Palm Springs Travel Guide: 72 Hours in Desert Paradise
72 Hours in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California, is a perfect destination for those who crave sunshine, relaxation, and unique experiences. Suppose you plan to visit this desert paradise. In that case, we've got you covered with our 72-hour travel guide, with tips and recommendations to make the most of your trip and find local hidden gems.
Day One
Day 1: Morning
Start your day early by grabbing breakfast at Townie. This massively popular bagel shop started as an at-home business before eventually moving into its current brick-and-mortar on Sunny Dunes Rd. The bagels here are all water-boiled, giving them a crispy, crackling exterior, and a perfectly soft interior. You can't go wrong with any of the spreads–which are also all made in-house–but we're partial to the homemade chicken salad on their delicious gluten-free bagel. Afterward, bike through town and explore the area. Check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features contemporary art, photography, and sculptures.
Day 1: Afternoon Hike
Next, head over to On The Mark and grab lunch to go. On The Mark is a kind gourmet food market and deli featuring a range of unique boutique products such as craft beer and wine, artisan crafted cheese, nitrate-free meats, pâtés, small batch oils and vinegar, and more! We love The Veggie French Brie, House made Olive Tapenade, Fig Spread, Lettuce, and Tomatoes. Make sure to grab extra water for your Hike!
Next, head to Hike in the Indian Canyons, a natural oasis in the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation. The Cahuilla tribe valued community, spirituality, and storytelling. They believed in a supreme creator and practiced ceremonies to connect with nature and honor ancestors.
Hike the scenic trails and take in the breathtaking views of the canyons, waterfalls, and desert landscapes.
Day 1: Evening
After a long day of activities, it's time to relax and unwind. Head over to Paul Bar. In a strip mall north of the airport.
Paul Bar is one of PS's most incredible dinner experiences.
And when we say incredible, we mean 1940s-Rat-Pack-era, slinking-across-the-bar-with-a-martini type excellent. The dimly lit space is tiny - essentially one long bar and a few booths against the wall - giving the whole place an intimate, romantic vibe. Come here for some marinara-covered meatballs and a crisp wedge salad and fries. This hot spot has affordable happy hour prices that won't break the bank. Enjoy $6 well drinks, $8 specialty cocktails, and a refreshing $7 frozen Sidecar. Wine and draft beer are also discounted during happy hour."
Don't be fazed if the bartender tells you about some crazy celebrity that just came in and knows you will likely stumble out a few hours later, having completely forgotten you're in the middle of the desert.
PAUL BAR
Kristin Scharkey, Palm Springs Desert Sun, interviewed Paul O'Halloran in 2018:
"A word of advice? Get off your phone when you pull up a seat. At least long enough to have a conversation with O'Halloran. He says he'll never have a TV in the bar, previously a sports pub called Palm Springs Tavern, because he wants patrons to talk to each other – and to him.
"We’re all staring at our screens all the time," he explains. "You don’t want to talk to me? Hey, it’s your loss. I can tell you a great story. Pick one. A sad one, funny one, whatever you want, I’ll tell ya."
Day Two
Day 2: Morning Tee-Time
Golf enthusiasts have been flocking to Palm Springs for years, and it's not hard to see why. The desert climate, picturesque mountain vistas, and lush greens make it a true paradise for golf lovers. And what's even better? You can play right in downtown Palm Springs. Within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of Palm Canyon Drive, you'll find some of the best golf courses in the region.
One of these courses is Cimarron Golf Course in Palm Springs. This top-of-the-line golf facility boasts two championship golf course layouts: The Boulder Course (36 holes) and The Pebble Course (18 holes). If you're looking for a quicker round of 18 holes that still allows you plenty of energy left for the rest of the day, then the Pebble Course is the perfect option. This course provides 17 chances to make a hole-in-one and has a friendlier rating of 54.6. Additionally, the Pebble Course spans a total of 3,020 yards in length.
The Escena Golf Club is another highly recommended choice, just a short drive from downtown Palm Springs. The mid-century modern clubhouse and stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains make it a course that you simply cannot miss. The fairways are wide, and the greens are spacious, making it a perfect fit for golfers of all skill levels.
The Escena Golf Club
Day 2: Afternoon grub
After your round, head over to Gabino's. Gabino's Creperie is a must-visit spot for lunch in town. Located on a small side alley off E. Palm Canyon, Gabino's Creperie may be a little challenging to find at first, but once you discover it, you'll be in for a real treat at one of the best lunch spots in town. These are different from your typical crepes. They are filled with a unique chimichurri, cheese, and jalapenos blend. They offer various options, from turkey cheddar to chicken caesar. These savory hand-held masterpieces look and taste incredible and are also offered gluten-free. Our current favorite is the chicken pesto. Top it with Nonna's special sauce, a mixture of jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil that takes each crepe to the next level.
The Kitchen’s Closed. Play Pickleball.™
Who is up for some Pickleball? Well, you're in luck because Demuth Park has got you covered! Located on Mesquite Ave, this park offers Pickleball for everyone with its 12 courts and friendly locals who are always up for a good game and a few laughs. During peak season, from around 8 am to 11 am each morning and after 5 pm in the afternoon, you'll find a diverse group of people battling it out for the ultimate bragging rights. So, grab your paddles and head down to Demuth Park for Pickleball fun! Make sure to bring water and snacks; you'll need both!
Day 2: Evening dinner
Afterward, grab a casual dinner at Low Desert Modern Mexican. This fantastic, relaxed eatery is located in beautiful Smoke Tree Village. The space has a modern and clean ambiance, with a large terrace that provides a great spot to enjoy your meal outdoors. You can bask in the warm sunshine while you indulge in a flavorful dining experience.
The menu offers a delightful mix of classic Mexican dishes infused with a twist to make them unique and unforgettable. Each plate is made using fresh ingredients and expertly prepared to provide a culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Whether you're in the mood for some delicious street tacos, fresh guacamole with chips, or a refreshing margarita, Low Desert / Modern Mexican has got you covered. After several games of Pickleball, your body will thank you.
Day Three
Day 3: Breakfast
L'Atelier is one of our favorite restaurants in Palm Springs. Jose, the owner, is passionate and lovely. This place may be small, but it packs a punch with its homemade, French-style light daytime fare, crepes, pastries, and cafe drinks.
I generally choose lunch for breakfast, so I love this place. Fuel up on fantastic french food that'll have you feeling like you're in a charming little Parisian cafe. The counter-serve setup means you can grab your grub and go or sit and savor every last bite in the cozy little space. Either way, you're in for a treat at L'Atelier Cafe.
Day 3: Afternoon adventure. Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Day 3 is all about the Tram. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-see attraction you will want to take advantage of. This incredible tram ride takes you from the desert floor to the majestic mountains in just 10 minutes, providing an unforgettable experience that will stay long after you leave.
Once you reach Mountain Station's top, you can hike and eat at one of the Palms Springs Aerial Tramway restaurants. Here is an excellent link PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY (EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW)
Day 3: Evening Dinner
Copley's is a modern American restaurant situated in the former estate of Hollywood icon Cary Grant, offering a nostalgic ambiance for diners. While the cozy indoor seating is available in the old house, the main attraction at Copley's is the charming patio, which boasts a central fountain, bistro lights, and heaters for cooler desert nights.
The menu features a variety of elevated meat and seafood dishes, creatively anchored with seasonal produce. The cabernet-poached pear salad was a delicious and unique dish that combined the pears' sweetness with the seasoning's spicy kick. The roasted grapes and tomatoes added a nice flavor to the plate. At the same time, the blue cheese provided a creamy, tangy contrast to the other ingredients. The miso-glazed salmon was another standout dish, perfectly cooked and complemented by a flavorful glaze that added just the right amount of sweetness to the fish. The accompanying rice and vegetables were well-prepared and provided a satisfying balance.
In addition to the impressive food offerings, Copley's boasts an extensive list of wines and cocktails. We tried the Make Your Mark Manhattan and the First Class Aviation, which were expertly mixed and thoroughly enjoyed. The cocktails were strong and flavorful, with unique twists that made them stand out from more traditional options.
Overall, our dining experience at Copley's was a memorable one. The food was inventive and flavorful, the ambiance was charming and nostalgic, and the drinks were top-notch. It's a restaurant worth visiting for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable dining experience in Palm Springs.
