The Perfect Day in Downtown Palm Springs

Sightseeing, Snacks + Shops FOR ANY BUDGET

Palm Springs

This guide highlights some budget-friendly activities in Palm Springs, including a self-guided architecture tour, gallery-like shops perfect for window shopping, and recommendations for budget-friendly bites and happy hour specials.

While Palm Springs may not be the most budget-friendly vacation spot, there are plenty of scenarios that could bring you there on a tight budget. Perhaps you’re planning an extended stay and want to make your money go further, or you’re attending a bachelor or bachelorette party and want to keep costs down. Maybe you’re visiting for a music festival and want to enjoy everything the city has to offer without overspending. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this desert oasis without breaking the bank.

I’ve found that the perfect travel plan strikes the right balance between preparedness and spontaneity. While I love the excitement of discovering new places and experiences, I also know the importance of having a general plan in place to avoid wasting time and missing out on key attractions. It’s worth noting that many businesses in Palm Springs have irregular hours, so be sure to check their current schedule before visiting. One of the most frustrating things that can happen on vacation is walking up to a store or attraction only to find that it’s closed. To avoid this, I always research the hours and availability of the places I want to visit ahead of time. This not only saves time but can also prevent disappointment and frustration.  That being said, I also leave some room in my itinerary for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries. It’s often the unplanned moments that turn out to be the most memorable and unique.

If you have limited time, you can easily tackle this itinerary in one jam-packed day by starting early and maximizing your time at each destination. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can split up the itinerary over multiple days, spending more time at each location and allowing for spontaneous detours and discoveries. You can choose to explore Palm Springs by car, bike, or on foot depending on your preferred mode of transportation. 

The Route

As the perfect travel itinerary should be flexible and allow for unexpected adventures, this route is merely a guide. I’ve listed the recommended destinations in a logical order, but feel free to take detours or backtrack if you come across something that catches your eye.

Start-Ish

End-Ish

Self- Guided Architecture Tour

To make the most of our day in Palm Springs, we began by exploring some of its unique and eclectic neighborhoods. We started in the beautiful neighborhoods of Little Tuscany and Old Las Palmas, where we were able to admire the stunning architecture and beautiful homes. The mid-century modern style of the buildings is a hallmark of Palm Springs and is not to be missed. You can put “West Cielo Drive” or “West Vista Chino” into your GPS as a good starting point.

After visiting these neighborhoods, we stopped at a few shops and restaurants listed above along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive.*

Our journey through Palm Springs continued as we made our way to the vibrant neighbourhood of Indian Canyons. This area is known for its stunning and colourful doors, which make for great photo opportunities. If you’re a fan of the film “Don’t Worry Darling,” be sure to check out the cul-de-sac of homes that were featured in the movie at Azul Circle.

While our itinerary had a general order of destinations, we made sure to leave room for detours and unexpected discoveries. This allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the unique and quirky culture of Palm Springs.

Welcome to the Neighbourhood

If you are a visual learner familiarizing yourself with this neighbourhood map of Palm Springs

THE LOST ART OF WINDOW SHOPPING

The lost art of window shopping refers to the idea that shopping has become synonymous with buying, and that we often feel pressured to make purchases every time we enter a store. This mindset can lead to a shopping addiction that is driven by consumerism and materialism, rather than a genuine love and appreciation for the beauty and artistry of textiles and other goods.

However, by taking a step back and simply enjoying the act of browsing and admiring the products on display, we can rediscover the joy of window shopping. This allows us to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into making these goods, without feeling the need to constantly consume and accumulate.

Window shopping can also be a way to explore new stores and neighbourhoods, and to learn more about the local culture and traditions. By taking the time to observe and appreciate our surroundings, we can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around us.

Stores like The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five is the perfect place to practice this mindset. *Try to resist the urge to buy everything in sight. Instead, take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of the items on display. You may find that this small shift in mindset can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable shopping experience.

The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five

A Palm Springs Staple. A Gallery In Itself. Visit The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five for the ultimate window shopping experience.

Mojave Flea Trading Post

A Palm Springs Staple. A Gallery In Itself. Visit The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five for the ultimate window shopping experience.

Thick As Thieves

A Palm Springs Staple. A Gallery In Itself. Visit The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five for the ultimate window shopping experience.

SOUVENIRS

Although shopping in Palm Springs can be costly, with a keen eye, you can discover affordable souvenirs that won’t break the bank.

Budget-Friendly Bites

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Boozehounds

Hosts a daily Happy Hour Cocktail and Food Menu from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

King's Highway

Hosts breakfast, lunch and dinner with approachable prices.

El Jefe

Hosts Happy Hour specials from Monday - Friday 2-6 PM and Taco Tuesday and Thursday specials from 6-9 PM.

Bootlegger TIKI

Hosts daily Happy Hour specials from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM + late night deals.

Azúcar

Restaurant and Bar

Splurge

A Taste of nature

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The Perfect Coachella Valley Itinerary

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