Contemporary AmericanPalm Springs
A seventh-floor restaurant at the Rowan for modern American cooking and cocktails.
From The Orchid HouseGo near sunset: the mountain views are as much a part of the experience as the food.
Choose your Palm Springs plan
Palm Springs Visitor Guide
Make the most of your time
Created by The Orchid House, this guide brings together our recommendations for what to see, eat, drink, and do during your stay, from local shops and restaurants to golf courses and desert adventures.
No recommendations match that combination. Reset the filters or choose fewer refinements.
Food
Start with the kind of meal the day needs: easy arrival food, a relaxed lunch, or a dinner worth planning around.
Contemporary AmericanPalm Springs
A Palm Springs restaurant from Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, serving seasonal New American food with Mediterranean influences.
French & EuropeanPalm Springs
An intimate Palm Springs bistro centered on dinner and a dedicated martini program.
From The Orchid HouseWe strongly recommend booking ahead.
Image: Sarah Dickenson
Birba
ItalianPalm Springs
A Palm Springs restaurant for seasonal Italian plates, homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails.
From The Orchid HouseA charming place to dine outside when you are craving Italian. Great option before seeing a show at the Palm Canyon Theatre.
Image: Boozehounds
Boozehounds
InternationalPalm Springs
A dog-friendly Palm Springs restaurant and cocktail bar serving globally inspired brunch, lunch, and dinner.
From The Orchid HouseA chill restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and some fun merch.
Contemporary AmericanPalm Springs
A daytime Palm Springs restaurant devoted to breakfast and brunch.
From The Orchid HouseThey have a bacon flight! The Michelin Guide also included Cheeky’s in its “Best Fried Chicken Sandwiches in California” editorial roundup.
Image: Colony Club
Colony Club
Contemporary AmericanPalm Springs
The Colony Palms hotel restaurant serves modern American food from breakfast through dinner.
SteakhousePalm Desert
A Palm Desert dinner restaurant centered on prime seafood, hand-cut steaks, and cocktails.
Image: El Mirasol
El Mirasol
MexicanPalm Springs
A longtime South Palm Springs restaurant for regional Mexican cooking, daily breakfast and brunch, and margaritas.
From The Orchid HouseOne of our go-to spots for Mexican food. If you like spicy dishes, we recommend the Shrimp Doña Diabla!
French & EuropeanPalm Springs
A French-inspired restaurant in downtown La Plaza serving breakfast, brunch, and dinner.
From The Orchid HouseA great place to enjoy tasty French-inspired dishes in a cozy setting.
Cafe & bakeryPalm Springs
A quick coffee, pastry, or breakfast-sandwich stop with three Palm Springs locations to choose from.
From The Orchid HouseA desert must for your coffee fix.
Image: La Tablita
La Tablita
MexicanCathedral City
A casual Mexican restaurant in Cathedral City for lunch or dinner, with takeout and delivery options for eating at the house.
From The Orchid HouseOur choice for a casual dinner or takeout.
Image: Las Casuelas
Las Casuelas
MexicanPalm Springs and Rancho Mirage
Three Delgado-family restaurants across Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage: historic Original, patio-focused Terraza, and hacienda-style Nuevas on Restaurant Row.
From The Orchid HouseThe Terraza location is better for larger parties; Original and Terraza are both on the downtown strip, while Nuevas is in Rancho Mirage.
SteakhousePalm Springs and La Quinta
A dinner-only steakhouse with Palm Springs and La Quinta locations, centered on USDA Prime steaks and traditional service.
From The Orchid HouseOur pick when the craving is filet mignon or lobster.
Contemporary AmericanPalm Springs
A museum restaurant for specialty coffee and modern California food, with a fountain-side patio in the sculpture garden.
From The Orchid HousePerfect when you want to combine brunch and culture in one convenient stop.
Image: Pappyswiki
Pappy & Harriet’s
American & barbecuePioneertown
A Pioneertown roadhouse serving mesquite-grilled American food alongside a regular live-music calendar.
Cafe & bakeryPalm Springs
A small Palm Springs bakery making French breads, croissants, and pastries for an early breakfast pickup.
From The Orchid HouseAuthentic French bakery in the heart of Palm Springs. Get there early before the best baguettes sell out!
Image: Pomme Frite
Pomme Frite
French & EuropeanPalm Springs
A small downtown restaurant serving Belgian standards such as moules-frites alongside other European bistro dishes.
From The Orchid HouseThe smell of the garlic mussels alone will draw you in.
Vietnamese-AmericanPalm Springs
A compact, walk-in-only Vietnamese-American dinner restaurant for couples and small groups.
From The Orchid HouseNo reservations, so plan to arrive early.
Japanese & sushiPalm Springs
A dinner-only Palm Springs restaurant centered on modern sushi and a deep whiskey list, with indoor and outdoor seating.
From The Orchid HouseSushi and whiskey make for a great combination. We recommend the Sandfish roll.
Deli & bagelsPalm Springs and Palm Desert
A deli and full bakery with Palm Springs and Palm Desert locations, serving breakfast through dinner for dine-in or pickup.
From The Orchid HouseThe cheesecake was our standout, and the traditional deli menu makes this an easy crowd-pleaser for dining in or pickup.
MexicanPalm Springs
A downtown Mexican restaurant serving street tacos, seafood-forward plates, tequila, mezcal, and margaritas from lunch through dinner.
From The Orchid HouseVery popular, so reserve ahead of time or get there early. Their margarita flights are always fun.
Image: Thai Smile
Thai Smile
ThaiPalm Springs
A central Palm Springs Thai restaurant serving lunch and dinner for dine-in or takeout.
From The Orchid HouseAn easy pick when we are in the mood for takeout.
Japanese & sushiPalm Desert
An El Paseo dinner restaurant serving sushi and sashimi alongside sake, Japanese whiskey, and cocktails.
Image: Townie Bagels
Townie Bagels
Deli & bagelsPalm Springs
A Palm Springs bakery making bagels and baked goods from scratch, with breakfast sandwiches and quick morning pickup.
From The Orchid HouseOur pick for the best bagels in town.
Image: Wilma & Frieda
Wilma & Frieda
Contemporary AmericanPalm Springs and Palm Desert
A comfort-food restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch at locations in downtown Palm Springs and on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
From The Orchid HouseA brunch favorite for us. Pro tip (in cooler months): request a table on one of the balconies for a prime view of downtown Palm Springs.
Contemporary AmericanPalm Springs
A Palm Springs restaurant serving market-driven, wood-fired cooking, with Sunday brunch and dinner every night in a 1920s building.
From The Orchid HouseA bit of a splurge, but excellent.
No matches in this chapter.
Drinks & bars
Choose the mood first, from classic tiki and thoughtful cocktails to wine by the glass and an uncomplicated cold beer. The right room can set the whole evening.
TikiPalm Springs
A Palm Springs tiki bar devoted to tropical cocktails.
From The Orchid HouseAn iconic setting for delicious tiki drinks. Best to make a reservation ahead of time so you get a table inside.
Beer & winePalm Springs
A downtown Palm Springs lounge centered on wine by the glass and wine-friendly small plates.
From The Orchid HouseFor the wine lovers in the group. Their patio features a cozy fire pit as well.
CocktailsPalm Springs
A rooftop bar beside the Rowan's pool, serving cocktails, beer, wine, and light bites above downtown Palm Springs.
From The Orchid HouseEnjoy a glass while taking in the mountain views.
Beer & winePalm Springs and Palm Desert
A local brewery with a 21-and-older taproom in downtown Palm Springs and an all-ages brewery and restaurant in Palm Desert.
From The Orchid HouseA great stop for beer lovers during the summer months, as it boasts refreshing AC.
Beer & winePalm Springs
A small Palm Springs brewery with an informal taproom and courtyard on North Palm Canyon Drive.
From The Orchid HouseThe outdoor courtyard makes this an easy place to settle in and explore the local offerings.
Image: Red Dog Saloon
Red Dog Saloon
CocktailsPioneertown
A historic Mane Street saloon serving draft cocktails, agave spirits, whiskey, and Tex-Mex in central Pioneertown.
Image: Tailor Shop
Tailor Shop
CocktailsPalm Springs
An intimate Palm Springs cocktail bar serving classic and original drinks with savory bites and desserts.
TikiPalm Springs
The Palm Springs branch of the long-running Tonga Hut, serving tropical cocktails in a dedicated downtown tiki setting.
From The Orchid HouseA fun time all around. Come for happy hour or the drinks served in fresh coconuts and pineapples.
No matches in this chapter.
Things to do
Culture, design, family stops, and desert outings. Choose by time, indoors or out, heat, and current conditions.
Image: Matthew Field
Aerial Tramway
MountainPalm Springs
A rotating tram ride from the desert floor through Chino Canyon to cooler mountain views above Palm Springs.
From The Orchid HouseA perfect option on a hot day, as temperatures are significantly cooler at the top of the mountain. Alternatively, go in the winter for the chance to play in some snow!
Arts & culturePalm Springs
A tribally led museum centered on the history, culture, and continuing story of the Agua Caliente people.
Architecture & designPalm Springs
Palm Springs Art Museum’s architecture-and-design venue inside the restored Edwards Harris Pavilion.
From The Orchid HouseWe enjoyed the Albert Frey material; the museum holds a significant Frey archive, but what is on view changes with each exhibition.
Family attractionsCathedral City
A family entertainment park in Cathedral City with go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, a rock wall, arcade games, and batting cages.
From The Orchid HouseA fun choice when we are in the mood for a friendly mini golf competition.
Shopping & strollingCabazon
A compact open-air outlet center in Cabazon for casual and activewear shopping.
From The Orchid HouseCompare the two outlet directories before going; Cabazon Outlets and Desert Hills sit next door to each other but carry different brands.
Family attractionsRancho Mirage
A hands-on children’s museum in Rancho Mirage with interactive exhibits.
Shopping & strollingCabazon
A large open-air outlet center in Cabazon with a broad directory of luxury and designer brands.
From The Orchid HouseCompare both outlet directories before going: Desert Hills has the deeper designer roster, while Cabazon adds a different set of stores next door.
Shopping & strollingPalm Springs
A flexible Palm Springs outing for independent shops, galleries, public art, museums, dining, and an easy stroll.
From The Orchid HouseWalk around, stop for some shopping, and grab a bite to eat. Plus, say hello to Marilyn and snap a picture with the icon!
GolfPalm Springs
A public Nicklaus Design course with mountain views, multiple tee options, and a midcentury clubhouse in Palm Springs.
Image: Bethany Nauert
Frey House II
Architecture & designPalm Springs
A compact hillside residence by Albert Frey, accessible through designated tours and special events instead of regular drop-in hours.
From The Orchid HouseA historic gem with a beautiful view over the city. Access is limited to authorized tours and selected events, including Modernism Week.
MountainIdyllwild
A full-day mountain-town trip for Idyllwild's village shops and galleries, pine-covered scenery, and optional trail time.
From The Orchid HouseA beautiful, winding drive up to a quaint town with fun shops and charming places to eat.
CanyonPalm Springs
Explore native fan-palm oases and canyon walls on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation.
From The Orchid HouseA close-to-town favorite when we want to take in the local scenery and explore multiple trails.
DesertJoshua Tree
A full-day High Desert outing built around Joshua trees, sculpted boulders, scenic stops, and short walks chosen for current conditions.
From The Orchid HouseA can’t-miss desert day. Give yourself plenty of time to take in the unique park offerings! We highly recommend stopping at neighboring Pioneertown as well.
Shopping & strollingPalm Springs
A two-shop Uptown stop for Palm Springs gifts, books, and home décor.
From The Orchid HouseA very cute shop for Palm Springs-branded souvenirs. Don’t miss the beautiful second shop at the same location, tucked away in the courtyard.
Shopping & strollingPalm Springs and Yucca Valley
Two desert marketplaces—one in Palm Springs and one in Yucca Valley—with handmade goods, vintage finds, local art, and home décor from regional makers and merchants.
Arts & culturePalm Springs
A nonprofit Palm Springs company staging locally produced musicals and plays in an intimate theatre inside the historic Frances S. Stevens School.
MuseumsPalm Springs
Explore historic aircraft and military-aviation stories across air-conditioned hangars and outdoor displays.
From The Orchid HouseWe love the depth of history here; check the current program for any optional aircraft experiences.
Arts & culturePalm Springs
A downtown museum for art, design, and changing exhibitions, with climate-controlled galleries that suit hot afternoons.
From The Orchid HouseA great addition when visiting VillageFest, as the Main Museum offers free admission on Thursdays (from 5 to 8 pm).
Water recreationPalm Springs
An outdoor water complex with separately booked surf sessions and waterpark passes, plus dining and poolside options for non-surfers.
From The Orchid HouseGrab some refreshments and cool off on a hot summer day. Enjoy a bite to eat with a prime view on some surfing.
Image: Matthew Field
Pioneertown
Shopping & strollingPioneertown
A high-desert stop centered on Mane Street's Old West facades, small businesses, and film-set history.
Image: OvertAnalyzer
Tahquitz Canyon
CanyonPalm Springs
A Palm Springs canyon hike with a Tribal visitor center, cultural interpretation, and a seasonal waterfall.
From The Orchid HouseA beautiful close-to-town choice when the group wants a canyon hike.
GolfPalm Springs
A public Palm Springs golf resort with two courses, a shared clubhouse, and on-site practice facilities.
From The Orchid HouseAn early tee time leaves room to warm up on the driving range and putting greens before the desert heat builds.
Family attractionsPalm Desert
A large Palm Desert zoo with desert gardens, animal habitats, and extensive outdoor walking.
From The Orchid HouseA strong family morning. Go early and leave time for both the animals and the desert gardens. Check the calendar for seasonal offerings like Zoo Lights.
Arts & culturePalm Springs
A restored 1936 downtown theatre presenting concerts, comedy, film, talks, and community performances.
Image: Windmill Tours
Windmill Tours
Tours & sightseeingNorth Palm Springs
A guided or self-driving visit to a private North Palm Springs wind farm, focused on the valley's wind-energy history and engineering.
No matches in this chapter.
Events
Evergreen planning context for the valley’s major recurring events. Confirm the current edition before building a trip around one.
TennisIndian Wells
A major professional tennis tournament in Indian Wells with full days of matches and a festival-like grounds experience.
From The Orchid HouseGet tickets ahead of time, and pack the sunscreen. Options include day, evening, or daily double passes.
Community festivalCathedral City
A multi-site Cathedral City festival weekend built around morning balloon viewing, evening glows, music, and community programming.
MusicIndio
A ticketed, full-day music and arts festival spread across the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
Arts festivalCoachella Valley
A biennial, self-directed contemporary-art exhibition spread across changing sites in the Coachella Valley.
From The Orchid HousePart gallery visit, part desert road trip: the drive between installations becomes part of the experience.
Image: Oscar Flink
Modernism Week
ArchitectureGreater Palm Springs
A Greater Palm Springs festival of midcentury architecture and design, with house tours, talks, and special-access sites during a February program and October Fall Preview.
From The Orchid HouseAn incredible opportunity to discover the area’s historic architectural gems.
FilmPalm Springs
A January citywide film festival with screenings and programs that can fill one evening, a multi-film day, or an entire stay.
From The Orchid HousePart of the fun is the chance of spotting a familiar face around town.
Food & winePalm Springs
A three-day food-and-wine program with a Friday opening reception, followed by weekend tastings and chef demonstrations at Downtown Park.
Community festivalPalm Springs
A three-day downtown celebration with a free street festival, live entertainment, and a Sunday parade along Palm Canyon Drive.
MusicIndio
A country-music festival at Indio's Empire Polo Club, built around long outdoor days, large crowds, and edition-specific logistics.
From The Orchid HouseStagecoach traditionally follows Coachella at the same Indio festival grounds, trading the broader lineup for a country-music weekend.
Community festivalPalm Springs and Coachella Valley
A charity event based downtown, with supported cycling routes across the Coachella Valley and shorter run-walk distances.
Image: Visitor7
VillageFest
Street fairPalm Springs
A Thursday-night street fair that closes several downtown blocks of Palm Canyon Drive to vehicles for vendors, food, and entertainment.
From The Orchid HouseA Thursday evening at VillageFest is a great way to enjoy downtown Palm Springs and support local vendors.
No matches in this chapter.
Palm Springs weather & seasons
Choose when and how to go.
Compare monthly highs and lows, see what to pack by season, and know what to check before heading out.
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Overnight guestsUp to 12 daytime
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