Driving Excursions Itinerary

A great road trip is an iconic American activity. Since the days when Model As began rolling off the assembly line, people have been taking to the open road and exploring the incredible landscapes of our amazing country. Later, Route 66 was the conduit that brought people and their dreams out west.

Today, Palm Springs driving excursions still offer plenty of unspoiled natural beauty to explore with many interesting stops along the way.

Day One

Theme: Pit Stop & Provisions

Having travelled to Parker Palm Springs, post check-in is the perfect time for a little down time and to stock up for the road ahead.

Afternoon

Palm Springs Yacht Club, our renowned on-property spa emporium is the ideal place to relax and refresh tired muscles. Choose from a variety of custom treatments. A robe, slipper, key to the private locker room, and a thimble of our famous cucumber-infused vodka are all part of the experience.

Picnic Baskets are the perfect road trip accompaniment. With so many incredible vistas beckoning, you will want to pull over and enjoy the view. Our Concierge can recommend some amazing picnic spots. Please order the day before.

Evening

Counter Reformation. This ode to Parisian Tabacs will transport you back to a time when daily life was designed to be enjoyed. Choose from an eclectic selection of wines by the glass and a variety of savory sharing plates. If only all road stop diners were this delicious.

Day Two

Theme: Life is a Highway

When it comes to the best drives around Palm Springs, there are many fantastic options. From half-day excursions to full day trips, the road is yours to choose.

Banning-Idyllwild Panoramic Highway (half-day excursion). This 30-mile stretch of road winds its way through the San Jacinto mountains. From our property, head north to HWY 10, then west seven miles to the town of Banning. Turn south to begin your ascent up multiple switchbacks. Keep your eyes on the road on this stretch! The grade then levels off and there are many places to stop and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Indian Vista Lookout, Pine Cove, and San Jacinto State Park are popular choices. The descent takes you to Route 74. Turn left and in 35-minutes you will come to a trio of towns, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage. All are wonderful places to stop for refreshment and a bite to eat before heading back.

Joshua Tree National Park (half-day excursion). The Joshua Tree day trip from Palm Springs is less than an hour away. We recommend entering the north side of the park along Highway 62 where the iconic Joshua Trees are in abundance. The best place to stretch your legs is the 1-mile Hidden Valley walk which loops through the quintessential nature of the terrain. Surrounded by the park’s namesake trees, the trail winds through large rock outcrops which, in a bygone era, were once used by bandits as cover to hide their stolen cattle. On the way back, take a15-minute detour and visit PioneerTown. Straight out of the old west, you’ll wish you had a cowboy hat. While there, stop in at Pappy & Harriet’s to water up and enjoy the regular pop-up music performances.

Post Excursion

Swimming Pools. After a day of driving, cool off in one of our three stunning swimming pools, followed by a cocktail and a nap in what have been called the world’s most comfortable lounge chairs.

mister parker’s. Dark, lush, and discreet, mister parker’s is our award-winning fine dining destination and one of the many reasons we are a favorite of Condé Nast Readers. Always stylish but never stuffy, this is a ‘slip into your favorite outfit’ kind of place. Jackets required for gentlemen. Reservation recommended.

Day Three

Theme: A Road Less Traveled

BMW Performance Driving School (2-4 hours). Located 40-minutes away is the BMW Driving Course. Palm Springs has a rich automobile history and BMW continues the tradition with this outstanding training facility for drivers of all abilities. Experience the thrill of racing around a professional racetrack as you navigate hairpin turns, ess curves, and long straightaways. You can drive many recent BMW models, all modified for the track. Then, get in the passenger’s seat with a professional driver and learn the true meaning of the need for speed. Visit their website for more details and class options.

Mid-Century Modern Architecture Self-Guided Tour (half-day excursion). Palm Springs is a well-known destination for all things mid-century modern, including and especially architecture. From Albert Frey to Frank Lloyd Wright, classic American architecture is on display throughout the town. Many homes were owned or are still owned by Hollywood royalty. From Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore to Leonardo DiCaprio, Palm Springs continues to be the get-a-way of choice for those seeking a break from the bright lights. Maps are available from our Concierge. If you prefer to have someone else drive, VIP tours of mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs are available.

Post Excursion

Pétanque. Our lush, private thirteen-acre estate hides more than a few surprises. Beneath soaring palms, you’ll find a variety of experiences and amenities, including Terre Battue tennis courts, a croquet lawn, and a guest favorite – pétanque. A French boules game similar to Bocce, it is best played with a glass of Pastis.

Norma’s. Bright and friendly during the day, our open-air restaurant turns into a cozy, discreet, votive-lit room at night. Serving California fresh entrees prepared to classic perfection or with a subtle twist to standard. Comfortable, lowkey, effortless.

Fire Pit Evenings. After dinner, wander down to our outdoor fire pit, sit back in a comfortable butterfly chair and look up. Palm Springs is a Dark Sky Community and the stars here are spectacular. It is a great place to relive your adventures under the great celestial highway in the sky.

Questions? Please contact our Concierge Team for assistance.

About Us

Parker Palm Springs receives regular accolades as the best resort hotel in Palm Springs. We offer only 144 rooms on thirteen acres of exclusive, private property. To help plan your next vacation, weekend escape, special event, or wedding, please Contact us.