How to Spend One Perfect Day in Palm Springs, California
We had one day in Palm Springs, and let me tell you, we squeezed every last drop out of it. If you're ever passing through and want a mix of good food, chill vibes, and stunning desert views, here’s exactly how my day went down.
Morning Brunch at Farm
After an early morning drive through the desert, we rolled into Palm Springs, ready to eat. Our first stop? Farm. This charming, French-inspired spot is tucked away with a cozy outdoor patio that feels like a little escape. The vibe was exactly what we needed – quiet, rustic, and perfect for easing into the day. We ordered a delicious spread from their brunch menu (they’ve got everything from sweet to savory) and got a couple of brunch drinks to kickstart the day. It was the kind of place that makes you want to linger, but we had a full day ahead.
Biking Through the Iconic Vista Las Palmas
After brunch, we rented bikes and cruised through the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood. This area is pure eye candy – vintage mid-century houses, towering palm trees, and the mountains in the background. This was so fun and I highly recommend giving it a try if you’re up for something active.
Sweet Pit Stop: Kreem
Once we were done biking around, we were craving something to cool us down. We made our way to Kreem for for a sweet treat and to try their amazing artisan ice cream.
Afternoon Hike to the Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall
Feeling recharged from dessert, we made our way over to Tahquitz Canyon for a quick hike. It’s a short 1.9-mile loop that leads to a waterfall oasis right in the middle of the desert. There’s a small entry fee (around $12), but it’s 100% worth it. Nothing beats the feeling of cooling off near a waterfall after a warm desert hike.
Sunset Cocktails at Bootlegger Tiki
As the sun started to dip, we headed over to Bootlegger Tiki for a sunset drink. This tiny tiki bar has all the tropical vibes, and the drinks are tasty. Definitely make a reservation – it’s popular, and for good reason.
Dinner at Copley’s
To wrap up the day, we grabbed dinner at Copley’s. The perfect birthday dinner. They have this unreal historic courtyard setup that’s perfect for a chill desert evening with an amazing backdrop of the mountains.
Heading Back to Joshua Tree
With full bellies and happy hearts (cheesey , we drove back to Joshua Tree under the stars. One day in Palm Springs wasn’t nearly enough, but it was the perfect taste of this cool desert town. If you’re looking to spend a day here, I can’t recommend this lineup enough – good food, beautiful scenery, and just the right amount of adventure!
