A Walkable Itinerary of Culture, Comfort & Discovery
Downtown Palm Springs is more than rooftop cocktails and stylish shops—it’s a living story, shaped by Native heritage, midcentury design, and desert resilience. This two-day walking itinerary combines curated experiences with cultural depth, providing an immersive glimpse into the city’s heart and soul.
Downtown Palm Springs is compact and easy to explore on foot. Free parking garages are available on Baristo Road and at the Hyatt Palm Springs.
Day One: Icons, Boutiques & Open-Air Culture
☀️ Morning: Brunch and a Boulevard Stroll
Start your day at Farm, a tucked-away French-style garden café in historic La Plaza. Enjoy French press coffee and a decadent crêpe beneath flowering bougainvillea. On the corner of Amado and North Palm Canyon is Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar & Grill, a Palm Springs institution. This retro diner offers hearty American breakfasts with generous portions and a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Try the fluffy pancakes, classic eggs benedict, or their famous breakfast burritos to start your day right. (222 W Baristo Rd)
Then stroll along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars along Palm Canyon Drive. Look for the names of Hollywood icons, entertainers, and community leaders whose stories have shaped the city.
As you walk, spot more than 400 stars honoring celebrities, civic leaders, and cultural icons—from Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor to local trailblazers—etched into the sidewalks of Palm Canyon Drive.
Begin your stay with the perfect Palm Springs wardrobe. Pop into Frenchy's Fashion or Peepa's for bold resort and swimwear, both on North Palm Canyon Drive. These shops will have you looking the part. Then visit Destination PSP for midcentury-inspired gifts and design-forward souvenirs, attire, and home goods.
📸 Best selfie spot? The giant Forever Marilyn Monroe statue in the downtown park.
The recently revitalized Downtown Park surrounds the iconic statue and provides shaded seating, public art installations, and a perfect spot to relax between stops.
Midday: Art, Espresso & Vintage Finds
Cool off inside the Palm Springs Art Museum, an architectural gem where Native American art, midcentury modern works, and contemporary pieces come together in striking harmony. The museum features rotating exhibitions, a renowned permanent collection, and sculpture gardens that highlight the creativity and complexity of desert culture. Located just steps from the iconic Forever Marilyn statue in the heart of the downtown park, it’s a refreshing and inspiring stop on any Palm Springs itinerary.
Next, enjoy espresso at L’Atelier Café—a quiet, Parisian-style hideaway in La Plaza. With its black-and-white tile, buttery croissants, and shady patio, it’s the perfect spot to journal, recharge, or watch the world go by. Then browse Thick As Thieves steps away for vintage finds, a local favorite for vintage treasures, handmade jewelry, and artfully curated fashion and home goods that reflect the eclectic spirit of Palm Springs.
Art Stop: Just a short walk from the museum, Stewart Galleries offers a refined and thoughtful collection of fine art, antiques, and decorative pieces. Known for its exceptional 19th- and 20th-century works and museum-quality curation, it’s a quieter, more intimate space that appeals to serious collectors and design enthusiasts alike.
Afternoon: Lunch break with local favorites with personality
When it’s time to refuel, downtown offers plenty of casual charm. Here are three lunch spots locals swear by—each just a short stroll from the museum and park:
Grand Central Palm Springs – Housed in the historic La Plaza, this stylish café serves elevated comfort food with a touch of flair. Try the avocado toast with poached egg, the short rib grilled cheese, or seasonal salads. A great mix of buzz and relaxation. (160 La Plaza)
Jimmy B’s Grill & Bar – A laid-back eatery with sidewalk seating and a classic menu of burgers, wraps, and hearty salads. Great service, refreshing drinks, and a casual vibe make it perfect for a relaxed mid-day pause. (250 S Palm Canyon Dr)
Juniper Table – Located within the Rowan Palm Springs, this all-day café serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired fare with an upscale, yet relaxed ambiance. Enjoy grain bowls, seasonal flatbreads, fresh-pressed juices, or a craft coffee in the airy dining room or shaded patio. (100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way)
Then treat yourself to tropical scoops at Lappert’s Ice Cream, known for its rich creamy textures and island-inspired flavors. Or go all-in with a gourmet milkshake from Great Shakes, topped with their signature mini donut. Their creative flavor combos and retro flair make it a must-stop treat in downtown Palm Springs.
Step Back in Time at the Palm Springs Historical Society
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the desert oasis by visiting the Palm Springs Historical Society. Located in a beautifully restored 1930s home, the society’s museum and archives showcase fascinating exhibits on the city’s history, the Hollywood glamour era, and the midcentury modern boom. It’s a must-see for history buffs and anyone curious about the stories that shaped Palm Springs’ unique character. They also offer walking tours seasonally.
🌙 Evening: Street Fair Vibes & Elevated Classic Comfort Food
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine under the stars at Las Casuelas Terraza, a family-run Mexican restaurant with live music, patio seating, and over 60 years of Palm Springs tradition. Three patios offer a romantic, lively, and cozy vibe, brimming with color, music, and a fiesta spirit.
Just down the block, on the corner, is Kaiser Grille, offering a California-Mediterranean style menu with selections like Prime steaks, seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and handcrafted pasta. They also have a daily happy hour and weekly specials. On the same corner is Zin American Bistro, serving elevated American dishes with French touches. A local cornerstone since 2004 and celebrated for its Wine Spectator Award-winning list (550+ selections), bold flavor combinations, and heartfelt hospitality.
If it’s a Thursday, don’t miss VillageFest—a beloved local street fair that turns Palm Canyon Drive into a lively promenade of live music, handmade art, food trucks, and indie vendors.
Day Two: Heritage, Healing & Rooftop Glamour
Morning Fuel: Breakfast or Brunch Before You Explore
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast or leisurely brunch at one of these downtown favorites:
Broken Yolk Café – A bright, casual spot known for its hearty portions and extensive menu. Whether you’re craving omelets, pancakes, or chilaquiles, it’s a reliable go-to for a classic American breakfast with friendly service. (262 S Palm Canyon Dr)
Wilma & Frieda’s – Located in the Mercado Plaza just next to Broke Yolk Cafe, this local gem blends comfort food with creative flair. Signature dishes include short rib benedict, lemon lavender pancakes, and homemade pop tarts—plus a shaded upstairs patio with views. (155 S Palm Canyon Dr, upstairs)
Pinocchio in the Desert – One of downtown’s most energetic brunch spots, Pinocchio is famous for bottomless mimosas, oversized plates, and a festive atmosphere. An excellent pick for those who like their breakfast with a side of fun. (134 E Tahquitz Canyon Way)
Morning: Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza & Oasis Trail
Begin at the stunning new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a 48,000-square-foot space honoring the history, art, and resilience of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Don’t miss the immersive creation story theater and rare ancestral artifacts excavated during construction.
Next, walk the adjacent Oasis Trail, a serene garden path inspired by sacred tribal lands in the Indian and Tahquitz Canyons. Interpretive signage shares the deep cultural meaning of native plants and desert ecology.
Midday: Sacred Waters & Spa Rituals
Next door, step into The Spa at Séc-he, built atop the ancient Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. Luxurious features include:
- Private mineral soaking tubs
- Salt caves & eucalyptus steam rooms
- Acoustic wellness loungers & float therapy
“Séc-he” means “the sound of boiling water” in Cahuilla. These sacred waters have healed and sustained the Agua Caliente people for millennia, and they’re the original source of the city’s name: Palm Springs.
After your spa rituals, refuel at the on-site Málmal Café, offering healthy, spa-inspired cuisine in a serene, sunlit setting. Expect fresh salads, protein bowls, smoothies, and seasonal dishes designed to nourish body and mind—perfect after a mineral soak or steam. You can enjoy your meal poolside or in the relaxing café space before heading out for an afternoon of exploration.
Another lunch option by the downtown park is Clandestino – A sultry, Spanish-style lounge offering elevated Mexican fare and creative cocktails. The atmosphere is intimate and moody, with standout dishes like cochinita pibil tacos, shrimp ceviche, and mezcal-forward cocktails. Perfect for a stylish yet relaxed post-spa lunch.
Afternoon: Ice Cream & Style Splurges
Head to Gelato Granucci, where you’ll find authentic Italian gelato and sorbets made fresh daily using traditional techniques. Their bright fruit flavors and creamy classics offer a true taste of Italy in the heart of the desert.
Then go shopping at some of downtown’s fashion-forward boutiques:
👗 Women’s Fashion
• Johnny Was – embroidered boho chic
• Canyon Rose Boutique – feminine, colorful, curated
• Kimbals Palm Springs – bold resortwear & accessories
👔 Men’s Fashion
• Frank Clothiers – timeless staples & tailoring
• H&M – Affordable resort looks, casual basics & fast fashion essentials
• British Invasion – rocker edge with a nod to mod
Bonus: If you have time, visit the Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center. Housed in a beautifully restored 1961 modernist bank designed by E. Stewart Williams. This satellite location of the main art museum features rotating exhibitions focused on architecture, modernism, and innovative design—all essential to Palm Springs' global design legacy.
📍300 S Palm Canyon Dr
🍷 Sip & Unwind at Canopy Wine Lounge before dinner.
Before dinner, relax at the chic and inviting Canopy Wine Lounge, one of downtown’s newest additions. Enjoy a curated wine list featuring global varietals and biodynamic selections, along with artisan cheeses and small bites. The modern desert décor and laid-back sophistication make it a perfect pre-dinner retreat.
Evening: Rooftop Toasts & Farewell Flavor
Enjoy dinner at 4 Saints, an elevated seasonal fare with sweeping views.
For something more casual, LuLu California Bistro offers a vibrant energy, indoor/outdoor seating, and crowd-pleasing menus.
Where to Stay
Boutique Hotels
Chic, personal, and rooted in local design
1. Holiday House - Art-forward, midcentury-inspired hotel with a blue-and-white palette, communal dining, and stylish pool scene.
200 W Arenas Rd
2. Andreas Hotel & Spa - A Spanish Revival gem offering an intimate experience with cozy rooms, spa services, and a pool tucked just off the main drag.
227 N Indian Canyon Dr
3. Del Marcos Hotel (Adults Only) - Designed in 1947 by famed architect William Cody, this retro-modernist property features a vintage vibe, mountain views, and free bike rentals.
225 W Baristo Rd
4. La Serena Villas (Adults Only) - Luxury boutique with 18 private villas, clawfoot tubs, personal fire pits, and an on-site rooftop bar (Azúcar).
339 S Belardo Rd
5. Korakia Pensione - A Mediterranean-Moroccan style escape with serene courtyards, yoga sessions, and dreamy desert ambiance.
257 S Patencio Rd
Resort-Style Hotels
Larger properties with full-service amenities and mountain views
6. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs - Upscale desert-modern hotel with a rooftop pool (the only one downtown), on-site dining, mountain views, and walkable access to downtown.
100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way
7. Hilton Palm Springs Resort - Classic full-service resort with large pool, cabanas, spa services, and easy access to the Palm Springs Convention Center.
400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
8. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel – Contemporary resort-style hotel with a large pool, on-site restaurant, and immediate access to the Palm Springs Convention Center. Popular with event and conference guests.
888 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
9. Hyatt Palm Springs - All-suite hotel with large rooms, a central location, and views of the San Jacinto Mountains from many balconies.
285 N Palm Canyon Dr
10. Thompson Palm Springs – Stylish new luxury hotel blending modern design with desert textures. Features rooftop dining, multiple pools, curated art, and walkable access to downtown shops and dining.
200 W Tahquitz Canyon Way
