we were staying at, and using an app, biked around looking at the architecture of the city. It can make for one fantastic day!
WEBSITE: https://www.palmspringslife.com/drive-thru-modern-marvels/
Palm Springs Art Museum
WEBSITE: https://www.psmuseum.org/
Indian Canyons/Palm Canyon Hiking
Palm Springs Villagefest
Sunnylands
WEBSITE: https://sunnylands.org/