Local’s Guide: The Uptown Design District in Palm Springs
Just a quick walk from Descanso Resort, the Uptown Design District has emerged as one of Palm Springs’ most stylish under-the-radar neighborhoods. Always a favorite destination for locals to shop and nosh, this 2-mile stretch of Palm Canyon Drive keeps getting better. With the recent opening of several new restaurants, hotels, and boutiques, almost every corner in Uptown is bursting with renewed, vibrant energy. For the gay male traveler looking for a mix of chic shopping and scrumptious dining, you’ve hit the jackpot. But where to start? Read on to discover our management team’s favorite Uptown spots, all within walking distance of Descanso.
Retail Therapy, Darling!
There’s no better time than vacation to indulge in a little window shopping and retail therapy. And, lucky you, Uptown has some great boutiques. Head over to Palm Canyon Drive and then take a left (south, towards downtown). Soon you’ll see the unassuming facade of The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five, a whimsical wonderland filled with fourteen different mini boutiques. Funky artwork, vintage treasures, gifts for Fido… you’ll find all this and more inside, including an impeccable selection of home decor and menswear at Towne.
Continuing south, you’ll find more great shopping for men’s fashion. Based in Palm Springs, Seaplane is know for their playful print shirts. Sewn in the USA from hand-picked fabric remnants, some prints are made into as few as a dozen pieces. A little further down you’ll find Wil Stiles, a midcentury mod-influenced boutique featuring clothing, art, sunglasses, and even bicycles, Next door, step inside the flagship Trina Turk boutique and take a spin through Mr. Turk for a blast of cocktail culture chic.
Eat, Drink, and Be Fabulous
Worked up an appetite with all that shopping (or just need a break from the Descanso pool)? Uptown is home to some great places to grab a bite. For a peppy lunch, you can’t go wrong with the martini and smash burger special at The Heyday. Or sit outside and soak up the mountain views with a charcuterie board at 1501 Uptown Gastropub (good for lunch, dinner, or happy hour).
For a chic dinner, Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey combines exquisite sushi creations with cool indoor and outdoor dining spaces. And if you’re craving something sweet, the artisanal scoops at Ice Cream & Shop(pe) are worth the splurge.
A bit further down Palm Canyon Drive, (about a 15-minute walk from Descanso) even more yummy options await. For brunch, Jake’s has a sweet courtyard. And everybody loves Cheeky’s for its buzzy vibe, farm-to-table menu and 5-piece bacon flights (make sure to go early for a table). Right next door you’ll find Birba, a wonderful al fresco spot with great drinks, Italian-inspired dishes and pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Indoors, the stunning modern space at Workshop Kitchen+Bar is one of the city’s most stylish dining destinations for foodies. Or if you prefer old-school Palm Springs, there’s Copley’s on Palm Canyon. Located on the grounds of Cary Grant’s former guest house, Copley’s was recently named one of the top 100 romantic restaurants in North America by Open Table.
These are just a few of the great dining options located within walking distance of the resort. Ask the front desk for the complete list when you check in (also available here on our blog). More spots are opening all the time in our growing neighborhood. Find a table on a beautiful patio and watch the world go by.
Lovely Libations
Gone are the days when inventive cocktails could only be found downtown. Uptown is now home to several noteworthy stops for thoughtfully composed libations. Both Tailor Shop and Truss & Twine feature hip mixologists, tasty bar bites, and bespoke cocktails that are as special as the décor. Of these two neighborhood gems, Tailor Shop is smaller and more intimate, whereas Truss & Wine has a more industrial chic vibe. Either spot is a great place to connect with fellow travelers and locals alike. Reservations are recommended during high season.
Uniquely Uptown
To truly experience the Palm Springs lifestyle like a local, we encourage you to spend a little time exploring the Uptown Design District. You’ll find fashionable menswear, groovy vintage treasures, foodie-approved dining, and stylish cocktails. All just minutes away from the pulsating dance clubs and lively gay bars of Palm Springs’ famous downtown Arenas District. So grab your crew, unleash your sense of adventure, and create some new memories in Uptown. You’re going to love our neighborhood!