Uncategorized

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

The Palm Springs Art Museum presents The Art of Pride, a new official Pride event kicking off the legendary Pride Weekend in Palm Springs on November 1st.  This one-of-a-kind party includes the new exhibition Touching History – a commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.  The exhibition brings together contemporary artists in photography and collage to interpret what Stonewall represents to the LTBTQ community today.  Always one of our favorite places to visit, this event will be a highlight of Pride Weekend.

To learn more about Palm Springs Pride visit https://apps.pspride.org/ and go to the Palm Spring Museum site’s special page for the Art of Pride Exhibition here https://www.psmuseum.org/events/art-of-pride-2019 .

Santiago Resort is a proud sponsor of the Desert Gay Tourism Guild’s 2020 celebration of 50 years of LGBTQ hospitality in Palm Springs.  Since 1970, resorts in the desert have welcomed millions of LGBTQ visitors from around the world to play and stay in this fabulous sun-drenched California desert oasis.  For 25 of those years, Santiago has been happy to host many of those visitors, and we think 2020 is the year you should come join them! 

And for all of you artists, check out the DGTG 50-year design contest here and win your own all-expense paid trip to Palm Springs and Santiago Resort!