The Perfect Palm Springs Thanksgiving for 2023

There are plenty of things to be thankful for in Coachella Valley this time of the year, from the breathtaking mountain views to the warm weather and the aroma of autumn flowers and fruits. And should we mention the delicious, holiday-inspired smell of the pumpkin pie? If you're celebrating Thanksgiving Day in Greater Palm Springs, you can have Thanksgiving dinner at several local restaurants that offer thanksgiving meal specials alongside their regular menu. This means that you'll spend no time in the kitchen and all your free time by the pool relaxing.!

Are you looking for a guide to planning your perfect Thanksgiving Day in Palm Springs? We've got you covered with everything from accommodation to restaurant recommendations and entertainment opportunities. 

Where to stay in Palm Springs this Thanksgiving Day?

As on the of the most popular times of year to visit Palm Springs, it’s important to make sure you secure the perfect vacation rental as early as possible. At Palms at Park, we offer three large, modern luxury vacation homes with 5 and 6 bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, located close to the downtown. All of our vacation homes have their own private spa, fire pit, pool, and more.

If cooking in is the plan, Palms at Park has chef's kitchens with top-notch utilities to assist you in your cooking efforts. However, if you decide to dine at a restaurant in Greater Palm Springs, you have several options to pick from. 

Where to eat a Thanksgiving dinner in Coachella Valley?

Tropicale Restaurant & Lounge

A Palms at Park Fave, The Tropicale — Perfect for Thanksgiving 2022 in Palm Springs

Our top choice for Thanksgiving in Palm Springs is also one of our favorite haunts, the Tropicale.

Colorful, fun and always delicious, dine outdoors under the stars this Thanksgiving at Tropicale’s stunning outdoor patio. Set up for groups, Tropicale will not disappoint for your 2022 Thanksgiving dinner in Palm Springs.

We love The Tropicale so much that we covered our favorite tips and tricks from locals that frequent it including what to order, when to go, how to score the longest happy hour and much more.

Here’s the menu for Thanksgiving 2022 at Tropicale Palm Springs. We’ll post the 2023 menu once it’s announced but you can assume that it will be similar!

Lulu California Bistro

Lulu California Bistro is located on Palm Canyon Drive and is only minutes from your Palms at Park villa. It is one of Palm Springs' most popular restaurants because of its Cal-inspired menu.

Here’s Lulu’s Thanksgiving menu from 2022. We’ll post the 2023 menu once it’s published.

Lulu California Bistro’s Thanksgiving 2022 Menu in Palm Springs. 2023 coming soon!

Tip: Although regular reservations can be made on OpenTable, Lulu wants you to give them a ring at 760.327.5858 for Thanksgiving ressys.

Grand Central Palm Springs 

Thanksgiving Dinner in Palm Springs at Grand Central — Just 4 Minutes from Palms at Park

Grand Central Palm Springs offers a course feast this Thanksgiving Day! Their menu would satisfy even the pickiest eater with entrée choices like Pumpkin ravioli, traditional herb roasted turkey and Citrus beurre blanc salmon. Just a 4 minute drive from Palms at Park, you’ll be dining in no time.

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge

A Stunning Table for Thanksgiving in Palm Springs at Eight4Nine - Just 3 Minutes from Palms at Park

If you want to spend Thanksgiving Day basking in the sun while enjoying a four-course Thanksgiving inspired menu, consider a quick jaunt over to Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge, just a few minutes drive from your Palms at Park villa. Offerings include the classics like roast turkey but also more inventive spins on Turkey Day like duck breast, black cod, Scottish steelhead, prime rib and much more.

Fun things to do in the Coachella Valley over Turkey Day

A visit to Coachella Valley provides many things to do, from exploring the unspoiled wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to visiting the Palm Canyon and playing casino games in a Resort casino like Rancho Mirage. 

See The Living Desert

Are you visiting Palm Springs with your children this Turkey Day? Then you should add to your must-visit places list The Living Desert, a 1,200-acre zoo and botanical garden, which is considered a top attraction in the area. Besides exotic animals like meerkats, bighorn sheep, and rhinos, you’ll also be able to visit several gardens that showcase over 1,600 species of plants. We love the agave, prickly pears, and cacti! And because you visit the Living Desert during the Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll also be able to explore the three trail loops, which are open from October until May. 

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

No, it’s not Mars. It’s Joshua Tree and it’s just a 40 minutes drive from your Palms at Park luxury vacation rental.

There’s a reason why National Geographic named the Joshua Tree National Park a beloved natural gem. It offers visitors dazzling vistas, around 800.000 acres of fairyland beauty and invites visitors to hike one of the twelve nature trails. If you want to connect with nature, you can even camp at the Park. We’ve got more info about Joshua Tree on our list of Palm Springs recommendations for Palms at Park guests.

Hike Indian Canyons

This hike is 10 minutes from the door of your Palms at Park Villa — Indian Canyons Palm Springs Hiking Trails

Did you know that the Indian Canyons actually include three canyons? The Andreas Canyon, the Murray Canyon, and the Palm Canyon. If you want to treat your family to an outdoor adventure over Thanksgiving, put Indian Canyons on your to-do list, and we promise you won’t be disappointed. From natural palm oases to stunning panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley, there’s a hike for every level of expertise at this immaculately maintained reservation and hiking mecca, just 10 minutes from the door of your luxury Palms at Park vacation rental home.

Take the Tram to the Top of Mt. San Jacinto for Thanksgiving

During Thanksgiving 2022, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will run a special schedule from 8:00 a.m. to Sunday, November 29, the last tram up will be at 9:45 p.m., and the last tram down will be at 9:45 p.m.

If you haven’t taken the tram before, this is your chance to be whisked to the top of our most beautiful mountain range in less than 15 minutes.

The restaurant at the top of the tram, Pines Café, will be offering “Ride ‘n’ Dine” tickets where you can zip up the mountain and have Thanksgiving dinner with panoramic views of the entire Coachella Valley! Combination tickets are $36 for adults and seniors, and $23.50 children (ages 3-12).