Palm Springs is serving up sunny oasis vibes, and I’m here to make it a total party without breaking the bank—let’s soak up the desert sun! Think mid-century glam, palm-lined streets, and quirky spots that’ll have you living your best life. I’m spilling the secrets to live that bougie life affordably, from poolside lounging to retro diners. Grab your shades, and let’s dive into this Palm Springs adventure at 6:45 PM EDT!
Desert Fun & Sunny Spots to Play
Start at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—$30 round-trip, but the views from 8,500 ft at Mt. San Jacinto are unreal (hike for free up top!). Lounge at Moorten Botanical Garden—$5 entry for a cactus wonderland with Insta-worthy blooms. For a free thrill, hit Indian Canyons—$9 entry (split with friends), with palm oases and hiking trails that scream desert magic. Don’t miss Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage—free entry, with 200 acres of desert gardens and mid-century charm!
Trendy Eats & Drinks to Savor
Fuel up at Cheeky’s on N Palm Canyon Dr—$10 for their bacon flight (yes, a flight of bacon!) with fluffy pancakes. Sip a $6 date shake at Great Shakes on S Palm Canyon Dr—thick, sweet, and so Palm Springs! For dinner, hit King’s Highway at Ace Hotel—$12 burgers with retro diner vibes and a jukebox to keep the party going. Happy hour at Bootlegger Tiki on N Palm Canyon Dr means $8 mai tais in a neon-lit tiki cave—so fun!
Retro & Artsy Hangouts
Wander Uptown Design District on N Palm Canyon Dr—free to browse mid-century shops like Trina Turk (score $15 sunglasses on sale!). Snap pics at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s outdoor sculpture garden—free entry Thursdays (4-8 PM). For a quirky stop, check out the Robolights art installation (seasonal, $5 donation)—a wild desert yard filled with neon robots and lights. Stroll Palm Canyon Drive for free retro vibes—those pastel doors and neon signs are straight out of a movie!
Getting Around: Cheap & Sunny
Ride the Buzz Trolley—free and loops through Uptown and Downtown every 15 minutes, perfect for hopping around! Rent a Blue Bike for $4.50/30 minutes to cruise Palm Canyon Dr. Walk the Palm Springs Walk of Stars—free and you’ll spot names like Elvis Presley!
Bougie on a Budget Hacks
Stay at HI Palm Springs Hostel ($40/night)—central with a pool and desert views. Pack a $5 picnic from Ralphs on E Tahquitz Canyon Way for Sunnylands. Catch free poolside movies at Ace Hotel (check their site for schedules). Snag a $10 vintage scarf at The Frippery on N Palm Canyon Dr for that Palm Springs flair.
Splurge Options for Extra Glam
Splurge at Parker Palm Springs—rooms from $300/night with a lemonade stand and lush grounds. Sip at Melvyn’s at Ingleside Inn—$15 martinis with Rat Pack vibes. Dine at Workshop Kitchen + Bar—$35 farm-to-table plates with a chic concrete vibe!
What to Pack for Desert Fun
Pack a swimsuit, cover-up, and sandals for pool days, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and a cute dress or linen shirt for nights out. Bring a reusable water bottle, a camera for cactus pics, and a small backpack for hiking snacks!
Why Palm Springs is a Sunny Steal
Palm Springs’ sunny oasis vibes—desert hikes, retro diners, and mid-century charm—make it a dream trip. Nibble at Cheeky’s, explore Moorten, and live that bougie life affordably. Splurge at Workshop for extra sparkle. Ready for your Palm Springs adventure?