California is known for its perfect weather all year round. Even though we may not experience the typical fall foliage, the cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery give us so many options for taking the ultimate fall vacation. Pack your bags because we’re taking you on a trip to the California Desert. When you think of the California Desert, you might immediately think of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree. With rugged terrain for scenic hiking, delicious food and a joyful ambiance, you’re never going to want to leave this magical destination!

Palm Springs & Joshua Tree

Get ready for some fun under the sun and drinks by the pool during your ultimate getaway in the California Desert. Of course, no trip is complete without your stylish outfits and so we’ve added some outfit inspiration that includes what you can shop and rent from us at Trvl Porter.

Exploring the Central Desert

Sustainable styles you can shop from Trvl Porter

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Palm Springs

Best places to snap your OOTD

The Parker: This gorgeous hotel has a photo opp at every corner. From the eccentricity of the lobby to the quirky lounge areas, The Parker is a must for all you design lovers out there. Make sure you make a reservation before you go, and since DSLR cameras aren’t allowed, you’re going to have to rely on your mobile phone to snap that pic.
Moorten Botanical Garden + Cactarium: More than just a place to snap photos, this gorgeous area will have you swooning over the scenery. As the world’s first “Cactarium” you will be able to see more than 3000 varieties of plants including desert trees and cacti ranging from miniatures to giants. This highly Instagrammable spot does have specific hours of when you can visit, so make sure you plan ahead by visiting their site before you plan your trip!
The Saguaro: From vibrant pinks to bright blues and yellows, this spot has so much fun aesthetic that you’ll want to capture every inch of it. A great place to hang out and lounge by the pool in, The Saguaro will not disappoint your Instagram feed and your day to relax.

Where to eat

Rooster & Pig: With a line always out the door, this restaurant is a must when visiting Palm Springs. Offering a Vietnamese-American menu, dishes such as the curry ball - chicken stuffed rice ball served with yellow curry and the pork belly fried rice will make you keep coming back for more. Served in a small plates style, take advantage of ordering different items on the menu to share with your group.
Tac/Quila: Located right on Palm Canyon, this bustling Mexican restaurant has delicious food and even more delicious margaritas. Take your pick from the baked branzino to carne asada tacos, everything on the menu here is delicious.
King’s Highway: Located inside the Ace Hotel, you can enjoy this all-day cafe with delicious breakfast and a cool atmosphere to go with it. Oh and if you happen to be there on a Monday, don’t miss out on Bingo night!

What to do

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, this little trip will be one to remember. Get scenic views of Palm Springs as you go over 2.5 miles along the Chino Canyon. You will have 10 minutes to take in the views of the valley and scenery.
Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway: Fun fact, there are no square rooms in the house! And yes, Elvis and Priscilla did celebrate their honeymoon here. If you’re an Elvis fan, this will definitely be a treat as you can tour the home filled with Elvis memorabilia and 60s interior design. Make sure to call ahead to make a reservation for a guided tour to get the full experience.
Exploring and Shopping Palm Canyon Drive: This is the historical heart of Palm Springs. Here you will find a goldmine of art galleries, restaurants, pubs, historic buildings and every kind of shop you can imagine.
Cabazon Dinosaurs: Don’t miss the iconic dinosaurs of Palm Springs! This little trail is full of fun and welcome surprise when you’re driving into the desert. Head to the website to check out timings and for more information. P.S. - There is a delicious waffle truck that will give you the perfect snack post hike.

Where to stay

AirBnbs: AirBnbs are a great alternative to hotels and can be a more budget-friendly option for your trip. There are many AirBnbs available to your liking and in areas where hotels might not be permitted which gives you the option to explore Palm Springs like a local.
Parker Hotel: This is one of the most beautifully designed hotels featuring decor by designer Jonathan Adler. Located about 4 miles from downtown, this hotel will give you epic scenery, great ambiance and an upscale experience at the desert. Rooms start at $399 a night.
Sands Hotel & Spa: Designed by renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. This gorgeous property is near El Paseo Shopping District as well as a short drive to Coachella Polo Grounds. The property features one of our favorite lunch spots, the Pink Cabana restaurant and bar, which is definitely IG worthy due to the stylish gallery wall, furniture and lighting!

Joshua Tree

Best places to snap your OOTD

Cholla Cactus Garden: From giant cactus to smaller ones, the Cholla Cactus Garden is an amazing sight to explore. A perfect backdrop for your next OOTD pic, you will see thousands of cacti on your hike and unique terrain as you explore.
Skull Rock: Let’s start by saying that this rock formation is huge and an excellent detour to make during your trip. With interesting rock structures around it, you’re going to want to spend some time here exploring your surroundings. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you may need to be prepared for uneven ground.
Barker Dam: A 1.3-mile loop trail, the Barker Dam has the iconic Joshua Trees, rocky terrain and a beautiful area of water where you can spend some time bird-watching. Make sure to continue the loop as the scenery is gorgeous and worth completing the entire hike. Trust us, your athleisure outfits will definitely have its moment here.

Where to eat

Pappy and Harriet’s: This saloon-style restaurant is definitely one to visit and dine in during your trip. Pappy and Harriet’s was originally designed as a set for Hollywood movies and will give you Western Saloon Movie vibes as you eat and enjoy the ambiance. The drinks are great and the BBQ is definitely worth the drive.
Crossroads Cafe: The perfect place to go to post hike, Crossroads Cafe has a delicious brunch menu to boast about and will give your muscles some much needed food after all those miles on your feet.
Joshua Tree Coffee: While you might have to wait to get your order placed here, the coffee is excellent and definitely worth standing in line for.

What to do

Hidden Valley Nature Trail & Day Use Area: While the hike itself is only a mile long, the beautiful wildflowers and scenic route will be one to take in. Hidden Valley Nature Trail is perfect for hikers at any level and if you’re lucky you might catch a road-runner on your loop!
Pioneertown: This iconic town was originally built as a 1940’s Hollywood set that will make you feel as if you are a part of a Western-themed movie. With quaint boutiques and delicious restaurants, you can easily spend a couple hours exploring the town and picking up a few souvenirs to bring back.
Keys Ranch: A favorite among all visitors, Keys Ranch dates back to 1910 and is an example of early settlement in Joshua Tree. A guided tour here is a must and make sure to book your spot before you head out and this can be tough to get. A tour with a ranger will make it extra special as you explore this area complete with materials from the families that used to live here.
Yucca Valley: 18 minutes Northeast of Joshua Tree lies Yucca Valley where you can have a chance to look at antiques and art galleries and switch up your scenery for a couple of hours.

Where to stay

AirBnbs: AirBnbs are a great alternative to hotels and can be a more budget-friendly option for your trip. There are many AirBnbs available to your liking and in areas where hotels might not be permitted which gives you the option to explore Joshua Tree like a local.
The Desert Lily: This cute B&B has gourmet food and private cabins with or without breakfast to make you feel as comfortable as possible. With tons of activities and surrounding areas to explore, you can’t go wrong with this desirable B&B. Contact property for pricing.

With beautiful weather that we can enjoy being outdoors in, why not take advantage of this time and take a much needed socially distanced vacation to the California Central Desert?

Oh and don’t forget your natural sunscreen, a hat and of course, a bathing suit.