After nearly four years without a proper getaway, we found ourselves with the thrilling prospect of planning a vacation. The catch? We only had 5 days. Due to length of flights and time zones, this meant that Europe, South America or anywhere exotic was excluded. Furthermore, it was hurricane season in the Caribbean and Florida, so they were promptly ruled out. Even though it only netted us 3 days to explore, we decided on California because the weather in September is usually quite lovely with minimal risk of hurricanes. We decided to go to Palm Springs because it is the one area of the Golden State, we had not yet experienced.
A couple aspects of Palm Springs took us by surprise, reminding us of the importance of thorough research:
1. The Heat. While we were well aware of Palm Springs’ desert climate, the scorching temperatures, often exceeding 100F, still managed to catch us off guard. These extreme temperatures led us to adapt our plans and seek refuge from the blazing sun.
2. Midweek Closures. A lot of places were closed Monday through Wednesday. This unexpected pattern affected our experience, as vintage shops, art galleries, and even some restaurants took a break during these days.
With only a three-day itinerary, we set our sights on five key highlights to make the most of our Palm Springs adventure:
- A Memorable Hotel: Our search for a uniquely enjoyable stay
- Good Eats: Discover the local culinary scene.
- Mid-Century Modern: Explore the iconic architecture.
- Vintage Shops + Art
- Joshua Tree National Park
Where to stay – The Villa Royale:
If you’re seeking a memorable stay in Palm Springs, we wholeheartedly recommend The Villa Royale. This boutique gem offers a unique blend of intrigue, tranquility, and exceptional comfort. As one of the original hotels in Palm Springs, it has masterfully preserved its old-school character and charm.
The old California architecture, vintage furniture, eclectic artwork, along with interesting tile work, made this villa style hotel a one-of-a-kind experience. We stayed in the Biscayne Villa, which not only had a private patio with firepit, but also boasted a private cocktail lounge.
While the Continental Breakfast may not be an extravagant affair, it provides the right start to your day. Think simple yet satisfying options like hard boiled eggs, muffins, croissants, watermelon, and cheese and salami skewers.
The Villa Royale also embraces modernity with a digital touch. Online check-in streamlines the process, allowing guests to retrieve their keys from the front desk and receive all further correspondence through text messages – a perfect solution for the introvert who prefers to skip the small talk.
As for downsides, there’s one notable absence: there was no bathtub. However, in the grand scheme of things, this minor drawback does not take away from the experience the Villa Royale offers.
Where to stay – The Rowan:
For those familiar with the Kimpton family of hotels, you’ll appreciate that each property shares its own distinct and quirky personality. The Rowan, true to form, exudes this unique charm. From its lobby adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookcases to the thoughtful bookmarks placed on your pillow, the Rowan leaves a memorable impression.
What truly sets this location apart is its breathtaking views right from our room. Gazing out at the San Jacinto Mountains, especially during the early morning’s golden hour, is an unforgettable experience. The interplay of sunlight casting a warm glow upon the surrounding mountains is nothing short of magical.
Another noteworthy advantage of The Rowan is its prime location. Nestled within walking distance of art installations, restaurants, and the shopping district, it offers the ideal vantage point to explore Palm Springs by foot. The hotel itself boasts captivating art installations and features the Colette Miller wings – a fun discovery that we encounter everywhere we travel in the world.
Of course, no place is without its downsides, and for The Rowan, it’s the background of traffic noise. Being centrally located in downtown Palm Springs, it’s a trade-off for the convenience of proximity to the heart of the city.
Where to dine – Farm:
With a name as evocative as “Farm,” one can expect an abundance of freshness. We went for lunch and both our meals were great.
We dined outdoors in a space reminiscent of a quant French garden. Surrounded by trees, flower gardens, and potted plants, the ambiance was undeniably charming. (The only downside to having trees overhead is the potential for birds pooping on your table – yes, that did happen!)
Adding to the unique charm of the place, the cutlery, plates, glasses and decor all appeared to be carefully curated thrifted finds, lending a delightful touch of nostalgia to our dining experience.
Adam’s menu choice was the Chicken and Waffles, a dish that defied his expectations and left him pleasantly surprised. I opted for the Chicken BLT with avocado and the melding of flavours was amazing. The watermelon lemonade proved to be a refreshing and satisfying choice on a scorcher of an afternoon.
Where to dine – Tac/Quila or Clandestino:
We had the pleasure of dining at both Tac/Quila and Clandestino, and while both establishments offered memorable experiences, we found the casual atmosphere better at the Tac/Quila. Notably, Tac/Quila has earned its place in the Michelin Guide, attesting to the exception quality of its menu offerings.
I kicked off my dining adventure with a Margarita Flight with an array of flavours ranging from Hibiscus to Pineapple to Cucumber, Each sip was complemented by a spicy, salted rim.
Of course, no visit to a Mexican eatery is complete without indulging in guacamole and chips, and we happily obliged.
Following our server’s recommendation, we savoured a grilled beef street taco and a chipotle shrimp street taco, both of which left us impressed. The beef taco, in particular, was grilled to perfection.
In addition to the tacos, I couldn’t resist ordering a serving of street corn. Despite attempting to recreate this dish at home, I have struggled to find cojita cheese locally, making this dish an extra indulgence.
True to form, Adam ordered the Churro Dessert. While I’m not typically a churro fan, even I couldn’t resist a few spoonfuls of the Churro ice-cream sandwich.
We had heard that the owners were committed to hiring exceptional staff and compensating them accordingly. After dining at three of their establishments, we can attest that this reputation holds true. The staff were consistently friendly, knowledgeable, and adept at understanding our preferences and offered thoughtful suggestions.
Where to dine – Bar Cecil:
Bar Cecil’s reputation as the number one restaurant in Palm Springs is not to be understated; it tops the list of every restaurant guide and blog, including the prestigious Michelin Guide. We soon discovered that securing a reservation was no small feat, even on a mid-week evening during the off-season. The wise counsel of our hotel’s concierge offered an alternative: try your luck at the bar but be prepared to arrive early and to wait in line. We took our chances and with impeccable timing, we arrived just as someone vacated their spot at the bar. (We arrived at 6:45 if that matters to anyone).
As we quickly learned, sitting at the bar can be an enriching experience. The bartender was engaging and we chatted about local real estate and how he came to be in Palm Springs.
With full access to the menu, Adam ordered the Steak & Frites, while I opted for the Pork Chops. I can’t speak for the steak, but the Pork Chop was tender and juicy on the inside with a nice crisp on the outside. Yet, the true standout of the evening was the Potatoes au Gratin, a culinary delight that could entice me back to Bar Cecil on its own merit.
Let’s not forget the dessert. Have you ever seen a pavlova on a menu? Neither had I. Having dabbled in baking during the pandemic, I understood the complexity of this dish, and it was nothing short of perfection.
Mid-century modern homes:
Adam has always dreamed of owning a mid-century home, so the allure of local real estate was impossible to ignore. Although he refrained from participating in house tours or posing for the gram in front of a colourful door, we couldn’t help but be captivated by the architectural gems that are such a big part of Palm Springs landscape.
We found ourselves discreetly admiring a couple of homes from the comfort of our car. With majestic mountain vistas providing a backdrop, these snapshots almost resembled postcards rather than the candid glimpses of reality.
One observation that emerged during our mid-century home exploration was the meticulous care invested in the properties. Even without traditional grass lawns, these homes boasted impeccably manicured grounds that demanded ongoing attention from dedicated gardeners and workers. The commitment to preserving the mid-century aesthetic was unmistakable, making each property a testament to the enduring allure of this architectural style.
Vintage shops and art museums:
Regrettably, we fell short at finding vintage shops and art galleries that were open on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Disappointment also loomed when we discovered that Desert X was currently in between exhibits. Nevertheless, we ventured out to the Coachella Valley, determined to capture a snapshot of the iconic Coachella bear, a nod to the famed music festival.
There are also plenty of art installations that we found around the downtown area of Palm Springs, such as the “History of Suspended Time”, featuring a car suspended over a pool of water as if it is frozen in time. There were others that we had researched and when we arrived at their locations, they had already been removed by the artist.
Our search for art led us to the Backstreet Art District one evening, where we did find one artist that intrigued me. With a background in graphic design, it came as no surprise that his art centered around typography and screenprinting.
We did find manage to find one vintage shop that was open, providing Adam with the opportunity to chat with their mannequin.
Unexpected discoveries add a touch of spontaneity to our Palm Springs Experience, reminding us that sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones.
Must visit: Joshua Tree National Park:
The day we planned on exploring Joshua Tree National Park, the Weather Network was forecasting a sweltering 110-degree day. We wisely adjusted our plans and set out early in the morning, determined to experience the park without the worst of the heat’s discomfort.
A crucial piece of advice for anyone venturing the park: take water, and plenty of it. When we say lots, we mean LOTS of water. Bring more than you could ever imagine needing.
For those with limited time for extensive exploration and hiking, we recommend three must-see areas within Joshua Tree, all easily accessible by car with short walks:
Boulders and Rock Outcroppings. Our first stop included a quick walk around the Belle Campground and a short hike to Arch Rock. While it may not rival the grandeur of Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, Joshua Tree’s unique rock formations held their own intrigue, making our visit well worth it.
Cholla Cactus Garden. The cactus garden offers a unique display of desert flora. However, be prepared for the minor inconvenience of swarming bugs.
Hidden Valley. Here you will encounter vast fields of Joshua Trees, and iconic symbol of the region. The stark beauty is a testament of the unique allure of the park.
By venturing to these three areas, we were able to make the most of our time in Joshua Tree National Park, enjoying its distinctive natural beauty without venturing too far from the comfort of our vehicle and a refreshing supply of water.
Bonus – Air Canada + Aeroplan:
It’s not often that we take a moment to commend an airline, given that negative experiences tend to overshadow the positive ones.
Thanks to an unexpected upgrade to business class on both legs of our trip, courtesy of Aeroplan, we enjoyed the spacious legroom and in-flight hot meals.
What’s more, we were pleasantly surprised to find our luggage waiting for us at both our destination and Pearson airport.
Lastly, it is worth noting that our flights were booked as REWARD flights through our TD Aeroplan VISA card, which we have held for years. This reaffirms the value of loyalty programs and credit card rewards.