Palm Springs Travel Guide
Palm Springs is a desert resort city in Southern California, renowned for its sunny weather, mid-century modern architecture, luxury resorts and golf courses and a lively downtown. Surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can lounge at stylish boutique hotels, explore hot springs and spas, and enjoy top-tier golf courses.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury wellness escape, a culinary adventure, or a retro-chic desert getaway, Palm Springs offers a distinct combination of leisure, style, and desert charm all year round. Check out my favorites:
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs thats adults-only, you gotta check out Holiday House. Holiday House oozes that mid-century modern design the second you walk into their lobby and throughout their property. Girlies love a good color scheme! On-site you’ll find an outdoor dining venue, gift shop, bocce court, large pool and plenty of areas to relax, read and chill.
The restaurant serves a light breakfast in the morning and a paired down menu in the evening. The 28 rooms on property carry on the color scheme, with super comfy beds and picturesque views of the gorgeous mountains and pool. Some rooms have patios and balconies.
Complimentary bicycles make it easy to get around town, but what you’ll love most about Holiday House is the walkability. You can walk to many of the cool coffee shops, bars and restaurants, and all of the best shopping too. You literally are right in the middle of all of the action. Learn more about Holiday House here.
Hermann Bungalows - For an ultra luxurious desert retreat
Just south of downtown, is Hermann Bungalows, one of the more luxurious and private resorts in the area, designed by Steve Hermann.
This property is very intimate – only 24 bungalows. Each bungalow has its own unique touches.. some with fireplaces and jacuzzi’s. Walnut walls, Venetian terrazzo floors, and custom furniture pieces really make these rooms feel modern but cozy. The 24 bungalows are all centered around a large dipping pool and cocktail bar.
Hermann Bungalows is actually a hotel-within-a-hotel, located adjacent and within the L’Horizon Bungalows property. The L’Horizon rooms are slightly smaller and a bit more affordable but you will not have access to the Hermann Bungalow cocktail bar or dipping pool if you choose to stay at L’Horizon. Both properties offer a peaceful and zen experience. If you want to stay at the best of the best, this is your spot. Hermann Bungalows can only be booked directly through their website, whereas L’Horizon can be booked on travel portals.
Colony Palms is another hotel designed by Steve Hermann and it’s L’Horizon’s sister property. Colony Palms is located in Downtown Palm Springs and has 57 guest rooms (a combination of rooms, bungalows and suites).
This is the largest hotel in their portfolio and has a full service spa, an art deco-inspired restaurant, large pool and it hosts gatherings such as weddings and reunions. Their pool area has plenty of chaise lounges, daybeds and rentable cabanas, for larger groups.
Like Holiday House, this place loves to stay on-brand. Bright bold green is their ride-or-die. Check out more photos here and book a stay.
The Thompson is one of the newest hotels in Downtown Palm Springs. It’s owned by Hyatt, which is great if you want to use points or have status. This larger property has everything guests could want and the hotel is right in the middle of everything. Their two restaurants are some of my favorites in town – Bar ISSI and Lola Rose Grand Mezze. It also has a wine tasting room with small bites. You can book The Thompson through Hyatt directly and use points, or check out this property through Booking.
The Drift Hotel - Great for groups
Drift Hotel is one of my favorite boutique hotels in the area. It’s located on the south side of Downtown Palm Springs but still highly walkable. This place was made for groups – you’ll find 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms here at a reasonable price, all equipped with a kitchen, living room and patios/balconies. Great for birthday parties, bachelorette groups, weddings etc.
The pool has daybeds, lounges and cabanas to rent. Their restaurant is also incredible – scratch kitchen modern Mexican. I love it and always recommend people to come here. The Drift is bookable through their website directly.
Where to Eat & Drink
Breakfast / Coffee Shops
Juniper at The Rowan – Great spot for breakfast in town. Love the avocado toast.
La Jefa Coffee Shop – If you need to do a little shopping and want a great coffee, go here! Paid Parking is available in the back.
Escena Golf Club – One of the prettiest views of the mountains and a fabulous brunch menu. Go here if you don’t golf, but want to pretend to.
Lunch
Tac/Quila or Clandestino – Owned by the same people and very similar menus. Slightly different parts of town.
Gabino’s Crepery – TRUST – You need to go here. If you don’t want to wait, order on their website for pick-up. Buffalo Chicken is the goat.
Chicken Ranch – Really solid chicken sandwiches, salads and tenders. Love the coleslaw too.
Dinner
Bar Cecil – One of the hottest places in town. Book 2 weeks in advance. Not great for groups over 4. Ideal for date night. Sit inside!
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey Bar – Best sushi in town – Seating inside is where the vibe is. Book on OpenTable ahead of time.
Bar ISSI – Must get a reservation – Sit inside. Italian restaurant tied to The Thompson. Very vibey inside.
HeyDay Burgers – More casual vibe for dinner. Smashburger! Get the ultimate hangover meal – Burger & Martini.
Paul’s Bar – There will be a wait. It is worth it. 100% no notes!
Rooster & Pig – Stylish, industrial-chic serving up Vietnamese fare, plus craft cocktails. Walk-In only and there will be a wait.
Cocktail Bars
Lola Rose at The Thompson – Lounge Area – Weekend nights typically have a DJ.
Beatons – The newest cocktail bar in town, from the owners of Bar Cecil. Just opened Jan 2026. The new girl in town!
Canopy Wine Bar – One of the only wine bars in town. Great vibe inside and heated patio for chilly nights.
Tailor Shop – Moody, dark lighting, reservations are needed!
Truss & Twine – Love the Happy Hour – Bar snacks are tasty and they do pop-ups throughout the week.
What to do
Palm Springs is famous for its vibrant art scene, annual events like Modernism Week, and Instagram-worthy spots like the windmill fields and Moorten Botanical Garden. Plenty of hikes in nearby canyons, tons of golf courses and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-do for panoramic desert views.
