This year marks the 7th year of my annual Palm Springs girls trip. I can’t believe its been that long! Honestly, you would think that after vacationing in the same place year after year we would get board, but that never seems to happen. After seven years my friends and are still finding new places to eat, shop and visit. Below is my Palm Springs travel guide that will what we think is the best of the best.
Why Palm Springs you ask? Well in my opinion not only is it one of the most creative, and architecturally inspiring places I have been to, but it’s also full of Old Hollywood history and glamour and since we go in May every year the weather is always hot! There is also great shopping both current and vintage and it’s one of the few places I wear a caftan and nobody gives me a sideways look.
Now, I get it. Everything I just mentioned might not be your particular cup of tea. However, for my friends and I it is our most favorite place.
A Palm Springs Travel Guide – Where to Stay
We rent a house instead of staying at a hotel. For us its more cost effective. Most of the time a hotel room will cost the same/night as renting a house, and we like having the extra room to spread out, and also because we are too old to be sharing rooms.
We have used airbnb and VRBO in years past and have never had a problem. Our requirements are a four bedroom house with a pool, and it needs to be in the city of Palm Springs. We do venture in to the other desert cities while we are there, but like the convenience of Palm Springs which is also where the airport is located.
A Palm Springs Travel Guide – Where to Eat
Our dining routine is as follows: we eat breakfast and lunch at the house and venture out at night for dinner, kind of like racoons. After we arrive we hit the grocery store and get whatever breakfast food and alcohol we want. Since its usually mid day by the time we get there we don’t worry about lunch. However, the following day two of us go to Sherman’s Deli and stock up on lunch for the week. This includes salads of all kinds (chicken, tuna, egg and potato), bread, cheese, and four pieces of cake: coconut, german chocolate, carrot and strawberry shortcake. All of which is eaten directly out of the containers throughout the week. #sorrynotsorry
Dinner
Mister Parker – The Parker Hotel
Put on a fancy outfit and head to Mister Parker’s at The Parker Hotel for a great steak! They have other menu options, but are known for their steaks. After dinner dinner grab a drink at either Mini Bar or Counter Reformation both located on the property. Feel free to take your drink outside take a walk and check out the fire pit. We have been to Mister Parker’s more than once and it’s still one of my favorites.
Farm
A new to me favorite! Farm is a delightful little place tucked away in downtown Palm Springs. It has an amazing French inspired prix fixed menu, and the best live music. You definitely won’t feel like you are in Palm Springs when you dine here. You can also check out it’s new sister restaurant Tac/Quila if you are in the mood for Mexican.
Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
Hands down some of the best sushi I have ever had! Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey is a great little casual dining spot located right on Palm Canyon Drive. It has an amazing variety and excellent service.
Azucar
Located in the La Serena Villas in Palm Springs Azucar has a great modern contemporary menu. The food is delicious and the drinks are great. One of my favorite things about Azucar is that you can dine poolside.
A Palm Springs Travel Guide – What to Do
Palm Springs Tram
Every year one of my girlfriends would ask if we could do the tram, and every year we put if off. I guess the rest of us were not interested. Two years ago we finally did it and it was great! You can check out all the details here. However, if you are afraid of heights or get motion sick you might want to skip it.
Sunnylands
Sunnlands is an absolutely amazing pace to visit! Per the website: For more than 40 years, Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg welcomed political, business, educational, and entertainment leaders to Sunnylands, their 200-acre winter home in Rancho Mirage, California. In 2001, the couple established The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands to preserve the estate as a place where world leaders could meet to discuss issues of national and international importance. The grounds are beautiful and the history is amazing. Call way in advance to purchase tickets.
Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway Tour
Take a tour of the house where Elvis and Priscilla honeymooned. This is such a fun kitschy place to visit! They offer two tours a day. Call in advance for tickets.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Now I have not been to the Palm Springs Art Museum yet, but it is on my list for next year. There are always interesting exhibits and they offer free admission every Thursday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm sponsored by the City of Palm Springs.
A Palm Springs Travel Guide – Where to Shop
Trina Turk
The Trina Turk Flagship store is one of our favorites. If you love color…lots of color and style this is the place for you. The store is full of bright fun clothes that always make a statement. Located right in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive.
Ice Cream and Shop
A combination of ice cream and a cute gift boutique Ice Cream and Shop has it all!
The Frippery
The Frippery is a cute little shop with great vintage clothes! I was so inspired after my first visit here I went home and made this caftan.
Pelago
Pelago is a great mid-century mod store located on Palm Canyon Drive a block down from Trina Turk. It carries beautiful indoor and outdoor furniture, housewares, jewelry and accessories
A Palm Springs Travel Guide – Where to do Spa Day
What vacation is complete without a trip to the Spa? Every year we do a spa day. Not only do we get spa treatment, but we also end up staying for lunch and using the pool at whatever hotel we are at. My one friend calls it our “vacation within a vacation”. It also lets us check out hotels in Palm Springs without having to stay there.
Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage Spa
This is you typical luxury hotel spa. It is located in the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage and has everything you would expect in a hotel spa. Steam room, showers, sauna all the amenities. It’s a lovely spa and has excellent service.
Estrella Spa
The Estrella Spa is located at the Avalon Hotel in Palm Springs. The Avalon is a great little boutique hotel with a lovely spa. It’s on the smaller side. Not as many amenities as the spa at the Ritz, but it has everything you need, plus a fabulous pool with great cabanas. One of my favorites.
The Palm Springs Yacht Club – The Parker Hotel
Back to the Parker we go! I know the name is deceiving but the Palm Springs Yacht Club is the spa located in the Parker Hotel. I have been here a few times and they have a great full-service spa. The only downside is that they don’t necessarily give you access to the pool like most places will. However, after your treatment you can always go to Norma’s for lunch in the hotel where you are guaranteed great people watching.
The Palm Springs Yacht Club 
Spa at L’Horizon Hotel
This is an interesting one to say the least. I went to the spa at L’Horizon last year and it was very strange. They don’t have an actual spa. No stream room, no shower, nothing, AND you have your treatment in a tent outside. It’s also not marked in any way. We wandered around for 15 minutes not realizing we were supposed to walk into the tent. Another guest took pity on us and pointed us in the right direction. All in all a very odd set-up. However, the pool and grounds are great! Beautifully maintained and very quiet. A lovely place to spend the day relaxing. I’m sure this is due to the fact that you have to be 21 or older to stay there.
The Spa at the Sands Hotel
Located in the newly renovated Sands Hotel and Spa in Indian Wells The Spa at the Sands is lovely. Very pink and very instagrammable. It’s a step above L’Horizon because your treatment is indoors, but unfortunately they don’t have any spa amenities. It’s a lovey hotel with a great pool and has a similar feel to the the Estrella Spa. We had a delicious lunch from their restaurant, The Pink Cabana, and spent a relaxing day by their pool. Also similar to L’Horizon The Sands is a 21 and over only hotel. We unfortunately saw a young couple turned away at check-in because they were traveling with an infant.
The Sands Hotel Spa 
Well, I think that just about covers it! Honestly, there is a lot to see and do in Palm Springs. I’ve really only scratched the surface. For more visitor information you can always check out the official visitors site Visit Palm Springs.
Thanks for reading. Hope your off to a good week!