Are you planning a trip with your pooch?
Inti St Clair/Getty Images/Tetra images RFSet in the Sonoran Desert in Southern California, Palm Springs is not only a winter utopia for folks who love the outdoors, but it’s also dog-friendly!
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
With Palm Springs Airport a convenient 10-minute drive to the downtown and sunshine most days out of the year, the city is a prime destination this season. But you don't have to go alone.
Plan a getaway with your pooch at these top spots for lodging, dining and more:
Pet-friendly hotels in Palm Springs
ARRIVE is an adults-only boutique hotel situated in the heart of downtown Palm Springs that allows your four-legged companion. The property offers cheerfully decorated rooms centered around the bustling pool. Most rooms offer a front sitting area, which is great for lounging and relaxing. There’s a restaurant and bar onsite serving appetizing plates such as avocado toast, burgers and healthy grain bowls.
This French boutique hoteloffers 11 luxurious rooms, a restored Libott pool, a relaxing garden, and several dining options. The adults-only hotel is conveniently located in the center of shopping and a plethora of restaurants, and self-parking is available. There is a $50 fee for pups under 35 lbs., and $75 for over 35 lbs.
Pet-friendly rental in Palm Springs
This spacious rental is not only dog friendly, it is located in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood with all the modern amenities you could ask for. Villa Tranquilo is a luxe ranch home offering three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. With ample room to spread out, the house comes equipped with a full kitchen and living room fireplace. Lounge out by the pool or soak in the hot tub after a day of shopping and hiking. There’s also a barbeque and terrace for outdoor dining.
Pet-friendly restaurants in Palm Springs
Start your morning with a cup of Joe at this coffee shop, which isn’t just popular with visitors but locals as well. Settle in with creative drinks such as a toffee walnut latte or pistachio rose latte, and don’t forget about the decadent rotating assortment of pastries. Fair warning: Get there early before they run out. Friendly dogs are welcome (and consistently featured on the shop Instagram with the hashtag #dogsofernest) and there is plenty of outdoor seating.
This is the place to be seen with your dog, cocktail in hand. The restaurant offers a good selection of plates to share along with cocktails. Don’t miss the garlic noodles and double cheeseburger. For extra indulgence, ask for your burger “doggie style,” which includes fried onion rings, a poached egg and beer cheddar sauce.
This gastropub is a great place for brunch, cocktails and lunch. Dogs are allowed on the sizable outdoor dining patio. If you’re over the whole avocado toast thing, think again. This version is on grilled vegan sourdough with heirloom tomatoes and pickled red onions. If you’re not into carbs, go for the spicy sauteed Thai shrimp, which is enough for two people to share. In the mood for dessert? Make sure you get the bourbon and sour cherry bread pudding.
Pet-friendly shops in Palm Springs
This thoughtfully curated shop highlights artisans and crafters from the area, including Joshua Tree and the rest of the Coachella Valley. The space is huge at approximately 10,000 square feet and includes items such as clothing, soap and beauty products. (Oh yes, and items for your dog!) The only challenge here is that you might need another set of hands to help you carry out all your new goodies.
Reserve Thursdays for this street fair that hosts a wealth of vendors ranging from food and produce to handmade jewelry and eclectic items such as scarves and pleasant-smelling soaps. If you purchase anything, go for the dates, which are local and fresh. Best of all, the streets are closed to traffic, so this is a great time for your dog to walk through the maze of tables with all types of enticing smells. Village Fest runs from October through May from 6 to 10 p.m., and June through September from 7 to 10 p.m.
Pet-friendly activities in Palm Springs
Open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., this 1.6-acre park is where your furry friend can run and roam. The fenced area features picnic tables, benches and shade offerings for those sunny days.
A bit of a drive (45 minutes), but totally worth it for the scenic views, this La Quinta trailhead marks 114 acres of space for hiking, mountain biking and trail running. Check trail maps ahead to ensure you're only trekking on dog-friendly trails. You can do the 1.8-mile Cove Oasis Loop, which is mostly flat; just make sure to bring water so you can both hydrate. Pack a picnic and sit at the tables and benches as you enjoy a snack and people watch. Make sure to keep Fido on a leash.