Weekend Getaway: Palm Springs
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In the past, Palm Springs was thought of as a place to retire. So why would anyone who isn’t 80 want to go there? Because now an influx of design lovers has turned this retro modern city into a destination full of funky bars, eclectic boutiques, and luxe hotels. In other words, the perfect weekend getaway. Here, WORKS breaks down the best places to shop, play, eat, and stay.
Where to stay:
VIP Villa: Vacation Rental From Room Service.Design fans have long flocked to the furniture store Room Service for modern pieces. And if you want to try before you buy, store owners John and Taryn Bernard renovate homes throughout Palm Springs that are available for rental. Prices vary by home. 323.653.4242; www.roomservice-la.com
Romantic Respite: Casa Cody.In the heart of downtown Palm Springs, but worlds away from the hustle of a large hotel, Casa Cody is a bed-and-breakfast featuring adobe hacienda architecture. Two pools and endless gardens give it a hidden oasis feel in the shadow of the San Jacinto Mountains. Rooms start at $79. 175 South Cahuilla; 760.320.9346; www.casacody.com
Luxe Life: Parker Palm Springs. Once the home of Merv Griffin’s Givenchy Resort, the Parker Palm Springs underwent a $27 million makeover at the hands of ceramics guru Jonathan Adler. A favorite of young Palm Springs, the hipsters come for the buzz and return for the five-star experience. Rooms start at $155. 4200 East Palm Canyon Drive; 760.770.5000; www.theparkerpalmsprings.com
Where to eat:
Grand Gourmet: Copley’s on Palm Canyon. Old Hollywood meets modern cuisine at Cary Grant’s former estate, home of Copley’s on Palm Canyon. The lobster pot pie and macadamia-crusted mahi mahi are musts. 621 North Palm Canyon Drive; 760.327.9555; www.copleyspalmsprings.com
Health Kick: Native Foods. If all the tennis, golf, and sunshine have you feeling virtuous, Native Foods is not to be missed. With a vegan/vegetarian menu including “save the chicken” wings and Baja surf tacos (made with tempeh), this spot makes meatless muy bueno. 1775 East Palm Canyon Drive; 760.416.0070
Main Street Mexican: Las Casuelas Terraza. With sister restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley, Las Casuelas is a place where locals and tourists mingle over huge margaritas on the shaded patio. Don’t miss the tequila list—one of the largest collections north of the border. 222 South Palm Canyon Drive; 760.325.2794
Where to drink:
Remembrance of Things Past: Melvyn’s. Located at the Ingleside Inn, Melvyn’s is a throwback to a bygone era. Patrons still dress for dinner, the waiters wear tuxedos, and the martinis are shaken, not stirred. This old-school piano bar also offers nightly entertainment. 200 West Ramon Road; 760.325.2323
Hipster Hangout: Citron Bar at the Viceroy. When the beautiful people flock to Palm Springs, they meet at the Viceroy. One of the few trendy spots in town, visitors beat the heat by sipping refreshing cocktails like watermelon mojitos. Dress your best: This is a lively spot to see and be seen. 415 South Belardo Road; 760.318.3005
Where to chill out:
Oldies But Goodies: The Old Hollywood money in Palm Springs lends itself to some pretty fabulous secondhand shopping. Try the Village Emporium downtown for some unexpected furniture and household treasures. 515 North Palm Canyon Drive; 760.320.6165
Young Turks: For those who want something shiny and new, visit Trina Turk’s boutique. Her brave colors and patterns are well suited to be worn in the desert. 891 North Palm Canyon Drive; 760.416.2856
Travel the Tramway: Take in the whole Coachella Valley as you ride the tram up two and a half miles into the San Jacinto Mountains. At the top, endless outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and even cross-country skiing await. Or, you can just enjoy the cooler mountain air and head back down. The tram is constantly revolving, so you don’t have to vie for the view. One Tramway Road; 760.325.1391; www.pstramway.com