24 Hours in Palm Springs
Only got the weekend to play? Make every minute count.
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CategoryUncategorized
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Written byDarren Elms
1 p.m.
Lunch at Trio
My favorite gateway to Palm Springs is the 111 that rips through the windmills before becoming North Palm Canyon Drive. Conveniently located at the north end of downtown, Trio serves everything under the sun, from afternoon to evening. Plus, their full bar and fancy cocktail menu take the edge off that two-hour drive to the desert. The modern ambience and extra-friendly, orange polo-wearing staff keep things warm and welcoming. Hello, Palm Springs!
3 p.m.
Check In at Colony Palms Hotel
This hidden oasis dates back to 1936, when it was owned by Al Wertheimer, a reputed mobster and member of the Purple Gang. Its early days as an underground speakeasy and brothel eventually gave way to a Hollywood playground, hosting the likes of Frank Sinatra, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Ronald Reagan. Taking a cue from those glory days, the freshly-restored Spanish Colonial grounds seduce visitors with fragrant gardens, striped canopies and a glistening pool. Small yet not overly sleepy, the hotel allows you to get away from it all without surrendering your social skills. The pool area is especially lively, with a restaurant, bar and spa only a few steps away. Reservations highly recommended.
572 N. Indian Canyon Drive
6:30 p.m.
Cocktails at Birba
Located a short walk from the Colony Palms, Birba offers a vivacious outdoor bar scene to kick off your night. The fire pits, handcrafted cocktails and chic crowd are barely outdone by their famous pizzas.
622 N. Palm Canyon Drive
8 p.m.
Dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar
SOMA Architects and restaurant owners Michael Beckman and Joseph Mourani created a showstopper of contemporary design with this beautifully reimagined eatery. Surrounded by concrete, steel, glass and cathedral wood ceilings, diners enjoy a sensory experience before taking one bite. The Americana menu features seasonal, locally-sourced offerings with a playful approach. Enjoy small plates like duck-fat fries with sea salt and herbes de Provence, or go healthier with the shaved brussels sprouts salad with toasted hazelnuts, pomegranate, aged balsamico, olive oil and pecorino Romano.
9 a.m.
Brunch at Cheeky’s
Hands-down one of the best breakfast places in Palm Springs … if you couldn’t already tell by the waiting list. Once you sit down and taste the wares, you’ll understand what all the buzz is about. Seasonal and locally sourced, the dishes dazzle—from the flight of bacon to the croissant cinnamon rolls. They serve Blue Bottle Coffee; buy your friends the tastiest cup of joe ever.
622 N. Palm Canyon Drive
11 a.m.
Shop the Uptown Design District
A mecca for modernists, this fashionable stretch of Palm Canyon Drive beckons with home décor and warm-weather styles. Favorites include print-perfect Trina Turk, the cool caricatures of the SHAG Store and Raymond | Lawrence, a unique mix of retail businesses and “pop-up” boutiques, including furniture, accessories, textiles and fashion, along with private concierge, real estate and interior design services.
830 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Extra Credit
Tee Time
Playing at Escena Golf Club is as much about gorgeous surroundings as it is about golf. Enjoy sophisticated architecture at this scenic, top-ranked, Nicklaus-designed course.
1100 Clubhouse View DriveUp, Up and Away
Rising 8,500 feet above the desert floor, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers access to hiking and camping trips in the famous San Jacinto State Park wilderness.
1 Tram Way
