Palm Springs is the optimal choice when your goal is a little bit of nature and a little bit of culture where you can fully immerse yourself and experience all it has to offer. The city boasts creative inspiration, from viewing the many murals to appreciating the Midcentury Modern architecture. Outdoor enthusiasts will thrive in an environment where they can explore via bike, experience a thrill ride in an open-air vehicle, and soak in hot springs. Whether you enjoy vintage boutiques or seek the latest fashion, Palm Springs is also famous for being a shopper’s delight, peppered with distinctive eateries. Use this three-day itinerary to ensure you hit the highlights of this eclectic destination.
Itinerary
PLAN YOUR TRIP![Midcentury Modern architecture defines Palm Springs](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/459393e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1200x637+0+383/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd3%2Fca%2Fbac777f94974b0921247cf423645%2Fimage-2.jpg)
Midcentury Modern architecture defines Palm Springs
Finn/Unsplash
Day 1Palm Springs Culture
Channel your favorite Mad Men character and join the Palm Springs Mod Squad on an architecture tour to gain inspiration from genuine Midcentury Modern homes. While you’re en route, keep an eye out for the many muralsthroughout the city, or plan to visit them individually on your own. Art fans will enjoy the outdoor art, and a stop by Palm Springs Art Museum proves to be even more enriching when coupled with the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden on site.
The name Coachella is synonymous with one of the best music festivals in the country and touring the Coachella Valley History Museum will help you delve into the area’s history. When it’s time to eat, choose from one of the many French-inspired dishes at Cafe des Beaux-Arts. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; be sure to try their delectable desserts, such as the Tarte Tatin or Crepes Suzette.
![Touring Palm Springs by Jeep](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/484122b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1200x637+0+82/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F47%2F07%2Fcbc689b14fbfaa54acbd3c972efe%2Fimage-3.jpg)
Touring Palm Springs by Jeep
Red Jeep Tours
Day 2Get Outside and Go Adventuring
After all the excitement, soak the day away by visiting Azure Palms Hot Springs or another stylish spa. Let the waters heal both body and spirit as you relax. You could book a spa treatment for the afternoon or grab a bite at Azure Palm Cafe to curb your appetite before heading out on your next excursion.
Palm Springs is also an ideal area to rent a bike and explore. Secure a bicycle for a half day or the duration of your stay to use at your leisure. After picking up your wheels, head nearby to The Shops at 1345 where you can pop into several boutiques, including Double M Pottery, to find a worthy memento from your trip. End the day by transporting your tastebuds to the South of France (via locally sourced ingredients) by dining on the patio at Farm.
![Vintage cars along the popular shopping district El Paseo](https://afar.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d931b51/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1200x637+0+174/resize/1440x764!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk3-prod-afar-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fb0%2F3f%2F76bf5d654190ac0a2d70e287fbc5%2Fimage-4.jpg)
Vintage cars along the popular shopping district El Paseo
Bob Osias/Unsplash
Day 3Satisfy Your Appetite for Shopping and Cuisine
When you get hungry, test out the dishes at Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe, which bears the name of the owner’s two grandmothers. Although, be sure to get there before they close at 2 p.m. When your shopping day is complete, dine at Workshop Kitchen & Bar, which is the perfect capstone for your time in Palm Springs.