Palm Springs Guidebook
Hiking
(Have to pay $12 per adult for entrance, but it’s definitely worth it!) These are properties run by the Aguas Calientes tribe. They get crazy busy during Christmas/ New Years week but otherwise you can find solitude even if there is a line to get in.
We love Andreas Canyon, water year round! If you do one hike with (or without) kids, this is the one to do. Even in the heat of the summer you can stay in the shade and play in the water (1 mile loop)
Fern Canyon via Victor Canyon trail. (Uncle Sam tip, )
Murray Canyon for a longer hike (Debbie and Gal tip)
390 locals recommend
Indian Canyons
38520 South Palm Canyon Drive(Have to pay $12 per adult for entrance, but it’s definitely worth it!) These are properties run by the Aguas Calientes tribe. They get crazy busy during Christmas/ New Years week but otherwise you can find solitude even if there is a line to get in.
We love Andreas Canyon, water year round! If you do one hike with (or without) kids, this is the one to do. Even in the heat of the summer you can stay in the shade and play in the water (1 mile loop)
Fern Canyon via Victor Canyon trail. (Uncle Sam tip, )
Murray Canyon for a longer hike (Debbie and Gal tip)
Amazing ice cold pools to soak in. In summer, get there early before the sun comes up strong and the crowds arrive in. In cooler months, go hiking. The Canyon View Loop Trail (3.6 miles) includes a climb. We did a bit of Red Dome (12/20) - an easy walk and ending up veering off trail to right to the gorgeous river bed. Came back near sunset (11/21) and highly recommend arriving around 3 or 4 pm. Note it closes at 5pm.
103 locals recommend
Whitewater Preserve
9160 Whitewater Canyon RdAmazing ice cold pools to soak in. In summer, get there early before the sun comes up strong and the crowds arrive in. In cooler months, go hiking. The Canyon View Loop Trail (3.6 miles) includes a climb. We did a bit of Red Dome (12/20) - an easy walk and ending up veering off trail to right to the gorgeous river bed. Came back near sunset (11/21) and highly recommend arriving around 3 or 4 pm. Note it closes at 5pm.
This looks like a bit of Utah in California. Ladders Canyon is an amazing hike with ladders to climb, vistas, and stunning canyons. Daniela did it with friends (3/22). But hard with little kids. We did a bit of Slots Canyon (12/20). You don’t have to off road at all on sand, and even walking a little you are totally immersed. Came back (11/21) and walked further up the first slot that splits to the left. Gorgeous canyons and not a soul around. We always like to pair this with a visit to Bautista Date Farm.
Mecca Hills Wilderness
This looks like a bit of Utah in California. Ladders Canyon is an amazing hike with ladders to climb, vistas, and stunning canyons. Daniela did it with friends (3/22). But hard with little kids. We did a bit of Slots Canyon (12/20). You don’t have to off road at all on sand, and even walking a little you are totally immersed. Came back (11/21) and walked further up the first slot that splits to the left. Gorgeous canyons and not a soul around. We always like to pair this with a visit to Bautista Date Farm.
This is the hike closest to the house – just a quick trip down Gene Autry Trail to Highway 111, and park behind the Von’s. It’s a wide uphill trail that takes you up past water towers with amazing views of the Valley and surrounding mountains. It’s a good one for solo hikers as there was plenty of foot traffic (though not overwhelming) and dogs. Kids love climbing on the rocks and running down the hill.
Jane's Hoffbrau Oasis
This is the hike closest to the house – just a quick trip down Gene Autry Trail to Highway 111, and park behind the Von’s. It’s a wide uphill trail that takes you up past water towers with amazing views of the Valley and surrounding mountains. It’s a good one for solo hikers as there was plenty of foot traffic (though not overwhelming) and dogs. Kids love climbing on the rocks and running down the hill.
Food scene
Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown RdRooster And The Pig
356 South Indian Canyon DriveWe love this for takeout (our favorites: samosa & chana chaat (sooo good!), baigan bharta (eggplant), palak paneer (spinach/cheese), malai kofta (if you’re up for something heavy), garlic naan); note: do NOT order rice as it comes with plenty!l
19 locals recommend
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
555 S Sunrise WayWe love this for takeout (our favorites: samosa & chana chaat (sooo good!), baigan bharta (eggplant), palak paneer (spinach/cheese), malai kofta (if you’re up for something heavy), garlic naan); note: do NOT order rice as it comes with plenty!l
Farmers Market
2300 East Baristo RoadCheeky's
622 N Palm Canyon DrGreat and delicious outdoor brunch spot!
Birba
622 N Palm Canyon DrDelicious al fresco Italian from the owners of Cheeky's!
good vegan take-out in an unlikely outpost in an industrial park. Get the Moroccan Cauliflower Salad! (Audrey) We love the bahn mi.
62 locals recommend
Chef Tanya's Kitchen
706 S Eugene Rdgood vegan take-out in an unlikely outpost in an industrial park. Get the Moroccan Cauliflower Salad! (Audrey) We love the bahn mi.
Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey
1556 N Palm Canyon DrGreat sushi!
Sightseeing
Palm Springs Museum Trail
101 N Museum DrAce Hotel & Swim Club
701 E Palm Canyon DrThe Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola AveJoshua Tree National Park
Olympic sized pool (“it’s an AMAZING outdoor swimming pool with about 24 lap lanes”)
10 locals recommend
Palm Springs Swim Center
405 S Pavilion WayOlympic sized pool (“it’s an AMAZING outdoor swimming pool with about 24 lap lanes”)
Very convenient to house - and good for a few hours to beat the heat or rain with kids (they can climb in planes), or if you’re an air buff.
366 locals recommend
Palm Springs Air Museum
lot 745 N Gene Autry TrailVery convenient to house - and good for a few hours to beat the heat or rain with kids (they can climb in planes), or if you’re an air buff.