Guides: Palm Springs - Traveling Newlyweds

Ernest Coffee: Best coffee we’ve found in Palm Springs yet. Love their quirky hipster vibe (they serve alcoholic drinks too!) - and they even have a speakeasy Tiki Bar in the back. (See more about that below) (@ernestcoffee)

Koffi Coffee: There are several Koffi locations throughout Palm Springs and Palm Desert, but our personal favorite is their Central Spot. The patio is spacious and dog friendly, and the drinks and baked goods are great! (Koffi Coffee on Instagram)

Breakfast

Elmer’s: Elmer’s is old school in the best kind of way. Nothing about this diner is hip or cool, and that’s exactly why we love it. It’s casual, the menu is extensive (and filled with pictures!), and the food is bomb. They win at breakfast. (@elmers_restaurants)

Bobby’s pick: Country Biscuit Breakfast
Alli’s pick: Avocado Benedict

Cheeky’s: Two words: Bacon Flight. If you go to Cheeky’s for anything, go for the bacon. And then order all the food - because it’s all incredible and the menu changes weekly. Get there early - the wait can be long (especially on the weekend). (@cheekysps)

Norma’s: Sit outside on their brightly colored terrace, treat yourself to Norma’s Super Blueberry Pancakes and a Bellini, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Palm Springs morning. Norma’s is pricey ($27 for pancakes - yikes!!), but it’s a good time. (@parkerpalmsprings)

Lunch/Dinner

Workshop Kitchen + Bar: A 90-year-old theater turned super-stylish eatery, the ambiance here is almost as amazing as the food and craft cocktails. Another win is that they source most of their ingredients from local farms! (@workshopkitchenbar)

Bobby’s pick: Wood Grilled Hanger Steak
Alli’s pick: Kabocha Squash Risotto

Rooster and the Pig: Vietnamese-American cuisine like you’ve never had it before. The menu is progressive, fresh, and casual. This will be one of your favorite meals in Palm Springs, hands down. Word has spread, so expect a wait (they don’t take reservations). (@roosterandthepig)

Palm Greens: Hidden away in a little stripmall, it’s easy to overlook Palm Greens Cafe. We love their healthy, clean and organic menu - with tons of options for vegans and vegetarians, as well as wild-caught fish. (Palm Greens on Instagram)

King’s Highway Diner: It doesn’t get more hipster than this trendy roadside diner located in the Ace Hotel… and we love it. The vibe is casual, the food is high quality and delicious, and they serve a killer date shake. (Random, but try it.) (@kingshighwaydiner)

Bill’s Pizza: Some of the best pizza you’ll ever have is at Bill’s. We suggest getting it to go and taking it back to the pool. Try some of their specialty creations - like the Bill’s Favorite or the Elton John. (Bill’s Pizza on Instagram)

4 Saints: Located on the rooftop of the new Rowan Hotel, this has quickly become our go-to spot for cocktails in downtown Palm Springs. It’s hip and vibe-y and feels exclusive. (@4saintspalmsprings)

Counter Reformation: This little hidden bar has an almost speakeasy vibe, and it’s EPIC. They have 14 seats, 17 wines, and it’s shockingly affordable. Three-ounce pours are $6, six-ounce glasses are $11. It’s dark and moody in the best kind of way, and they serve small bites too! (@parkerpalmsprings)

Bootlegger Tiki: Because we can never pass up a good tiki bar, and they have one of the best happy hours in town. From 4-6pm (or 12am-2am for you night owls) you can get cocktails for $5 and beer for $3 - which is a STEAL in Palm Springs! We’ll see ya there! (@bootleggertiki)

Parker Palm Springs: This property has been a Palm Springs icon since it was the first Holiday Inn in California (say what!?) in 1959. And now it’s the perfect combination of old-school elegance and fun and quirky Jonathan Adler decor. Even if we’re not staying here, we love to explore the grounds, grab a drink, and people watch. (@parkerpalmsprings)

Sparrows Lodge: This 20-room lodge has a modern and rustic vibe that’s equally inviting as it is peaceful. It’s very different than the typical mid-century modern hotels (in a good way), and breakfast is included (always a plus). (@sparrowslodge)

The Rowan: We’ve never met a Kimpton property we didn’t love - and this one is no exception. Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, the location is killer and the rooms are spacious and chic. We’d spend all day at their stylish rooftop pool! (@rowanpalmsprings)

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: This is the world’s LARGEST rotating aerial tram - traveling over two and a half miles to the top of San Jacinto Peak. It’s $25.95/person ($19.95 for kids), and you can hike, explore, and dine at the top! We recommend having lunch or dinner at Peak’s restaurant - you simply can’t beat the views! (@palmspringsaerialtramway)

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: This is the best kind of zoo, as the animals are free to roam in large enclosures that are as close to natural as you can get. Wear comfortable shoes - it involves a lot of walking! (@thelivingdesert)

Tahquitz Canyon Hike: This two-mile hike takes you to a waterfall (say what!?) in the middle of the desert. Go early (especially in the summer - it gets HOT).

Besides the high temps in the summertime, Palm Springs is SO dog friendly. Make sure your pups are well hydrated and have access to AC, and they’ll be fine! Here’s some things to do: