As I headed across the desert and crossed the California border at the deep blue Colorado River, I looked forward to seeing what was new with Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District. It had been years since I had been there, and even back then, it was a destination for shoppers seeking art and vintage collectibles. I pulled into the colorful Palm Springs Inn between Uptown Palm Springs and the hilly Tuscany neighborhood. I eyed the refreshing pool, but lunch was just a walk away, and I craved some California cuisine.

Uniquely Palm Springs, the Uptown Design District is the place to go for retro gear, upscale eateries, and desert chic shops. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Lunch at Jake’s

Walking along North Palm Canyon Drive, I noticed the Mid-century Modern (MCM) storefronts housing everything from coffee shops and colorful boutiques to funky vintage shops. The area had clearly grown since my last visit. Birds chirped in the brilliant magenta bougainvillea vines, and palm trees lined the sidewalk.

Uptown’s architecture is a mix of Spanish Revival and Mid-century Modern. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

I entered Jake’s and found myself in a shaded courtyard bar and restaurant with a trickling fountain. If you continue, there is a back deck, more tables, and a pastry case with to-die-for towering layer cakes. I sat at the bar and clicked on the QR code for the menu. Mimosas, expertly mixed martinis, bloody Marys, and glasses of white California wine were delivered to diners around me while I decided on my lunch and sipped on my OJ. This outdoor retreat, named after the owners’ cute West Highland Terrier, was a popular local haunt. I was glad to see that they take reservations.

Jake’s bar and patio were shaded and comfortable for a relaxing lunch. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

I wanted something “California-ish,” so I went for the blackened shrimp tacos. Jake’s is known for satisfying its customers’ appetites, so I wasn’t surprised at the size of the tacos and side salad. The shrimp was plentiful, huge, succulent, and perfectly spiced… just a tad zesty. Freshly sliced avocado and house-made pico de gallo worked well together, but those succulent shrimp were truly memorable.

Jake’s blackened shrimp tacos… spicy grilled shrimp with avocado, shredded green cabbage, mango pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The meal was filling, so I wasn’t tempted to revisit the case with the decadent layer cakes. I left totally refreshed and feeling that I had found my oasis in the desert. Uptown is full of intriguing, quality places like Jake’s. The area had really blossomed since my visits years ago.

Discovering Uptown’s Victoria’s Attic

As I strolled back to the Palm Springs Inn, I did quite a bit of window shopping, but the place that really drew me in was Victoria’s Attic. Glistening art glass was displayed in the windows, and the 15,000-square-foot rambling antique mall, housed in a 1930s Mission Revival building, was filled with beautifully displayed treasures.

The vintage art glass drew my eye. I thought about those who collected art glass over the years and then, when downsizing, consigned their collections. Victoria’s Attic had shelves and shelves of beautiful glass. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Victoria’s attic had room after room of Oriental antiques, framed art, vintage items ideal for decorating your MCM home, and oddities from around the world. It’s a fun place to explore, and with over 25 vendors under one roof, you’re bound to find something new each time you stop in.

Elegant oriental antiques and framed art filled this room at Victoria’s Attic. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Relaxing at the Inn at Palm Springs

Just a few blocks more, I was back at the Inn where I would spend two nights during my explorations of the Greater Palm Springs Area. The Inn at Palm Springs is an 18-room hotel with a heated pool, lawn, and garden. This pet-friendly hotel caters to hikers, bikers (cruiser bikes are available at the Inn), and those who appreciate a casual, convenient location. It’s a 15-minute walk to the heart of Uptown and about a 45-minute walk to the center of downtown Palm Springs.

Convenience is key. Just a few blocks away, you can catch the spectacular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the longest aerial tramway in the world. Rideshares are easy to hail, and I walked to dinner one night and took a rideshare back.

The Inn provides colorful outdoor spaces for small gatherings, free coffee, tea, and juices, and soon will be licensed to sell beer and wine on-premises.

The Inn at Palm Springs was yet another oasis during my visit. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

My room offered a small kitchenette, a king bed with triple sheeting, cute vintage furniture, and traditional turquoise and pink decor. The door opened out onto the grassy area around the pool. Parking was a few steps away via a coded security gate.

I soon learned that turquoise and pink were the most prevalent colors in Palm Springs. I slept well on this luxurious, triple-sheeted bed.

The inn provides a complimentary hot breakfast at a local restaurant just a short walk away. Look for specials during the off-season.

Uptown Palm Springs’ Boozehounds Bar and Restaurant

On the way to dinner one evening, I spotted something new on the Uptown scene. Billed as “Where Dogs Bring Their Humans,” Boozehounds restaurant and lounge was a fantastic venue. Newly opened, I had heard about this place, and Cinnamon the Coonhound was already lobbying me to return to Palm Springs in the fall with her in tow (or, rather, she would have ME in tow.)

Newly opened, Boozehounds was an Uptown Palm Springs draw for dogs and their owners. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

You see, Boozehounds is made for dogs and dog owners. I envision that it will become the place to socialize with your furry friends, have a meal and a craft cocktail, and, in the mornings, grab a coffee and do a little co-working in a comfortable environment.

The dog-friendly patio was certainly comfortable for people, too. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

The restaurant features a large, beautifully decorated indoor dining room and bar, along with an open-air lounge and patio bar facing the mountains. California cuisine consists of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients paired with a selection of craft cocktails. I soon learned that Palm Springs is dog-owners’ heaven. Dogs are treated well, to say the least. Given the influx of hounds and owners via their private patio entrance at Boozehounds the night I was there, it looks like dogs and their owners have found the ideal place to gather.

Inside Boozehounds, I enjoyed a craft margarita. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Since I didn’t have a dog with me (you really don’t have to), I sat at the bar and enjoyed an expertly made craft margarita. I could have stayed longer but had a half-hour walk before me to make it to Downtown Palm Springs for my dinner reservation.

A Base for Exploring the Greater Palm Springs Area

I found a stay in Uptown Palm Springs ideal for exploring sites across the valley. In the mornings, I could grab a cup of coffee before heading out, and in the evenings, restaurants were within walking distance. There were stores and access to hiking trails, and parking was easy to get to and free at the Inn at Palm Springs. If you want to plan a stay, check out Greater Palm Springs Visitor Information. And, look at the California adventures penned by our Wander writers.