Very brief visit - itinerary suggestions please

Question

Hi there,

We booked to stay in Palm Desert for 2 nights late June, en route from LA to Las Vegas.

Travelling with husband who plans to golf mainly (he's used to very high temperatures) and 15 year old son. I'd love some feedback and suggestions for our plans so far:

Tuesday/day 1:

Leave LA around 10am, drop luggage at the Marriott Palm Desert and head into Palm Springs for a late lunch and to explore downtown. Husband plans to book latest available tee time at our hotel that day. Should we stay behind and uber back, maybe grab dinner in Palm Springs? Or should we drop him off and explore Palm Desert in the evening while he's golfing? Has Palm Desert got a downtown as such with cafes and restaurants?

Wednesday/day 2: husband will golf in the morning while we do the aerial tramway. Then regroup for lunch and date shake, and if available do the Covered Wagon Tour of the Coachella Valley.

Day 3: check out, breakfast at the hotel, short detour to Joshua Tree NP and the Hidden Valley trail, drive via Pioneertown to Las Vegas.

Does the above sound doable in those timeframes? Are there other sights I should include/swop? I also welcome any lunch/dinnet recommendations.

We are used to hot summers (well, hot year round here really, just tipping over to crazy hot in summer), we enjoy walking and exploring and we all eat anything. Son loves manga/anime so if there are good book stores, I'd love to hear about those too.

Thank you :)

Mel

Answer

Hi Mel,

Your Palm Desert / Palm Springs itinerary looks quite doable for a brief two-night stay, but here are some detailed suggestions and tweaks to help maximize your time and experience.

Day 1: LA → Palm Desert / Palm Springs

Leaving LA around 10 AM is realistic, though traffic on the I-10 freeway can be unpredictable, especially around LA in the late morning. Expect a 2–3 hour drive. Once you arrive at Marriott Palm Desert, dropping luggage is convenient before heading into Palm Springs.

For a late lunch in Palm Springs and some downtown exploring, your plan works well. Downtown Palm Springs is lively with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries, so it’s easy to wander for a few hours. Key streets include Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive. You’ll find plenty of spots for a casual lunch or coffee break.

Regarding your husband’s golf tee time: if it’s late in the day, one option is to let him golf while you explore Palm Desert. While Palm Desert doesn’t have a “downtown” like Palm Springs, El Paseo Drive is the main shopping and dining district with cafes, restaurants, and galleries, so it’s a nice alternative. Another option is to stay together and have dinner in Palm Springs — this could give you more vibrant evening options and easier access to late-night dining.

Lunch suggestions in Palm Springs: Lulu California Bistro (upbeat, casual), Cheeky’s (brunch-style, famous for eggs & bacon), or Sherman’s Deli for a classic New York-style experience.
Dinner options: Workshop Kitchen + Bar (upscale, industrial chic), Trio (American bistro, casual), Eight4Nine (modern cuisine, downtown Palm Springs).

Day 2: Golf + Aerial Tramway + Coachella Valley tour

This plan is ambitious but doable if you start early. Your husband can golf in the morning while you ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which provides stunning views of the desert and mountains and has several walking trails at the top (including easy short hikes suitable for a 15-year-old). Bring water and sun protection, as June is very hot and the sun is strong, even at higher elevation.

After the tramway, regrouping for lunch and a date shake (don’t miss the famous ones at Hadley Fruit Orchards in Palm Desert) is a perfect break. The Covered Wagon Tour of the Coachella Valley is a good afternoon activity — but check availability ahead of time as tours can fill up.

Lunch ideas: Wilma & Frieda’s (comfort food brunch), Desert Willow Golf Resort (casual, nice views if your husband joins early), or Trio in Palm Desert if you want a sit-down spot.
Snack / treat: Hadley Fruit Orchards for date shakes, fudge, and local fruit.

Day 3: Joshua Tree → Las Vegas

Checking out and heading to Joshua Tree for the Hidden Valley Trail is feasible if you start early. Hidden Valley is a short loop (1 mile), suitable for light hiking and exploration. Including a stop at Pioneertown is fun, especially if your son enjoys quirky desert towns — it’s a great photo opportunity and small-town vibe. From there, driving to Las Vegas will take approximately 3–4 hours depending on traffic.

Other optional stops:
- Keys View in Joshua Tree for panoramic desert views.
- Cholla Cactus Garden if your son enjoys unique desert landscapes and photography.

Additional notes / tips:

Late June in the desert is extremely hot (often 105–115°F / 40–46°C). Make sure everyone stays hydrated, wears sun protection, and schedules outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Palm Desert / El Paseo is less lively than Palm Springs but has nice dining and shopping options.
For manga/anime, Desert Comics & Games in Palm Desert or Little Shop of Comics in Palm Springs could be worth a stop.
Consider starting the day early for the tramway and golf to avoid peak heat and allow more relaxed pacing.
Uber / Lyft works well for short transfers if you prefer not to drive around downtown areas.

Overall, your itinerary is doable, with some minor tweaks: early starts for outdoor activities, flexible timing for golf vs. exploring Palm Desert, and hydration precautions for the heat. You’ll get a mix of desert landscapes, fun activities for your son, and time to enjoy both Palm Desert and Palm Springs.

Very brief visit - itinerary suggestions please

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