Guidebook for Desert Hot Springs
Sightseeing
Prime spot for disaster-tourism. Yours truly made history when I walked the entire 120 mile shoreline in June of 2015 with friend Randy Brown— the hijinks of which to be featured in an upcoming documentary on the sea titled "Abandoning Paradise".
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Salton Sea
Prime spot for disaster-tourism. Yours truly made history when I walked the entire 120 mile shoreline in June of 2015 with friend Randy Brown— the hijinks of which to be featured in an upcoming documentary on the sea titled "Abandoning Paradise".
"The Tree". THE quintessential place for introspection, hiking, star-gazing and nature viewing. Made famous by U2's iconic album, "The Joshua Tree". Please pack a gallon of water (per day) and salt replenishment (e.g. salt pills / gatorade).
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IJoshua Tree National Park
"The Tree". THE quintessential place for introspection, hiking, star-gazing and nature viewing. Made famous by U2's iconic album, "The Joshua Tree". Please pack a gallon of water (per day) and salt replenishment (e.g. salt pills / gatorade).
Contains a nature boardwalk for wildlife viewing.
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Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
11055 East DriveContains a nature boardwalk for wildlife viewing.
Take in views of the entire Coachella Valley, and on a clear day, Mexico, Nevada and Arizona from the top of the tram located at 8000+ ft. If you have the time and energy, make the 5 hour round-trip hike to the peak (10,800 ft), where, on a clear day, you can see as far as Los Angeles and at night, Las Vegas.
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram WayTake in views of the entire Coachella Valley, and on a clear day, Mexico, Nevada and Arizona from the top of the tram located at 8000+ ft. If you have the time and energy, make the 5 hour round-trip hike to the peak (10,800 ft), where, on a clear day, you can see as far as Los Angeles and at night, Las Vegas.
Quaint mountain village where you can get fondu, go wine tasting, or get a hot chocolate a mile high. You might actually see snow here in the winter. Bring a jacket, no matter the season.
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Idyllwild-Pine Cove
Quaint mountain village where you can get fondu, go wine tasting, or get a hot chocolate a mile high. You might actually see snow here in the winter. Bring a jacket, no matter the season.
Food Scene
Fantastic spot for BBQ, local music and people-watching. Pappy's is located in Pioneertown, a replica "old west" town which was used as a film set for many years. Pappy's remains an influential venue for bands of the "Palm Desert Scene" including Queens of the Stone Age, The Eagles of Death Metal, Mondo Generator, Yawning Man, and many more.
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Pappy & Harriet's
53688 Pioneertown RdFantastic spot for BBQ, local music and people-watching. Pappy's is located in Pioneertown, a replica "old west" town which was used as a film set for many years. Pappy's remains an influential venue for bands of the "Palm Desert Scene" including Queens of the Stone Age, The Eagles of Death Metal, Mondo Generator, Yawning Man, and many more.
South of the Border
11719 Palm DriveBest tamales i've ever had!
One of my favorite pizza spots anywhere. Located in downtown Palm Springs.
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Bill's Pizza
119 S Indian Canyon DrOne of my favorite pizza spots anywhere. Located in downtown Palm Springs.
Some of the best sandwiches in the country (...and that coming from a native Philadelphian!). Check the hours before going because they vary with the season and can be erratic.
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TKB Bakery & Deli
45334 Golf Center PkwySome of the best sandwiches in the country (...and that coming from a native Philadelphian!). Check the hours before going because they vary with the season and can be erratic.
One of my favorite brunch spots. They offer bottomless champagne for 3.95 / person...
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Pinocchio In the Desert
134 E Tahquitz Canyon WayOne of my favorite brunch spots. They offer bottomless champagne for 3.95 / person...
Las Casuelas Terraza
222 S Palm Canyon DrLive music and mexican food in downtown Palm Springs
Thai Palms Restaurant
12070 Palm DrGreat Thai food!
Grab an iced-cold date shake, and for that matter, any assortment of dates and date-accessories you may desire at this authentic date farm. Did I mention, dates?!
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The Cafe at Shields
80225 California 111Grab an iced-cold date shake, and for that matter, any assortment of dates and date-accessories you may desire at this authentic date farm. Did I mention, dates?!
Get the patty melt and say hi to Steve! Bring a bill (Dollar, Loonie, Euro, Peso or otherwise) to put on the wall, as is tradition here. Anthony Bourdain goes here in his episode "U.S. Southwest".
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Ski Inn
9596 Avenue AGet the patty melt and say hi to Steve! Bring a bill (Dollar, Loonie, Euro, Peso or otherwise) to put on the wall, as is tradition here. Anthony Bourdain goes here in his episode "U.S. Southwest".
Fantastic Jewish deli! Compares to New York and L.A.
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Sherman's Deli & Bakery
401 E Tahquitz Canyon WayFantastic Jewish deli! Compares to New York and L.A.
Koffi
515 N Palm Canyon DrMy place for coffee in the desert.
One of my absolutely favorite German delis. They cater my birthday parties.
Closed - Delicatesse Euro Deli Delights
117 La PlazaOne of my absolutely favorite German delis. They cater my birthday parties.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great spot for local music. Frequented by bands of the "Palm Desert Scene".
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The Hood Bar & Pizza
74360 CA-111Great spot for local music. Frequented by bands of the "Palm Desert Scene".
Tour the brewery and/or have a pint in the tasting room. This location offers brews from the company you can't get anywhere else. You can also pick up a case or growler to go.
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Coachella Valley Brewing Company
30640 Gunther StTour the brewery and/or have a pint in the tasting room. This location offers brews from the company you can't get anywhere else. You can also pick up a case or growler to go.
Shopping
The Rodeo Drive of the desert. IMO best high-end shopping in the desert.
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El Paseo Dr
The Rodeo Drive of the desert. IMO best high-end shopping in the desert.
Gigantic outlet mall with almost every brand you'd want, right next to the Morongo Casino.
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Desert Hills Premium Outlets
48400 Seminole DrGigantic outlet mall with almost every brand you'd want, right next to the Morongo Casino.
Take a break from the heat and catch a movie at the mall. They serve beer at this theater...which i'm told isn't typical at theaters elsewhere across the US and Canada.
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The River Mall
71800 CA-111Take a break from the heat and catch a movie at the mall. They serve beer at this theater...which i'm told isn't typical at theaters elsewhere across the US and Canada.
Everything Else
Top notch casino with all-you-can-eat buffet and sports bar and more.
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Agua Caliente Spa
32-250 Bob Hope DrTop notch casino with all-you-can-eat buffet and sports bar and more.