Elevated City Guides: Palm Springs

Written By Elevated.

Looking for a fun weekend getaway? Palm Springs is the perfect destination. It’s bursting with culinary excellence, architectural intrigue, and palm-tree-lined boulevards. Whether you want to relax at one of the many gorgeous resort pools, or paint the town late into the evening, this desert oasis has something for you.

Best time to visit: October - May

Our most recent visit to Palm Springs was for one of our very best friend’s bachelorette party and, ladies, it did not disappoint. (If you’re planning a bachelorette party, check out this post!)

The vibe of this amazing city is not just for large groups, though. Think family vacation, romantic getaway, or absolutely for a non-wedding related girl’s trip. Cut to you and your besties screaming “Somebody Who Loves Me” at the top of your lungs in a gay nightclub…

Best Restaurants:

  • Mr Lyons: this is a MUST. Go grab a dirty martini at the bar before dinner and order everything on the menu, especially the mashed potatoes!

  • GiGis: food was great, vibes were even greater. Get the Aperol Spritz flamingo (and take a photo on the flamingo wallpaper wall!)

  • Koffi: great spot to grab morning coffee and a pastry or breakfast sammy. lots of locations.

  • Farm: a little hidden oasis - great for brunch or dinner.

  • Workshop Kitchen: if you’re a foodie and ready to spend a little extra $$, then look no further.

  • Counter Reformation: speakeasy meets wine bar with global bites (only bar seating so better for 1x1 or small groups).

 
 

Best Bars (all of the above restaurants have good bars, too!): 

  • Boozehounds

  • Parker Hotel Lobby Bar

  • Hunters

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Favorite Activities:

  • Rent bikes from BIKE Palm Springs and cruise all the mid-century modern homes ($25 for 4 hours)

  • Book a tour to see Elvis’s honeymoon hideaway (unfortunately we couldn’t because it’s undergoing renovations)

  • Go shopping for vintage clothes! There are a TON of great vintage shops along the main avenue

  • Golf at one of the many courses

  • Take the aerial tramway for a scenic lookout over the city ($30 on Trip Advisor)

  • Drag brunch - you can’t come to this city and not see the queens. Highly recommend PS Drag Brunch at the Saguaro Hotel

Where to stay: 

  • High End: Trixie Motel 

  • Middle: Arrive Palm Springs or Triada Palm Springs

  • Lots of good AirBnBs 



Happy travels!

Elise

Elevated.
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