Cool, Hip + Trendy Travel Guide: Palm Springs
Ahh those magic mountains, warm desert air, blue skies, sunshine, green palm trees, mid century modern architecture, happy hour, starry night skies, tasty bites, and relaxation by the pool. Does life get any better than this?
Palm springs sure has it all (except the ocean, but heck LA isn’t far away). When I went, I arrived with an open mind and no itinerary except for going with the flow and soaking all this desert goodness up. Wow was I impressed. Palm Springs is ridiculously charming and the people who live there are super sweet.
Since I had such a great time, I want to ensure when you visit that you do too. Here are some top tips to get you started:
*Get up early, watch the sun rise and make the most of the "cooler" part of the day. In summer, early mornings are the best time for getting out in the sun, either for a workout or for working on your tan. By late morning the sun is simply too hot to lay out in directly (unless you are crazy), so pick one of the many palm trees and enjoy reading a good book in the god-sent shade. Getting a little sweaty from the dry heat? Simply cool off with a dip in the pool. Ahh yes life is good!
*HEALTH-WISE: Drink lots of water and make refreshing cocktails (or for the super health conscious “mock tails”): my favorite being sparkling mineral water with lots of freshly squeezed lime. Nibble on raw veggies with dips, cold charcuterie boards, light salads and fresh fruit. Trust me, when it’s this hot outside, you don’t need much more than that!
*At most places, happy hour starts at 4pm, so make the most of it! By late afternoon you are usually done with pool-time anyway, and ready for some "happening" evening atmosphere. Meet happy people, have a drink, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the colorful nights at the many bars and restaurants Palm Springs has to offer. Read on for some of my favorites…
*For classic and romantic, opt for Colony Palms Hotel. The unique interior design and elaborate wallpaper in the bar alone are sure to take your breath away. This is a great place to stop by and sip on an elegant drink. Unfortunately, the pool is for hotel guests only, so unless you can afford it, you may have to take a dip somewhere else.
*For super cool and chic, head for Parker Palm Springs. Wow is this place decked out in spectacular décor. The atmosphere is retro glam with a seriously trendy crowd. This is the type of place where people go to be seen. The restaurant is cozy, dimly lit and serves lovely food. Note: I honestly believe they whip up the best cocktails in town: try the Manhattan, it won’t disappoint.
*Ace Hotel offers a great diner to enjoy a good desert feed, but it was the bar that caught my attention. Named “The Amigo Room”, this dimly lit bar serves stella cocktails and craft beers in a cool cave-like setting. The music in here is fun, and often it's live! It’s a fab spot to chill out, catch up with mates, listen to some tunes, grab a bevy and nibble on some tasty shared plates.
Want more travel inspiration that lifts your spirits and fuels your life-force? Check out my latest articles on 7x7, The 5 Best Restaurants in Mill Valley and These 7 Marin Vistas Are Sure To Blow Your Mind.