Palm Springs Please

Palm Springs, yassssss PLEASE! If you girls have been following along over the years, you know we are all about those Palm Springs getaways. I lived in the desert when I was in elementary school and it always feels a bit like home to me whenever we go back there. I’ve shared several Palm Springs guides on The Honeybee over the years but wanted to share some snaps from our trip there last weekend. We went a different route this time and rented a house for the first time and it was such a nice change up! The DMs have been non-stop for this house info so I’m sharing that in today’s post too!

We usually take 2-3 trips out to Palm Springs every Spring. Coming from Orange County it’s such an easy and low key trip that the whole family loves. We’ve stayed at MANY different hotels over the years (will break down a few favorites below) but wanted to see about renting a house this time around. My brother and his family recently moved to OC and it’s been so nice vacationing with them and watching all the cousins play together! Being that there were eight of us going out there, this seemed like the perfect time to rent one.

I have to say, there are SO many amazing houses for rent in Palm Springs. I’m obsessed with mid century modern homes and love that it immediately feels like a time warp the minute you walk in the door. When I go to Palm Springs I always opt for the hotels and homes that give me that old school authentic Palm Springs Vibe and this house was just that.

I mean doesn’t this yard look just like a post card?!

I was looking for homes with fun interiors but basically we needed an amazing pool and yard because that is where we would be hanging out 95% of the time. I found three I really wanted but This One happened to be available for the dates we wanted to go. It was in  a great neighborhood and the location was perfect. It wasn’t walking distance to the main strip, but only a 5 minute drive and right by the ACE hotel. We will definitely rent a house again when we have a big group and there are so many different options at all price points (but FYI there are a lot of add on fees so be sure to look closely at your rental agreement because they add up!).

How Dreamy is this living room?!

It was definitely a Rosé kind of weekend!

This view!!

The kids basically lived in the front yard and had so much fun running around and playing in the pool all day.

It was actually really nice renting a house because it was really all about bikinis, flats and coverups all day! No need to put on makeup or get dressed up. It was straight lounging and relaxing all weekend long!

What to Pack

For the Kids

If you’re looking for things to do with your kiddos, they have an Air Museum there (on my list to go next time) and the Living Desert Zoo is a must. I went there when I was a kid and let me just say it is 100 times different than I remember 20 years ago 😉 They are constantly adding new attractions and the kids always ask to go whenever we are in town. You can ride camels, feed the giraffes and they recently added a mini dinosaur section, which Luca obviously loved. It’s also nice because it’s not crazy big and you really can see just about everything in 1-2 hours.

If you have older kids, they also have a place right when you exit the freeway and are heading into downtown Palm Springs called Off Road Rentals where you can rent quads. We want to try it on our next trip because they have mini ones for the smaller kids too.

A stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs for a quick photo op is a must! They have a gift shop inside the top of one them too. Someone had asked me about shopping but honestly, we never really shop when we are there. If you’re a big shopper I will say you will never find a better outlet mall than The Cabazon!! 

Where to Eat:

-Las Casuleas- 

Great mexican spot with two locations on the main strip (be sure to book in advance). We’ve been to the Rancho Mirage location several times which is also pretty and great for families and accomadating larger parties.

-Workshop Kitchen-

Super Chic and perfect for a night out (LOVE going there when we don’t have the kids).

-Cheeky’s-

Great for brunch with an amazing bacon flight! (but go early because the wait can be bananas)

-Kings Highway Cafe-

Our favorite brunch/lunch spot in the desert. I love the old school diner vibe and the food and staff are amazing!

-The Farm-

Super charming little gem tucked away right off the main strip that’s great for breakfast or lunch.

-Great Shakes-

You girls already know this place is my jam! The BEST shakes in town and I always get down when I’m there! The Smores with torched marshmallows and Reese’s Cup are my fav!

-The Pink Cabana-

This was a new spot I recently added to my list and highly recommend if you like a good insta worthy photo. It’s at The Sands Hotel (prob 15-20 minute drive from downtown Palm Springs) and seriously the whole hotel is adorable!

Where to Stay

We’ve stayed at SO many of the hotels in Palm Springs over the years so here’s a quick break down of some of our favorites…

-Korakia Pensione-

You’ve probably seen the Korakia Pensione on instagram at one point or another. It’s a charming bed and breakfast style spot that has separate little bungalows. It’s an adult only property and while we both loved it…my husband said he wouldn’t go back. He’s the type that when he is on vacay, he wants to be on vacay. They don’t have room service or alcohol so be sure to bring your own wine. It’s definitely a quiet spot meant for R&R but it was refreshing and definitely photo worthy! I actually really liked the property but only recommend if you are truly looking for quiet relaxation.

-L’Horizon-

L’Horizon is probably my favorite hotel in Palm Springs but I rarely get to stay there because it’s also an adult only hotel. The vibe and decor are SO chic and i’m obsessed with the rooms. It’s not a big party hotel (which I like) just a chill and lounge type of place and a very pretty scene. I hope to sneak away with just the hubby and stay there for a night this year.

-The Parker-

The Parker is still one of our all time favorites. I do think it’s due for a little revamp but we LOVE the grounds and the whole vibe there. It’s definitely not budget friendly and it’s probably 10 minutes from the main strip. When we stay there we love the Le Nai rooms that are by the “kids” pool (not technically a kids pool but the second pool that somehow the families usually end up at). You can check out my full post from a couple years ago when we stayed at The Parker HERE.

–The Avalon-

The Avalon, formerly the Viceroy, and one the very first places we ever stayed pre kids! Great location, decor a little dated (but it kind of goes with that vintage Palm Springs vibe) but the two bedroom bungalows are cute. You can literally walk to the main strip and it’s pretty budget friendly. I would recommend for girls or couples trip but not really with kids.

-La Quinta-

Okay if you girls have been following along you know I will always have loooove for La Quinta Resort and Spa! It’s a huge property (about 20 miles past Downtown Palm Springs) and you basically go there and don’t really leave the property the entire time. Now that I’m writing about it, I’m totally itching to book a trip back. The property is huge and the kids always bring their scooters and cruise everywhere. It’s just so cute scootering to get coffee at the cafe in the morning or to dinner. The kids have a blast. Not to mention they have TONS of pools so there are so many options to lounge with the family all day. They also have a pop up margarita bar and live entertainment on the weekend evenings. The rooms are nice (I think most of them have been updated semi recently) and the cost there is much less than those in Palm Springs. I would definitely recommend it more for families and even a girls trip too if you want to be away from all the action on the main strip.

I also have been wanting to check out the New Kimpton Hotel and these La Serena Villas look adorable!

Okay, I hope this answered most of your Palm Springs questions and if you have others feel free to leave them below!