The Best Weekend in Palm Springs, California

How does lounging around by a cute vintage pool in the warm desert sun sound? Pretty good? Well if you’re looking for some great Sammy Davis Jr. vibes than you really need to look no further than a weekend in beautiful Palm Springs. And the best part? It’s only about a two hour drive from Los Angeles! So win win if you reside in sunny Southern California like I do. Keep reading to see how you too can have the best weekend in Palm Springs.

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But first, a little history:

More than 2,000 years ago, the ancestors of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians lived here. In 1774, the Cahuilla Tribe encountered Juan Bautista de Anza. He was on expedition and was traveling around the area. He was the first non native they ever met. The first wagon route was established in 1853 and went through the San Gorgonio Pass. Are you thinking of Oregon Trail right now too? Just me? Okay. Unfortunately, the Cahuilla Tribe lost thousands during the smallpox epidemic of 1863.

In 1877 there was an incentive for the Pacific Railroad to be completed. The U.S. government was to give the Pacific Railroad Company title to the odd numbered parcels of land for ten miles on either side of the tracks running near Palm Springs. The even parcels of land were to be given to the Agua Caliente. However the federal law prohibited the Agua Caliente from leasing or selling the land to earn an income from it. Doesn’t exactly seem fair, now does it?

The first non Native American to arrive in Palm Springs was Judge John Guthrie McCallum from San Francisco in 1884. It was he who bought the land shares from the Pacific Railroad Company and built an aqueduct bringing water from the Coachella Valley.

The first hotel was built in 1886 and was called The Palm Springs Hotel. It was built by Dr. Welwood Murray.

There’s quite a bit of unfairness towards the Natives who were here first. It wasn’t really until 1959 when President Eisenhower signed the Equalization Law that tribes could gain profits from their lands. It was also in 1959 that the Palm Springs International Airport was opened after purchasing the land from the Native Americans after the law was signed.

During World War II, Palm Springs became a training ground for General Patton and his troops who were about to invade North Africa. And the El Mirador Hotel served as a hospital to help wounded U.S. soldiers. Italian prisoners of war were housed in the adjacent detention camp.

In the 1950s, Palm Springs became a hotspot for celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. And it’s still a hotspot today. Being only a couple of hours from Hollywood has it’s benefits.

WHERE TO STAY:

Okay, so Palm Springs is definitely not lacking in cute boutique hotels. It’s the perfect place to go with your favorite friends or to get cozy with your cute person. Or people, I don’t judge ;). Below are my top choices of places to stay in Palm Springs to aid in your best weekend.

Budget:

• Inn at Palm Springs. Loved this place. It’s so cute and the staff was so great. You get a coupon for a free breakfast down the road at a cute little diner. It’s very fun.

• Avance Hotel. Not the most budget of options, but it’s cheaper than most and still has that quintessential Palm Springs vibe to it.

• Caliente Tropics. A fun retro styled hotel on the more budget side of things.

Luxury:

• The Parker Palm Springs. If you’re looking for elegance and beauty, stay here. It’s so gorgeous. And it’s a bit of an elite hotel here in Palm Springs.

• The Saguaro Palm Springs. I love this hotel. It’s so bright and fun and the pool area is amazing. Definitely not a bad choice when coming for the typical Palm Springs experience. I will say this might be a better option with a group of friends. The pool area is definitely more of a party vibe.

• Ace Hotel. Beautiful grounds and pool. Really cannot go wrong with staying here.

WHAT TO SEE FOR THE BEST WEEKEND IN PALM SPRINGS:

#1 Hike.

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Hike up the hills for great views looking over Palm Springs. We did the Museum Trail and it had the most stunning views! We also did a bit of the Skyline Ridge Trail that connects from the Museum Trail.

#2 View the Architecture either by bike or foot.

Wander around and look at all the beautiful homes. I loved how fresh and inviting they all looked. I was definitely ready to move right on in after wandering around. I can just see myself lounging around at my pool after a morning of good writing ;). Alas, I did not move here.

#3 Moorten Botanical Garden.

Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden. Such a lovely place that’s extremely budget friendly. You can also buy cacti here if you’re driving! 🙂

#4 Joshua Tree National Park.

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Do a day trip to Joshua Tree! Now if you’d like a more detailed itinerary, I wrote all about doing a trip to Joshua Tree here. I recommend spending more time there as it really is magical, but you can also head in for just the day if you like – it’s only about an hour away.

#5 Swim in the Pools.

Enjoy that pool life. The pool scene is so beautiful in Palm Springs. Definitely take the time and relax around the many pools. Some hotels offer day passes if you’re wanting to pool hop.

#6 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Take the aerial tram up to the top of Mount San Jacinto. I’ve actually not done this yet – as every time I’ve tried it’s been closed or some such other reason. But it really does look like fun! I’ll go next time.

#7 Shop.

Partake in some shopping on El Paseo Drive. It’s a very cute street with lots of shops and restaurants. Really nice for a walk too.

#8 Cabazon Dinosaurs.

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I’ve saved the best for last. Visit the dinosaurs of Cabazon! I love these dinosaurs so much! They really are a highlight of your drive to and from Palm Springs. There’s a museum here too if you’re interested. But you don’t have to pay to see the outside of the two larger dinosaurs.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK FOR THE BEST WEEKEND IN PALM SPRINGS:

#1 Koffi!

I loved, loved, loved Koffi. I kept asking my boyfriend if we could make a stop here – which he never minded. It’s so good. They have a few locations, but my favorite is the one off Palm Canyon Drive called Palm Springs Koffi North. There’s a beautiful garden to sit in with your coffee here. I love the Chia Tea Freeze. It’s to die for. No really. It’s amazing. Please go. You’ll love it!

#2 La Bonita’s.

La Bonita’s has the best taco shells made out of cheese I’ve ever had! So so good. The food is decently priced and very tasty if you’re in the mood for Mexican.

#3 Norma’s.

You’ll find Norma’s at The Parker. It has beautiful outside seating with lovely views.

#4 King’s Highway.

King’s Highway is located inside the Ace Hotel. It’s quite a fun, retro vibe.

#5 Workshop Kitchen and Bar.

Workshop Kitchen and Bar is a restaurant inside a 90 year old movie theater! It’s definitely not cheap, but for any film fan it’s pretty amazing.

#6 Chef Tanya’s Kitchen.

For some of the best vegan food in town, I’d recommend stopping at Chef Tanya’s Kitchen.

#7 The Sandwich Spot.

Had some amazing sandwiches here at The Sandwich Spot. It’s a very cute ‘spot’ (pun intended) with some really tasty food.

TIPS FOR THE DRIVE (IF YOU’RE COMING FROM L.A.) –

• Get your favorite driving playlists together. Or listen to a great podcast! Some of my favorites are The Dollop and My Favorite Murder.

• Maybe listen to an audio book as well. I’m reading This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor on kindle right now and absolutely loving it! There is an audio version.

• Grab some snacks for the road. I love carrots and small tomatoes, but anything will do! There are plenty of places to stop along your drive, but you might as well save the good food for Palm Springs (there will be plenty of it there!).

Palm Springs is such a lovely weekend destination. It’s great whether you’re wanting to spend some fun days by the pool with your friends, or cozied up with your cute someone. There really is lots to do and lots of good vibes and fun. I cannot wait to return to the magnificent Palm Springs, California.

Happy traveling loves! 🙂

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