Girls weekend in Palm Springs, CA
I haven’t had the girls weekend, yet, but am planning it based on the add-on days to conferences in Palm Springs that I’ve been able to do to research where best to stay and eat. There are many wonderful places in this walkable, artistic desert city.
Places to stay
The Speakeasy bar at the Fleur Noire hotel, featuring many kinds of rose wine.
The Kimpton Rowan is an excellent place to stay. Amazing mountain and city views from the rooms, great pool, and a top notch restaurant on the property.
For a family or girls trip, choose the Drift Hotel which has unique suites with up to four bedrooms and a living area. This small chain has properties in Santa Barbara and Nashville and features earthy minimalist design.
Courtyard of the Fleur Noire
For a funky chic splurge the Fleur Noire hotel is adorable, but given the further away location and lack of amenities (no onsite restaurant) this one may not be worth the high price in the high season.
If you want to get out of downtown Palm Springs for a larger resort experience, there are many options, including the JW Marriott Desert Springs and Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage for luxury. For a high value points redemption stay, we stayed at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian wells and enjoyed the property and pools, but would definitely prioritize staying downtown in the future to avoid long drives while on vacation.
View at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort
Where to eat
The Workshop Kitchen and Bar is a great choice for dinner. The atmosphere features sleek modern design (winning a James Beard award for this) and food freshly harvested from a garden at the chef’s home.
A reasonably priced option near the Palm Springs Art Museum for a post-museum visit meal is Clandestino for a variety of interesting salads and gourmet tacos.
For mountain views and ‘contemporary American comfort food, go with 4 Saints inside the Kimpton Rowan hotel. The reasonably priced tasting menu is simple and will appeal to both pescatarians and carnivores.
Things to do
Agua Caliente Casino is a destination for gaming and nightlife, with a line up of concerts and shows to check out. Nearby, view an exhibit at the Aqua Caliente Cultural Museum with exhibitions that explore ancestral lands and events that include lectures and workshops.
The Spa at Sec-he is not to be missed. You can experience a variety of unique treatments here, enjoy the pool, receive IV and vitamin therapy, take a yoga class, or have a meal at the spa cafe.
For a cool view of contemporary art, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum right in downtown Palm Springs. The architecture, exhibitions featured, and design of the place are worth while, though note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Entrance to the Palm Springs Art Museum
For an unforgettable experience with great views and lots of hiking potential in a climate much more temperate than on the ground in Palm Springs, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up the mountain. You’ll experience a different ecosystem, often 20-30 degrees colder than on the ground and will be able to marvel at the engineering feat that is the tramway. Once at the top, there are dining options and trails to hike.
View on the way up the mountain on the Palm Springs aerial tram
Joshua Tree National Park is a drive away, so you’ll need a rental car for at least a day to experience this (everything else above is walkable or a short ride from downtown). There are easy to medium trails to hike and a gorgeous setting to experience nature near Palm Springs.
Joshua Tree National Park
