Palm Springs has a TON to offer – beautiful scenery, swaying palms, old Hollywood glamour, stunning mid-century architecture, and SO much more. Join us as we run through some of our favorite things to do in Palm Springs (one is so good we’re literally asking people to keep it a secret)!
Thompson Hotel Palm Springs
The Thompson Hotel Palm Springs is a beautiful luxury hotel in a prime spot right at the mouth of Palm Springs’ historic downtown.
First, a little bit of background because the road to opening has been rocky for this hotel – first approved in 2006 for a different hotel brand, it languished under previous developers, stalled for years until the Hall Group stepped in and revitalized the site did construction regain real momentum.
It finally opened in October of 2024 after 18 years (!!) in development. We had the chance to tour the hotel and peek into some of their guest rooms, including the palatial Alejo Suite. This stunning suite is nestled in a prime corner of the hotel overlooking Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs’ main street. The real kicker? The huge private balcony that wraps around the side of the building. Imagine sipping a dirty martini there!
The Thompson also offers some exciting wining and dining. We ate at Lola Rose restaurant, a hip Mediterranean spot serving fresh, delicious food and some very fancy, show-stopping drinks, one of which came in a very fancy container showcasing its ingredients. You’ll also want to check out Bar Issi – a beautiful bar inspired by the second season of The White Lotus (no joke)!
Pro Tip – Palm Springs is a seasonal city, which means rates and availability change quite a bit.
You can check out the latest Thompson Palm Springs rates and availability here – Thompson Hotel Palm Springs Rates & Availability
Sunnylands Café
Of course, coffee (or tea, no judgement!) is the perfect way to start the day on any vacay. For that, you’re gonna want to head on over to Sunnylands Café in Rancho Mirage.
It’s a little bit of a trek from Palm Springs proper, but trust us, it’s well worth it. The coffee is delicious, the food is equally as good, and the setting is otherworldly. Just don’t tell EVERYONE, we’re trying to keep this one a secret!
Sunnylands Café is closed in the summer months due to the heat, reopening for guests in mid-September.
Pro Tip – Get the orange muffin. Just trust us, get the orange muffin.
Learn more about Sunnyland’s Café here – Sunnylands Café
Modernism Weekend
Modernism Weekend is the best way to experience Palm Springs’ iconic mid-century modern architecture. It’s a multi-day festival full of different things to do, including bus tours, open houses, cocktail parties, and more…all centered around the town’s architectural history.
We were lucky enough to experience one of their twilight bus tours, and it was a truly magical experience full of interesting historical info, beautiful sights, and plenty of fresh air. It seriously felt like being in a movie. Highly recommend.
Pro Tip – Modernism happens twice a year, the main event lasts ten days starting mid-February, with a smaller weekend happening over a weekend in mid-October.
Learn more about Modernism Weekend here – Palm Springs Modernism Weekend
Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
Do you mostly think colorful, tropical-inspired button-down shirts and loose-fitting linen pants when you think about Tommy Bahama? Well, buckle up, they’ve got a bar and restaurant in downtown Palm Springs that just so happens to be one of our favorite spots to sit and sip.
Located right on Palm Canyon Drive in the heart of downtown, Marlin Bar has plenty of outdoor seating, which is great for people watching and enjoying the Palm Springs sun, and they frequently feature live music on the patio. Steel drums, anyone? Yes please!
Pro tip – Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar has a fantastic happy hour AND a great rewards program that will help you earn free food. Trust us, once you try Marlin Bar, you’ll want to get on their rewards program. Just download the app and sign up!
Learn more about Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar here – Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
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