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This past year has presented us with amazing opportunities to get delicious food delivered directly to our doorsteps.  But the grandaddy of delivery, the classic that stands above the rest, is of course, pizza!  Palm Springs is fortunate to have several pizzerias offering some truly awesome pies.  Check out some of our favorites here.

Bill’s Pizza – Definitely one of the best-known pizza’s in town, this is a local and tourist favorite. Famous for their thin crust pizza, they offer a huge selection of toppings as well as famous house combinations like ‘the Elton John.’ They serve up vegan and GF options as well. You can find Bill’s on several delivery apps.

http://www.billspizzapalmsprings.com/

Giuseppe’s – This is a local hot spot for pizza. Both their thin crust and deep-dish pies are delicious. They offer a nice selection of salads and traditional Italian dishes, but pizza is the star of the show! They serve vegan and GF options and have an in-house delivery service.

https://giuseppesps.com/

Birba – This beautiful outdoor Italian restaurant makes some amazing pizza. They offer 6 to 7 pizza options nightly, all rustic and delicious. Add a few of their very tasty ‘small dishes’ to spice things up. You can find Birba on several delivery apps.

https://birbaps.com/

Blaze Pizza – This national chain makes great and affordable single sized pizzas and you can customize every bite – from crust, to cheese and toppings.  For a great GF option, they offer a terrific cauliflower crust. Their home page connects to a food delivery app.

https://www.blazepizza.com/location/blaze-pizza-palm-springs/menu

Spaghetteria – This hole-in-the wall, vinyl table cloth Italian restaurant, run by a mom and her two daughters is beloved by locals. They have a great selection of pizza, all made with love. Their calzones are awesome as well! Pick up or delivery from their yelp page.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/spaghetteria-palm-springs

Stuft Pizza – Famous for over 40 years throughout the valley, Stuft Pizza’s original location is in La Quinta’s old downtown village.  A newer location in Palm Desert’s Westfield mall is a bit closer to Palm Springs.  Delivery available through Postmates.

https://stuftpizzabarandgrill.com/

Barrel District Pizza – New in Rancho Mirage, Barrel District has an awesome selection of homemade pizzas, including several GF cauliflower crust options. They also offer terrific salads and starters.  Pick-up only, with limited hours (4-8PM) but definitely worth the drive!

https://barreldistrictpizza.com/

 

At over 5000 feet in elevation, “Mile High Idyllwild” is a favorite day trip for locals and travelers alike.  The 80-minute drive passes spectacular vista points as you climb from the desert floor and reach deep into the San Jacinto Mountains.  Once there, you’ll find a rustic and charming, art-filled village with galleries, antique stores, restaurants and other surprises.  Nearby hiking trails let you explore the quiet wilderness area high above Palm Springs.  With temperatures well below Palm Springs’, it’s a cool getaway during the desert summer.

The rustic town of Idyllwild is one of our favorite day trips from Palm Springs.  The 80-minute drive up mountainous and windy Route 74 offers some breathtaking views.  Leave time for a couple of stops along the way at any of the vista turnouts overlooking the entire Coachella Valley.  Great for photo-ops or just taking in the view.

Once there, you’ll notice the six-block downtown area is full of wonderful small shops, galleries and funky thrift stores, where some very entertaining (and sometimes peculiar) items can be found.  Idyllwild has several tasty restaurants that will be happy to see you and are perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The area boasts some world class hiking including the San Jacinto Mountain Peak Loop.  For something a little less ambitious, start at the Idyllwild Nature Center.  It’s a perfect place for a day hike, bird watching or even bring your dog on leash for a day in the woods.  The nature center is a very large preserve with trails looping in all directions from the Visitors Center.

Idyllwild hosts several notable events annually including the Idyllwild Jazz Festival, The Art Walk and The Autumn Leaf Walks.  This little town also gives the October month of Halloween a true reason for being. From the Hollow’s Eve Parade, Ghost Town Haunted maze, to the Zombie run, they are very serious about this ghouls’ holiday!

Whenever in town, or scheduling a Palms Springs trip, it’s always worth taking a moment to peruse the upcoming Idyllwild calendar of events, or simply just schedule a day trip up the mountain!  It is a perfect days get-a-way!

Here are a few helpful links:

The Official Town website:

http://www.idyllwild.com/

A great restaurant list that was put together by a fun food blog:

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/idyllwild-restaurants

Trip Advisor’s Idyllwild Page:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g32519-Idyllwild_California-Vacations.html

We know you have plenty of questions on changes happening here at Santiago and how we’re addressing the current situation.  We’re committed now more than ever to providing you a safe place to stay and play.  Over the past several months we’ve implemented new practices to make your stay relaxing and enjoyable while keeping our guests and staff safe.  We’ve answered four of your top questions here.  Have more?  Feel free to give us a call!

Is the Pool open?

Of course!  With the largest swimming pool of any gay resort in Palm Springs, it’s easy to keep a happy distance and still enjoy the sparkling water and desert sunshine.  Our cushy chaise lounges have been arranged at six foot intervals and are regularly sprayed with a disinfectant to keep everyone safe.  We’ve made sure there’s plenty of room around the pool for you!

Is there still a morning Breakfast?

YES, and now it’s better than ever.  From 8am to 10am each morning, our staff is serving breakfast from the Cantina window.  There’s a beautiful ala carte menu with plenty of delicious items to choose from.   Warm croissants, fruit skewers, and our special Santiago overnight oats are just a few of the offerings.  And of course, there’s freshly brewed coffee.  All you need to do is step up to the window and give us your order.  Before you know it, you’ll be handed your own breakfast tray and be ready to start the day.

What if I need something from the Staff?

We’ve implemented an inhouse texting service for you to easily request whatever you might be needing.  Room servicing?  Pool towels?  Lunch order?  Shoot us off a text and we’ll have your request handled before you can turn over in your chaise lounge and get that back side tan.

How has your room cleaning process changed?

While we’ve always prided ourselves on room cleanliness, we have made changes to ensure your room is as clean and safe as possible.  Every surface (including our dreamy mattresses) and touch points like light switches and TV remotes will have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.  Our individual room HVAC units guarantee fresh air into your room.  Bedcovers and throw pillows are washed after each guest stay.  Room keys are sanitized.  We’ve put a lot of thought into how to make your stay as safe as possible and know you appreciate it.

Our great staff went through thorough training to welcome you back.  Bob, Nigel, Jonathan, Greg, Mario, David, BJ and Rick are all eager to see you.  And of course, Kent and Charles will be at the front desk welcoming you back to your desert oasis.  Thank you for joining us!

Before the sun heats up and the pool at Santiago becomes irresistible, one of our favorite morning activities is to grab the bikes and head out exploring some of the great neighborhoods of Palm Springs.   With wide flat streets and plenty of bike paths, it’s an easy way to discover what a remarkable oasis you’re in.  We’ve put together a few of our favorite tours and destinations here.

Twin Palms – One of the cool “hidden gem” neighborhoods of Palm Springs! This neighborhood is filled with beautiful mid-century homes so well taken care of you can really feel the neighborhood pride. Between La Verne Way, Palm Canyon and Camino Real, Twin Palms creates a perfect triangle neighborhood to explore.

Moorton Botanical Gardens – This funky little garden was created by Clark Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten and his wife, Patricia. Cactus Slim was an original Keystone Cop and a stand-in for Howard Hughes. Still in the family and now run by his son Chester, this one-acre garden is intimate while showcasing thousands of specimens from around the world.  It has limited summer hours, but opens early, making it the perfect easy morning bike ride for the summer days here in Palm Springs.

www.moortenbotanicalgarden.com

Summer Hours 9AM — 1PM
Friday, Saturday, Sunday only

Mesquite Bike Trail – Start out along the S Riverside wash trail just behind Santiago.  At Sunrise and Sunny Dunes you’ll find the entrance to this fun, short trail at the beginning of the Mesquite Country Club & Condos.  You can ride through to see the entire Mesquite golf course and the area that is currently being considered the Mesquite Desert Preserve. You end up on El Cielo, and you can loop back through back streets of the neighborhoods “Little Beverly Hills” (another mid-century gem), “Los Compadres” (a 70’s era Brady Bunch neighborhood) and the beautiful “Deepwell’ neighborhood.

Sherman’s Deli – A short 1.5-mile ride from Santiago, Sherman’s Deli is a true Palm Springs institution. They have a fantastic “NY Deli Style” menu that includes Jewish deli favorite like bagels and lox, matzo ball soup, potato latkes, and many more traditional breakfast favorites. The outdoor seating on the front patio sits in morning shade, with a bike rack right in front to make lock up very easy!

shermansdeli.com

It’s hard to beat dining outside under palm trees with mountain views and blue skies in the oasis called Palm Springs. Enjoying a warm meal and a chilled cocktail, with a gorgeous California sunset in the background, is a vacation must. These local Palm Springs restaurants have the perfect patios for outdoor dining. Here’s where to enjoy your next al fresco meal!

Birba

Italian inspired funky hip outdoor restaurant. Serves food later.

https://birbaps.com/

So.Pa

Decadent, refined, and intimate, ‘foodie’ menu that offers a unique alfresco dining experience.

https://lhorizonpalmsprings.com/sopa-restaurant

Blue Coyote

Casual Mexican and Southwestern restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. Famous for the “Wild Coyote” margarita.

http://www.bluecoyotegrill.com/

Spencer’s

A real favorite of tourists and locals alike. Beautiful outdoor garden that serves the classic extensive menu of delicious options. Great for a date night!

https://www.spencersrestaurant.com/

Copley’s

Dine at the previous Cary Grant estate, this romantic restaurant offers elevated American dishes served on an exquisite candle lit patio.

https://www.copleyspalmsprings.com/

John Henry’s Cafe

A local’s favorite. Traditional American menu made with love, served on a cozy patio.

https://johnhenryscafe.com/

Le Vallauris

An absolutely beautiful tree lit patio that serves very traditional, and delicious French Cuisine.

http://www.levallauris.com/

Antigua Kitchen and Bar

One of he biggest outdoor patios on Palm Canyon Drive, American and Latin American dishes made with locally sourced farm to table ingredients.

https://antiguapalmsprings.com/

And a few Lunch & Brunch options as well….

Tyler’s Burgers

Tyler’s is considered by many to have one of the best burgers in town. Only open for lunch, served on a cozy covered patio.

http://www.tylersburgers.com/

Cheeky’s

Made from scratch creative breakfast, brunch & lunch menus. Did someone say bacon flights & specialty cinnamon rolls??

https://cheekysps.com/

Farm

French inspired menu served in a secret wisteria garden tucked behind the plaza buildings. Absolutely delicious, made with love food served fresh every day.

https://www.farmpalmsprings.com/

One of the most striking desert experiences is looking up at the night sky and seeing the abundant stars and heavenly bodies above you. With the restriction of street lamps, Palm Springs has preserved the natural beauty of the night sky nurturing this amazing and ancient experience. Of course, our favorite stargazing spot is the hot tub at Santiago, but when you’re ready to dry off, you might want to check out some of these other great spots to see the stars.  Showing nightly!

Rancho Mirage Public Library Observatory

Opened a little over a year ago, this state of the art observatory is open to the public with programs, exhibits, and events. The impressive observatory is happy to welcome guests to learn more about astronomy with telescope-viewing and stargazing. Knowledgeable guides point out gems in the dark sky and answer questions — and yes, it’s all free.

If you’re interested in a “Star Gazing” event, pre-registration is required.  These events fill up quickly once announced.

Calendar of events
http://ranchomiragelibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar

For a “Behind the scenes” Observatory Facility Tour (no registration required) meet in the Library Lobby, Tuesdays through Saturdays, two tours a day. (9am and 3pm) for a 45 minute tour

Observatory
71-100 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

ranchomiragelibrary.org 

Sky Watcher Star Tours

For the ultimate deluxe experience, check out the folks at Sky Watcher Star Tours.  Their two hour guided stargazing tours in Joshua Tree include large 10” telescopes, binoculars, chairs, pillows and blankets and a picnic basket filled with snacks!

https://www.sky-watcher.com/

Do it yourself type?

Here are a few of our favorite secluded spots where you can pull off the road and find your own private viewing scene:

• Joshua Tree National Park has an abundance of locations which can be accessed without hiking at night. The National Park Service has made it part of its mission to protect and preserve dark night skies so we can admire the MIlky Way. 
• Coachella Valley Preserve is located in Thousand Palms, just down the road from Palm Springs on Ramon Road. You can find a spot away from the road and stargaze knowing the San Andreas Fault is practically under your feet
• Sky Valley, California is an appropriately name town just east of Palm Springs. Just pull off the main road (DIllon Rd) and find a safe spot to stop and enjoy the view.
• Whitewater Canyon Preserve is located north of Palm Springs. As you drive up the canyon to the preserve, you’ll find several great areas to pull off for your stargazing pleasure.

After a day of sun and pool, it’s finally time to relax.  You may know all about Palm Springs’ many fine restaurants and fun, man filled bars but did you know Palm Springs also hosts many live music venues?  From blues to jazz to Broadway torch singer classics, there’s a live act waiting for you to enjoy on your next stay at Santiago. We’ve listed some of our favorites here.

Shanghai Reds

Tucked away in a small alleyway behind Fisherman’s Market in Palm Springs, Shanghai Reds hosts live blues musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.  A perfect evening sharing fish tacos and beers with a few good friends enjoying live music.

https://www.fishermans.com/restaurants-in-palm-springs

The Purple Room

Always popular on weekends, The Purple Room hosts dinner and a ticketed show each Friday and Saturday evening.  But Tuesdays through Thursdays, there’s no cover and no ticket charge.  Come in for drinks and dinner while listening to acclaimed jazz entertainers from 6:30 to 9:30pm.

https://www.purpleroompalmsprings.com/

AJ’s on the Green

This out of the way spot is secretly famous for hosting some of the best entertainers in the Valley.  Each week, singers with big careers of yesteryear and currently residing in the Palm Springs area show up delighting the audience with their music.

https://www.ajsonthegreen.com/

Woody’s Palm House

Long a crowd pleaser, Woody’s Palm House features live entertainment seven nights a week.  All of the Valley’s very best R&B, Jazz and Blues singers show up here for night after night of great vocals.

https://woodyspalmhouse.com

Casablanca Lounge at Melvyn’s

This Palm Springs classic features local singers, musicians and special guest performer appearances nightly.  The Sunday jam sessions are the stuff of legend.  Named to Esquire Magazine’s 2019 Best Bars in America list, you won’t want to miss an evening here.

https://inglesideinn.com/entertainment

Farm

An amazing French inspired bistro hidden in a wisteria garden in downtown’s La Plaza, Farm hosts live music on weekends. The menu is a 3-4 course and farm-to-table delicious!

https://farmpalmsprings.com

Stacy’s Bar

This small piano bar on Arenas Avenue delivers nightly entertainment ranging from piano classics to smooth jazz and everything in between.  There rotating vocalists, pianists and special guests will keep you entertained all evening.

http://stacysbarps.com

The Copa, Palm Springs

This Palm Springs supper club is a throwback to the desert’s sultry past, when Hollywood’s finest would slip into the desert for nights of martinis listening to top lounge acts. Throughout the week, you may find The Copa Room hosting a side-splitting comedy act or a disco night, but whatever the theme, you’re sure to have a good time at this old-school find.

http://copapalmsprings.com/

Watch all the world’s best tennis players go head to head at the annual BNP Paribas Open March 9^th -22^nd. The largest tournament outside of the four grand slams, this is an amazing opportunity to see superb athletes like Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in exhilarating action. The world-class Indian Wells venue is gorgeous and not far from Santiago. Make us your home base between sets! (Insider tip: Catch a sunset match for a truly unique experience.)

Learn more, plan your visit and get your tickets at the tournament’s site:

https://bnpparibasopen.com/

There are few welcoming parties more iconic than the sight of massive windmills leading you into Palm Springs along Interstate 10. Palm Springs Windmill Tours takes you behind the fences of their private grounds to get up close and personal with some of the 2,100 wind turbines producing enough energy to provide for the entire Coachella Valley. 

The two hour tour begins with a brief overview of the history of wind energy and the wind farm itself, before stepping outside to see up close the intricate pieces making up the turbines. Afterwards jump aboard their luxury tour bus, making multiple stops throughout the property, one of which provides spectacular views overlooking the wind farm towards the East (not to mention the photo-ops!).

The tour wraps up with a stop at The Windmill Market, where you can enjoy the gardens and the valley’s best date shake. One final stop at the base of the valley’s largest turbines, allows you one more up close look at the 14,000 lbs. of blades spinning at a staggering height of 290 ft. above the ground.

As an effort is made globally to reduce human impact on the environment, Palm Springs Windmill Tours provides some incredible insight into what steps are being taken to progress in the renewable energy field, all while guiding you across some of the most stunning landscapes California has to offer.

Tours daily all week.
$52 per person

www.windmilltours.com

800-531-5834

Everyday at the hotel, I have the privilege of helping guests plan activities. Frequently I’m asked where to go, what to see and what’s not to be missed. Here I’ve answered a few questions I often get with some of my personal favorites. You may want to check some of these out on your next trip to Palm Springs and Santiago!

Best place for a group dinner?

If I’m going out with a group of friends for dinner, one of my favorite spots is Evzin Mediterranean. They have a wonderful family table that is perfect for 8-10 people, and a delicious, affordable menu of food that John (the owner & chef) makes with great love.

Try to save room for the Greek yogurt cheesecake, it is so delicious!

evzinrestaurants.com

Great romantic place to go?

One of the newer places here in Palm Springs is Del Rey. This is my go to date-night spot. It’s a romantic candlelit room that serves craft cocktails and really tasty plates of food perfect for sharing.

www.delreypalmsprings.com

Thursday night in Palm Springs

Thursday evening is a great time to head downtown. The Art Museum is free after 4PM and it’s a perfect place to start. After getting your art fix, head down Palm Canyon and hit Village Fest where you’ll find 6 plus blocks of artisans, crafts and food trucks.  Then stroll over to Arenas and find your favorite bar for drinks and people watching. BlackBook is one of my personal favorites.  With large family tables I always make new friends while sitting there. There you have it:  the perfect Thursday evening!

www.psmuseum.org

www.blackbookbar.com

Best kept secret in Palm Springs?

Not long ago I would have said Paul’s Bar on East Vista Chino. But the secret is out on that tasty fun bar. Now I would have to say Seymour’s, a speak easy type bar hidden in the back of Mr. Lyons. This is a great little secret bar with a very cool vibe.  Folks love it!

https://www.paulbarps.com/

Favorite outdoor adventure?

Hike the Museum Trail. Although a bit steep, it is very hiker friendly. Most people go as far as the picnic tables and then head back down but it’s possible to go quite a bit higher. The views are truly spectacular. You can even get a sneak peak into the back yards of some very famous Palm Springs homes. Make sure to bring water!

www.alltrails.com

Good day trip while visiting PS?

No question in my mind on this one, head up to Idyllwild for a wonderful day trip. The drive up Rte. 74 has some truly awesome vista points and before you know it, you’re high in the mountains.  A few miles more and you arrive in Idyllwild’s charming downtown, filled with small country shops and a lovely restaurants. It’s a great spot, hidden in the trees and always cooler than the desert.

www.idyllwild.com

For more, I always recommend checking out “Staff Picks” at santiagoresort.com, It’s always a good place to start. All of the listings are great options for restaurants and bars around town along with activities throughout the Coachella Valley. All tested and approved by the staff here at Santiago!

Staff Picks