You don’t have to be from Los Angeles to take a weekend trip to Palm Springs. After all, January often requires a sunny jaunt to stave off the winter blues. But with a quick turnaround, planning your two-day trip to the area can feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Enter our streamlined itinerary. Half a day can be allotted for an architecture tour, a garden visit, and a hike, respectively. Stay in one of the area’s chicest hotels, where you can also dine to minimize the overall hassle. And for that final afternoon? Use it up on some well-deserved pool time. Who knows, when Coachella rolls around this year, you may opt to run away to Palm Springs instead.
Designed for Living
For design enthusiasts, Palm Springs is a hub for modern architecture. And while you may not be able to go inside the private dwellings, a driving tour is well worth your time. Twin Palms, Frank Sinatra’s first home in the area, is a must, as is architect Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann Desert House. (Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Fallingwater was built for the same family.) The Alexander Estate, which is perhaps most famous due to the fact that Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon there, should also be considered for a brief drive-by. But beyond houses, Lloyd Wright’s Oasis Hotel and the Palm Spring City Hall are stunners as well.
Land of Sun
Located in Rancho Mirage, Sunnylands is a must for any garden lover. Originally, the estate was constructed in the 1960s as a warm-weather home for Philadelphia couple Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Eventually, the Annenbergs envisioned that it would become a retreat where world leaders could gather. The home itself is indeed used for that purpose today—President Obama has met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and with Chinese President Xi Jinping there, and the Supreme Court justices have also convened at Sunnylands. Visitors can arrange to tour the house, but spots fill up far in advance. If you don’t nab a reservation in time, it’s still worth a trip. Sunnylands Center & Gardens is open to the public without appointment and is free of charge. The area includes nine acres full of walking paths, cacti, and other vegetation, as well as a visitors’ center.
Nature Time
Going on a hike in Palm Springs is a great way to get acquainted with the local landscape. There are lots of options to choose from, but Indian Canyons is one of the best. Set on a Native American reservation, the land includes multiple trails of varying degrees of difficulty. The desert area is dotted with natural palm oases—which will quickly make you realize why exactly the town is named Palm Springs.
However, if you are ambivalent about hiking, consider taking a spin on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Yes, the ride will lead you to 50 miles of hiking paths, but the jaunt alone makes for a fun excursion. The tram, which is the world’s largest rotating tram car, takes passengers along the Chino Canyon up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. It climbs to a total elevation of 8,516 feet, and only lasts around 10 minutes. There are breathtaking views along the way and at the top, where visitors will also find two restaurants, a small natural history museum, and more.
Room and Board
The Parker Palm Springs is the hot new hotel in town. Run by the Jack Parker Corporation, the primary appeal for decor-minded guests are the Jonathan Adler interiors. Adler’s giant Lucite foot, Moroccan poufs, and distinctively designed chairs can all be spotted easily by true fans of the brand. For those looking for more of a hipster scene, the Ace Hotel is a favorite watering hole. Enjoy a drink in the bar or a meal (preferably brunch) at the diner before you check out the pool. But for those in search of a truly unique experience, Korakia Pensione is one of a kind. The hotel is located in downtown Palm Springs and has fewer than 30 rooms. Originally, the building was a 1930s villa retreat for a silent-film star. But the allure rests in its Mediterranean–meets–North African aesthetic. If small hotels aren’t your thing, and you’re looking for a true resort experience, consider La Quinta. With its gorgeous grounds, pools, and golf course, you could easily never leave.
Palm Springs is a true paradise for those who enjoy the finer things in life. This unique city in the desert boasts a wide variety of high-end shopping opportunities, upscale restaurants, and a bustling nightlife. This luxury property seamlessly blends into the culture of the city. If you’re looking to visit Palm Springs, you must stay at The Estate, at nearly 4,000 sq ft, this exquisite Luxury home with every amenity imaginable. This Mansion is unparalleled with space and luxury. The Estate boasts Instagram perfect spots throughout the property. With five bedrooms and four baths, there is enough space for any family or group looking for a desert oasis. Located in Palm Springs’ most sought-after Little Tuscany Neighborhood, Just three house off of Palm Canyon, the Estate is a quick 3 minute drive or 15 minute walk from fine dining and shopping.
The Estate is fitted with trendy modern contemporary flair while featuring today’s modern smart home technology, including state-of-the-art bathrooms with ToTo toilet washlets. For those home chefs, you’ll love the oversized Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen and premium appliances. Stay hydrated when the Palm Spring days are a little too warm or just want to watch the painted sunsets, this is the perfect home to experience Palm Springs outdoor living at its best! Hang out in the heated salt water pool, bubbling hot tub or the sprawling backyard including a Natural gas fire table and gazebo. Plenty of space for any size group – large or small. The home is large enough for everyone to gather together yet cozy enough for multiple private spaces, comfortably accommodating groups of 10 guests. Contact the Estate Palm Spring Rentals.
