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“Get away, leave today!” — Earth, Wind and Fire

Attention all moms! I hope you all raised excellent kids, and that they see this post and take you to Palm Springs for Mother’s Day. But if they’re all caught up in themselves this year (hey, it happens), or if you need a break from being a mom (you deserve it), then let this be your inspiration to take yourself away. Grab some of your girlfriends and enjoy a relaxing and very fun time in sunny Palm Springs. 

Palm Springs boutique hotels with spas

A white outdoor tub on a patio at Terra Palm Springs

Guests at Terra Palm Springs can Indulge in a private outdoor bath. Courtesy of Terra Palm Springs

How does a spa getaway sound? Aaah-mazing, right? Who doesn’t need a little pampering every now and then? Here are some spa hotels that won’t let you down.

Ingleside Estate — At this storied hotel you’ll be surrounded by history. You’ll love both the location and the vibe. And they have Melvyn’s, a restaurant and lounge with live entertainment. Guests have access to Estrella Spa at the Ingleside Estate’s sister property, Avalon Palm Springs.

Andreas Hotel and Spa — Mid-town, steps from everything, plus there’s a full-service spa — hello.

Terra Palm Springs — Wow! “Palm Springs’s first wellness-focused boutique hotel. Thirteen experiential rooms, including spa suites, private cold plunges, firepits, and fitness decks create the ultimate sanctuary. A wellness center consisting of a rain room, Himalayan salt sauna, red light therapy room, and Ayurvedic spa services, plus a juice bar, yoga, and sound bath offerings are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired.”

La Serena Villas — It’s gorgeous! Right next to Whispers Spa is Azucar and Sugar High, a restaurant and rooftop bar. And you’re steps away from the downtown action!

L’Horizon — Super swanky, this old estate will make you feel like you’re the guest of some movie star. You kinda are.

Bicycles, hot tubs and pools (I’ll even throw in breakfast)

Rocky ledges and palms surround the beautiful pool at Sparrows Lodge Hotel in Palm Springs, California

The Sparrows Lodge pool is a natural gathering place for guests. Photo courtesy of Sparrows Lodge

Sparrows Lodge — Absolutely gorgeous lodge on the south end of Palm Springs. You can also get lunch and dinner here at their little restaurant. It’s actually a hot ticket.

Desert Hills — West of Palm Canyon, you’re walking distance to downtown, and a biking excursion for coffee in the design district is about a 10-minute ride. Nice sized pool with plenty of room to lounge. 

Orbit In — Close to Desert Hills, but straight out of the Jetsons. It not only has the above-listed amenities, but it also has a wonderful view of Frey House II.

Desert Riviera — We’re back on the south side of Palm Springs, which has its own swinging vibe. The Purple Room and PS Underground are on this end of town, and a bike ride into the Mesa is a must. Unless you have thighs of steel, stay on the road that runs parallel to South Palm Canyon, then stop at El Mirasol South for a Cadillac Margarita.

Movie Colony Hotel — Lovely hotel at Alejo and Indian Canyon, and at the entry to the neighborhood called the Movie Colony. Great area if you like old estates and perfect for a bike ride. Plenty of places to eat and drink just one block away.

Brunch options

Groups of diners eat under yellow umbrellas at Eight4Nine in Palm Springs, California

Lunch tastes even better when dining outside at Eight4Nine. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

There are plenty of great places to take your mom for brunch. If you’re looking for something on the elegant side, I suggest Farm, Spencer’s, Eight4Nine, Kaiser Grille, and Jake’s.

For something less formal, consider Palm Greens Cafe in the Sun Center. Not super crowded, with tasty food. On the relaxed end of things, 1501 Uptown Gastropub does a great job, and Jimmy B’s, in the heart of downtown, provides terrific food, entertainment, and great people watching. Upstairs from Jimmy B’s is Wilma & Frieda’s, which is also a hot spot. 

If Mexican food, particularly fajitas, is your jam, go to Maracas. The margaritas are great, and they have the best salsa. Sit outside for the people watching. 

Golf and brunch

Mountain and palm tree views from the patio at Escena in Palm Springs, California

The views are gorgeous from the patio at Escena. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Escena Grill (for golf, go here)

Indian Canyons has two dining options and two player options. The South Course Grill is my favorite because of the amazing view. If it’s nice, dine al fresco.

Something extra special

The tram on its way to cooler temperatures. Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Peaks at the Top of the Tram — Take the gondola up the mountain and enjoy the views while you enjoy a lovely brunch.

Labor Pains at PS Underground — Brunch and entertainment 

PSAir Mid-Mod Boozy Brunch — Come fly with the captain and his delightful bevy of air hostesses. Drag brunch and show. 

The most beautiful hike in Palm Springs is Tahquitz Canyon. The final destination is incredibly rewarding. Go early. 

Have a Happy Mother’s Day! And moms? Thanks for all you do. 

May The Force Be With You — Star Wars

There’s a lot to do in the merry, merry month of May, so I’ll shut up so we can get on our merry, merry way:

Special Days

Mother’s Day — May 8

Melvyn’s — Special menu for Mom

Le Vallauris — Brunch in a gorgeous setting

849 — Beautiful space, good food

Labor Pains — A musical Mother’s Day brunch, at PS Underground

Courtesy of PS Underground

Lulu — Another special menu for a special lady

Farm — Take Mom to the south of France in Palm Springs. Downside: no reservations

L’Atelier Cafe — The cutest little cafe serving delicious quiche, pastries, coffee, champagne, and more

Modernism Week, May Jewelry Event — “You’ll love this Mother’s Day weekend spectacular of jewelry and fiber art! The variety of color, texture, and design from our featured artists is truly dazzling.” The first glimpse is Friday, May 6th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 550 N. Palm Canyon Dr. (refreshments served). The showcase is also open Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Memorial Day

Clothing-optional pool party at Tuscany Manor

Annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop, May 30. The Palm Springs Air Museum says: “This is a very special day … our brief memorial service is dedicated to all of our fallen comrades, who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. In their honor, we highlight the service with a fly-by and flower drop of over 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell bomber. This most impressive ceremony is our way of saluting our fallen comrades. Visitors are welcome to pick up a flower to take home.” Admission from $17.50 to $19.50.

Special Events

Modernism Week — May. A very paired down Modernism event, but their offerings look pretty amazing. It’s the first time they’ve done this, so check it out, and act quick. The parties always sell out fast.

May 4: Rock The Park, featuring a Tina Turner Tribute. Downtown Park Palm Springs.

May 11 – 15: Oasis Music Festival. There are many locations for this event, with many different musical artists. Too many to list here. Check it. They’re going to try to do it every year.

Courtesy of Oasis Music Festival

May 29: AsiaSF Palm Springs/The Sonoran Ceremony Pool Party. Music by DJ Edward Frame and DJ Ryan Kenney. Hosted by Epiphany Mattel. Special performance by the Ladies of AsiaSF. Noon to 7 p.m.

May 29: UNITY. Music by DJ Twisted Dee. Special performance by Gia Banks of Haus of Tischi. 10 p.m. to LATE.

The above two events are sponsored by LYMI (Love You Mean It) Productions. AsiaSF is located in an event space known as The Sonoran. You guys, it’s gorgeous. I went to the opening of AsiaSF and the party was poolside. There were fire pits, seating, and built-in food stations, and even with more than 100 of us in the space, it still wasn’t crowded. And the mountains are right there. It’s especially stunning at twilight.

May 20 and 21: Rare Books. More than 40 antiquarian booksellers from across the country will share their love of books, fine prints, maps, ephemera, photography, and more. $25. Hotel ZOSO.

The Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum: Check out their calendar for some great jazz and dance.

Plunge 2: Leather Order of the Desert at Canyon Club, clothing optional men’s resort.

Clubs/Nightclubs/Dinner Theater

The Alibi  This will get you to their ticketed and free shows. This link is for shows not listed on their calendar.

Courtesy of The Alibi

PS Underground — Just as cool as it sounds.

The Purple Room — Rat Pack vibe and interior design, with a new whiskey bar. Live entertainment Tuesday through Sunday. The year the ticketed events seem to be a broader spectrum of players. They’re all excellent, and of course, say it with me: The Judy Show is my favorite show in town.

Oscar’s — Well-known inclusive club with LGBTQ+ entertainers and allies. They’re really stepping up their entertainment with some incredible international acts.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge and Cabaret — Hosts the longest running drag show in Palm Springs, and much much more.

PS Air — It’s a speakeasy inside a wine shop that looks like the interior of an airplane. The entertainment is fun, and the food is good!

Theater

Into The Woods at Palm Canyon Theater

Mid-Century Moderns The Musical at Desert Rose Playhouse

Recurring Events

Palm Springs Historical Society Tours So many tours! I want to do them all. Except the ones on a bike. (I don’t do bikes.)

Palm Springs Cultural Center

Vintage Market – May 1 ONLY. (First Sunday of every month)

For a list of all of their events and tickets, go here. There’s a lot of great music and shows to see.

Of Special Note: Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival 

Sun-Dazed Drag Brunch poolside at The Sonoran, presented by AsiaSF and Heklina. Sundays.

Illusions Drag Show Brunch and Illusions Drag Show Dinner at Pete’s Hideaway

Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino

Latin Nights on Sundays

Mimosas, Martinis & Music hosted by Don Wardell on Mondays

Desert Blues Revival on Wednesdays

Jazzville on Thursdays

Caliente Comedy on Fridays

Thursdays, free admission at Palm Springs Art Museum (from 5 to 7 p.m.) and Village Fest (6 to 10 p.m.)

MOGO Silent Disco Tour — Fridays and Saturdays, put on your headphones and dance down the streets of Palm Springs listening to specially curated songs as you tour some of our more famous spots.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Kitties! Opening in June, Frisky Business (at Gene Autry and E. Palm Canyon) is where you can go to snuggle a kitty for an hour and help the owner’s rescue efforts. They’re partnered with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and will offer services (TBA), merchandise, and events in a fun, unique, relaxed environment for both cats and people.

Masks are off, sunscreen is on, and see you in June!