For those of you fairly new to Palm Springs, lucky for you this recent trip was my third trip over the past five years I’ve lived in California and the first trip where I wasn’t there for a bachelorette party (god bless brides Ayesha and Jamie however we all know a bachelorette weekend is not an itinerary you get to choose rather the weekend planner) so it was fabulous spending almost a week in Palm Springs. Below are some of the must see’s for a 48 hour visit to the region!

The Best Spa’s in Palm Springs

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

For a traveler who frequents spa’s during almost every media visit I have to say the spa at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas was one of my favorite and most memorable in a while.  What I loved about this spa besides the treatments (to be honest, after you get used to great massages or facials it’s hard to differentiate one from another), however it it the other small details of a Spa that I take note of and appreciate.  The Omni Rancho Las Palmas Spa has one of the most magical, beautiful private pools (for spa guests only) with food and beverage service and a waiter attending to guests throughout your experience. Upon arriving at 11am there were two other guests at the pool and after my massage around 1pm there were ten guests tops and this is during the peak of Spring Break. To someone who loves peace and quiet during a day at the spa this was just what I wanted. Not only is the pool fabulous, the spa facilities are nice with a steam room, sauna and the usual showers and other facilities for guests.  I did find the locker room quite tight with no seating which makes changing challening but overall my treatment and the amazing pool facilities still made this one of my favorite Spa’s I’ve enjoyed during a vacation getaway. 41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. 

 Where to Stay in Palm Springs

The Parker Palms Springs

The Parker Palm Springs is hands down one of the most well known and adored hotels in Palm Springs. I have not stayed there yet, but each visit to Palm Springs has included a visit to the Parker Palm Springs. most recently I visited for brunch with my Dad and we had a blast. The setting is lively and fun, great food and just such a beautiful hotel to visit even if you don’t get a chance to stay there. 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

The beautiful gardens surrounding the Parker Palm Springs grounds

The Colony Palms Hotel

During the most recent bachelorette party we stayed at The Colony Palms Hotel which could not have had a better location (literally a block from Birba, a hot restaurant I recommend below), two blocks from the original Trina Turk store and Jonathan Adler and really just in a super central location. This is by no means a luxury hotel, however, it’s super charming, boutique hotel and for the price point it’s pretty damn adorable, centrally located with a great pool scene and bustling cafe (we ate breakfast and lunch here most days during our bachelorette stay). 572 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 

The Saguaro Palm Springs

Whether you want to stay here or just visit to photograph the beautifully bright, vivid hotel The Saguaro Palm Springs is a crowd pleaser! When I swung by the pool was bumping with younger guests as well as familiar and lots of kids running around playing. It’s a bit of a mix between young millennials and families. This is a three-star hotel so a bit more affordable. Kudos for their incredible Mexican Restaurant El Jefe, which offers a $5 Taco & half priced margarita (voted best margarita in Palm Springs) which I visited for. I thought the food and margaritas were good, however, I’m not quite sold on the best margarita in Palm Springs as I also had a fabulous margarita during my Spa day at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (see more in my Spa coverage below) which I may rank as #1 of the ones I enjoyed.

Where To Eat in Palm Springs

4 Saints Palm Springs

After a recent visit to Palm Springs in January of 2020, I had the pleasure of visiting Kimpton Rowan’s 4 Saints Restaurant which was great! On the rooftop of the Rowan Hotel, the interior has beautiful modern decor with patio outdoor seating overlooking Palm Springs. The food was creative, flavorful and the service was great. This is for sure a top new favorite restaurant of mine in Palm Springs. 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Workshop Bar + Kitchen

For some super creative and delicious food, I suggest you include a reservation at Workshop Bar + Kitchen. This super beautiful restaurant not only has delicious cocktails, but their food is beyond lovely, delicious and inventive. Be sure to plan ahead and secure a reservation since this is a hot spot and is hard to walk into without a reservation.  800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Workshop Bar + Kitchen has a beautiful interior setting (shown below) but also just as cool and lovely is their outdoor seating (shown above). I have eaten at both and enjoyed my visits and continue to return as I am back in Palm Springs.

The gorgeous dining room at Workshop Kitchen + Bar.

The swanky bar which is located at the back of the restaurant has divine cocktails. Plan to arrive before dinner or plan a cocktail stop here if you can’t get a dinner reservation so you don’t miss these spectacular cocktails.

Birba

Birba is a super fun, popular restaurant on North Palm Canyon Drive. I visited and ate at the bar by myself which was great. It was super crowded, fun with a lively atmosphere, amazing food and perfect for groups or solo.  I did notice that unlike New York or San Francisco where I see people dining solo a lot, it seemed that I was one of the only people here and at the other spots I dined solo. 622 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The delicious pizza I enjoyed for dinner at Birba.

El Jefe at The Saguaro Palm Springs

Anyone that enjoys Mexican and wants a casual yet delicious environment for happy hour, dinner, lunch..check out El Jefe. And if you’re there on Tuesday’s it’s $5 tacos and margaritas.!

El Jefe Restaurant located in The Saguaro Palm Springs. I recommend this spot for any Mexican food lovers (like me). Super casual setting, great food and you can bring your food or drinks out to the pool, back yard area to hang out and relax.

BMW Performance Driving School

Another must-do in Palm Springs is visiting the BMW Performance Driving School. This was one of my favorite experiences I enjoyed during my visit to Greater Palm Springs and it was a blast. Read my full blog post and learn more about this fabulous BMW Driving Experience here.

The four cars I got to drive during the two-hour session.