Things to Do
If this is your first time in Palm Springs — welcome.
When we say “Palm Springs,” we’re really talking about the whole Coachella Valley. It’s a big desert playground made up of a string of different cities, including Cathedral City (our winter hideout) and Rancho Mirage (where our wedding weekend is based).
People always ask us, “What do you even do out there?” Honestly? Not much — and that’s the point. Sure, there’s plenty going on between October and April, but the real joy of the desert is the reset. The mountains are huge and humbling, the sunsets never miss, and life slows way down. You sit by a pool, you let your brain breathe, and suddenly the weight you didn’t even know you were carrying just melts away.
Of course, we do have our favorite spots — some obvious, some random, all ours for one reason or another. If you feel like exploring, here’s a list of places we love.
The desert is a weird, magical little place. We hope by the end of the weekend you’ll get why we keep coming back.
Refreshments
Cartel Coffee – Glenn’s spot in downtown PS. Best cold brew in town.
Starbucks Drive-Thru – Liza’s order: Passion Iced Tea, unsweetened. Glenn will not drink Starbucks.
Cafe La Jefa – Downtown PS, fun vibe. Liza recommends the Cardamom Cold Foam Matcha.
Move a little
Power Yoga Palm Springs – Liza used to teach here.
Ara Pilates (Indian Wells) – Reformer classes in a sleek studio.
Golf – Glenn’s idea of exercise.
PGA West (La Quinta) – Our home course.
Desert Willow (Palm Desert) – Great public course, easy access.
Breakfast + Brunch
Elmer’s – Liza’s favorite German Lemon Pancakes (in honor of Sil).
Sunshine Café – Our hangover spot. The hashbrowns are better than Advil.
Juniper Table (Palm Springs) – Fresh and casual.
Townie Bagels – Solid bagels to start the day.
Lunch + Casual Bites
Sherman’s Deli – Classic Jewish deli. A little taste of NY.
Aspen Mills – Sandwiches and surprisingly great cookies.
La Baguette – Homemade Vietnamese food with excellent bread + egg rolls.
Castaneda’s – 24-hour Mexican burritos. No explanation needed.
Tommy Bahama Café (El Paseo) – Yes, it’s a restaurant. Yes, it’s good.
Dinner + Dessert
Workshop Kitchen + Bar – Our go-to spot in the desert.
Bar Cecil – Hard to get in, worth it if you can.
Castelli’s – Old-school Italian, family favorite.
Thai Smile – Our first stop when we land. Great takeout, too.
La Michoacana – Ignore the bleach smell.
Liza: Ferrero Rocher Ice Cream Bar
Glenn: Frozen Banana Dipped in Peanuts
Fun stuff
Agua Caliente Casino (Cathedral City) – Non-smoking, underrated restaurant, and required stop at the Wheel of Fortune slot in honor of Harriet.
Dave & Buster’s – For Pop-A-Shot and Ski-Ball competitions.
Palm Springs Bowling – Constant battles to break 100.
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens – Giraffes in the desert never disappoint.
El Paseo Shopping – Desert’s mini Rodeo Drive.
Outdoor stuff
Tahquitz Canyon – A hike to an oasis with waterfalls. We’ve been once or twice — we’re not going to lie and pretend we’re hikers — but if that’s your speed, it’s beautiful.
Joshua Tree – The one you’re probably thinking of. Here’s the deal: it’s not as close as you think. Expect at least an hour to the entrance, plus however long you drive around and explore. It’s a solid half-day trip, but worth it — a stunning, otherworldly experience.