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I just came back from a couple of beautiful days in Palm Springs — if you’re unfamiliar, it’s a cute desert city just a couple hours away from Los Angeles. I had last visited a few years ago, and it was so nice to return and experience the city with fresh eyes, and with my husband for the first time!

As someone who loves fitting art, culture, and nature into every trip when possible, Palm Springs really checks all the boxes. And while it’s not the most affordable city out there, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities you can do.

🗺️ destination spotlight: Palm Springs, California

Here’s the quick, easy, and budget-friendly itinerary I followed:

Day 1:

• Agua Caliente Cultural Museum — here, you can learn about the creation story and history of the local tribe that’s lived in the area for thousands of years ($10 or $5 with a student ID)
• Explored downtown Palm Springs, checked out the shops and public art, like a giant Marilyn Monroe sculpture (free)
• (For a budget-friendly and delicious meal, eat atTaqueria Tlaquepaque in downtown)

Day 2:

• Hiked in Indian Canyons — I didn’t even know about this place on my last visit, but there are a number of trails right outside of downtown. They’re all part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation, and have gorgeous trails with the largest oasis of California fan palms, a waterfall, and desert landscapes. I’d 100% recommend! ($12 or $7 with a student ID)
• We followed the Victor Trail, which took around 3 hours with lots of breaks (the hike itself wasn't difficult, but the 90+ degree dry desert heat was!)
• TIP: Try to get here early! Both because it can get insanely hot, but also because they can close due to capacity and tell you to come back later.

Day 3:

• Moorten Botanical Garden — super peaceful and picturesque. It’s been around for 70 years, and is a super budget-friendly $7. Eat at El Marisol Cocina Mexicana or Gabino's Creperie afterwards!
• Self-guided architecture tour — We DIYed this, but there are more formal tours or itineraries you can follow. Palm Springs has so many interesting mid-century modern/desert-modern homes, plus some famous homes that have belonged to celebrities like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra.

More details to come on the blog, but lmk if there’s anything specific you want to know about 🌞

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🌺 this week I’m loving …

​“The Deep Blue Between” by Ayesha Harruna Attah​

I jumped to read this one when I saw that it partially takes place in Salvador, Brazil! It follows twins Hassana and Husseina in the 1890s, after they’re separated when their village in West Africa’s Gold Coast is raided, and their journey back to each other. Not only was it an interesting story, but I’d highly recommend it if you’re interested in learning about Salvador, especially African-Brazilian religions.

📚 Pick it up on Amazon here​

Happy travels,

Tess