Movie Colony

While Palm Springs packed with modern and mid-century architecture (drive around for a few minutes and you'll see several marquee name homes), the best way to see it all and get the backstory is by guided tour. A three-hour, fully-immersive tour (we told you there's a lot to see!). To keep things intimate and encourage conversation, groups are kept to six people tops. These sell out fast, so a self-guided tour using the Palm Springs Modern app is a great alternative.

Brainchild of Jaime Kowal and Chris Pardo (the dynamic duo behind neighboring Ernest Coffee), Bootlegger Tiki—with its totem poles, novelty lighting, and various pictures of topless ladies on the walls—is the epitome of a kitschy tiki bar. Best part: happy hour is a daily occurrence here, meaning the elaborate rum-centric concoctions (Mai Tai, Daiquiri, Blue Hawaii, and more) can be enjoyed at deep discounts from four to six.

There are two Koffi outposts, one at each end of town (the bigger of the two is within walking distance of the Ace hotel), which is great since the coffee here is some of the best in the desert. While there are loads of complicated espresso drinks to choose from, we’re partial to the no-frills single-origin iced coffee. To compliment the miles-long beverage menu, there’s also a nice selection of muffins, cakes, and more substantial small bites.

Located directly next door, this is Cheeky’s more substantial but equally delicious dinner-focused sibling. The atmosphere is just as relaxed, but the garden patio bar—complete with a rich cocktail offering (the gin martini is our go-to)—make it the ideal evening hangout. Come here for inventive interpretations of traditional Italian specialties like mushroom and ricotta lasagna, meatballs, eggplant and burrata, and of course, pizza. While the more topping-rich options are great, the no-frills Margherita is our favorite.

This is an excellent, history-rich, Moroccan-themed restaurant that merits a visit every single time we’re in town. It’s named for The Purple Gang, a primarily Jewish group of mobsters from the ’30s (Al Meriweather, one of the original members, built the Colony Palms resort it’s situated in as their clubhouse, which included a secret, underground lair). The recently revamped interior (designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard swapped the photo-realistic palm tree wallpaper for a more on-theme pattern) and lovely outdoor space overlooking the pool are just as much of a draw as the food—a medley of hearty seafood dishes, crisp salads, and colorful vegetable sides.

Cheeky’s is notorious for having some of the most agonizing wait times on weekend mornings. But once you do get a seat (either on the mist-equipped outdoor patio or at one of the indoor communal tables), you’ll see the wait is entirely justified. Here, brunch is all about the classics: Chilaquiles, the fluffiest pancakes, and a really good eggs Benedict. There are some unexpected options too, like a Piña Colada waffle (caramelized pineapple may sound weird but is actually quite tasty) and a spicy pork shoulder dish. Though not nearly as in-demand, the lunch menu is solid.

This is the sort of neighborhood eatery that goes above and beyond the call of duty to make patrons happy. For one thing, dogs are wholeheartedly welcome to dine with their owners on the outdoor patio (real-life Jake is a actually the owners’ beloved pup), the food offering is of the comfort variety (salads, sandwiches, awesome weekend brunch), and the overall vibe is super chill.

Uptown Palm Springs is quickly becoming the culinary epicenter of the desert, thanks in no small part to chef Michael Beckman's Workshop Kitchen + Bar. The oft-changing menu is devoted to fresh, seasonal dishes like roasted heirloom carrots, house-cured gravlax tartine, and Iron House ranch rib eye, the ingredients for which are all sourced locally—even the craft cocktails are mixed with them (the scotch-heavy Carrot Penicillin is insane). Other than a singular communal table and a dozen or so private booths, the minimalistic cement dining room doesn't overwhelm with decor.

Owners James Claude and Miguel Linares have curated one of the best—and biggest— home decor showrooms in Palm Springs. While the majority of their neighbors peddle mid-century modern wares, you’ll also find pieces from the 80’s and 90’s here. It’s also a great resource for having vintage lighting refurbished or if you’re looking to have something authenticated.

The Palm Springs outpost of ModShop (formerly custom furniture mecca, Room Service) is home to an abundance of design-y accessories and home decor. Those looking for something specific take comfort in knowing that everything on display is customizable, with pieces designed by owners John and Taryn Bernard serving as a great starting point.