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Get Out

Leave the indoors in your rear view with a Day Trip to Palm Springs

There is no shortage of things to see and do on a day trip to Palm Springs. You could spend a week in Palm Springs and its vicinity and still not come close to seeing all this beautiful area has to offer. Even if you only have a day to visit Palm Springs, don’t be discouraged from trying to hit all of the key tourist spots first as many of them are still must-see spots. Here are some ideas for an action-packed day in Palm

One great way to explore Palm Springs on a bike, and you’ll find a great selection of bike for rent at Bike Palm Springs. They offer a rainbow of pastel pedal pushers to add a streak of color to your desert adventure, including electric bikes. It’s a great way to explore the local neighborhoods and they are located right downtown.

Woman on an ATV

For the dare devil, off the beaten path in north Palm Springs is Off Road Rentals. If your day trip to Palm Springs troupe is up to six people, rev on over to ATV Experience for one (or more) of their Viking cruisers, perfect for team building or just getting away from the rat race for a sunset escape.

Now we’re really climbing up the vehicular food chain, next stop: Red Jeep Tours. Stay local with a majestic excursion through Indian Canyons or crack into San Andreas Fault with some fascinating expertise from your personal geo-guide.

Two people riding horseback from the perspective of a third person on a horse

And for some real horsepower, hitch your wagon to Smoke Tree Stables, offering rides by the hour or day, not to mention equine therapy for locals looking for mental wellness tips outside of the constraints of the average human parameters.

If you can’t decide between hiking, biking, or Jeeps-so-striking, why not choose all of the above? Big Wheel Tours is your hometown hookup, thanks to the boundless enthusiasm and contagious energy of owner Evan Trubee.

Palm Springs Downtown Dining

Colorful dish of food and a drink

Watching all of that activity can really work up an appetite, so stroll downtown without losing your front row seat to Mother Nature. Las Casuelas Terraza is named for their triumphant terrace. The aromatic food they serve has been beckoning bystanders for over 60 years. Azucar at La Serena Villas elevates such signature dishes as mesquite swordfish with rooftop views and robust flavors.

Not to be outdone, seafood succulence meets desert decadence at the dueling destinations of Ruben & Ozzy’s and Fisherman’s Market & Grill. The former puts the joy in oyster preparation while the latter hooks you with hearty Pacific proteins that sail the seas of yumminess.

Just steps away, encounter a Belgian balcony brimming with rich cuisine and wine pairings at Pomme Frite. Cross the street (carefully) and remain in the intoxicating outdoors with the staff of Kaiser Grille, known for wood-fired pizzas that evoke rustic refinement.

Two of Palm Springs most lauded eateries are Spencer’s, nestled in the outdoor splendor of the Historic Tennis Club area of downtown. Nestled next to the Palm Springs Art Museum is Le Vallauris, shimmering with Provençal luster and lusciousness. If your palate prefers Mexican flair to spare, vamanos to the El Patron patio just blocks away and leave room for cocktails!

Visit Gay Palm Springs

Now that we’ve uttered the magic word, raise your glass all the way to the rooftop at Moxie Palm Springs. Their craft concoctions are the perfect pairing for a stellar view of our fair city. From there, you can chart your next move, so make it a big one: the Arenas Business District is packed with breezy beverage options. Transition from the sunny fun of Chill Bar’s wrap-around patio to the dark seduction of Dick’s.  Then continue on to the lacquered perch outside Blackbook.

Once you cross Arenas Road, you’ll find go-go gorgeous men at Hunters and rugged realness at Streetbar, so get your au naturale flirt on!

blackbook nachos
Blackbook Nachos

Uptown and Beyond

Haven’t had enough indulgence? We like your stamina! Take it to the next level at Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar & Grill.

Or if bottomless mimosas are your bubbly bag, pop over to Pinocchio in the Desert and thrill to the dance stylings of the best staff in town.

As you merengue your way further north, you will become immersed in the Uptown Design District.  Trio earns its reputation of being Where Palm Springs Eats every day with every patio plate. Mere steps away, Open Table voted Jake’s Palm Springs as one of the 100 best alfresco dining experiences in America. Its cozy courtyard and comfort food will make you not want to leave Palm Springs.

So Pa's outdoor dining

Melding the concept of outdoor dining with intimate hospitality, SoPa is worth seeking out. Located discreetly away from downtown yet conveniently close to your heart, this extension of L’Horizon resort delivers dishes like duck leg confit & boursin ravioli whose immense flavors can’t be contained in an interior space.

Open your heart to these open-air experiences, just around the corner from home. Whether you’re a local, a frequent guest, or a day-tripping devotee, Palm Springs is the capital of Coachella Valley cool.

Road Trip to Palm Springs

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