Everyone comes to Palm Springs for one reason and one reason only: to relax. Sure, Coachella takes over in April, but the desert city’s sizzling vibe lasts all year. The destination entices visitors with its balmy weather, breathtaking mountain views, and, of course, palm trees. In the middle of it all, there are hotels for poolside relaxing and wellness resets, recreational activities, and a thriving culinary scene. It’s no simple task to see all of Palm Springs’s splendor in a short amount of time. Allow this list of the top places to eat, drink, and visit to take the guesswork out of planning your next trip.
Soho Desert House
No membership fee is required for access to Soho House’s annual Desert House activation, located a quick drive away in Coachella Valley (well, depending on traffic). Bypassing celebrities and influencers is commonplace here, and so are unlimited drinks, food, and samples of beauty products from partners (Supergoop! and Billie Eilish fragrances were among the featured brands). When your stomach is full, head over to the main stage to enjoy live performances from the likes of Harry Styles and the Weeknd.
Hôtel Hennes
Situated in the middle of the pool at Sands Hotel & Spa, there’s a bed with two bedside tables and a large sign that reads “Hôtel Hennes.” An offshoot of H&M’s collection of the same name, the experiential pop-up activation brings a fictional hotel to life. Each corner is outfitted with the Hôtel Hennes logo, from the poolside lifeguard chair to towels to the uniforms of the “hotel” staff, which makes for the perfect Instagram moment.
Revolve Festival
Coachella parties hard, but Revolve parties even harder. Each year, Revolve returns to the festival to create its own world for people who simply want to look good, drink, and dance—and it’s definitely worth the day trip. In the past, Revolve Festival has featured live performances from some of music’s biggest stars (Ty Dolla $ign, Post Malone, Bia, and Jack Harlow were among this year’s lineup), as well as photo ops for celebrities and influencers in attendance. Pics or it didn’t happen, right?
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Wilma and Frieda’s
Looking for comfort food away from home? Wilma and Frieda’s offers a hearty brunch to satisfy everyone from the hungover to the hangry. Request balcony seating for palm trees blowing in the background of your Boomerang or to people- watch folks walking up and down Palm Canyon Drive’s lively strip.
Cheeky’s
As the name suggests, Cheeky’s menu is not your typical chicken-and-waffle breakfast spot. Here, French toast is topped with marshmallows and peanuts, its signature bacon flight features bacon cooked in a slew of ways (teriyaki, apple cinnamon, parmesan, etc.), and no one will look at you weirdly for ordering a “morning margarita” instead of a mimosa (they have that, too).
Kreem
For most people, the perfect day means basking in the sun while strolling with an ice cream cone in hand, trying to savor every flavor. Allow Kreem, a charming ice cream shop on East Palm Canyon Drive, to sweeten your afternoon. Forget your standard vanilla flavor; Kreem provides unique combinations you’ve never experienced before. Lavender Coffee, anyone?
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Bootlegger Tiki
Few things are a guarantee like tiki bars in Palm Springs, and Bootlegger Tiki stands out from the crowd. Whether you’re pre-gaming or looking for a guaranteed good night, Bootlegger Tiki’s drinks will get the party started. The majority of the beverages on the menu are made with rum, so you’re sure to find a drink to match your mood.
El Patron
You hear the lively spirit of El Patron before you even set foot inside. The eatery offers a variety of tacos and other baja-inspired small bites. But the main appeal is obviously the tequila drinks, made with Patrón, naturally.
Truss and Twine
No time to visit a museum? Allow Truss and Twine to give you a boozy tour of sorts. The menu is broken down into different eras: the Golden Age features drinks like Old Fashioneds and Gimlets, the Prohibition era includes barrel-aged gin in a drink called Hanky Panky, and the Dark Ages has classics like Long Island Iced Teas and White Russians.
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The Saguaro Palm Springs
Among the hotels peppering East Palm Canyon Drive, The Saguaro illuminates at night with pink and orange neon lighting—a small detail that gives incoming guests a glimpse of the boutique hotel’s vibrant aura. The Saguaro’s retro theme translates throughout the property, whether you book a canary yellow poolside cabana or chill in your room, complete with purple carpeting and an orange bathroom. When you’re feeling hungry, head downstairs to El Jefe Desert Cantina, the hotel’s popular taco joint. The Saguaro also hosts weekend yoga and live DJ sets.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a cozy respite with a down-to-earth vibe that doesn’t try too hard. Tinged with folky desert details and a beautiful mountainous view, artwork pieces are traded in for canvas tapestry reminiscent of a tent, while quilts take the place of fluffy duvet comforters seen at most typical hotels. Bonus: Ace Hotel & Swim Club is also a stone’s throw away from every restaurant, bar, and gift shop a tourist could need.
Arrive Palm Springs
Entering the property at Arrive Palm Springs feels like you’re cruising around a tiny college campus—if that campus had a pool with music blasting all day long, Malin + Goetz bath products, and a check-in service that includes a complimentary cocktail. Arrive Palm Springs is where hippy and tech intersect: The rooms are bright with low-hanging lights, wooden floors, and artsy wall accents, and come equipped with Apple TV for happy streaming.
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Applying SPF shouldn’t be a hassle, especially when you’re lounging under the scorching hot desert sun. Habit’s Facial Sunscreen Mist allows you to keep your skin protected all day with just a few spritzes without messing up your makeup look or your meticulously-layered skincare routine. It’s so tiny that it can fit perfectly in your purse.
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Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
