Food
Tac/Quila
Best Mexican out here; higher end.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/E2TRfr9YQaeDfv129?g_st=ic
Bill’s pizza
Sourdough pizza rated #4 in the country.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/r15tutM3EF5c7Amc6?g_st=ic
Farm
Excellent for breakfast or brunch.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JmE4FuRzDBvqBuUq8?g_st=ic
Wilma & Frieda’s
Excellent brunch.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/14Dk6KW24Uqsfpa78?g_st=ic
Sandwich Spot
Best bread and sauce combo I’ve ever had. Dutch crunch is your bread choice, non-negotiable, soft and crunchy at the same time. Flip upside down to save the roof of your mouth. Secret sauce is a garlic infused olive oil with herbs that is borderline drinkable, but NOT date friendly. (dump them if they don’t like garlic anyhow)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jz3gkxczTCkPbnMG7
The Heyday
The best smash burger you’ll find anywhere! Like a gourmet in-n-out burger. They will randomly do lobster rolls on certain days that sell out quick.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/haaP8FnEiNcnaCCe9?g_st=ic
Chef Tanya’s
The best vegan in the valley.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dfjoWa8cPV6CPjZa7?g_st=ic
Boozehounds
Dog friendly, supports the animal shelter, has 4+ items for dogs on the menu, and a decent happy hour. Lovely outside or atrium dining. Good for big groups.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hcagu96VRDc1sbS5A?g_st=ic
Billy Reed’s
Home cooked comfort meals, classic decor, and median age of 80.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gX1nAxoszh3itUiX6?g_st=ic
Sandfish
Best sushi out here.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7TnezRhg1uDRUGAn6?g_st=ic
Sherman’s Deli
Jewish delicatessen + amazing desserts.
Drink
Bootlegger Tiki
Rated top 10 tiki bars in the country. Get a reservation.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RT1EcFz7eKEz4KcUA?g_st=ic
Paul Bar/Food
The most popular spot for locals with the best craft cocktails out here; a classic, authentic bar experience. Usually has a wait to get in.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/96rqVkSK5sEa6fZV7?g_st=ic
Truss & Twine
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4enJptECEjRgjn286
Coffee
Ernest coffee
Excellent artisanal coffee with beautiful architecture and a nice patio. Stumptown coffee for all of you PNWers.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YZasTTa5VLZfzJBg6?g_st=ic
Cartel Roasting Co
Also great coffee. The patio sucks as it’s on the street and the inside doesn’t allow dogs. Pro tip: you can take your coffee over to the Arrive hotel side and sit with a gorgeous view without needing a day pass if you don’t use the pool loungers. Excellent architecture.
Vibes
Ace Hotel
Nice for pool side hangs. Usually have music going on outside or indoors in the Amigo Room.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/q5iyYciYwz5jkrsS8
The Good House
A beautiful little property in Desert Hot Springs with hot spring mineral waters, a sauna, spa, and excellent food. $60 for a 6 hr pass on the weekend and $40 for a 2 hr pass on weekdays.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8drk74xxJcBLxAyt9
Pappy + Harriet’s in Pioneertown
A bit of a trek up the hill towards Joshua Tree, but totally worth it. Like an old fashioned western saloon. One of the best music venues I’ve been to because of the intimacy.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ue6JznacJz4684KK6
Hunters
Most popular gay bar here. Big pours, go go dancers, and usually good music. If you’re a bachelorette, be mindful that you’re a guest in their safe space and don’t put your hands on the dancers.
Thrifting
Iconic Atomic
Features plus sized vintage and a large collection of men’s wear. Amanda is super friendly and my dog cries to see her because she has treats. Tell her the Banana/Loki sent you.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fh8VC2gV7ncczx6i8
Sunny Dunes Antique Mall
Rated #1 in the LA times
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DzXgpXRcVRR2Ja4B7
Gypsyland
https://maps.app.goo.gl/991jdoo74eX7iEe56
Melody Note Vintage
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ct84MRXt9d7LzSE36
Mitchells
BougieAF. All designer. $$$$
Activities
Moorten Botanical Garden
A massive variety of desert flora & fauna from the southwest and Mexico. A must for any plant lovers. Been around since 1938. Only $5 as well.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VMzSWBpv2hqBFh6cA
Indian Canyons
Several great hikes with waterfalls. Murray Canyon to Seven Sisters Falls is my favorite.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pMNhbayuzi5NQFCJ6
Palm Springs Thursday Night Village Fest
Cute little street fair with quality vendors that closes down the main strip on THURSDAYS. Make sure you read the parking signs earlier in the day; they got my mum once.
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Guided Jeep tours.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ds1tQ1W8o8MEppv57
Toucans Tiki Lounge
Very popular for drag shows. Typically need a reservation for bachelorette parties.
Pet Care
Pawlifornia Dreaming
Sweetest pet sitter and friend named Rhoda. Used to work at the animal shelter, knows pet CPR, insured, and can incorporate your dog, cat, or miniature horse into your wedding.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rMNfEe9jU2AtbwrS7
Miriam’s Poochella
The best groomer here. Period. Not for the fact they do show dogs or can take 2-6 weeks to get into, but because Loki is only ever 1.5 - 2 hrs tops when so many other groomers are twice that and make them sit scared. They have a special bath tub to make the dogs less anxious. Good people.
Photography
Banana Bytes
Uhhh… me. If you need anything shot: product, headshot, marketing, bachelorette, corporate event, etc… I am local and know the area well. I’ve been a freelancer almost my entire life so I kinda sorta know what I’m doing now. I’ve traveled to Madrid, Grand Cayman, Baja Mexico, Nebraska, etc.
Random Acts
of Kindness
If you received a sunflower or polaroid, consider paying it forward for the next person to have that same experience.
I’m entirely self funded at the moment until I get 501(c)(3) status later this year.
In the meantime, I take donations to keep these moments of organic connections going. Truthfully, I will continue to do this with or without financial support because it just feels like the right thing to do as a human when you recognize the simplistic importance of preserving the good days or salvaging a stranger’s day for less than $2.
If you would like to let the fellow traveler know who exactly sent them their flower or polaroid and from where, please leave your name, origin, and any message you’d like me to pass along in the comments.
Have a nice day! - Zack