xmelissax

I will be taking my boyfriend to Palm Springs for 2 days and nites in August. I am aware it will be incredibly hot, but we are staying in a villa with a private pool and jacuzzi so we will likely spend a lot of the time lounging and swimming. I do want to get a few activities in that wouldn't be too insane in the heat, and also find out about some good restaurants. We like most all kinds of food. It can be somewhat expensive but nothing too fancy, my boyfriend doesn't like that. We don't drink either so the bar doesn't matter to us, we are in our mid 20's. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

janisj

Incredibly hot doesn't even come close. Can't you take him anywhere else?

Swimming is OK of course. But lounging by the pool - not so much.

As for activities - anything indoors.

GoTravel

The Tram of Terror!!!

The Gondola of Death!!

ltt

a friend had a home there and occassionally we went out in july or august. we set our alarms and got up very early so that all of our outdoor chores could be done before 9:00 a.m. then spend several hours with air mattresses in the pool. just be sure to keep the sunscreen on and wear a hat as much as possible.
then a nice late afternoon nap before going out for dinner.
assuming you have ac in your car, you could just go for a drive around joshua tree national park. won't want to do any hiking but it's still nice to see.
there is a casino there you could go visit for an hour or two. it's inside and air conditioned.
yes it will be incredibly hot but anyone can put up with anything for 2 days. it's still a beautiful spot.

Little_Man

I've been to Palm Springs in August -- about 113 degrees F -- have never felt anything like it. You won't use the jacuzzi if its heated, believe me!
I can't help w/ restaurants, have never found a memorable restaurant in the area yet!

RBCal

Restaurants in PS

Manhattan in the Desert 2665 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Has huge portions, very reasonably priced. Good place for lunch.

Zin American Bistro
198 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs
www.zinamericanbistro.com
Casual and not too expensive.

Mirasol Mexican Restaurant, 140 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
Good Mexican food.

mlgb

I am not a fan of August in the desert. Probably the worst month. There was one day when it was 128 degrees, opening the front door felt like opening the oven. I like Pacifica in the Desert (fish, seafood and vodka bar). Also in the same "The Gardens" complex in Palm Desert are Sullivans for steak, Tommy Bahamas, and an upscale pizza place. None are overly stuffy.

Don't leave your car out in the sun if you can avoid that. The Gardens has covered parking. I used to like to go to the movies in the summer. The complex in Cathedral City (Mary Pickford) has covered parking, and there's an IMAX.

sheri_lp

Take the Gondola ride up the mountain - totally different world up there and definitely cooler.

Heavens

Palm Spring is OK in the summer. Just do your laying out in the morning. Plan a nice lunch, shop in the afternoon. Everything is air conditioned. You have movie complexes at the River and up by ten. You have an Imax. You have Borders and Barnes and Noble. You have some casinoes that bring in entertainment. Shopping, browsing, reading. Sounds perfectly relaxing to me. Especially if you are staying in a nice villa.

Restaurants: PF Changs, Flemings Steakhouse, Roys fusion cuisine, Baja Fresh (good fish tacos), In and Out Burgers, the other places mentioned above that are in El Paseo.

You'll find plenty to do in two days. Some people don't mind the heat that much. If you live in it, you actually get used to it. Palm Springs and Palm Desert are beautiful towns and fun to spend some time in. Some people even play golf...if your brave enough.

Heavens

Oops, two fixes. Up by ten means up by Highway 10 and Monterrey. And meant to say "if you are brave enough". Thanks. Have a good time.

Oh yea, there is also a Cheesecake Factory in case you like them. I think they are so so food with huge portions and big prices, but some people like them. Enjoy and wear lots of sunscreen; and reapply all day.

annetti

What about Louise's Pantry for lunch? Is it still there? Anyone know? It's a Palms Spring' institution. It must date back at least 50 plus years. Famous for their pies and desserts. I would inquire if it's still around and open in the summer. Inexpensive and fun.

mlgb

Annetti, I believe Louise's Pantry moved "down Valley" about 20 years ago.

Keedy's in Palm Desert is another throwback, but it may not have a/c. It's been about 15 years since I had to give up burgers, pies and malts.

trippinkpj

I was hot at 10 a.m. there once in July. Go to Idlewild near there in the mountains. 85 F instead of 115 F.

mersingary

It depends on what days in August you are going. The tram to the mountain is nice. Some places actually close for the month because of the heat. I would recommend a day trip to Joshua Tree National Forest. It's actually cooler in the high desert than in town. I don't know if they still do this, but they used to close the main street down on Thursday evenings for a street fair.