The Inside Scoop
Palm Springs is where sun-drenched glamour meets effortless desert cool, a destination that feels equal parts retro fantasy and modern sanctuary. Framed by the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains, the city enchants with its iconic mid-century architecture, palm-lined boulevards and a golden light that flatters every moment.
Days unfold softly here, whether you’re floating between sculpted pools, teeing off on immaculate golf greens, or drifting through gallery spaces and design stores that celebrate timeless style.
What truly sets Palm Springs apart is its leisurely rhythm. Mornings begin with chic café rituals and mountain views, afternoons bring curated wellness experiences and discreet luxury, while evenings glow with alfresco dining and cocktail lounges humming with understated energy.
There’s a sense of escape, of privacy, of indulgence without urgency. For the discerning traveller, Palm Springs offers more than a getaway. It offers a lifestyle moment, sunlit, stylish and unapologetically serene, where every detail feels thoughtfully composed and delightfully unhurried. It’s a place where taste, tranquillity and temperature rise in perfect harmony all day.
Perfect Music Vibes
A curated Coachella artists playlist from recent years.
BLACKPINK – DDU-DU DDU-DU
Bad Bunny – Tití Me Preguntó
Post Malone – Circles
Tyler, the Creator – Call Me If You Get Lost
Doja Cat – Vegas
Lana Del Rey – Video Games
Frank Ocean – White Ferrari
Travis Scott – Butterfly Effect
Kali Uchis – Telepatía
Jai Paul – Jasmine
Harry Styles – As It Was
Lizzo – About Damn Time
Top Vacation Experiences
VIP Desert Art Tour (Desert X)
Arrange a private, after-hours guided tour of the striking Desert X art installations. This amazing experience is often paired with dinner at a top-tier restaurant.
Desert X Private Tour Info
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Take the world’s largest rotating tram up to Mount San Jacinto for breathtaking views, hiking trails, and two restaurants.
pstramway.com Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Explore the Indian Canyons
Hike through Andreas, Palm, and Tahquitz Canyons—sacred land of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, complete with waterfalls, native plants, and cultural sites.
indian-canyons.com
High-Performance Driving Experience
From the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, book the indiGO Auto Experience — drive or be coached in supercars like Ferrari or Porsche.
Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage Experiences
Stroll Palm Springs VillageFest
Every Thursday evening, downtown Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a lively street fair with over 200 vendors, food, live music, and art.
villagefest.org
Wander the Palm Springs Art Museum
A refined cultural outing: the museum houses contemporary art, design, and a sculpture garden and is perfect for lovers of design and style.
psmuseum.org
Spa Day at the Spa at Séc-he
Rejuvenate at this geothermal spa built on 12,000-year-old Agua Caliente hot springs — think mineral baths, hydro-based therapies, and full wellness immersion.
www.thespaatseche.com
Private Hot Air Balloon Flight
Rise over the Coachella Valley in a private balloon at sunrise or sunset, complete with champagne toasts.
Palm Springs Balloons
Private or VIP Golf at Thunderbird Country Club
Play an exclusive round of golf at the legendary Thunderbird Country Club, a historic 18-hole course beloved by celebrities.
Thunderbird Country Club
Bars, Venues, & Views
High Bar at Kimpton Rowan Rooftop is a stand out rooftop lounge perched above the Rowan Hotel’s pool deck, High Bar offers retro-cool cocktails, Baja-inspired bites, and panoramic views over the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto mountains. Live music often fills the air, especially on weekends.
Think dinner and world-class entertainment including jazz, cabaret and drag in an intimate, nostalgic space where Frank Sinatra-era glamour still hangs in the air. This is what you’ll find at The Purple Room Supper Club a glamorous, Rat-Pack–style supper club tucked in the Club Trinidad Hotel
Bootlegger Tiki is THE original tiki hangout in Palm Springs, occupying heritage space once belonging to Don the Beachcomber. It’s small and atmospheric, with craft tiki cocktails, vintage design, and a warm, torch-lit glow, a hidden gem for those who love island escapism in the desert.
For classic Polynesian tiki flair and a full menu of tropical cocktails (think Mai Tai, Old Skool Zombie), Tonga Hut brings fun, vintage island vibes. It’s a larger, more theatrical tiki bar that’s beloved for its immersive design.
If you’re looking for something stylish, sophisticated and a little bit off the beaten path then Truss & Twine may be just what you’re searching for! Refined cocktail lounge known for its artisanal drinks, elegant wood interiors, and warm, relaxed atmosphere.
See and be seen at Blackbook – a trendsetting LGBTQ+ nightspot with a seriously good bourbon list. Blackbook is perfect for a late-night drink, social scene, and welcoming energy.
While technically in Greater Palm Springs, The Nest is a retro-inspired bar with a live brass / swing-band feel, making it a great venue if you’re in the mood for dancing under strings of lights, jazzy energy, and throwback nights.
The open-air bar at Agave Caliente Terraza (Agua Caliente Casino, Cathedral City) offers one of the most breathtaking views, backed by mountain silhouettes. It’s a vibrant spot for live music, dancing, and sipping cocktails under the desert sky.
Love to Eat
4 Saints is a rooftop gem at the Rowan Hotel, serving creative modern-American fare with sweeping mountain views and signature cocktails.
Bar Cecil is an elegant, art-filled brasserie serving refined comfort food, show-stopping martinis, and gives off chic intimate vibes – named after Cecil Beaton.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, dog-friendly bar-restaurant with eclectic small plates then head over to Boozehounds – think Asian-influenced tuna tataki, Korean rice cakes, and more.
Timeless French fine dining in a beautiful, historic house awaits at Le Vallauris ; classic cuisine, elegant service, and a romantic patio to enjoy star gazing across the valley.
Enjoy resort-casual dining with refined Americana at The Pantry at Holiday House. Serving up fresh Californian produce, a family-style fried chicken dinner (seasonal), and relaxing vibes.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar is a design-forward restaurant in downtown PS, offering New American fare in a striking minimalist-industrial space.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food then Tac/Quila could hit the spot! Vibrant and stylish Mexican cuisine with a mid-century twist — tapas, tasting flights of margaritas, and elevated traditional dishes.
Spencer’s Restaurant is a Palm Springs classic: enjoy an elegant dinner or weekend brunch in a garden-lit courtyard, known for steak, seafood, and timeless service.
Feeling a little South American vibe today? Cali-Latin soul food is served poolside or indoors at the Hotel Avalon — from brunch bowls to soulful Latin dinner dishes at Chi Chi
Random Gems
Hike to Tahquitz Falls
A relatively short but rewarding guided hike takes you to a stunning 60-foot waterfall tucked within Tahquitz Canyon.
Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Discover the history and heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla through artifacts, exhibitions, and interactive displays.
Go Vintage Aviation at Palm Springs Air Museum
Explore historic warplanes, take part in aviation talks, or even book a warbird flight for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
palmspringsairmuseum.org
Top Vacay Reads
Palm Springs Legends: Creation of a Desert Oasis. Want to learn more about this special vacation destination? Delve into the social and cultural history of Palm Springs as this book tells stories of its development, notable residents, and transformation into a celebrity playground.
Palm Springs Holiday. A nostalgic read; more of a vintage-style reflection on glamour, escape, and desert living
The Secrets of Harry Bright by Joseph Wambaugh. A satirical thriller set in and around Palm Springs, exploring wealth, crime, and “rich and famous” lifestyles.
Palm Springs Noir edited by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett is a collection of crime and mystery stories set in Palm Springs, full of hidden dangers behind sunny façades.
A Barrister for the Earth by Monica Feria-Tinta
A powerful, visionary exploration of environmental law, asking whether the Earth itself could have legal rights and how the law can protect our planet.
I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally This is the memoir by Keith McNally, the iconic New York restaurateur behind Balthazar, Pastis, Minetta Tavern, and more.
Annual Events
Modernism Week
The city transforms into a mid-century design playground, with guided home tours, vintage parties, and design lectures for architecture and style lovers.
February 12th – 22nd 2026
Palm Springs International Film Festival
Now in its 37th year! A cinematic highlight with world premieres, red-carpet glamour, and retrospectives that attract film buffs from around the globe.
January 2nd – 12th 2026
Palm Springs ShortFest
The largest U.S. short-film festival, featuring screenings, panels, and workshops that celebrate storytelling in its most condensed and creative form.
June 2026 – check website for dates
Coachella Music & Arts Festival
The global music phenomenon with a VIP desert twist!
April 10th – 12th 2026 and April 17th – 19th 2026
Desert X
Art takes center stage in spring with a breathtaking outdoor exhibition that transforms the Coachella Valley with site-specific installations by contemporary artists.
Oct. 30, 2027 through May 7, 2028
BNP Paribas Open
World-class tennis action at Indian Wells, drawing top players and fans to enjoy sport, sun, and VIP experiences.
March 2026 – check website for exact dates.
Stagecoach Festival
Three days of country, bluegrass, and Americana at the Empire Polo Club, offering a fun and energetic desert music escape.
February 24th – 26th 2026
Greater Palm Springs Pride
A vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture with parades, block parties, and live entertainment across the city.
November 5th – 8th 2026
Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival
Four days of culinary indulgence on El Paseo, featuring top chefs, wine tastings, and gourmet dinners.
March 19th – 22nd 2026
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend
The legendary women’s music and culture festival, full of DJs, pool parties, and unforgettable performances.
April 2027 – check website for dates to be announced.
WildLights at The Living Desert
Millions of sparkling lights, lantern animals, and festive music transform the zoo into a winter wonderland for visitors of all ages.
Late November through December every year.
