Girls Week Away in Palm Springs! with Maggie Wilkins

Oct 19-26, 2025 

Getting There 

Palm Springs is perfect for a quick getaway.  Onboard the three-hour flight via WestJet, the service was excellent, and all was easy.  We decided to rent a car for the week, you do need one there. However, it seems that everyone else is also getting a car, and line-ups are long for each rental company (we waited an hour to get into a car). 

This lovely desert city is perfect for anyone looking for respite from our weather, they have something for everyone. Golf (although green fees can be expensive, depending on which course), pickleball is popular (about 10 USD a person to play, plus rental of racquet and ball), lots of fabulous hiking trails within the city and if you want to drive about hour away, incredible in Joshua Tree - entrance fee is 42 USD  for the car. We walked a lot (shopping was our sport of choice), with our dollars it is an expensive sport, however, there are stores for everyone. Palm Springs is so safe and easy to drive, it is truly a therapeutic getaway!

Shopping 

El Paseo (this is the Rodeo Drive of Palm Springs) is very high-end, but walking is great here, pretty and there are lots of cute little restaurants to dine in. Galleries galore!  

Downtown Palm Springs - I love this area, splendid architecture, mid-century modern meets California Mission.  Different price points for every budget, amazing restaurants (we ate a lot of sorbet to combat the nearly 40C weather), we dined twice – Las Casuelas Terraza opened in 1958, really great Mexican Food, reasonable pricing, expensive cocktails though!  Thursday after 5 pm, lots of food trucks, musicians, and street vendors – a fun time to be there! 

Rancho Mirage - There we hit the Rivers (hasn’t completely come back from pre-covid but it is very pretty).  It has PF Chang’s, and Cheesecake Factory if you have a family or fussier eaters.  There is a theatre there for those who need a break from the sun! 

For those who like to shop for food, you have quite a few Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Sprouts, and Whole Foods (if you get tired of dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and want healthier choices).  Love all the Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, TJ Max, Marshalls, The Rack, and Macy’s.

Accommodation 

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Palm Desert, the location is excellent, with a nice pool area with a jacuzzi, and pickleball courts out back. The value is excellent 3 to 3.5 stars, fully cooked-to-order breakfast from 7 am to 9 am, and free beer and wine from 5 pm to 7 pm. The rooms are spacious but we had a big issue, they never cleaned our rooms during the week, and we had to get our fresh towels and make our beds. I am hoping it improves; I have been in contact with Hilton Customer Services, and they say they will address the deficiencies. Despite this, I honestly would stay here again. Dogs are allowed! Rates in high season start around 160 USD per night. 

I managed to get a look at my favorite chain of hotels, KIMPTON. The Rowan in Downtown Palm Springs. Understated Palm Springs elegance. Fantastic staff. I loved the rooms. The rooftop bar with pool and cabanas is fantastic. The Concierge, Lynne is there to help you look after whatever you need.  Rates start around 520 USD in high season. I am going to save my pennies to stay here on my next trip!

Sightseeing 

The Living Desert Zoo – I will start by saying I am no fan of a zoo but this one rocked!  Everything from giraffes to porcupines, they are living in a very friendly ecosystem much like they would have at home.  Many of the animals are rescued and have been rehabilitated, I was impressed that they allow you to tour the hospital. This place is a fantastic place to walk and hike; 40 USD per person for entrance! We spent about 2.5 hours here. 

Date Farms – I was ho-hum on this, but my friend insisted, I enjoyed walking through and seeing the various date palms, the most popular item to buy is the Date Shake, I didn’t try it (too much sugar for me) but everyone said how delicious they were. I bought a couple of containers for gifts! I enjoy seeing various plant life, so I found it interesting.

Joshua Tree National Park – mentioned previously, well worth the drive to see desert life!