Palm Springs: More Then Just Suntanning & Golf

Once a hotspot for the Hollywood elite in the 50s and 60s, Palm Springs is still a popular getaway spot for Southern Californians.  A place to get away from it all by hanging out by the pool with a tropical cocktail or to hit a few on the green, Palm Springs is also an oasis for healthy food. Growing every year and catering to its finicky and discerning guests, this dessert paradise has lots to offer all sorts of diners!

One of the newest and  hottest spots in town is The Ace Hotel. It’s so hipstery and cool that you forget you’re in the middle of the dessert. What was once a janky old Howard Johnson’s is now a mecca for hotties who just want to hang. Built so that every need is taken care of, you never have to leave The Ace. Also known as the Ace hotel and swim club, it boasts to awesome pool, 2 bars, 24 hour gym, spa, dog park, pool side commune room for parties and concerts, yurts for spa services and it’s on site diner, Kings Highway. No detail is ignored and they really take care of their guests. Kings Highway offers organic and healthy options for all sorts of guests and also caters events. Custom cakes and organic pool side snow cones to delivering all the fixin’s to your patio for a bbq, they hook it up.  Room service, pool service, party service, independent films, pet friendly and more, the Ace really lives up to its name. And it’s just so damn cool that it feels like you’re at camp!

If you’re thinking of an extended stay, Nature’s Health Food Cafe should be your first stop.  Stock up at the health food market but be sure to have a meal or 2 at their cafe.  Everything is made fresh to order and they have a wide variety of menu items to vegetarians as well as vegans. They serve breakfast all day, make fresh detox juices and even have all-you-can-drink alkaline water available for all guests. Nothing but health without sacrificing taste, it’s no wonder stars like Alicia Silverstone & Betty White frequent this local gem whenever they’re in town! Their tofu scramble and vegan french toast are fabulous as are their raw wrap and appetizer baked dates. Yum! You can find them at 555 S Sunrise Way # 301, Palm Springs, CA 92264-7891, (760) 323-9487 ‎

Greg & Jeff of Palm Greens Cafe know how to feed you, regardless of your dietary restrictions!  With something on the menu for everyone, I have to say, vegans can go nuts here. Their Ruben sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever had, fantastic salads with home made dressings, breakfast available all day, lavender lemonade made from lavender plucked from their garden…I could go on and on!  Most everything at Palm Greens is organic and made with love.   They have incorporated more raw dishes, phenomenal gluten free desserts (oh the brownie!!) and are always looking for new ways to knock your socks off. Palm Greens Cafe is located in downtown Palm Springs and is a must!

One of my favorite places to dine whenever I’m in Palm Springs is Las Casuelas Terraza. It’s right in the heart of downtown, has a great vibe with lots of outdoor dining and music as well as authentic Mexican food.  In addition, they are very helpful with special diet guests so you you have ot do is ask and they will deliver.  For instance, if you want to gorge on chips, salsa and guac, be sure to ask that your chips be fried in veggie oil. The Fiesta guacamole is fully vegan and delicious!  The Oaxacan black beans and the pinto beans are vegan and can be subbed for anything on the menu. I love to veganize their enchilada that is full of grilled veggies and topped with a tasty ranchero sauce. Veggies, steer clear of the rice as it is made with chicken stock, sorry!  Las Casuelas is a great place to get the party started with a fun group over margs and yummy food from South of the Border!

Driving on the main drag, I noticed a new organic, gluten & dairy free bakery called Canyon Flours Bakery. It wasn’t open yet however, I’m excited for a return trip to taste all of their special diet friendly goods!

Getting away for even just 2 nights makes a world of difference. And going to a place like Palm Springs is just the place for some serious r & r. If it’s on your list, now you know to go hungry!