Making the Most of Your Weekend in Desert Hot Springs

Inspired by our Joshua Tree Getaway, we decided to see what else there is to do in the fashionable cities of California's Sonoran Desert -- particularly, Palm Springs and the Desert Hot Springs community. When we were looking for things to do in Palm Springs, most websites pointed to the same attractions: pools, art galleries, and restaurants. Hiking and horse-back riding were also popular activities, but probably better suited to a day that wasn't 117 degrees (that's what we get for taking this trip at the end of June). However, even with the heat boiling the water bottles that were left behind in our car, we managed to have an incredible two days filled with natural and artistic beauty. There are many resorts in Palm Springs. Oftentimes, they're very concerned with advertising their modern architecture or posh new renovations. But there are also many hidden gems hosted by wonderful people on AirBnB. Our stay, "The Desert Straw House", was located in Desert Hot Springs, about twenty minutes from Downtown Palm Springs. Although its proximity to restaurants and art galleries were what initially intrigued us about this stay, we probably would have had a great weekend if we spent the entire time at this house!

With a keyboard and guitars available to play, homemade sweets in the fridge and a gorgeous saltwater pool, we were happy to enjoy the summer sun and wildlife in our private backyard (I quickly learned that baby quails are SO cute). We played card games under the tiki hut and used the provided basket and scissors to harvest our own herbs and spices from the garden. Being that we live in a second-story condo in Pasadena, it felt so refreshing to have a backyard again with open space, a firepit and garden.

We were only able to appreciate this escape for a few hours before heading up the dirt road to try our first ever AirBnB "experience": a sunset soak for two in a private hot spring.

Meeting up with the owner was a little awkward, as all first conversations with strangers can be. It didn't help that it was so windy we could barely hear what he was saying, but one thing was clear: this man was VERY proud of his hot spring. And why shouldn't he be? It was absolutely stunning. At a temperature just over 100 degrees, warmed by the San Andreas fault east of Palm Springs and miles below the surface, we were happy to slip into the soothing, crystal-clear water as the sun began its decent over the mountains. We thought two hours would be too much time, but were surprised to find out just how quickly the minutes went by when we were soaking up the mineral water, cooling sun, and conversation without any interruption from our phones (aside from a few obligatory photos, of course).

It was amazing how much cooler the desert air got after the sun began to set, and we were pleasantly surprised to feel refreshed after the soak rather than the drained, lethargic feeling you sometimes get after a long day at the beach. Instead, we got "home" and enjoyed an evening dip in the pool, hamburgers off the grill, and a quick game under the rice lights of the tiki bar. The next morning, we tried our best to get up at a decent time to beat the heat, but honestly there wasn't much point. Even by 9am, the sun was already blazing down on us. Regardless, we moved forward with the day, starting at Bongo Johnny's Patio Bar and Grill. Climbing upstairs to get a seat under one of their bright orange and white umbrellas, we were relieved when glasses of ice water were set down in front of us. Of course, their bottomless mimosas didn't hurt either. We sipped them slowly, aware that neither of us had had anything to eat yet, but the kitchen was so fast that we soon found ourselves chowing down on the "killer chorizo" and chicken fried steak with gravy.

When the waitress came by to ask us if we'd like a second bottle of champagne, lightweights that we are, we asked for a bit more water to chug before heading back out into the heat. From there, we followed the Palm Springs Walk of Stars to art galleries as they opened their doors for the day.

Every gallery had its own style, which I guess goes without saying (clearly, I know nothing about the art world). However, it was incredible to wander in and out of such beautiful places. There was even a clothing store comprised of button-down tops made of fine-art prints. We particularly enjoyed "the SHAG store". This artist's work was all over Palm Springs, and has even been used by Coca Cola, Star Wars, and Paul Frank Industries. Sometimes, the galleries were filled with people that would breathe down your neck, asking questions like, "Aren't they just so talented?" and "If you like this one, you should check out such-and-such on the other side, it's a bit more expensive but completely worth it if you ask me". Which, I didn't. But I do appreciate the enthusiasm! Other places wouldn't give us the time of day, clearly aware of the fact that we couldn't afford anything in their store (definitely looking forward to the day I can Pretty Woman some of those places). Regardless, the biggest takeaway from our adventure down the main Palm Springs strip: pay close attention to what the name of the gallery is, otherwise you might find yourself walking into a very small room filled with framed pornographic images...

Moving right along from art to more art, we stopped in front of Marilyn Monroe before heading into the Palm Springs Art Museum, where we had our 1 o'clock reservation. (Unfortunately, we didn't find out until AFTER we left Palm Springs that Marilyn Monroe's house is there...ah well, a trip for another time). The art museum was absolutely stunning. Even the layout of the building, with its open center and overhanging levels, was architecturally interesting.

Their exhibits were even more exciting to look at. The Agnes Pelton display was filled with "desert transcendentalist" pieces that captured the glowing, vibrant colors of the desert sky as seen through her moments of "meditative stillness". The museum's statue garden was striking, and the volunteers were very kind and welcoming which only added to a great experience.

We had one more stop on the way back to our boiling hot car (literally, the water bottle had HOT water in it now): Great Shakes. Although our bodies were begging us for water, we decided to ignore the dehydration and down some delicious milkshakes instead. If you decide to make this a stop on your Palm Springs journey, I definitely recommend the Brownie Almond Crunch.

Allowing the car to air out a bit so the steering wheel wouldn't scald my hands, we headed back to the straw house, ready for a nap in our shady hammock.

After a few more hours at the pool, we decided to hit one more recommendation before the day's end:

1501 Uptown Gastropub. Our reservation was for 8 o'clock, a time that I'm usually getting ready for bed. But hey, I'm on vacation. So instead, I found myself sitting outside, sweating, reading a menu by the tiki torch light (which was also putting off more heat than the outside fan could balance). Even still, the evening air was a welcome change from the 111 degree sunshine we were walking in earlier today.

We decided to further dehydrate ourselves by ordering a drink instead of water (the mojito was worth it, trust me) and starting out with an appetizer of onion rings, very classy I know.

I then inhaled my Cubano while my husband nibbled at his Blue Crab and Lobster Beer Cheese sandwich (I wasn't a fan, clearly not a refined palate on my end). The service was wonderful, and the dessert really made the meal: their seasonal fresh fruit crumble, which for us consisted of blackberries and strawberries, topped with vanilla ice cream.

Like many other places in Pasadena and Los Angeles, we were paying for the atmosphere, but we were happy to spoil ourselves with a nice evening out. Absolutely exhausted from the heat, we crashed as soon as we got back to our beautiful AirBnB, unsure of how the weekend could already be coming to an end. The next morning, I woke up feeling so lethargic. Clearly, I had NOT had enough water over the past two days, and probably a little too much champagne in its place. I chugged two glasses before packing up and saying goodbye to Beckham, the Desert Straw House pup. We washed our dishes and took out the trash, heading back to Pasadena (where the 90-degree temperature would be a respite from this desert sun).

On our way out, we watched a family of quail run across the driveway, and I was once again struck by how different California can be in just a two-hour drive, and how fortunate we are to have the opportunities to try and see it all...even if it is just over a long weekend.

So long, Desert Hot Springs.

P.S. I promise I'll bring more water next time.