Palm Springs, CA - A desert oasis
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
We at Places & Spaces Art Co. HQ were thrilled to learn that UK to USA travel is back on the agenda! We often talk about how our travels to America inspired our art prints business and we cannot wait to return. Now seems like a good time to revisit one of our favourite US destinations; Palm Springs.
Stunning mid-century homes are commonplace in Palm Springs.
Find these dazzling homes in E. Sierra Way
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
This Californian city is an oasis in the Sonoran desert, best known for it’s hot springs, mountain views, stylish hotels and mid-century architecture. It’s also a scenic 1 hour drive to the spectacular Joshua Tree National Park. During our second California road trip, we spent three nights at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in downtown Palm Springs; a stunning homage to mid-century style, with glorious suites, a fantastic pool (with plenty of sun loungers) and spa.
Welcome!
Awaiting refreshments after the 2 hr drive from LA.
We found October to be a very good time to visit Palm Springs. The heat is not as intense as the summer months, and although a very hot 30c in peak afternoon heat, the evenings have rather cool temperatures. We had some problems with our booking; on our first night our standard double room was next door to another couple with a very young baby, whom they were having a lot of trouble getting to sleep. We felt for them, but needed some sleep! So on that first night, we requested a room transfer which the management were more than happy to oblige with. It was late and the room seemed fine, bigger than the original even, so we dumped our bags and crashed. The next morning we were awoken by the sweet sound of construction works. A look out of the window showed that we were facing a building site, which was also far from ideal. A quick word with the management led to us being upgraded to the Ace Suite - a huge room with a double bathroom (dual sinks!) and outdoor patio. This was a huge upgrade, so fair play to them.
*Tip: This hotel is rather busy at weekends, with regular DJs and live music events drawing in a party crowd. If you are able to visit midweek, you’ll get much cheaper rates and a better choice of rooms.
The Ace Suite.
Poolside.
Onsite is the Kings Highway Roadside Diner - a true slice of Americana. The food is typical Californian; great burgers, tacos, every type of eggs, pancakes along with healthier lighter bites and the stylish decor is just like the diners you see in the movies. The poolside menu comes from the same kitchen.
Kings Highway Diner @ The Ace Hotel
Pancakes with maple syrup, fruit (and ice cream!?)
A more refined roadside diner.
Delicious Fried Chicken Burger (when in Rome…)
Joshua Tree National Park
During our limited time in Palm Springs, one day trip we were certain of making was to Joshua Tree National Park. From afar, this desert has seemed like a mythical land - another world from the grey, urban environment of London.
The familiar sight of wind farms en route to Joshua Tree NP.
By the entrance to the park.
A relatively short (less than an hour), scenic drive through desert highways from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree NP is a spectacular landscape of mountains, desert and iconic Joshua Trees. The park has defined roads and pathways to enable visitors to get around the various points of interest. Although very sunny and warm in the sun, temperature was surprisingly cool, making us feel a tad under-dressed.
The geology in the park is incredible.
Did you know… There isn’t just one Joshua Tree - there are thousands!
You can pickup a map from the visitor centre to help you find your way around the points of interest in the park, but the most spectacular is surely Keys View. When you make your way to the top of the trail you are greeted with breathtaking views of Coachella Valley - an unforgettable moment.
Parking at Keys View.
Stunning views of Coachella Valley from Keys View.
We could have spent longer than the couple of hours we did at Joshua Tree however, we had a dinner reservation that evening at the highly recommended Rooster and the Pig in downtown Palm Springs.
Waiting line cropped out of shot!
A tasty Vietnamese style salad
This Vietnamese-American fusion restaurant has just the right amount of options on the menu, with most plates designed to be shared. The food is delicious and the ambience is carefully balanced between hip cantina and family restaurant. The drinks menu has a nice selection of cocktails, imported/local beer and a variety of teas. When you’re staying in a great hotel, it’s tempting to hunker down for the duration, but it is definitely worth venturing out for a bite to eat and a drink in town.
House Hunting
A trip to Palm Springs is not complete without exploring the neighbourhoods. The quiet palm tree-lined streets with beautiful mid-century homes aplenty. Head to E.Sierra Way (a few minutes drive) and be prepared for serious house envy!
Cabazon
Our last night (Friday) at the Ace Hotel was pretty lively, with live bands and DJs performing, drawing in a party crowd of non-guests who are able to use the hotel facilities for a resort fee. Observing a young American party crowd was quite the experience, although with a long drive to the coast scheduled for the next day, we decided to call it a night and let them get on with it. We set off for our next stop; Santa Barbara, but not before passing through Cabazon where dinosaurs roam - one for kids of all ages!
Palm Springs is a pretty unique place, a must-visit for fans of mid-century design, desert vibes and Joshua Tree NP is one for the bucket list. Worth the 2 hour detour from LA for those seeking a more chilled vibe. Read destination guide on Santa Barbara here.
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