PROLOGUE
Exploring Downtown Palm Springs and Indian Canyons Oasis offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Our journey begins with a laid-back day in downtown Palm Springs, where we explore local attractions, enjoy a delicious brunch, and wander through vintage shops. We then head to the serene Andreas Canyon in Indian Canyons, where nature’s beauty unfolds through easy hikes among towering palm trees and peaceful oases. This trip offers the best of both worlds—urban charm and natural wonder.
DAY
1
DATE
Tuesday, March 2024
Exploring Downtown Palm Springs and Indian Canyons Oasis: A Journey of Relaxation and Adventure
Part 1. Downtown Palm Springs
Part 2. Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons
TRAVELERS
Alice, Jazz, Ellie
TRAVEL
PALM SPRINGS RELAX and EXPLORE
RELATED TRAVEL JOURNALS
Travel Plan. Plan Palm Springs Trip: The Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Adventure
Day 1. Downtown Palm Springs Exploration and Indian Canyons Oasis Hiking
Day 2. Joshua Tree National Park Adventure: Skull Rock Trail and Stargazing
Day 3. Downtown Palm Springs Art Museum Free Night
Stays. Review of Hyatt Palm Springs Hotel: Detailed Look at Our Stay in March 2024
Today’s Journey Part 1 : A Relaxed Date in Downtown Palm Springs
Brunch @ Wilma & Frieda’s Palm Springs
Our first day of the trip began with a relaxed date in downtown Palm Springs. It was just after 11 a.m. on Tuesday when we arrived, as Jazz headed off to a conference. Alice and Ellie decided to start their own outing with brunch at Wilma & Frieda’s. To find the best brunch spots in Palm Springs, we check Yelp reviews or the city’s official website, which also lists happy hour details for nearby restaurants. The spacious seating arrangement shown in photos on Wilma & Frieda’s page made it look like a peaceful spot for brunch.
We climbed a rugged staircase to reach the vintage-themed waiting area on the second floor, though there’s an elevator for easier access with strollers or wheelchairs. After signing our names on the waitlist, we explored a mini stand near the entrance selling Bob Ross items. It was a fun surprise, and looking back, the laid-back vibe of Palm Springs pairs well with the calming scenes in Bob Ross’s paintings. Inside, we were seated in a cozy back area under a grand chandelier.
Waiting for our Churro Waffle with mixed berries and scrambled eggs, Ellie was thrilled to receive a coloring worksheet featuring Bob Ross and some animals painting together. Her delight brought Alice joy as well. Many restaurants offer small activities and crayons for children, and I’d packed a set of multicolored mini crayons from home, which proved handy throughout the trip.
Crisp waffles piled high with berries, the fresh March breeze through the window, and the soft chatter of brunch-goers all set a lovely scene. After finishing, we stepped back out into downtown for our next adventure.
Exploring Downtown Palm Springs
There was the statue honors Sonny Bono, a former entertainer and Palm Springs’ 16th mayor, who was known for his contributions to the local community His daughter’s activism and impact are reflected throughout downtown, with pride flags and vibrant colors decorating the area. Ellie observed it closely; we imagined how many people had leaned on his shoulder, held his hand, or even perched on his lap.
Artworks Along Downtown Palm Springs As we followed the street north, passing various artworks that enliven downtown, Ellie’s excitement grew. She loved pressing the crosswalk buttons each time we crossed the street, a novelty that entertained her throughout the trip.
Vintage Shops on Palm Canyon Drive. The vintage stores lining Palm Canyon Drive quickly drew us in, and we strolled through them at our own pace. This statue holds memories of many travelers who’ve stopped to touch his shoulder, shake his hand, or perhaps sit on his lap. Ellie looked closely, and we imagined how many people had connected with this piece over the years.
Our Oasis: Starbucks on Palm Canyon Drive This Starbucks was an oasis during our trip. People relaxed outside, and as the sun set, street musicians filled the air with live music. Ellie continued her Bob Ross coloring project, narrating the day’s events on the back. “This is for today’s story,” she explained, eager to record her memories, foreshadowing the journals she’ll likely start writing soon.
Hotel Check-in and Rest At 2:00 p.m., we checked into our hotel. After a short rest and a hearty snack, we prepared for our next little adventure of the day.
Today’s Journey Part 2: Wild Palm Trees and Oasis Trails in Indian Canyons
Andreas Canyon Loop Trail at Indian Canyons
When venturing into nature, I always check the current conditions of our destination, along with the trail difficulty and length. A quick map download is helpful too, though most parks hand them out at the entrance. In March, the weather in Indian Canyons was perfect for a hike.
This trip to Indian Canyons was less about intense hiking and more about exploring the natural palm trees and oasis landscapes. So, we decided on Andreas Canyon, the closest to where we were staying, among the three canyons—Palm, Andreas, and Murray. Andreas Canyon’s 1.2-mile loop trail winds along the oasis with shady spots and a variety of natural sights—a great choice for a laid-back hike.
Entry was $12 per adult, with kids under six free, so we paid $24 in total. The parking area had shaded picnic tables, restrooms, and a simple foot-pump water spout. After packing a few essentials—water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit—we set off down the trail.
The trail itself was easygoing, dotted with rounded stones in the oasis, jagged rocks along the mountainsides, and beautiful clusters of natural palms. For the adults, it was a refreshing escape into nature, and for the kids, an outdoor classroom. Even with some shade, the desert sun made hats and sunscreen a must.
Indian Canyons closes fairly early, around 5 p.m., so by the time we arrived at 3:30, we had about an hour and a half to explore. If not for Jazz’s gentle nudge, I might have skipped it, thinking the entry fee wasn’t worth it, but I’m glad we went. Experiencing it firsthand made me realize it was a great addition to our day. We’re saving the other trails in Indian Canyons for our next Palm Springs adventure!
