If you're vacationing in L.A. this summer, I highly recommend a weekend getaway to the Greater Palm Springs area including Joshua Tree, Palm Desert and Pioneertown. Read up on how to do it up with my latest guide on Trivago.
One of the many envious reasons why being in Los Angeles is the absolute best is its close proximity to dreamy Californian getaways. When in L.A. and wanting a little vacay within a vacay, there’s no better escape than a fun 2 to 3 hour road trip with a bunch of pals to Palm Springs, making fun pit stops in Palm Desert and Joshua Tree. Here’s an essential hit list to make the most of a desert weekend getaway.
What to See
To really get the vast scope of the incredible beauty of the Greater Palm Springs area and beyond, take an adventurous 8,516 feet ride up the Aerial Tramway to the grand Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. The 10-minute ride on the rotating tramcar is pure eye candy. While the tram takes you through the Mexican Sonoran Desert on the way to the Alpine wilderness, you’ll notice the spectacular nature and its inhabitants below, including beautiful yucca, prickly pears, Kit foxes and Great Horned Owls.
Once on top, you can embark on one of the many inspiring hiking trails that covers 14,000-acres of the park and take in the stunning views from the Mountain Station and its various scenic restaurants.
On one of your getaway days, you must make time to stop and drive through Joshua Tree National Park, which is only about an hour away but you’ll feel like you’re on another planet. My favorite time to hike (or drive, no judgment here!) through the park is before sundown as there is nothing more awe-inspiring than a desert sunset over those gorgeous rocks and Joshua Trees that cover the land. It really does take your breath away.
While you’re in the area, also make sure to swing by the Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture in the town of Joshua Tree. Credited with re-defining black artistic consciousness through his work, you can see firsthand Purifoy’s larger than life installations over 10-acres of desert land.
What to Do
For necessary shopping therapy hit the nearby Uptown Design District for vintage fashion and furniture finds and the glorious mile-long El Paseo shopping avenue in Palm Desert. El Paseo is the Rodeo of the desert where you’ll find independent boutiques, top designer retailers, spas, and home décor shops.
After shopping up a storm, soothe with a spa break at SpaTerre where you can choose from a variety of special treatments like the Volcanic Earth Clay Ritual, which includes a detoxifying body mask and a Balinese massage, and the Native Desert Sage that starts with an exfoliating body polish and ends with a relaxing desert sage oil body massage.
Where to Eat and Drink
There’s no lack of options when it comes to the edibles in Palm Springs. Cheeky’s and Hacienda Cantina & Beach Club serves up delicious brunch fare—the latter’s Huevos Benedictos on jalapeño cornbread is worth the drive alone.
Since you’ll be pretty full from brunch, a lighter snack or lunch later in the day is ideal. Try the fresh Cali-Italian goodness at Appetito or Pie for the People for a great slice of pizza while you’re in Joshua Tree refueling post-hike.
For dinner, treat yourself to the authentic Basque tapas of renowned Iron Chef Jose Garces at Tinto in the Saguaro hotel, the playful bites (like the banh mi burger) at Vietnamese-American joint Rooster and the Pig, or the delicious Californian diner offerings such as buttermilk fried Jidori chicken and eggplant quinoa fritters at King’s Highway at Ace Hotel.
On the day you’re in JT, the one stop you must make in the evening for eats and drinks is the long-standing staple and always fun, Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown. The BBQ pulled pork sandwich with a side of mac and cheese surely hits the spot every time and the accompanying nightly live bands really helps set the desert-time mood.
Back in Palm Springs, you can jump on the free BUZZ trolley (because drinking responsibly is always on trend) and go on a little bar hop with cocktail stops at speakeasy Bootlegger Tiki, the chill, simply named Bar, and classic old-Hollywood mainstay, Melvyn’s at Ingleside Inn.
Where to Stay
If you’re craving something minimalistic and chic The Amado and rustic Sparrows Lodge are also excellent options.