The Best 48 hours in Palm Springs
I’ve been to Palm Springs countless times, and right now Palm Springs is the perfect getaway from lockdown in your LA apartment, Below is the 411 on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do during your time in Palm Springs. As always continue to check and make sure places are open and continue to follow COVID protocol when out and about!
STAY
A less colorful but equally cool and iconic hotel is the Ace Hotel. This dog-friendly hotel boasts one of the best restaurants in town and it’s chill vibes. With two different pools, you’re sure to beat the summer heat at this hotel
Rates from $300 a night
One of the most iconic hotels in all of Palm Springs. The Parker has been famously photographed by my favorite photographer Gray Malin! This hotel is gorgeous and everything you see on Instagram! However, the downside is that it's not as close to downtown Palm Springs and other attractions as some of the other hotels.
Rates from $480 a night with a 2 night minimum
Seen all over Instagram this hotel is known as the rainbow hotel. Famously known for its pool parties in the summer this hotel will leave you with plenty of content for days to come. Includes free bikes and plenty of restaurant options to keep you full!
Rates from $244 a night
Looking for a Moroccan escape without having to flying anywhere? Check out the Korakia Pensione! This hotel features Moroccan and Mediterranean styled rooms. Perfect for a romantic getaway or recharging
Rates from $290 a night
EAT
BREAKFAST
Cheeky’s is one of the most popular brunch spots in all of Palm Springs. Be sure to get there early, we got there 2 minutes after they opened and still waited around 15 minutes! I cannot say enough good things about the Huevos Ranchos and the Chilaquiles. Be sure to also order the bacon flight and share a corn pancake stuffed with blueberries.
Need an excuse to visit the Parker? Norma’s is that excuse. While the brunch here isn’t cheap, it certainly is delicious and decadent with items on the menu like lobster mac and cheese and homemade donuts. There’s something for everyone on the menu and the atmosphere cannot be beaten!
Located at the Ace Hotel, King’s Highway is a classic diner turned hipster hang out Definitely a more relaxed vibe than Norma’s but still delicious!
LUNCH
One of my favorites, with yummy hot dogs and quirky teal and pink wallpaper. Not only does Frankinbun serve up delicious hot dogs they were also on Guy Fieri’s Drive-in, Diners and Dives. Highly recommend trying out the chicken and waffle dog and the frank flight and letting the waiter choose your toppings for you!
Perfect for brunch or lunch, their Bloody Marys are delicious! This place gets packed so be sure to go early!
A casual sandwich spot in Palm Springs with over 4.5 stars on Yelp this is a perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat before exploring more of Palm Springs.
DINNER
Workshop Kitchen
I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant! A little bit on the pricey side but definitely worth it. If you’re feeling up to it I highly recommend ordering the Prime Dry-Aged 18 OZ Rib-eye, you will not regret it I promise.
Rooster and the Pig
Potentially some of the best Vietnamese food I have ever had! This place gets busy so be sure to get there at least an hour before they close! Luckily, they let you drink on the patio while you wait for your table! The food here is truly incredible and I cannot wait to go back!
Birba
Birba is owned by the same people as Cheeky’s so you know the food is going to be good! They serve a wide range of great salads, appetizers, and pasta but their main focus is pizza! Luckily they do take reservations so make sure to jump on that!
TREATS
The cutest ice cream + gift shop I’ve ever been in! They have the cutest gifts you could ever want (seriously, I wanted to buy everything). The ice cream isn’t half bad either ;) try the Peanut butter chip and Mexican chocolate!
Check this place out for great shakes, they top them with a tiny mini donut! You will not be disappointed.
Koffi is a locally owned and operated coffee shop with several locations in the Greater Palm Springs area. We stopped in after shopping at Just Fabulous and ordered a frozen coffee (think similar to a frappuccino at Starbucks) a perfect way to cool down after walking around in Palm Springs.
DO
Shopping
Palm Springs has tons of cute stores including Dazzles, a mix of vintage jewelry and house wares, The Frippery, The Fine Art of Design one of Palm Springs best vintage stores and of course my favorite Just Fabulous that boast an impressive batch of souvenirs that aren’t cheesy or outdated.
A family-owned Botancial Garden with over 3,000 cacti, succulents and other desert planets. You can take one home or just walk through this beautiful garden. Go early because it gets HOT HOT HOT, and be sure to check out the cactarium. Only a $5 entrance free this place is definitely worth checking out if you have some free time.
A beautiful museum located in downtown Palm Springs is a great way to escape a hot summer day. With tons of different exhibits, there’s something for everyone!
Feed Giraffe at the Living Desert and Zoo
Located 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs the Living Desert and Zoo is a must if only for the Giraffe feedings. They last until 11:30 am and is one of the coolest experiences you can have. Don’t miss your chance to get nose-to-nose with the world’s tallest animal.
The Palm Spring Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar—travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon. If you aren’t afraid of heights, take the ten-minute journey up the cliff for the most spectacular views of Palm Springs and the surrounding areas
Day Trip to Joshua Tree
If you have a bit more time, take a road tree to Joshua Tree National Park, perfect for keeping your distance you’ll have plenty of time to do a few short hikes. Check out my article on what to do in Joshua Tree here.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to save this article for future trip planning!
