Those in-between hours before check-in are a gift for the taking — so rise, shine, and take them! Arriving early lets you make the most of every sun-drenched moment under the palms. In Greater Palm Springs, arrival day becomes a seamless part of your vacation: a chance to ease into the desert’s warmth, wander shaded avenues, duck into shops that catch your eye, enjoy your first delicious meal, or unwind into a poolside state of mind before you even unpack. Consider these ideas for a soft landing to your sunlit days ahead.
EAT & SHOP: Restaurants & Shopping in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs’ shopping districts each have a distinct personality and plenty of eateries, whether you want to grab a quick bite or linger over a view. There’s a shop-and-eat destination on the way or near your final stop.
Uptown Palm Springs
Modern and vintage home furnishings, art, and décor join eclectic boutiques and casual lunch spots like 1501 Uptown Gastropub, TRIO Restaurant and The Heyday burgers. For Italian-style coffee and wines, cute Sottovoce Café sits within the artful curation of The Shops at 1345.
Downtown Palm Springs
Gift shops, specialty stores, and brands you know (from Free People and Sephora to West Elm) line strollable downtown. Pick up midcentury-inspired goodies, stackable jewelry or resort wear, plus desert essentials like flip-flops and sun hats. Sidewalk dine at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar or load up on atmosphere at Il Corso for Italian or Clandestino for tapas.
The River
This open-air shopping plaza in Rancho Mirage meets any craving with big menus at The Cheesecake Factory, Cowboy Cantina, and P.F. Chang’s. Families love the arcade games at Dave & Buster’s and the cool escape of the 15-screen Century Theaters at The River.
El Paseo
An art-studded esplanade of Palm Desert luxury. Galleries and designer shopping (the likes of Louis Vuitton, Apple and Tiffany & Co.) mingle with elevated options for midday refreshment. Savor a mountain view from the rooftop deck at Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, bask in people-watching at Porta Via, or indulge in comfort-food brunch at Wilma & Frieda.
Old Town La Quinta
Fashion, accessories, yoga, skincare, nails, and massage … what’s not to want? This walkable enclave charms with Mediterranean architecture and a village of shops, salons, and services. Quaint options for coffee, dining, and Nitroinfusions ice cream — made to order with liquid nitrogen – are equally tempting.
Downtown Indio
Young and lively, this fresh hub of community-centric energy pulses with independent makers, doers, shakers, and chefs. An emerging food scene (try Indio Taphouse or Gabino’s Creperie East) meets vibrant murals, new coffee shops, and artsy booths by local vendors at The Place.
EXPLORE: Discover Outdoor Adventures, Museums & Iconic Architecture
Stretch your legs on a nature walk
Soak up a little scenery and rejuvenate with a few deep exhales surrounded by natural beauty. Roam the tended pathways of Sunnylands Center and Gardens or set out on a short, scenic trek through the wild native landscape of Tahquitz Canyon.
Expand your perspective at a museum
Specialty museums with a reasonable footprint let you immerse in local culture without committing to an entire day. The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum are both in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. If you have more time, the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Air Museum, and Children’s Discovery Museum offer dynamic experiences to start your trip on a memorable note.
Take a self-guided architecture tour
Grab a cold drink to-go before a leisurely pleasure cruise past scores of midcentury modern marvels in Palm Springs’ most beloved neighborhoods. Between downtown and the mountain’s edge, Old Las Palmas and Vista Las Palmas were the original homes of Old Hollywood estates that retain their glamour. Further south, Twin Palms — the first neighborhood built by The Alexander Company — showcases a stunning concentration of tract homes that define desert modernism.
UNWIND: Relaxing Pools, Spas & Cafés
By the pool
Even if you’ve baked in plenty of pool time on a shaded lounger during your stay, is there ever too much pool time? Call ahead to confirm early access through your hotel or resort, then pack your swimsuit and coverup separately so you’re ready to chill on arrival.
At the spa
Vacation starts with relaxation. Pamper that thought with a spa pedicure or reflexology session, a recalibrating scalp massage, a mini treatment, or a full-body stress-melter that pairs an exfoliating scrub with a hydrating massage for deep pre-getaway decompression. Make it a spa day with a pass to the pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms at Spa Desert Springs at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, The Spa at Séc-he, or Sunstone Spa.
Over coffee, treats, or drinks
At five convenient locations of independent roastery Koffi, relax over a rich and icy Malted Mocha Freeze, a tea latte, or a smoothie as well as freshly baked muffins, pastries, and light lunch items. For something cool and sweet, Gelato A-Go-Go serves gelato and sorbet in a mod space inspired by 1970s Italy, while homegrown icon Brandini Toffee wins fans with their famous toffee ice cream bars and shakes.
Hotel bars and lounges specialize in atmosphere. Sink into a cool, swanky spot and posh out with a cold beverage at Thompson Palm Springs, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, Parker Palm Springs, Villa Royale, or Sands Hotel & Spa. Old school vibes are completely authentic at Melvyn’s or take your sips with an exclusive view over the valley at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Beer lovers unite at Luchador Brewing Company and La Quinta Brewing Co.
