A Weekend In Palm Desert, California

Trying to decide what to see and where to eat for a weekend in Palm Desert? Check out some of my favorite spots in this fun city!

**This post contains affiliate links. Please see my Privacy Policy and Disclosures Statement for more information.**

When we found out that we would be going to San Clemente, California for a wedding, we immediately knew that we wanted to extend our trip by a few days and head to the desert. Palm Desert was the perfect option due to it’s close proximity and the activities that it had to offer!

Where to Stay

First and foremost, where should you stay in Palm Desert? Look no further than Hotel Paseo.

This Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott is the first hotel to be built in the area in nearly 30 years. The boutique hotel features 150 guest rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, Spa La Le and is located just steps from El Paseo Boulevard (known as the Rodeo Drive of the Desert).

We stayed at the hotel just a few months after the grand opening so the hotel was extremely clean. The downside was that the hotel wasn’t complete (for example: the pool bar wasn’t yet open and some areas of the hotel were still under construction). I would highly recommend this hotel and hope to visit again soon.

Ready to book your stay at Hotel Paseo? Click

Note: the hotel charges a destination fee of $36 per day but it includes quite a few amenities. This fee includes valet parking for one car, daily morning yoga, bike rentals, use of the fitness center, two bottles of water in your room each day, WiFi access, Mercedes Shuttle rides to golf and shopping, and discounts for golf and the Spa.

What to Do in Palm Desert

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – This was, by far, our favorite part of visiting the Palm Desert area. The grounds are pristine and we especially enjoyed getting to feed the giraffe and hiking around the Nature Trails. We were able to get around easily despite having a stroller. I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the area!

Indian Canyons – If you are looking for a scenic drive and beautiful views, take the short drive out to Indian Canyons. The landscape is beautiful and there were Park Rangers around to answer questions that you might have while walking around. This is a great place to have a picnic and soak up some views.

Joshua Tree National Park – Located about an hour outside of Palm Desert, this National Park is a must-see. We spent the day hiking around the park and visiting the cactus gardens.

Palm Desert Certified Farmers Market – We stopped here to check out the booths and get lunch. A great way to spend a couple of hours.

Where to Eat

AC3 Restaurant + Bar – This restaurant is located right at Hotel Paseo. We only went for breakfast but it was delicious, the restaurant is bright and inviting, and we may have spotted a celebrity or two dining at the same time.

Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine – I normally plan entire vacations around the restaurants that I want to go to in each city so it isn’t often that I go to the same restaurant twice – this place is an exception. We enjoyed our lunch so much that we went back the following day and brought the rest of our family with us. The food, staff and environment were all great.

UPDATE – As of January 2022, it appears this restaurant has closed. I am hoping it is just temporary as this restaurant was so good.

Il Corso – This lively restaurant fills quickly. We had a couple of really good pasta dishes paired with some nice wine.

Cafe Des Beaux-Arts – The staff here were really sweet when we stopped in for a breakfast of crepes and waffles.

You Grill Korean BBQ – If you are looking for a laid-back meal of all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ then make this place a priority. The location is a little unsuspecting but the food was delicious are there are many options to chose from.

What are your favorite spots to visit during a weekend in Palm Desert? Comment below and let me know!