Our Palm Springs favorites.

Bar Cecil

An intimate dining room and a table worth planning your trip around.

Book ahead for parties of up to five. The restaurant does not join tables for larger groups; walk-in bar seats depend on availability.

Cheeky’s

A lively breakfast favorite. Allow time for a wait, especially when the whole group is coming.

Check the current wait-list arrangements before sending someone ahead.

Jake’s

A small Uptown restaurant with a courtyard setting that feels like dinner with friends.

Lunch and brunch are seasonal. Check the current schedule before planning a daytime visit.

The Colony Club

A polished setting at the Colony Palms Hotel, lovely for a long lunch.

Ask about the private dining room if you are planning a meal with a larger group.

FARM

A tucked-away garden in La Plaza, with a menu inspired by the south of France.

Check the restaurant’s separate daytime and dinner arrangements.

Holiday House

A colorful boutique-hotel setting for a leisurely daytime meal.

Reserve ahead and confirm access for non-hotel guests.

Spencer’s

A Palm Springs favorite for a relaxed meal in the outdoor garden.

Request a garden table when reserving.

Grand Central

A spacious restaurant in historic La Plaza, useful for a meal followed by a walk downtown.

Check current meal service and large-party arrangements.

Escena Lounge & Grill

Go for the views across the golf course toward the mountains.

Check the current dining schedule before planning sunset drinks.

The Tropicale

A lively Palm Springs evening, with a generous patio and a colorful dining room.

Request an outdoor table, or choose the bar for a livelier setting. Check the current happy-hour schedule.

Birba

Pizza, pasta and an outdoor setting for a relaxed evening together.

Plan this as a dinner stop. For a larger table, book early and confirm the group size.

Blue Coyote

A casual downtown choice for fish tacos, margaritas and an outdoor table.

Le Vallauris

A longstanding French dining address with a tree-shaded courtyard.

The official site lists a temporary closure. Confirm reopening directly before making plans.

Copley’s

Upscale dining in part of the former Cary Grant estate, with an inviting outdoor patio.

Request outdoor seating when reserving; group enquiries go directly to the restaurant.

Azúcar

A setting we love at La Serena Villas, with contemporary food and a rooftop bar.

Reserve for dinner and check the current lounge arrangements.

Sandfish

Sushi and original cocktails make this a good choice for a dinner out.

Choose the Palm Springs location when reserving.

Del Rey

An intimate, atmospheric room for cocktails and a dinner of small plates.

Check the restaurant’s current dining and reservation information.

SO·PA

An intimate outdoor restaurant at L’Horizon, with fire pits and fountains.

Seasonal opening; reservations are required. Confirm open dates and the adults-only, no-pets policy.

Mr. Lyons

Choose a dining-room banquette for an intimate dinner or the bar for a livelier evening.

Eight4Nine

A bright, modern restaurant we like for lunch or dinner with friends.

We prefer the indoor dining room. Enquire directly for a larger table.

Boozehounds

A thoughtfully designed restaurant, café and bar that offers much more than its dog-friendly reputation.

Check where dogs are welcome and reserve for larger groups.

Workshop Kitchen & Bar

A striking modern dining room and carefully considered cooking.

Use the restaurant’s current reservation link; contact its team directly for larger groups.

1501 Uptown Gastropub

A friendly Uptown stop beside the Arrive hotel. We like the bar or a table by the windows.

El Patio

A family-owned restaurant inspired by Guadalajara. This is one to explore; we have not tried it ourselves.

MidMod Café

A casual daytime option with vegetarian and vegan choices.

Check the menu for your group’s dietary needs.

Palm Greens Café

A casual choice for plant-based food, with options for mixed dietary preferences.

Native Foods

A plant-based lunch option with bowls, burgers and salads.

Chef Tanya’s Kitchen

A counter-service option from the chef behind Native Foods.

Choose the Palm Springs location when checking hours or ordering.

Johannes

Intimate fine dining with Austrian roots.

Bill’s Pizza

A simple downtown stop for pizza before a walk around town.

Tailor Shop

A dark, atmospheric cocktail spot in the Uptown Design District.

High Bar

The rooftop at the Kimpton Rowan is worth a stop for the views.

Check current access and hours before heading over.

Truss & Twine

A modern cocktail bar from the team behind Workshop, with creative bar bites.

Bootlegger Tiki

One of our favorites for a cocktail, early or late.

It is an intimate space; check reservation options for your group.

Seymour’s

A separate cocktail experience within Mr. Lyons.

Look for Seymour’s information on the Mr. Lyons site.

PaulBar

A tucked-away bar with New York character and a good classic cocktail.

Melvyn’s

An old-school setting for dinner, a martini and an evening out.

Check the current entertainment schedule if you are going for music.

Trio

An Uptown option for dinner and drinks.

Check the restaurant’s current schedule before going.

Counter Reformation

An intimate wine bar at The Parker for a glass and something small to eat.

Check reservations and the current opening days.

Hunters Palm Springs

A lively dance floor, especially on weekends.

Check the current events calendar for shows and special nights.

Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

The downtown casino, convenient for combining with dinner nearby.

Select the Palm Springs location, rather than Rancho Mirage or Cathedral City.

401 E Amado Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Drag shows & brunch

The Palm Springs tourism guide is a useful place to compare current drag shows, bingo and brunch options.

Confirm tickets, age limits and the schedule with the venue.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

A change of scenery above the desert, whether you go for the view or make a day of the trails.

Check tickets, weather and closures. Bring a layer for the cooler mountain air.

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

A guided way to see the desert and learn about the landscape.

Choose the route, departure point and duration that suit your group.

Indian Canyons

A nearby option for exploring palm-filled canyons on foot.

Check trail conditions, seasonal hours and heat guidance before setting out.

38520 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA

Joshua Tree National Park

Desert views, distinctive rock formations and a memorable change of landscape.

Choose your entrance around your route. Check park alerts and allow time for driving inside the park.

Palm Springs Art Museum

An easy cultural stop downtown, with modern and contemporary art against a mountain backdrop.

Check opening days and exhibitions before going.

Sunnylands

A historic estate and gardens for guests interested in design, landscape and history.

Historic estate tours and garden visits have different arrangements; check which you are booking.

PS Architecture Tours

Guided architecture tours for a closer look at the city’s mid-century buildings.

Use the tourism listing to confirm the operator’s current contact and tour availability.

The Living Desert

A zoo and gardens outing with plenty to interest younger travelers.

Check opening hours and book any special experiences directly.

47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Ruth Hardy Park

Public courts for fitting a game into your stay.

Check access rules and allow time for a court to become available.

700 Tamarisk Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Escena Golf Club

A public course with mountain views.

Check current tee times and seasonal course conditions.

Indian Canyons Golf Resort

Two public courses to consider for a day on the fairways.

Compare the North and South courses and confirm current conditions.

Jensen’s Finest Foods

Our first stop for produce, meat, fish and wine. We like the selection for cooking a special meal at the house.

Ask the store about current delivery options and order deadlines.

2465 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Ralphs

A convenient option for the basics, wine and spirits.

Select the Sunrise Way store for current hours and services.

102 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Trader Joe’s

A useful stop for snacks, prepared foods and everyday groceries.

Check the Cathedral City store details before going.

67720 E Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234

Certified Farmers Market

A way to shop local produce during your stay.

The location and schedule change seasonally. Check the Palm Springs market listing.

Instacart

Useful for groceries and the essentials you forgot to pack.

Check store coverage, delivery windows and fees for your address. Coordinate access with your greeter.

Pharos Athletic Club

A polished option for strength training, classes and recovery amenities.

Ask about current visitor passes and class access.

Fitness Edge

A straightforward gym we like for weightlifting, with short-term passes available.

Compare the pass options for the length of your stay.

170 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Orangetheory Fitness

A coached class combining cardio and strength work.

Check the Palm Springs schedule and visitor booking requirements.

F45 Palm Springs

Another option for a coached cardio and strength session.

Book directly with the studio for current drop-in options.

The Spa at Séc-he

A Palm Springs spa centered on the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, with massage, facials and mineral baths.

Ask about treatment, day-pass and fitness-center access; they may have different inclusions.

200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Palm Springs Swim Center

A public-pool option for swimming laps.

Check the current lap schedule, admission and holiday closures.

Palm Springs Yacht Club

The spa at The Parker, for a change of scene and a treatment.

Confirm non-hotel guest access and which facilities your booking includes.

4200 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264

ClassPass

Compare direct studio rates with the classes and wellness appointments available through ClassPass.

This is our referral link. Check membership credits, eligibility and cancellation terms before joining.

Uber

Check live car availability for trips around Palm Springs. Allow extra time when arranging rides for a larger group.

Compare availability and pricing in the apps; a ride is not guaranteed until confirmed.

Lyft

Useful to compare with Uber when arranging a ride.

Superior Ride

A local option to enquire about private cars, vans and scheduled rides.

Confirm capacity, pickup time and the full price directly.

BIKE Palm Springs

A useful starting point for renting bikes and choosing a route around town.

Reserve the right bikes for your group and check pickup arrangements.

Regal Cleaners

A nearby option for dry cleaning during your stay.

Call to confirm hours and turnaround. Each home also has a washer and dryer.

140 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Desert Baby Rentals

A local supplier of baby equipment, cribs and twin rollaway beds.

Confirm bedding, delivery and pickup with the supplier, and ask us about space before booking. Rentals do not increase occupancy.

Party Time Rentals

A local equipment-rental supplier.

Ask us before arranging any delivery or equipment. Rentals do not authorize parties, events or outside guests.

Christine Arnold Photography

A local photographer to contact about a portrait or group session.

Discuss your plans and request a current quote, including session length and image delivery.

The Desert Butler

Recommended to us by a corporate client for thoughtful planning and execution.

Discuss the scope and price directly. All services at the house must follow our visitor and event rules.