PALM SPRINGS CITY GUIDE

What was once a wellness destination as far back as the early 1900s, Palm Springs has evolved into a modern and vibrant city that is just a two-hour drive (or short flight) from Los Angeles. With tons of fabulous restaurants, great nightlife, pool parties, happy hours, and tons of outdoor activities, Palm Springs is a bachelorette hot spot. If you are over the Vegas party-scene, Palm Springs is a perfect balance of fun and relaxation.

WHERE TO STAY

Saguaro Hotel and Spa: Embrace your inner desert-chic at the most iconic colorful hotel. The hotel offers the bride tribe a bachelorette party package to take care of everything. All you have to do is simply arrive and enjoy.

The Monkey Tree Hotel: A bespoke modernist retreat that has a cozy residential feel. Far from the mega-hotels of downtown, this north end of town hideaway offers 16 rooms complete with kitchens, as well as an invigorating Scandinavian style sauna, plunge pool, and original saltwater swimming pool.

Arrive Palm Springs: If you’re looking for a chill yet social hotel, Arrive lives up to the hype. Poolside games, group seating around fire pits, & comfy cabanas make it the ideal crash pad for the bachelorette weekend shenanigans.

Ace Hotel: A desert retro resort, with 70s details such as record players and vinyl in the rooms. Ace has luxury suites with private outdoor fireplaces, two pools, and an organic spa.

Chic Spanish Home: A 4 bedroom (3 King beds and 2 Queens) house in Palm Springs with a huge heated pool, hot tub, modern oversized gas fire pit, private shaded gazebo, and an epic backyard view of the San Jacinto mountains. Inside you’ll find designer touches throughout with, a fully-stocked chef’s kitchen with brand new stainless appliances, and a cozy living room with a fireplace. Minutes to downtown, the Tram, and all the desert has to offer.

WHERE TO EAT

Wilma & Frieda: For home-style cooking with a modern twist, dine here! If your bride is looking for a more low-key experience, this is the perfect place. Be sure you don’t leave without trying their house-made pop tarts and short ribs eggs benedict.

FARM: The experience at Farm is like being transported to the South of France. Tucked away, this cozy French restaurant is perfect for mimosas, crepes, and catching up. From their beautiful bouquet of floral landscaping to their incredible authentic menu comprised of the freshest ingredients, you will be wowed at every turn.

Cheeky’s: Cheeky’s quirky brand of comfort cuisine continues to be synonymous with Palm Springs today. Absolutely delicious brunch with super fun vibes in a bright outdoor setting area. There usually is a wait because every popular brunch place comes with a wait but stick it out because it’s well worth it! Their creative morning bites are ravishing.

TRIO: An upscale eatery that has been featured in numerous travel publications for its top cuisine and dance-floor music. TRIO’s decor matches the mood of the crowd with vibrant splashes of color, creative lighting, and an amazing art collection. Looking to surprise the bride with a naughty dessert? Ask your waiter about the *ahem* suggestively shaped cakes.

The Tropicale: The restaurant has earned numerous awards. A chic and sophisticated décor provides the setting for its distinctive “world cuisine,” a provocative mix of zesty influences that create a delightful dining experience. Half the restaurant is outside on a lush, tropical, 2000 square foot patio – an ideal place where friends gather and martinis are sipped under the starlit desert sky. The menu is updated seasonally and offers something for everyone.

Birba: Birba is always bustling for a reason. Wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and crafted cocktails, need I say more? A staple for nighttime play with a sleek open-air bar, a great outdoor patio, excellent pizza, and their homemade pasta is worth a try & should be accompanied by a glass of Italian wine from their Italian-focused wine list.

WHERE TO DRINK

Bootlegger Tiki: Playful tiki bar offering rum-filled cocktails located behind a coffeehouse with a shared patio. Craft cocktails, good friends, and a couple of giant tiki torches thrown in for good measure.

Blue Coyote Bar and Grill: Been serving big plates of addictive and diverse foods from Mexico and the Southwest and the best margaritas on the coast. Sit on the patio and drink $5 margs to your heart’s content.

Retro Room Lounge: A fun retro bar with Hollywood-inspired decor, specialty cocktails, drag shows & nightly karaoke. Perfect for a fun and light-hearted bachelorette night out! Reserve the front table and get ready to sing your heart out.

Amigo Room: Inside the buzzing Ace Hotel, the Amigo room is dark and cool with frozen drinks, salted rims and an inspired selection of craft beers and wines. Bottoms up, partner.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge: A local gay bar. No attitude. Just good drinks and good people. This fun bar, with exuberant crowds are the proof of its motto. Toucan’s hosts the city’s longest continuously running drag show, as well as weekly theme nights, ranging from Latin Fever Monday, Neon Thursday and Dirty Pop Saturday, and “Babes and Bears” specials. You’ll find all types of drinks here, from cocktails and wine to draft beer.

WHAT TO DO

Host a Taco Fiesta: Who says you need to leave home to have fun? Cater tasty tacos to your rental home and pair with some margs poolside. Contact Los Michoachanos Catering to bring the taco party to your backyard!

ManServants, yes please!: Your bride deserves to be spoiled and pampered by some sexy men! ManServants provides a doting, debonair double team that serves, adores, pampers, and entertains for the ultimate lady celebration. You’re in good (and sexy) hands.

Take the Bride for a Ride: Do you have an adventure-seeking bride on your hands? Take the bride for a ride and rent ATVs for something outside the normal bachelorette party ideas. Off Road Rentals is 10 miles away from downtown Palm Springs and they offer self-guided tours in the desert area. Check them out!

Poolside Lounging: Palm Springs was built for poolside lounging. Be sure to pack the most Instagrammable pool float as you’re going to be spending the majority of your time lounging at a pool surrounded by swan and unicorn floaties. (That’s why you’re there right!?) Make the rounds and hit up ARRIVE which is open to the public and has poolside games, the ACE hotel for DJ music, rent a cabana at Kimpton Rooftop, and have drinks at The Saguaro.

WHERE TO SHOP

Old Town La Quinta

Featuring dozens of boutiques and restaurants in the heart of downtown without a chain store in sight. This is the perfect spot to find unique gifts.

Cod Street Fair

Every Saturday and Sunday morning, you will find the desert’s largest street fair. Hundreds of vendors set up makeshift shops at this street fair, resulting in hours of shopping and bargain hunting. You’ll find everything from designer swimwear to local produce.

The Gardens of El Paso

The Shops on El Paseo shopping district is often compared to the iconic Los Angeles shopping district, and for good reason. With blocks of boutiques, high-end retailers, and quaint restaurants, it’s easy to spend a day window-shopping along El Paseo.