Alison & Dan’s guidebook
Food scene
The Nest
75188 CA-111Fun and lively restaurant/bar just around the corner
Beautiful mid century modern style hotel with a good restaurant - a great spot for a cocktail and fun photos!
Sands Hotel & Spa
44-985 Province WyBeautiful mid century modern style hotel with a good restaurant - a great spot for a cocktail and fun photos!
One of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the desert. It’s lively and the quesadillas and margaritas are amazing! They don’t take reservations, so be sure to call ahead.
82 locals recommend
Casa Mendoza
78110 Cll EstadoOne of our favorite Mexican restaurants in the desert. It’s lively and the quesadillas and margaritas are amazing! They don’t take reservations, so be sure to call ahead.
This is our favorite restaurant when we come to the desert. It’s open seasonally (so not in the summer) and the food is incredible. It’s one of the nicer restaurants in the area and will definitely require a reservation - just give the restaurant a call.
15 locals recommend
Jillian's
74155 El PaseoThis is our favorite restaurant when we come to the desert. It’s open seasonally (so not in the summer) and the food is incredible. It’s one of the nicer restaurants in the area and will definitely require a reservation - just give the restaurant a call.
A beautiful restaurant that is just a little bit of a drive from the house. The food is fantastic and it is great for groups. If you’re with a larger group, you can try to request one of the cabana style tables on the patio.
144 locals recommend
Lavender Bistro
78073 Cll BarcelonaA beautiful restaurant that is just a little bit of a drive from the house. The food is fantastic and it is great for groups. If you’re with a larger group, you can try to request one of the cabana style tables on the patio.
A great local coffee shop! Be prepared for a bit of a line if you get there later in the morning. The line moves quickly… and be sure to get one of their muffins!!
50 locals recommend
IW Coffee
74-995 CA-111A great local coffee shop! Be prepared for a bit of a line if you get there later in the morning. The line moves quickly… and be sure to get one of their muffins!!
This is by far the best Italian food in the desert!! Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior - this place is the real deal! They don’t have many tables, so be sure to call about a reservation. The staff and ownership are so nice and the food is all fresh and delicious.
Trattoria Mezzomondo
This is by far the best Italian food in the desert!! Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior - this place is the real deal! They don’t have many tables, so be sure to call about a reservation. The staff and ownership are so nice and the food is all fresh and delicious.
Sightseeing
The Living Desert was established in 1970 by several trustees of the Palm Springs Desert Museum who foresaw the impact that resort development would have on their local desert ecosystem. This foresight led to an interpretive nature trail and preserve in Palm Desert.
889 locals recommend
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola AveThe Living Desert was established in 1970 by several trustees of the Palm Springs Desert Museum who foresaw the impact that resort development would have on their local desert ecosystem. This foresight led to an interpretive nature trail and preserve in Palm Desert.
Indian Wells Tennis Garden
78-200 Miles AveJoshua Tree National Park
An unbelievable collection of American aircraft and aviation history. The docents are all incredibly knowledgeable and kind, and many of them are veterans with incredible stories to share.
366 locals recommend
Palm Springs Air Museum
lot 745 N Gene Autry TrailAn unbelievable collection of American aircraft and aviation history. The docents are all incredibly knowledgeable and kind, and many of them are veterans with incredible stories to share.