A Visitor's Guide to Downtown Palm Springs

Palm Springs has long been the go-to desert getaway destination for A-listers, presidents, wellness enthusiasts, and architecture fans. And what would a getaway to this glamorous oasis be without a stroll through Downtown Palm Springs? Offering fine cuisine, casual dining, upscale boutiques, incredible museums, family-friendly activities, and so much more to see, taste, and try, the Downtown Palm Springs area has something for everyone to enjoy.

Where to Go Shopping in Downtown Palm Springs

Expect to find fine boutiques and one-of-a-kind stores on your Downtown Palm Springs shopping spree. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home or your next favorite accessory, the shops in Downtown Palm Springs have your back.

Thick as Thieves

Address: 183 South Indian Canyon Drive

Thick as Thieves is a super cool shop in Downtown Palm Springs, owned and operated by a couple who packed up everything they owned and moved to the city in 2017. Today, they sell a highly curated collection of handmade goods, gifts, clothing, and unique finds that blend primitive, industrial, and modern styles. Recognized for their high-quality items and unique taste, Thick as Thieves deserves a surefire spot on your Downtown Palm Springs shopping spree bucket list.

Lolli and Pops

Address: 111 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 140

Lolli and Pops believes that candy has the power to express what is impossible to say. So what better gift to bring the folks at home than a deliciously curated box from this shop in Downtown Palm Springs? Gummies, chocolates, cotton candy, caramel popcorn, and other seemingly endless options of California candy await you at this bright blue shop in Downtown Palm Springs.

Destination PSP

Address: 170 North Palm Canyon Drive

For products that embody tasteful souvenirs and the Palm Springs lifestyle, check out Destination PSP. You’ll find apparel, home goods, gifts, and more fun merchandise at this shop in Downtown Palm Springs that’ll remind you of your vacation.

The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five

Address: 1345 North Palm Canyon Drive

A bit further up Downtown Palm Springs’ Main Street is a collection of incredible luxurious stores known as The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five. All located in an iconic and extremely eye-pleasing E. Stewart Williams-designed building, these unique boutiques make for the perfect one-stop destination for shopping in Downtown Palm Springs. Find clothing, art, furniture, pottery, accessories are more goods in classic Palm Springs style, all under one historic roof.

What to Eat in Downtown Palm Springs

Grabbing a delicious bite should be on top of your Downtown Palm Springs things-to-do list. Fantastic restaurants and locally-owned and operated eateries line the Downtown Palm Springs streets.

FARM

Address: 6 La Plaza, Palm Springs

FARM is a great place to grab a plate of delicious breakfast in Downtown Palm Springs before you go on with the rest of your day. Heavily inspired by the south of France, this traditional Provencal-style restaurant offers a menu of French dishes, brimming with locally sourced produce, eggs, and artisanal meats. Their crepes and brioche french toasts are absolutely divine.

Lulu California Bistro

Address: 200 South Palm Canyon Drive

For a flavorful lunch, head straight to LULU California Bistro. With a vast and eclectic menu of all-day American eats, this Downtown Palm Springs restaurant invites you to have a delicious meal in a modern indoor or outdoor setting. You’ll be spoiled for choice at LULU and find gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options as well.

L’Atelier Cafe

Address: 129 La Plaza, Palm Springs

For the perfect after-lunch cup of coffee, grab a seat at the beloved L’Atelier Cafe at La Plaza. Offering a distinctly Parisian feel in the middle of Downtown Palm Springs, this cute cafe will serve you a mean cafe latte. Pair that with a buttery croissant or a pain au chocolat and you’ll be good to go.

Birba

Address: 622 North Palm Canyon Drive

Have your last meal of the day at a local favorite dinner spot called Birba. Sit down at a table in the tree-filled patio and enjoy whatever this Downtown Palm Springs restaurants’ changing menu of global eats has to offer. If you get overwhelmed with the options, go for either a pizza or pasta—they never disappoint.

Things to Do in Downtown Palm Springs

While shopping and dining are great ways to enjoy Downtown Palm Springs, the area has many more exclusive experiences to offer as well. 

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum is the largest and most popular cultural institution in the entire Coachella Valley. With a collection of over 12,000 objects, this awesome Downtown Palm Springs museum showcases modern and contemporary art, famous architecture, and design with roots in the area’s unique history, culture, and place. 

If you have the time, tour the architectural branch of the museum. Known as the  Architecture and Design Center, this local creative hub is a center for design exploration and learning about mid-century architecture. This is a must-try on your list of things to do in Downtown Palm Springs and introduces you to the museum’s growing archive of design and architecture pieces. 

Participate in Downtown Palm Springs’ VillageFest 

If you happen to be in town on a Thursday, add VillageFest to your itinerary of Downtown Palm Springs things to do. Taking place on Palm Canyon Drive every Thursday night, this lively event transforms a large portion of Downtown into a festive, pedestrian street fair. Vendor booths get set up on both sides of the street, and visitors stroll through the traffic-free event, shopping, eating, socializing, and taking in the positive vibes. You’ll find everything from jewelry and antique collectibles to crafts and organic treats at this Downtown Palm Springs event—have fun shopping!

Check out the Downtown Palm Springs Walk of Stars

Similar to the famous walkway in Hollywood, Palm Springs also has a walk of fame to check out. With over 400 names of well-known celebrities and notable local personalities, this Downtown Palm Springs attraction aims to honor various people who have lived and worked in the Greater Palm Springs area. Find names of presidents, authors, screenwriters, humanitarians, and show business personalities etched into the stars on the pavement, and don’t forget to snap pictures of your faves!