Palm Springs is the kind of place where time slows down just enough to remind you how good life can be. The air is warm, dry, and filled with the faint scent of citrus trees. The streets are lined with mid-century modern homes, each more impossibly chic than the last. And the people? Well, they understand the art of leisure—long mornings by the pool, leisurely lunches with a chilled glass of something fabulous, and cocktail hours that stretch into the golden hours of the desert.
This five-day itinerary isn’t about seeing and doing everything—it’s about experiencing Palm Springs at its finest. It’s a mix of old Hollywood glamour, sleek modernism, and an effortless luxury that makes you want to stay forever.
Classic & Iconic
- The Parker Palm Springs – Jonathan Adler interiors, lush gardens, and a pool scene straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph.
- L’Horizon Resort & Spa – A 1950s hideaway, originally built for Hollywood’s elite, now a meticulously designed retreat for those who appreciate true luxury.
Chic & Modern
- The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – A contemporary, hillside escape with sweeping views of the Coachella Valley.
- Sands Hotel & Spa (Indian Wells) – Moroccan-inspired design, a pink paradise, and the best spa treatments in the desert.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling into Desert Elegance
- Check into The Parker Palm Springs – Because if you’re going to do Palm Springs, you might as well start in style.
- Lunch at Norma’s (The Parker) – An al fresco lunch with vibrant, California-fresh flavors and their famous “Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata.”
- Afternoon by the Pool – Because there’s something about lounging under a striped umbrella in Palm Springs that feels like a rite of passage.
- Sunset cocktails at The Edge Steakhouse (Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage) – Perched on a cliffside, the panoramic desert views here are worth the trip alone.
- Dinner at Mister Parker’s – Dark, moody, and effortlessly chic. Think Parisian bistro meets old Hollywood supper club.
Day 2: Mid-Century Modernism & Poolside Perfection
- Breakfast at Cheeky’s – Their bacon flight is famous for a reason.
- Morning Architecture Tour – A private guided tour through Palm Springs’ most iconic mid-century homes (including those once owned by Sinatra and Elvis).
- Lunch at Colony Club – A breezy, glamorous poolside lunch with fresh seafood and crisp white wine.
- Afternoon spa treatments at L’Horizon Spa – Desert-inspired wellness treatments that leave you feeling completely renewed.
- Dinner at Bar Cecil – One of the hardest reservations in town, but worth every bite of their decadent wagyu burger and impeccable martinis.
Day 3: Joshua Tree, Desert Magic & a Night Under the Stars
- Morning coffee at Ernest Coffee – A quiet, stylish start to the day.
- Drive to Joshua Tree National Park – A morning exploring the surreal, otherworldly landscapes of the high desert.
- Lunch at La Copine (Flamingo Heights) – A hidden-gem bistro that makes you feel like you’re in a Nancy Meyers film set in the Mojave.
- Afternoon return & rooftop cocktails at Azúcar (La Serena Villas) – A rooftop bar with lush greenery and perfect margaritas.
- Dinner at Le Vallauris – A French culinary institution in Palm Springs—white tablecloths, candlelight, and impeccable service.
Day 4: Vintage Shopping & Afternoon Leisure
- Breakfast at Farm – A Provençal-style escape tucked into a lush garden.
- Morning at the Uptown Design District – Vintage treasure hunting at the best boutiques in town: The Frippery (for 70s bohemian caftans), Modern Way (for the best mid-century furniture finds), The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five (a design-lover’s dream)
- Lunch at Workshop Kitchen & Bar – Industrial-chic interiors meet locally sourced, modern Californian cuisine.
- Afternoon poolside at your hotel (because you deserve it).
- Dinner at Spencer’s – Tucked into the mountains, intimate and effortlessly elegant.
Day 5: A Slow, Luxurious Goodbye
- Early morning walk through Moorten Botanical Garden – A quiet, meditative way to start your last day.
- Brunch at The Pink Cabana (Sands Hotel & Spa) – The interiors alone are worth the trip.
- One last swim, one last glass of rosé, and a quiet moment before heading home.
Palm Springs is a place where time slows, the light hits differently, and the past and present feel beautifully intertwined. It’s where modernism meets desert minimalism, where every meal is a moment, and where simply being feels like the ultimate luxury.
So if you find yourself here—lean into it. Wear the linen, sip the martini, and let the desert work its magic. Because in Palm Springs, elegance isn’t rushed—it’s savored.
