Beyond Bend: A Day in Palm Springs

On our road trip south, we decided to make a stop in Palm Springs, California — a desert city famous for its sunshine, mid-century architecture, and quirky roadside attractions. In just one day, we managed to pack in fun for the kids, retro charm for us, and plenty of delicious treats.

 
A Festive Visit to the Pee-wee Herman Dinosaurs

Our first stop was the iconic Cabazon Dinosaurs, made famous in the movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. We happened to visit at Christmas time, so the giant dinosaurs were dressed for the season — complete with Santa suits painted right onto their massive bodies.

Mike and the kids braved the climb inside the dinosaur, while I decided to stay outside (my claustrophobia had other plans). To my surprise, they were even more impressive than I expected — kitschy, colorful, and pure roadside Americana.

 Cruising the Mid-Century Neighborhoods

After the dinosaurs, we took a drive through Palm Springs’ mid-century modern neighborhoods. With the sun lighting up the pastel-colored doors and clean architectural lines, it felt like stepping back in time.

We made a point to find Elvis Presley’s former home, a sleek retro gem surrounded by swaying palm trees. Even if you’re not an Elvis fan, it’s worth the drive just to see the perfectly preserved style that Palm Springs is so famous for.

 
Coffee Break at Koffi

Palm Springs has no shortage of coffee shops, but we stopped at Koffi, and it was absolutely worth it. The coffee was strong and smooth, the pastries were fresh, and the real gem was the back courtyard — a peaceful spot with seating surrounded by greenery, perfect for sipping in the warm winter air.

 
Shopping on Main Street

We spent the afternoon strolling up and down Palm Canyon Drive, the main shopping street in Palm Springs. The sidewalks were lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and vintage stores full of treasures. The vibe was relaxed, the shop owners friendly, and the winter sunshine made it impossible to feel rushed.

 
Ending with Ice Cream at Lappert’s

No day trip is complete without dessert, so we ended at Lappert’s Ice Cream. The kids went straight for colorful, fun flavors, while I opted for a creamy coffee ice cream. We sat outside with our cones, soaking up the last bit of perfect January weather before heading back on the road.

 
Why We Loved Palm Springs in Winter

Palm Springs in January is about as perfect as it gets — blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and a slower pace that makes it easy to enjoy every stop. From kitschy dinosaurs to mid-century elegance, it’s a city that offvintage stores full of treasures. The vibe was relaxed, the shop owners friendly, and the winter sunshine made it impossible to feel rushed.