To get this Summer started, Alex and I wanted to take a relaxing weekend away and Palm Springs was just the ticket.  Located near Joshua Tree National Park in California, it’s only about a 4 hour drive from Las Vegas - which is about how long I can last on a car trip. (Road trips are not my fave.)  I have only been to Palm Springs once before and had to work the entire trip, so I was so excited to be back in this cute little city and do some exploring...

Food:

La Bonita - (photos above) A divey Mexican joint on the main drag in Palm Springs. If you blink, you might miss it. You won’t miss the smell coming out of it though - it will get you.  Highly recommended by several friends, we had to check it out. A+ margaritas & great food!

Europa Cafe - Stopped for a quick lunch of charcuterie, grilled tomatoes & roasted potatoes.  Food was pretty average but since the restaurant is located on the second floor, they have a nice view of the main road - great for people watching!

Tropicale - Swanky, mid-century vibes!  I desperately wanted to sit outside but even with a reservation, they were full.  We still had a lovely dinner with excellent food. It’s on the pricey side but the food and service were great. Plus, you feel like you’re in an episode of Mad Men!

Cheeky’s - Highly recommended by several friends for breakfast. We thought we would be smart & get there right as they opened. There was already a line around the block but we decided to wait it out.  We loved the food and the laid back atmosphere. The menu changes every week, so there’s always something new.  If you can get a seat on the patio, that’s the best! 

Trio - Cute restaurant with modern decor and pops of orange throughout. Food and service was great. I got a roasted chicken dish & it was delicious.

Rueben & Ozzy's Oyster Bar and Grill - Really good sea food and bar favorites!  I loved that the (very small) kitchen area is wide open and you can see the cooks hustling.  Some of the best chicken fingers I've had in a long time (I'm a chicken finger connoisseur) - I watched the cooks dip the chicken strips in buttermilk & hand bread them.  Everything is super fresh - highly recommend! 

Things To Do:

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - One of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs is take a trip up into the San Jacinto Mountains on the Aerial Tramway.  I will start out by saying, once you get to the top, it’s gorgeous. Views for days, a good 20+ degrees cooler and a huge forest to hike in - it’s beautiful.  However, if you are: afraid of heights, claustrophobic, get motion sickness or don’t like strangers making fun of you because all of the above - this is a long trip to the top.  I am very afraid of heights - it’s a crippling fear for me & getting on this tram took a lot out of me but I wanted Alex to experience it, so up we went.  My tip - close your eyes & take deep breaths. The views at the top are worth the fear! $25 per person but the views and hiking are worth it.

Shops at 1345 - Super cute collective of independent artists and shop owners. Most people stop here to take pictures by the pink wall outside. I loved all of the art we saw inside but it was out of our price range.  Really beautiful pieces including ceramics, paintings, rugs - even a cactus garden.  If you have the $$$, check it out!

Moorten Botanical Garden - Another perfect spot to get some cool Instagram shots or if you really dig cactus.  This is the home of that cool cactus greenhouse you’ve been seeing everywhere on Insta! This place has the most amazing light - I’m definitely planning a photoshoot for work here! The other side has cactus for sale & some turtles (who were trying to escape when we were there).  They charge $5 to get in but well worth the price, in my opinion.

The Saguaro - otherwise known as Hotel Instaporn.  This is that super colorful, fun hotel in Palm Springs that you're always seeing in travel guides & it definitely is colorful and fun.  We stopped to snap some pics & have a drink but we would never want to stay here. If you’re in your 30’s & looking for a nice, relaxing weekend away by the pool, this is not the place for you.  Chock full of drunk 20 year olds, this one is just for the ‘gram.

The Parker Palm Springs - Absolutely gorgeous. This is a dream hotel and a major, major splurge.  Running upwards of $500+ a night, it would be a dream come true to spend a night at this stunning hotel.  The decor is worth the visit alone. They have several beautiful bars and restaurants - all with 5 start menus.  Definitely recommend stopping in and pretending you’re part of the 1%.

Twin Palms Neighborhood - Take a drive through one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the country! Full of restored mid-century modern beauties, this neighborhood has so much charm and character! Colorful doors & super cool architecture! Not gonna lie - I felt a little like a creeper looking at people's houses but they have to be used to it - these are dream houses.

Palm Springs is the perfect trip for a long weekend - there's tons to do (I still have a whole list of places we didn't get to) and so much food! I definitely recommend going in early May to escape that Coachella crowd but before it gets super desert hot.  Stay tuned - next up, I'll be showing you where we stayed!  If you have any suggestions, tips or opinions about Palm Springs, head over to Instagram & let me know!

with love,

Amanda