Things to do in Palm Springs that aren't Coachella
There’s a good chance you only think about Palm Springs once a year when you see photos of Kylie and Kendall Jenner dancing about on Snapchat at Coachella. But there is SO much more to do in this sunny town just two hours from Los Angeles.
How to get to Palm Springs
Air New Zealand is a great bet for getting from London to Los Angeles in around 10 hours – give or take. And if you fancy making the flight as much of a treat as the actual trip itself, it’s definitely worth getting stuck into some business class action – it’s AWESOME! There’s tons of leg-room (which for a gal of height like me is always a massive winner), incredible food and a load of films to watch. I watched Finding Dory with a gin and tonic, and couldn’t have been happier.
Once you land at LAX there’s a two-hour drive to Palm Springs, but the views are great so it’s a nice way to take in the scenery. Or if you arrive at night, catch some Zs.
Places to stay in Palm Springs
I stayed at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, and it was dreamy. Plus, Einstein stayed there, don’t you know?!
The old-fashioned rooms were gorgeous, and the views from the balcony and secret garden were breathtaking.
If hotel breakfasts are your thing then you’ll go bananas for this one (although, I didn’t actually see one, single banana) – there are three courses with the first being the pudding. How fun is that?!
Another hotel definitely worth a stay is The Saguaro. I popped over for a quick (three hours later…) turn on their Tequila bar and I’d recommend you do the same.
Places to eat in Palm Springs
Norma’s
Norma's at The Parker Palm Springs Hotel is dreamy. You can either dine on the patio outside, which is beautiful, or surround yourself with quirky designs from famed interior designer Jonathan Adler. Like, it seriously is cool in there.
I went there for lunch, and stuffed my face with the Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla, and couldn’t have been happier. A couple of the girls with me had the Rock Lobster And Mango Salad from the Rabbit Food section of the menu, and it was basically the size of a golf buggy. Not that anyone was complaining, just not sure how a rabbit would get on with it…
Ernest Coffee
Why is it that Coffee just tastes better when you’re on holiday? Oh, and when it’s served with a life-changing almond croissant?
Ernest Coffee offers Stumptown Coffee, fresh pastries and quiche baked locally every day. And did I mention the almond croissants?
Kaiser Grille
Two words: Happy Hour. But seriously, Kaiser Grille is another great spot to experience perfectly cooked steaks, or get stuck into some of their seafood dishes, like Seafood Linguine or the Seared Rare Ahi Tuna. Also, I’d never had a Wedge Salad until I visited Kaiser Grille, but I’ll definitely be having another one.
Oh and the Margaritas are killer. Just clear your afternoon if you have one with your lunch, because they are pow-er-ful.
Johannes
Johannes features modern European cuisine from Austrian born chef/owner Johannes Bacher, including a whole menu dedicated to schnitzels. Cool, huh? The place has an upscale but casual feel about it, and the waiters are brilliant. And so is the wine list – tons to choose from, and plenty of knowledge from the staff to help you make a decision on what to have with your schnitzel.
Las Casuelas Terraza
In case you hadn’t already guessed, I don’t hate booze. And when we arrived for lunch at Mexican restaurant Las Casuelas Terraza, I spotted the biggest Frozen Margarita I’ve ever seen. Goes without saying, I knew I’d like it here. And I was right – especially when I saw a group of adorable older ladies and gents dancing to a live band in the middle of the day (booze had probably been taken…). Now that’s my kind of lunch spot.
And if that’s not sold it to you (which surely can’t be the case), it was recently named by Hispanic Magazine as one of America’s 50 best Hispanic restaurants.
Mr Lyons
If you’re into steaks and proper Martinis, then Mr Lyons is your guy. Can’t actually remember what I ate (I blame the Martinis…), but I know I loved it. Is that helpful?
The place is dark inside, but in a cool Hollywood glamour way. In fact, it’s really Palms Springs-y, if you know what I mean?
I JUST REMEMBERED WHAT I ATE FOR DINNER! It was the Surf And Turf. It was so good, I won’t be forgetting it for a while. Oh wait…
Zin American Bistro
The Zin American Bistro was a real find. The patio dining is an ideal spot for people-watching at any time. Which is just what you'll fancy doing while you wait for one of their brilliant handcrafted cocktails to arrive. The Hotel California is particularly memorable. Well, when in Rome/California…
Worth looking into their endless Champagne and Mimosa brunches on Saturday and Sunday from 11am too. Because, ya know...
Things to do in Palm Springs
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If you’re not terrified of heights (I am…) then the Aerial Tramway is a great way to see Palm Springs from the sky. Don’t get me wrong, once I was up there I loved it. Maybe just shut your eyes on the way up. And down.
Sunnylands
If you fancy taking a look around a breathtaking house, visited on a number of occasions by celebrities and royals alike, Sunnylands is worth a visit. Owned by Walter and Leonore Annenberg before their deaths, a trip to the house and gardens is like stepping back in time to the 60s.
Palm Springs Art Museum and ADC
In the mood for a little culture? Then make your way to Palm Springs Art Museum and ADC (architecture and design centre). There’s so much to see there, including works by Picasso, Matisse and Henry Moore, it’s worth clearing your diary for at least half a day.
Frey II House Tour
Another must-see for architecture fans. Book yourself onto a 45-minute tour of modernist architect Albert Frey’s home in the hills. A beautiful home in even more beautiful surroundings.
Desert Adventures Jeep Tour, Indian Canyons
Agua Caliente Cahuilla (pronounced Kaw-we-ah) Indians settled in the Palm Springs area and developed extensive and complex communities in Palm, Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz and Chino Canyons. And this jeep tour will teach you everything you need to know about their lives – from what they ate to ancient rituals. This was probably my favourite thing about my trip to Palm Springs. Oh, well this and the Frozen Margarita the size of my head…
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