Itinerary Inspiration

Plan Your Escape to Palm Springs

Palm Mountain pool
a weekend in palm springs

A Weekend in Palm Springs

If you’ve never been to Palm Springs, you might be surprised by how much there is to do! Squeezing it all into a weekend trip may be a challenge, so here are our recommendations the ultimate weekend trip to Palm Springs.
Day One:
After dropping your bags in your room and a having a quick “we made it!” moment by the pool, then head out for a happy hour drink in downtown Palm Springs. If you’re looking for the best local beer, head to Las Palmas Brewing in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs. If you’re looking for cocktails or somewhere you can bring your four legged friend, check out Boozehounds! This Palm Springs staple caters to guests with dogs while offering a Southern California menu with Japanese influence and a large selection of craft beers, wine and cocktails in a stunning indoor-outdoor atrium.

Post happy hour, head out to dinner at one of our favorite spots. Turn in early so you can get a head start in the morning!

Dinner Spots: Birba PS, Farm, Las Casuelas Terraza, Tac/Quila, The Tropicale


Day Two:
Morning: The best way to see a town is on foot. Wake up and head out for a morning walk to Koffi, a favorite Palm Springs coffee shop with outdoor seating. Grab a pastry and head back to Palm Mountain to enjoy a morning by the pool. Afternoon: Depending on your vibe, plan a Palm Springs afternoon that best speaks to you! Whether that’s a Modern Home Tour exploring some of the most iconic modern architecture in Palm Springs, or an afternoon taking in the amazing modern & contemporary art at the Palm Springs Art Museum, it’s easy to get your mid-century cultural fix. Another option is to go for a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – a more than two mile tram journey over the beautiful Chino Canyon. Downtown Palm Springs is also home to some incredible shopping at locally owned businesses. Take a stroll downtown and check out boutiques, furniture, gift shops, book stores, and so much more.

Shop: Mojave Flea Trading Post, Thick as Thieves, Destination PS, The Frippery, Iconic Atomic

Evening: Head back to Palm Mountain and grab a canned beverage from our Marketplace to enjoy on your room side patio or balcony. After, head out for dinner at one of our recommended spots, many within walking distance to Palm Mountain Resort.


Day Three:
Morning: We may have saved the best for last. Make a reservation in advance for Sunday’s Drag Brunch at Oscars. Enjoy drinks, brunch and one of the best drag shows around on a beautiful patio. After brunch, check out of your room at Palm Mountain and head out – all while planning your next trip back to Palm Springs!
girls getaway / bachelorette party

Girls Getaway / Bachelorette Party

With 354 days of sunshine, Palm Springs is the perfect year-round destination for celebration! Palm Springs is famous for its chic vibe creating picture-perfect backdrops. Palm Mountain Resort is just a block off the main strip, providing a great home base for your party. If your group wants to sip drinks by the pool, we offer a lush oasis full of green grass, lush trees, and walls of flowers, something that is hard to find in the desert! Palm Springs is a very safe and inclusive city. So, when it is time to head out for the evening, you can easily walk to many nightclubs, restaurants, and bars without worry.
Day One:
Morning: arrive in Palm Springs! If you are driving or flying, Palm Springs is an easy destination for everyone. If you are flying into Palm Springs International Airport, we would love to pick you up with our free shuttle. If you arrive before check-in, we will hold your bags!

Afternoon: Decorate your rooms, unpack, and meet by the fire pits or sit poolside for a pre-dinner drink - check out our selection in the Marketplace.

Evening: Walk the strip, and head to The Farm, a casual and delicious spot for both drinks and dinner. Spend the evening catching up and relaxing for your first big day in Palm Springs.


Day Two:
Morning: Start your day with a hike! Museum Trail and Skyline Trail are within walking distance from Palm Mountain Resort and offer a few different loops to pick your preferred hiking length and difficulty. If you want to spend more time outside, check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for incredible views.

Afternoon & Evening: Just steps outside the resort is downtown, where you can shop at your favorite brands or local boutiques. After, head to dinner and a cabaret show at AsiaSF, then enjoy nightclub dancing or casual drinks at a local bar. If you’re looking for a unique way to bar hop in Palm Springs, check out Social Cycle! This 16-person bicycle is led by a “captain” who navigates you around town!


Day Three:
Morning: Start your day with brunch reservations! After sleeping in, round up the group and walk to Sam’s Place for beignets and breakfast!

Afternoon: relax at the pool, soak in the sunshine and laugh with your friends. Grab a refreshment or snack from our Marketplace, and treat yourself to a spa treatment at our onsite spa.

Evening: After you’ve refreshed and relaxed, catch a ride over to Boozehounds for the perfect backdrop for fun photos with cute drinks.  Stay for dinner or walk over to Sandfish for sushi!


Day four: Say your goodbyes. We will drop you off if you're returning to the airport! If you’re not leaving in the morning, ask about late check-out options, or we are happy to hold your luggage until it is time for you to leave.


Brunch Spots: Lulu California Bistro, Wilma & Frieda's, Cheeky’s, Farm, Oscar's

Dinner Spots: Eight4Nine, Trio Restaurant, Birba Palm Springs, Mr. Lyons Steakhouse, Tac/Quila

Nightlife: Copa Nightclub, Retro Room Lounge, Pretty Faces Night Club, Tucan’s Tiki Lounge, PS Air Bar

Photo-Opp Spots: Moorten Botanical Garden, Yosemite Street, Palm Springs Sign, Marilyn Monroe sculpture, Monster Shakes, Café La Jefa, Yellow Bar, Boozehounds.
wellness reset

Wellness Reset

Palm Springs is the perfect destination for a wellness focused getaway – a slower pace of life, endless Vitamin D, access to outdoor recreation and ample opportunities for relaxation all make for the perfect health inspired destination. If your idea of a wellness retreat is lounging poolside and disconnecting from it all, Palm Mountain Resort is the ideal place for that. But if you’re looking to ramp up the health factor, there are lots of options to take you beyond poolside. 
Healthy Eats:
One of the most important factors in a wellness focused trip is how you fuel your body. Palm Springs has no shortage of restaurants, cafes and options for healthy eating; check out our favorites below:

Nature’s Health Food & Café, Native Foods, LULU California Bistro, Fruit Wonders, and Chef Tanya’s Kitchen.


Immerse Yourself:
An hour north of Palm Springs you’ll find one of the most unique opportunities to unwind at The Integratron. This geodesic dome shaped structure is home to daily sound baths, which are meditative experiences involving gongs and singing bowls. If you’re interested in dipping your toes into guided meditation, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Breathe:
Power Yoga Palm Springs is an integral piece of the desert yoga & wellness community. Power Yoga offers daily yoga classes including hot yoga, gentle yoga, and candlelight yoga. In addition to daily yoga classes in their studio, Power Yoga offers specialty classes including rooftop yoga, yoga in the park, and workshops. Take a look at their schedule in advance and sign up for a full moon meditation or equinox workshop.

Indulge:
A wellness getaway wouldn’t be complete without a massage or treatment from The Spa at Palm Mountain Resort. The spa offers an oasis in the desert and features a wide range of skincare and body treatments to aid in your relaxation, including treatments like the Restore, Refresh, Revive Massage and the Serenity Facial. Book your appointment in advance—but don’t worry, if you forget the spa often has last minute openings!

Stroll:
The Palm Spring’s Certified Farmers’ Market offers fresh local produce in a community minded environment. The farmer’s market also features live music, artisan products, local honey, nuts, olive oil, and fresh cut flowers. Stroll the market and fill your favorite Palm Mountain Resort tote with the freshest goodies you can find.

Hike:
Palm Springs is surrounded by endless hiking trails to stretch your legs out. Pop over to the Tahquitz Canyon Hiking Trails and enjoy a two mile loop featuring incredible views, wildflowers when in season, and a waterfall. If you crave more time on the trail, check out more options here.
solo adventure

Solo Adventure

Solo trips are all about doing exactly what you want to do. Palm Springs can accommodate just about any type of trip you’re looking for. From relaxing, to exploring, and learning something new, Palm Mountain Resort is here to help create a trip just for you!
Relax Alone:
•    Book a treatment at the spa (link) or spend the day relaxing poolside
•    Learn to meditate with Kadampa Meditation
•    Take a yoga class across the street at Power Yoga

Explore and Adventure:
•    Take a guided hike to see the amazing views in Palm Springs
•    Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up for a whole new perspective on the city
•    Grab one of our complimentary bikes and take a self-guided tour of mid-century modern homes along the Las Palmas Loop.
•    Grab a bite at Cantina or Tack Room on the Grounds of Coachella

Learning and Seeing:
•    Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
•    Explore the Moorten Botanical Garden
•    Discover Modernism at the Modernism Museum
•    Soak in the views at Sunnylands Center and Garden
•    Discover new music or see your favorite artist at a live show

Dessert in the Desert:
•    Indulge at Gelato Granucci
•    Treat yourself at Great Shakes
•    Bring some sweets home from Brandini Toffee
•    Try something new at Gabino Creperie
•    Grab a beautiful baked good from Over the Rainbow Desserts
golf getaway

Golf Getaway

Palm Springs and Palm Desert, often referred to as the “golf capital of the world,” with more than 130 golf courses in the area and warm sunny days year-round, it is a golfer’s paradise.

Nearby Courses:
•    Indian Canyons Golf Resort – 3.7 miles away
•    Escena Golf Club – 5 miles away
•    Tahquitz Creek – 6 miles away
Day one:
Fly into Palm Springs International Airport, we will pick you up with our free shuttle! Stock up on in room snacks and drinks at our Marketplace and check into your room. After walking the lush grounds, meet up with your golf pals fireside in our courtyard and catch up before heading out to downtown Palm Springs for dinner.

Day two:
Hit the course! Choose one of the many nearby golf courses and tee off.  After a few rounds and lunch in the clubhouse, head back to the hotel to freshen up and relax poolside.

Day three:
Try out another round of golf in the morning, followed by lunch nearby. When you return back to Palm Mountain Resort grab a refreshment and check into your massage. Our onsite spa will help you recover after two days on the green. Once you’re feeling rejuvenated, head back out to Downtown Palm springs and check out the nightlife.

Day Four:
After sleeping in, we will hold your luggage after check out, and you can still enjoy the pool or walk back through downtown before we take you to the airport for your departing flight. If you have time, we recommend the Art Museum (located across the street)


Dinner Spots: Smokin’ Burgers & Lounge, the Farm, Ruben and Ozzy’s Oyster Bar, Sam’s Place, Antigua

Drinks: Shamrocks Irish Pub, Hair of the Dog, The Village, 1501 Uptown Gastropub
outdoor desert escape

Outdoor Desert Escape

Palm Mountain Resort is the perfect basecamp for a desert adventure. Joshua Tree National Park is just an hour away, offering endless opportunity to hike, climb, and explore in one of the most unique National Parks. While Joshua Tree National Park is not to  be missed, and hard to conquer in a weekend visit, the surrounding high desert community also offers memorable experiences ranging from historic to avant garde like the World Famous Crochet Museum.
A day trip to Joshua Tree is best started with a visit to Natural Sisters Café. This Joshua Tree staple serves breakfast until 11 AM and is not to be missed. If the lines are too long, stop by Joshua Tree Coffee for a cup of coffee to go instead. Another favorite option is Crossroads Café.

Once you’re properly fueled, make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen before entering Joshua Tree National Park. Nearly 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree National Park includes two distinct ecosystems and endless opportunities for adventure.

Some of our favorite, not to be missed stops include:
•    Skull Rock – As you may have guessed, this rock formation resembles a skull. Access the rock either from Key’s Road, or from a 1.8 mile trail starting at the Jumbo Rocks Campground.
•    Key’s View – Drive up nearly 5,000 feet above sea level to Key’s View, offering panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and Anza Borrego.
•    Hidden Valley Nature Trail – an easy one-mile loop featuring giant boulders to climb on and epic views of the desert and Joshua Trees
•    Keys Ranch – an early settlement in the Mojave Desert; tours are available October to May.
•    Cholla Cactus Garden – absolutely not to be missed at sunset.

If you crave more adventure than simply hiking Joshua Tree, we recommend checking out the Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School, offering rock climbing instruction in the heart of Joshua Tree.

After a full day of hiking and exploring Joshua Tree National Park, stop by high desert favorite Kitchen in The Desert for dinner. Featuring outdoor dining complete with complimentary blankets to keep you cozy on chilly desert evenings, their Caribbean inspired menu is a crowd favorite.

Another desert staple is Pappy + Harriet’s in Pioneertown. While a bit further out, this legendary ghost-town bar hosts incredible live music nearly every night.

Joshua Tree is known for their incredible night sky; night owls will love visiting the Sky’s The Limit Observatory in Twentynine Palms. The observatory offers regular star gazing programming in addition to an annual Night Sky Festival every fall.

Once you’ve had your fill, head back to Palm Springs to unwind – you’ll probably sleep extra hard after a day of hiking under the high desert sun.
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