When in Palm Springs, it’s easy to get sucked into calming patterns of heat-of-the-day pool time followed by late dinners and downtown walks. In the past, my family and I have subscribed to that relaxing itinerary, finding a temporary antidote to the steady stress of a work-life imbalance. This time, however, with daytime highs still in the double digits, we wandered about without a plan, discovering public art, nearby nature, and memorable meals along the way.
Where to Stay
When the concierge at Margaritaville ( margaritavilleresorts.com ) asked about our drive from Santa Barbara, I told him it was mellow. He smiled, “Well, let’s keep you that way.” Not too difficult, I reckoned — such desert resorts invariably feature icy drinks poolside and air-conditioned luxury suites. Margaritaville was no exception, its comfortable spread a giant wheel of rooms, restaurants, shops, and a spa and fitness center, with an amoeba-shaped swimming pool at its hub. Our pet-friendly ground-floor rooms had sliders to a semi-private patio and lawn, which worked out perfectly for our two small dogs.