Let’s get planning.
Our Palm Springs Recommendations
Now that your stay is on the books, this is the page to help you plan it. Below you’ll find our favorite restaurants, bars, activities, services, and practical stay details we’re asked about most often.
Start here
If you only book a few things in advance, these are the ones we’d prioritize first.
Bar Cecil is still the hardest reservation in town. If you can’t get a table, try the bar at 5pm.
Cheeky’s lives up to the hype. Send one person 30 to 60 minutes ahead to get on the list.
The Tropicale is a Palm Springs standard and especially good for groups.
Pharos Athletic Club is the closest thing in town to a true city gym.
Instacart is easiest for arrival-day groceries. For higher quality ingredients, use Jensen’s delivery.
Indian Canyons is just 10 minutes away and one of the best local hikes.
Most guests ask us about
Restaurants
Palm Springs has a surprisingly strong dining scene for its size. These are our current favorites. We recommend reserving early via OpenTable or by phone.
Bar Cecil
Without question, this is still one of the most sought-after tables in town and somewhere we’d happily go again and again.
Reservations can be difficult, but they allow walk-ins at the bar beginning at 5pm.
Cheeky’s
Worth every bit of effort and fully lives up to the hype. Do not miss the bloody mary in a boot.
Insider move: send one person 30 to 60 minutes before you want to eat to get on the list.
Jake’s
If waiting for Cheeky’s is not on the agenda, Jake’s is just a few steps away and another very strong option.
The Colony Club at Colony Palms
One of the prettiest hotel renovations in town and still one of the quintessential poolside lunches in Palm Springs.
One bottle of rosé will not be enough.
FARM
Beautiful outdoor oasis in the middle of downtown, with a nice crowd, strong food, and a very easy Palm Springs lunch energy.
Holiday House
The hottest small hotel in town continues to be a lovely choice for lunch or brunch.
Reservations are strongly suggested.
Spencer’s
Always a good idea. Request a table in the enchanting outdoor garden.
Grand Central
Large and lovely space tucked into historic La Plaza, with California cuisine, good salads, and a broad menu.
Note that no alcoholic drinks are served at the outdoor tables.
Escena Lounge & Grill
A very easy lunch or sunset cocktails with impressive mountain and golf course views.
The Tropicale
One of the classic Palm Springs moves. Go for 5pm happy hour, then stay for dinner.
For groups, request a table outside or try for comfy seats at the lively bar.
Birba
Very good for lunch or candlelit dinner, especially if you want outdoor fire pits and a group-friendly setup.
Large tables are available if you book early.
Blue Coyote
Very casual, very Palm Springs, and the margaritas are genuinely strong.
Fish tacos are great and the outdoor tables right on Palm Canyon are the move.
Le Vallauris
Dinner in a beautiful garden and one of the more traditionally upscale nights out in town.
Frank Sinatra dined here.
Copley’s
Beautiful outdoor dinner downtown at the former home of Cary Grant.
Azúcar at La Serena Villas
Perfect for a sunny afternoon poolside, with strong Mediterranean fare and a setting that is hard to beat.
Sandfish
Stellar sushi and original cocktails in the Design District.
Del Rey
Great cocktails and Spanish small plates in a dark, sultry room that is worth trying.
Truss & Twine
Stunning modern room centered around a wraparound cocktail and dining bar. Strong craft cocktails and an inventive menu.
Best later in the evening.
So.Pa
Elegant dinner choice with a beautiful setting.
Request a banquette.
Mr. Lyons
Go for dinner and choose your mood.
Request a banquette in the dining room for a more intimate meal or the bar room for a livelier atmosphere.
Eight4Nine
Modern spot popular with locals and a good option for lunch or dinner.
Request a table inside. The outdoor patio is a bit plain.
Boozehounds
The famed dog restaurant, but it is also simply a very good choice for group lunch, brunch, or dinner.
Workshop Kitchen & Bar
James Beard meets hipster beard. Modern, gorgeous, and still one of the strongest dining rooms in town.
Bookings are essential. For groups of 8 or more, call Julia at (267) 797-0939.
1501 Uptown Gastropub
Solid, friendly, and very easy. Good choice near Arrive.
Grab a seat at the U-shaped bar or reserve a table by the windows.
El Patio
Newer spot that looks authentic and lovely. We’ve heard good things.
Mod Cafe
New sister restaurant to Palm Greens Cafe and worth a look for vegetarian-friendly dining.
Palm Greens Cafe
Casual standard for veggie and vegan fare, with options for meat eaters too.
Native Foods Cafe
Entirely vegan and still easy even for carnivorous friends.
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
Newer spot from the chef behind Native Foods and a good casual option.
Johannes
Intimate fine dining with an Austrian perspective.
Bill’s Pizza
Casual, simple, right in the middle of downtown, and exactly what you want when all you want is pizza and a walk around town.
Cocktails & nightlife
For drinks, these are the places we’d steer you first depending on what kind of night you want.
Tailor Shop
Dark and sultry and a good newer addition to the Uptown Design District.
High Bar
Best rooftop view in town. Drinks are pricey, but worth at least one stop.
Truss & Twine
One of our favorite rooms for cocktails, especially later in the evening.
Bootlegger Tiki
One of our favorites, early or late.
Seymour’s
Hidden within Mr. Lyons but very much its own separate and excellent cocktail operation.
The Tropicale
A Palm Springs standard for happy hour, and still one of the easiest reliable choices.
5 to 7pm, plus all night Wednesdays.
PaulBar
Tucked into a slightly rough mini mall, with an original mahogany bar, smart bartenders, and a very specific old-school insider feel.
Trust us, you need to go here.
Melvyn’s
Arrive at 8pm for music, martinis, and an untouched mid-century experience that has been refreshed in all the right ways.
Trio
Especially popular on Saturday nights and often a good fit for celebratory energy.
Check whether it is open before heading over.
Counter Reformation
Beautiful, intimate wine bar at The Parker with a strong list and small plates.
Hunters Palm Springs
Always lively and especially wild on weekends.
Spa Resort Casino
Also known as Palm Springs Casino and only about 3 minutes from Palms at Park.
Easy pairing with dinner at Tropicale or Blue Coyote. 401 E. Amado Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. +1 (760) 883-1000.
Activities & day trips
If you want a mix of Palm Springs classics, architecture, desert scenery, and easy family options, start here.
Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours
Best sightseeing and nature tour option for the San Andreas Fault, Joshua Tree, and more.
Indian Canyons
About 10 minutes from Palms at Park and one of the most worthwhile local nature outings.
38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA. Consider the Palm Canyon Trail 3 Mile Loop.
Joshua Tree National Park
Great day trip for hiking and sightseeing and only about 45 minutes from the house.
Use the Visitor Center at 6554 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree, CA 92252. There are multiple visitor centers and this one is much closer to Palms at Park. Pappy & Harriet’s is a fun stop after a hike.
Palm Springs Art Museum
A mid-century masterpiece itself, with a strong permanent collection and exhibitions.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One of the classic Palm Springs experiences, whether you want a full hiking day or just the ride and views.
About 14 minutes up and 14 minutes down. It is 20 to 40 degrees colder at the top, so bring a jacket.
Sunnylands
Historic estate and spectacular gardens with serious architectural and historical interest.
Palm Springs Architecture Tours
Guided look at some of the city’s best mid-century architecture.
The Living Desert Zoo
Phenomenal and very distinctive animal experience for kids of all ages.
47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
Gyms, spas, golf & tennis
For guests who like to keep their routine going, or simply want a very good recovery day, these are our go-to options.
Use ClassPass first
Many of the best gyms and fitness studios in Palm Springs are much cheaper through ClassPass than booking directly.
Using our referral link gets you extra bonus credits. This is a referral link and we want to be transparent about that, but the main benefit is yours.
Pharos Athletic Club Palm Springs
The most design-forward, best-programmed gym in Palm Springs with serious equipment, classes, recovery amenities, and a crowd that actually works out.
Strongly recommended via ClassPass for the best value.
Fitness Edge
Basic, but just a one minute drive or 10 minute walk from Palms at Park and especially good for weightlifting.
Also available on ClassPass and usually much cheaper there than paying the standard day rate.
Orange Theory
Strong cardio and strength mix and a good option if you want a structured class.
F45 Palm Springs
Another strong cardio and strength option.
Fitness Center at The Spa at Séc-he
Not for serious weightlifters, but excellent if you want a workout plus natural hot springs and pool time in a very indulgent setting.
Usually $150 to $250 for a day pass and very much experience-driven.
Palm Springs Swim Center
Public pool for lap swimming.
Check hours and holiday schedule before going.
The Spa at Séc-he
Tranquil wellness sanctuary built around the sacred Agua Caliente hot mineral spring and still one of the strongest spa experiences in the country.
For reservations, call 866.777.3243.
Palm Springs Yacht Club at The Parker
Another good spa choice with a more classic hotel feel.
4200 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264. Tip: arrive early and use the gym beforehand.
Escena Golf Club
Our top golf pick in Palm Springs.
Tee times: 760-778-2737 or online.
Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Another good public option.
The North Course is historic, but the South Course is known to be better maintained. Tee times: 760-833-8700.
Ruth Hardy Park Public Courts
No fee, no reservations, and often a little waiting for a court.
700 Tamarisk Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
Groceries, rides & local services
These are the practical links and local services that make the stay easier.
Jensen’s Finest Foods
Excellent quality and selection, including great produce, meat, fish, wine, and spirits.
7 minute drive. High prices. 2465 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264.
Ralph’s
Great for basics and a decent wine selection, especially California wines.
4 minute drive. Low prices. 102 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
Trader Joe’s
Very good for basics, snacks, and prepared foods.
9 minute drive. Low prices. 67720 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City, CA 92234.
Certified Farmers Market
Best local market option and only about 3 minutes from Palms at Park.
Indoors in summer and outdoors in fall, winter, and spring. Check the schedule before going.
Instacart
Best option if you want groceries to arrive right when you do, or if you suddenly need poolside essentials without leaving the house.
Jensen’s Delivery
Our favorite nearby grocery store for higher quality ingredients also offers delivery.
$15 delivery fee every day except Sunday. Same-day orders must be placed by noon.
Uber
The easiest ride option in Palm Springs, whether you need an inexpensive UberX or something nicer.
Lyft
Also works in Palm Springs, just with fewer cars available.
Superior Ride
Well-regarded locally for limos, town cars, and vans.
Palm Springs Taxi Services
Usually fairly reliable and driven by locals.
BIKE Palm Springs
Great bikes and an easy rental option.
Regal Cleaners
Best nearby dry cleaning option.
140 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. About 2 minutes from Palms at Park. (760) 327-0615.
Desert Baby Rentals
Offers twin rollaway beds with bedding and pillows, cribs, and more, with delivery on arrival and pickup on departure.
Call (760) 861-6410, ask for Mark, and mention Palms at Park.
Party Time Rentals
Additional source for rental needs.
Christine Arnold
Hourly shoots with full-resolution digital images and printed photographs.
$250 per hour with a two-hour minimum, usually yielding about 50 to 100 photos per hour. Call (760) 485-1893.
The Desert Butler
Good option for multi-day or single-day celebration production and has been highly recommended to us by a top corporate client.
Call or text Rico at (760) 209-5445.
Postal Palm Springs
If you need to ship packages before arrival, this is the easiest solution.
$5 receiving fee per package, or $10 if any dimension is larger than 2 feet. Call first for instructions. 1717 E Vista Chino Ste A7-900, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 864-1401.
Your stay at the house
A high-level overview of what is provided, how dining works, and a few practical house details guests often ask about.
What is provided
- Premium hotel-sourced bath towels, hand towels, pool towels, and washcloths
- A starter set of premium shampoo and bath soap
- Hair dryers in every en suite bathroom
- A starter amount of paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, dishwasher pods, and laundry pods
- Silverware, dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, drinking glasses, wine glasses, and plastic drinking glasses
- Cuisinart hard anodized cookware, chef’s knives, cutting boards, cooking utensils, blender, and toaster
- An array of spices, salts, sugars, oils, vinegars, and flour for your use
- Drip coffee maker with regular filters plus a Keurig for K-Cups
- Stainless oversized barbecue grill hooked up to the gas line
- Luxury appliances including refrigerator, range with single oven, dishwasher, microwave, and wine cooler
- At Palms at Park Villa there is a backup refrigerator in the Casita bedroom
- At 5 Palms Estate there is a backup refrigerator in the garage
Dining & outdoor seating
- Palms at Park Villa: seating for 10 at the indoor dining table, plus 6 at the 2 islands. There is a smaller outdoor dining table that can be moved inside for 5 additional seats.
- 5 Palms Estate: seating for 12 at the live-edge indoor dining table, plus 6 at the 14-foot island.
- Palms at Park Villa outdoors: seating for 6 at the large outdoor dining table, plus 4 at a smaller outdoor table. The two smaller outdoor tables can be combined with the main indoor or outdoor dining table at the villa.
- 5 Palms Estate outdoors: seating for 8 at the outdoor dining table, plus an in-pool dining table with seating for 4.
- Each Palms at Park villa has service for 12 and 5 Palms Estate has service for 14.
Daily housekeeping
Available on request during your stay. Our housekeeping team spends about two hours per booked house and handles bed-making, hard surfaces, dishes, and general cleanup.
Daily housekeeping does not include cleaning linens. Pricing is $295 per day per house for Palms at Park Villa and $349 per day per house for 5 Palms Estate. Service starts the day after your first night and ends the day before checkout. Availability is limited, so earlier requests are better.
Hooking up your devices
Each villa has a large wall-mounted HDTV in the living room and wall-mounted HDTVs in each bedroom with basic channels.
To connect your own device in the living room, unplug the HDMI cable from the cable box and plug it into your laptop or device. The cable box sits on the small table beneath the wall-mounted TV.