A Weekend in Palm Springs
CHECK IN:
Stay at The Parker Palm Springs. This place is the epitome of #designgoals and you would be fine just checking in and not leaving because they have a great brunch spot, bar, and restaurant (keep reading).
DAY 1:
Catch some breakfast at Cheeky's.
Check out SHAG the store, which features fine art and merchandise by the artist Shag. His work embodies the funky, cheeky, bright, mid-century modern aesthetic of Palm Springs. There's a few other furniture stores on this street so walk around a little bit and explore.
Have lunch at Trio. As they say, its where Palm Springs eats.
Shop the Trina Turk store. This is the flagship store and it has everything you need to dress the part while in Palm Springs or if you want to take a little bit of that Palm Springs flare home with you.
Take the The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway around sunset. It is "the world’s largest rotating tram car—travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon, transporting riders to the pristine wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your approximately ten-minute journey, tram cars rotate slowly, offering picturesque and spectacular vistas of the valley floor below. Once you reach the Mountain Station—elevation 8,516 feet—enjoy two restaurants, observation decks, natural history museum, two documentary theaters, gift shop and over 50 miles of hiking trails." Depending on the time of year, you might want to bring a scarf, sweater, or jacket. We went in March and it was cold at the top!
Dinner at The Tropicale--an eccentric, fun, dinner spot. I recommend sitting on the patio by the fountain if you can swing it.
Drinks at Bootlegger Tiki. It's a small space but it just adds to the tiki bar vibes. I've been here a few times and haven't had a bad drink yet.
DAY 2:
No matter what you do or where you stay, just don't miss brunch at Norma's (inside The Parker) and opt for their smoothie of the day (in addition to that Mimosa -- splash of cranberry juice, please!). Norma's brunch menu is the kind of thing you dream of on a Saturday or Sunday after a night of indulging.
Indulge at The Parker's Yacht Club (aka the Spa). Then pool. Or Pool then Spa. Or hang by the spa pool after your spa services :)
When you've recovered from a day full of pampering and relaxation, head to Mister Parker's--a can't miss for dinner (even better if you're staying at The Parker, you don't have to leave the grounds!). They are only open Wednesday - Sunday so plan accordingly. The service was great, the food was outstanding, and they make a mean martini.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
Catch some breakfast before leaving town and head over to King's Highway, which was formerly a Denny's but now sits inside the very hip Ace Hotel.