Palm Springs in March & April might honestly be one of my favorite places ever. The weather is absolute perfection — warm during the day, cool at night, sunny nonstop, and somehow every single thing just feels prettier there that time of year. Not to mention, March & April means both Coachella season and the BNP Paribas Open, which basically turns the entire desert into this dreamy mix of fashion, tennis, music, design, and old Hollywood energy. It’s such a vibe.

What I love most about Palm Springs is that it feels equal parts glamorous and relaxed. One second you’re sitting poolside under striped umbrellas with a spicy margarita, and the next you’re vintage shopping or driving through the desert. It’s impossible not to feel inspired there.

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re planning a Palm Springs trip, the hotels are honestly part of the experience.

Ingleside Estate will forever have my heart. My husband an I recently stayed there and absolutely loved it. It feels intimate, romantic, and very old Palm Springs in the best way possible. Think lush courtyards, glowing lanterns, bougainvillea everywhere, and that quiet luxury feel that makes you want to stay forever.

Parker Palm Springs is a Palm Springs icon filled with old Hollywood history. We recently stayed there earlier this year and it’s one of those hotels that somehow feels playful, glamorous, moody, and wildly inspiring all at once. Every corner feels designed to perfection. Between the citrus trees, striped umbrellas, hidden pathways, croquet lawn, and Jonathan Adler interiors, it’s basically a design lover’s dream.

Next on my list is The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows. We haven’t stayed here yet, but it has been sitting at the top of my desert wishlist for our next trip. It feels very chic California bungalow meets old Hollywood.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Palm Springs is one of those places where every meal somehow feels like an occasion.

Melvyn’s Restaurant & Casablanca Lounge is a MUST. If you go anywhere while you’re there, let it be here. It’s classic Palm Springs — martinis, live piano music, dim lighting, vintage glamour, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to dress up for dinner.

Mister Parker’s inside the Parker is so moody and fun. Very tucked-away supper club energy in the best way.

For breakfast/brunch, Norma’s is one of my favorites. Sitting outside by the pool with coffee and breakfast there just feels very “vacation mode.”

And if you’re a tennis fan, PLEASE try to get a reservation at Nobu Indian Wells during the BNP Paribas Open. It overlooks the tennis courts while you eat and it honestly feels surreal. Such a fun experience.

COFFEE SHOPS

My husband, Brandon, is a full coffee connoisseur, so this category feels important.

Cafe La Jefa is such a cute stop and has genuinely amazing coffee.

Cartel Roasting Co. also fully has his seal of approval — which says a lot. Great coffee, cool atmosphere, and perfect for slow Palm Springs mornings.

SHOPPING + DESIGN STOPS

One of my favorite things to do in Palm Springs is just wander. The entire city feels inspiring if you love interiors, fashion, and vintage finds.

I love exploring Palm Canyon Drive for vintage shopping, home stores, and fun little boutiques. The Frippery is amazing for vintage finds, and H3K Home+Design is so good for interiors inspiration if you love that California-meets-European layered look.

Also — if you love mid-century architecture, definitely drive through neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas and Old Las Palmas. The homes are unreal.

A DAY TRIP TO JOSHUA TREE

You absolutely need to dedicate at least one day to Joshua Tree National Park while you’re there. The desert landscape feels completely different from Palm Springs and it’s honestly breathtaking.

Some of my favorite stops:

• Hidden Valley
• Keys View at sunset
• Skull Rock
• Cholla Cactus Garden
• Cap Rock

Bring snacks, take your time, and don’t over-plan it. Joshua Tree is one of those places that’s best experienced slowly.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Palm Springs in April just feels magical. Between the perfect weather, the tennis tournaments, Coachella energy, incredible hotels, design inspiration, amazing food, and desert landscapes, it’s one of those trips that somehow leaves you feeling inspired and relaxed at the same time.

It’s glamorous without trying too hard, nostalgic in the best way, and one of the few places that truly lives up to the hype every single time.