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Destination: Palm Springs

AshleeDuncan
Employee
Employee

Ready to soak up the sun in one of Southwest’s newest destinations? If you’re searching for the quintessential California getaway, look no further than Palm Springs! With the perfect balance of outdoor adventure, delicious food, mid-century modern architecture, and limitless options for ultimate relaxation, there’s no better place to escape! Here’s a quick rundown from well-seasoned traveler Shem Hooda of what to pack, where to stay, and all the best things to see, eat and do: 

 

Vacation Essentials: 

  • Swimsuit 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Hat 
  • Mask & Hand sanitizer 

 

Where to Stay:

  • The Saguaro Palm Springs 
  • Parker Palm Springs  
  • La Serena Villas Palm Springs  



 

 

Go explore:

  • Palm Canyon: Take a little hike along more than 60 miles of hiking trails in the Indian Canyons on ancestral land within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation in Palm Springs.

  • Jeep Tour in the San Andreas Fault: Explore the canyons from the ground in an open-air jeep. These tours are available for people ages three and older, so they are perfect for families!

Shem Hoda and Palm Springs.JPG

 

Let’s play:

  • Escena Golf Club: Palm Springs is known for its lush golf courses, so hit the links at one of the destination’s best! Book your tee time and enjoy the year-round sunny weather.

  • Power Yoga Palm Springs has been guiding yoga in the desert for over a decade. Owned and operated by local entrepreneur Kim Funkey, Power Yoga is the oasis of the desert, a space where you can find the sweet balance of sweat and serenity. Classes range from gentle and beginner yoga, to an upbeat power/ vinyasa flow, soundbaths, workshops, and different virtual offerings. Follow them on social media to keep updated on offerings. @poweryogapalmsprings 

  • Saguaro Palm Springs: Truly a Palm Springs landmark, this hotel is painted in 14 colors of indigenous flowers of the Colorado Desert. One of the most Instagrammed hotels in the world and known for its pool parties on weekends and during the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, the Saguaro is a must-see spot in Palm Springs. Its Mexican cantina, El Jefe, is best known for its tacos, Taco Tuesday and Taco Thursday promotions, margaritas, a large selection of tequilas and mescals

  • SHAG the Store: Check out the work of fine artist Shag (Josh Agle), whose unique midcentury style is showcased at this shop. Be sure to purchase a print of merchandise to take home with you! 

  • ACE Hotel & Swim Club: Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a 173 room hotel, spa, and resort located in Palm Springs, CA. It's on the grounds of a re-imagined and renovated mid-century modern motel, within walking distance of downtown and close to Joshua Tree National Park, the Salton Sea, and Indian Canyons. There are outdoor spa services, as well as room service, free wi-fi, a gym, and large, unique event spaces for meetings, weddings, and parties.

  • Other Ideas:
    • Rent a bike and explore downtown’s restaurants, boutiques & art galleries 
    • Discover Desert X 
    • Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park 

 

Shem Hoda and Palm Springs Visit.JPG

Grab a Bite:

  • Palm Springs boasts an amazing culinary scene, with restaurants that showcase a variety of cuisines. Grab a table at FARM and savor dishes inspired by owner Liz Ostoich’s trip to the south of France.

  • Rooster and the Pig is a Vietnamese-American restaurant that offers diners dishes like Vietnamese crispy rolls, lemongrass wings, fresh rice paper rolls, and different noodle bowl entrees. 

  • LULU California Bistro is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors and features one of the largest menus in Palm Springs for all-day dining. LULU is famous for its meatloaf, avocado tuna tower, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, salads, and much more including an extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Be sure to order the mile-high pink cotton candy!

  • Other Ideas: 
    • Brunch at Norma’s inside Parker Palm Springs 
    • Happy Hour at Azucar Palm Springs inside La Serena Villas  
    • Dinner at Birba 
    • Ice Cream at Kreem 

Shem Hoda and Palm Springs via Southwest Airlines.JPG

 

Take it all in:  

  • Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: View the destination from above! The tramway runs along ten miles and gives a bird’s eye view of the landscape below.

  • Palm Springs is known for its beautiful architecture, and a great way to enjoy the midcentury modern design is through a tour with the Palm Springs Mod Squad. They offer a variety of tours, so check it out and book your tour now.

  • Moorten Botanical Garden: This Palm Springs landmark is a must-see during any visit. Explore the gardens at this living museum, and tour the world’s first Cactarium – a word coined by The Moorten family!

Inspired to visit Palm Springs? Visit Southwest.com to explore our flight schedule and to book your next trip now!

 

A special thanks to Visit Greater Palm Springs for their recommendations on things to see, do, and eat in Greater Palm Springs!! 

 

Please check local restrictions and safety protocols before planning a trip, and remember to wear a mask.

 

You can view more of Shem Hoda’s (@sugarandstamps) Palm Springs adventure by visiting her Instagram.

 

*Shem Hooda is a Southwest Storyteller whose trip was paid for by Southwest Airlines.