The Coolest Things to Do in Palm Springs

Mr. Lyons

Frank Sinatra lived in Palm Springs in the early 1950s and his spirit is alive and well in the plush green velvet booths, black and white striped marble floors, and old-school menu of this upscale retro steakhouse. Book a table in the Grand Salon and go for the Foie Gras Terrine, followed by the American Wagyu Beef.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar

Chef Michael Beckman updated a former movie theatre to create this rustic farm-to-table spot located in the historic Spanish-Deco El Paseo building. The result? A dramatic monochrome dining room featuring 27-foot-high cathedral-ceilings, where people gather for seasonal creative dishes like duck fat fries, beef carpaccio with truffle salsa, and wood-fired pizza accompanied by inventive cocktails.

Chi Chi

In a playful pool-centric Palm Spring setting, Chi Chi at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows mixes gold-accented luxe interiors with cheeky California-inspired touches. The small-bites menu by star chef Tara Lazar is filled with delicious Latin-Cali creations that range from healthy gluten-free pancakes to hearty soul food plates like coconut oil fried chicken and collard green enchiladas.

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Bootlegger Tiki

Set in part of a building that once housed the legendary 1950s hot spot Don the Beachcomber, this tiny tiki bar is all about a retro playful Polynesian spirit (bamboo ceiling, velvet paintings of topless island girls and blowfish light fixtures). Order a hand-crafted cocktail from the whimsical drinks menu—we love the refreshing Sophisticated Mama--then feast on Pad Thai made with rum, Thai basil, and a homemade cardamom-lemongrass syrup.

The Amigo Room

This dark ‘70s-esque bar at the Ace Hotel is still one of Palm Springs' buzziest night spots, thanks to its rotating DJs, up & coming live bands and comedians. Inside, the vibe is like a wild, rustic-chic California barn, which is overseen by Chuy, the California brown bear overlooking the bar. If you have to choose one night to stop in, go on a Monday when Palm Springs' favorite drag queen, Bella da Ball, hosts a popular trivia night starting at 9 p.m., and make sure to order The Desert Facial - vodka and pineapple with mint and cucumber.

The shops at Thirteen Forty Five

Palm Springs is the place for vintage-obsessed shoppers with an eye for Mid-century modern style. The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five design collective in the iconic E. Stewart Williams Designed Building houses 11 boutiques, including standout The Towne. Founded by interior designers Stephen Wilson and Brandon Hoskins, the store has all manner of retro furnishings by iconic Mad Men-era designers and contemporary home accessories like candles, books and local art.

The Frippery

This colorful downtown vintage boutique is all about the desert lifestyle and sells clothing in mod, resort, bohemian, and rock 'n roll styles. Choose from racks of printed caftans and tunics to oversize hats and gauze dresses.

Elizabeth & Prince

With the arrival of new small boutiques, Main Street in Old town has become a legitimate shopping destination. Elizabeth & Prince is a favorite, packed with resort-casual clothes by big name designers like DVF and Mara Hoffman. You'll also find lesser-known labels by up-and-comers like Nanushka, along with lifestyle books and retro-0inspired bathing suits.

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Joshua Tree National Park

Wildflower season draws huge crowds to Joshua Tree, but the quieter months are just as appealing with hiking, camping and rock climbing big year-round pastimes. About 8 miles south of the West Entrance, you'll find Hidden Valley trail—a dramatic cluster of rocks ideal for travelers looking to practice their climbing skills (an easy 1-mile trail loops through it and back to the parking lot). Unless you’re day-tripping from Palm Springs, base yourself in the desert communities linked by Twentynine Palms Hwy (Hwy 62) along the park’s northern perimeter.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Get a bird’s-eye view of Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley with a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. During the ten-minute journey, the tramway rotates slowly offering 360-degree views of the desert floor as you climb two-and-one-half miles up to the San Jacinto Mountains. When you reach the peak, you can hike the 50-plus miles of nature trails in San Jacinto State Park (warning: it's 30 degrees cooler than the desert floor), eat lunch at the Tram’s Mountain Station, or visit the natural history museum

Palm Spring Architecture Tour

Palm Springs' biggest selling point is its mid century modern architectural gems by designers such as Donald Wexler, Albert Frey, William Cody and John Lautner. Take a self-guided drive through the city to see the landmarks or ride around in the mini-van of Trevor O'Donnel owner of PS Architecture Tours. His three-hour excursion ($110 per person) stops at eye-popping structures like the 1946 Kaufmann House by Richard Neutra and the 1965 kite-shaped former Tramway Gas Station turned Visitor Center.