Palm Springs has been a spring break destination for decades… sun-seekers from all over the country come to the Southern California resort town for some beautiful weather, golf, and swimming pools galore.
So if you can, come after or before spring break when the crowds have left, and before the weather becomes unbearably hot. But here’s a tip: If you can stand the heat, desert hotels offer great specials in summer!!
At La Qunta Resort, CA
I was recently at one of my favorite resorts – La Quinta Resort and Club in the desert town of La Quinta. It is not an overdone hotel. The white Spanish style buildings have a casual vibe which I love, and the place is fantastic for kids. It is nicely spread out on many acres. www.laquintaresort.com
La Quinta Resort and Club
I was there at the beginning of spring break season, so the place was buzzing… fun and lively, but harder to book a tennis court or spa treatment… and definitely harder to get an outside table at one of the great restaurants there. (If you like loud music, the upstairs patio near the Mexican restaurant Adobe Grill is in full party mode… if that’s not your thing, and you’d rather be able to talk to your companions, try Morgan’s in the Desert, closer to the valet parking.)
When we come, the kids play tennis, golf, swim, or venture into the air conditioned arcade when it gets really hot. There ARE 41 pools here after all… I know what you’re thinking, but it really isn’t a zoo. The way the resort is laid out, there are a few hotel rooms to each pool. You can book anything from a casita – some which have their own patios and fireplaces – or a ville or a suite.
Easter weekend is especially great for kids – starting Good Friday (April 22) the fun begins – dive in movie and pottery painting for the kids… & on Easter Sunday an Easter egg hunt.
N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs CA
If you are looking for some adult time outside the resort, go to downtown Palm Springs. One of my favorite thing is to hunt for Mid-Century Modern treasures… whether you find some furniture at an estate sale, and refinish it… or find that gem in one of the many mod stores. Head to N Palm Canyon Drive for tons of furniture galleries… you really only park once and walk the strip.
Christopher Anthony in Palm Springs
One boutique with incredible stuff in my opinion is Christopher Anthony. My friend bought a feminine desk that once belonged to Eva Gabor, and me, being a sucker for art, I ended up falling for and buying this contemporary painting.
Try to negotiate the price of things… many places also give designer discounts.
To cap off the adult afternoon, try head to The Parker Hotel – a hip place that used to be the old Gene Autry Hotel.
The Parker Hotel
It is swank, and I just had to go to see the design alone. Part old Hollywood glamor, yet with a new fresh eclectic mix. Lunch at Norma’s in the hotel isn’t really worth the trip – get a smoothie, or a drink at the fabulous bar instead.
How chic, right? www.theparkerpalmsprings.com
Wherever your travels take you, I wish you a good one 
