Palm Springs Out and About
Eating, wandering, and days well spent
After settling into the Skyfall House, Palm Springs was ready to be explored!
Eating Out and Taking Out!
Despite Palm Springs reputation for relaxation, many of the restaurants I visited required advance reservations, particularly for dinner. Planning ahead paid off. Dining here is less about spontaneity and more about knowing where you want to land.
Some of my favorite meals came from places that offered plant-based foods. At Clandestino, the vegan tamales were the best I’ve ever had—rich, delicious, and deeply satisfying. The vegan nachos were a close second, and a fellow vegan diner insisted I return for the “taco chips” next time, which felt like a local endorsement worth honoring. The coconut sorbet, an enormous serving, was so good that it was hard not eat it all.
Coconut Sorbet at Clandestino!
Tropicana offered a different energy altogether: fun, lively, and confident. A tofu bowl over black rice and vegetables felt both healthy and indulgent. The sauce was delicious.
Palm Springs also excels at takeout, which pairs especially well with a house stay. Two standouts were Chef Tanya’s, which has two locations and is often marked by a line out the door, and Native Foods—reliable, satisfying, and easy to work into the day. Having strong vegan options that travel well makes evenings at home feel effortless.
Wandering & Shopping
Palm Springs is a city that invites wandering without urgency. The downtown area is a mix of a few chain stores, boutiques, vintage wear, restaurants, and souvenir shops. El Paseo in Palm Desert is a street with a totally different feel. Expensive boutiques, jewelry stores, and restaurants line the streets. There are chain stores as well, along with plenty of small coffee shops where you can sit down and recharge. Great way to get your steps in if you tire of hiking!
Movement & Balance
Hiking is a highlight here. So many trails to choose from, for all different abilities. My personal favorite is visiting the Indian Canyons, where the senior fee is $7.00. Andreas Canyon is a good beginner hike: a little over a mile loop and sheltered by California fan palms. There are plenty of free hiking trails in Palm Springs, too!
The Takeaway
Palm Springs works best when you don’t try to do too much—but it does reward a bit of forethought, especially when it comes to dining. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy shaping their days rather than following a fixed itinerary, particularly when paired with a house stay that offers privacy, flexibility, and a calm return.
All opinions are my own.