First things first: Yes, it’s hot … but it’s a dry heat. Here in Palm Springs, we’re really good at making things relatively comfortable, even when temps cross triple-digits. For example: You’ll see a lot of misters here—and because this is a dry heat, they really do make a difference.

We also have the mountain—specifically, Mount San Jacinto. It’s one of the most “topographically prominent” peaks in the U.S., meaning tallest from the mountain base to the top. (This is the mountain we’ll be climbing via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Friday evening!) Because we’re so close to the mountain in downtown Palm Springs, we get an extra half-hour or so without the sun in the evenings—and trust me, you’ll feel the difference.

Things here are a bit slower now compared to how they’d be in, say, January. Some restaurants will be closed, and there will be fewer tourists on the streets. That said … slower does not mean dead. There’s still a lot to do, a lot to see—and a lot of fun to be had!

The Airport

If you’ve never been to Palm Springs International Airport, you should know that it’s different.

Specifically: It’s small, with a fun mid-century modern vibe … and lot of it is outside. To get from either set of gates to the main terminal, you’ll walk outside. But the air conditioning works well in all of the indoor spaces!

The best thing about the airport, as far as the AAN Conference is concerned, is its proximity to our host hotel, the Thompson Palm Springs. The trip to and from takes eight minutes. That’s all. While your flight here may have been a little pricey, you’ll save money on Lyft/Uber/taxi fares compared to what you spent at some recent AAN Conferences.

The Hotel

You’re staying in the newest and nicest large hotel in Palm Springs! It’s been open for less than two years, after many years of start-and-stop construction, name changes, etc. It’s gorgeous; the pool is awesome; and there are multiple bars! Also: Because of the room rate that AAN negotiated, with the resort fee waived, you’re paying less to stay here than pretty much anyone else will all year. Enjoy!

Nearby Attractions

Palm Springs Village Fest: Every Thursday, Palm Canyon Drive (the main street on the mountain side of the hotel) closes down for several blocks for a street fair. During the summer, it takes place from 7 to 10 p.m., and includes entertainment, all sorts of vendors, food options, etc. It starts at Amado Road, the first main street south of the Thompson. Check it out after cocktails on Thursday!

Palm Springs Art Museum: Located a short walk from the Thompson at 101 N. Museum Drive, the art museum is a lovely space with great exhibits (despite leadership and financial troubles; Google it if you’d like). One of the current shows is A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit, which “brings together an intergenerational group of artists who explore how magic, spirituality, and esoteric knowledge have shaped queer art and culture in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.” Admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays during Village Fest.

Palm Springs Pride Monument: Just across Alejo Road to the north of the Thompson, at Frances Stevens Park, you’ll find the Palm Springs Pride Monument. It was dedicated last October. The description: “This striking installation by renowned artist Jim Isermann weaves together three iconic symbols of LGBTQ+ solidarity: the lambda, the triangle, and the rainbow.” It’s worth a look!

Arenas Road: Speaking of LGBTQ+ … the city of Palm Springs is one of the most LGBTQ+ cities in the world; about half of the 45,000 residents here identify as LGBTQ+. (The Coachella Valley as a whole consists of nine cities, with around 420,000 full-time residents.) Therefore, almost all of Palm Springs is gay-ish—but Arenas Road, between Indian Canyon Drive and Calle Encilia, is where you’ll find the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. In one small block, there are seven gay bars, along with a few shops. It’s a 12-minute, half-mile walk from the Thompson—or a short and inexpensive Lyft ride.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum: If you want to know more about the history of Palm Springs, go to the beautiful Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, at 140 N. Indian Canyon Drive (an eight-minute walk from the Thompson). The museum, which opened in November 2023, tells the tale of the Agua Caliente people, including their creation story. The museum and The Spa at Séc-he, in the same building, are located on the site of the hot springs that have made this a destination for thousands of years.

“Forever Marilyn”: Marilyn Monroe is a big deal in Palm Springs. Some (questionably) claim that she was discovered here, and we just set a certified world record for having the most Marilyn Monroe look-alikes together in one place. (1,037 of them! Mostly men!) Related: The most photographed object in Palm Springs is the “Forever Marilyn” statue, a 26-foot tall work by Seward Johnson that was inspired by the famous photograph taken on the set of The Seven Year Itch—y’know, with her smiling as she holds down her wind-billowed skirt. It’s located in the Downtown Park, at Museum Way and Belardo Road—so go take your picture!

Recommended Nearby Restaurants (in No Particular Order)

Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge, 849 N. Palm Canyon Drive: One of the Independent’s favorites, with an upscale yet comfy vibe. Brunch, lunch and dinner are all great. The chicken sandwich is to die for!

Trio Restaurant, 707 N Palm Canyon Drive: Nice yet casual. The pastas are fresh-made! I am particularly a fan of the pork belly crispy rice. I generally loathe cauliflower—but Trio’s Buffalo cauliflower won me over.

Bar Issi, at the Thompson Palm Springs: If you can get in, you’re in for a treat! You’ll find fresh seafood, woodfired pizzas and delicious entrees. Get the house made puccia bread with the trio of butters!

Blue Coyote Grill, 445 N. Palm Canyon Drive: Just across the street from the Thompson, you’ll find excellent Mexican food and the reigning Best of Coachella Valley margaritas!

Lulu California Bistro, 200 S. Palm Canyon Drive: Here, it’s all about the vibe. The somewhat enclosed patio is great for people-watching. The happy hour at the bar is excellent.

Jake’s, 664 N. Palm Canyon Drive: The entrées at Jake’s are tasty, but I go there for the massive, amazing cakes, and the innovative craft cocktails. I have dreams about their citrus cake (three different layers: orange, lime and lemon!).

Johannes, 196 S Indian Canyon Drive: Johannes is known for wonderful modern European cuisine—especially schnitzel. In fact, they offer a whole schnitzel-lover’s menu!

Al Dente/Riccio’s, 491/495 N. Palm Canyon Drive: Sister Italian-ish restaurants a short walk from the Thompson. They each have different menus and great summer deals. The meatballs at Al Dente are legit!

Tac/Quila, 415 N. Palm Canyon Drive: Upscale Mexican right across the street from the Thompson. The taco chips are weird but tasty.

Tonga Hut, 254 N. Palm Canyon Drive: If you’re a fan of island/tiki bar culture, you need to go here. This is the sister outpost of the famous Hollywood spot. The food is just OK—but the drinks are tropically delicious.

Wilma and Frieda, 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive: Elevated lunch and breakfast fare; open until 2 p.m. daily. The griddled meatloaf and eggs is worth the calories—and the homemade pop tarts are worth an hour in the hotel gym.

The Sandwich Spot, 276 N. Palm Canyon Drive: This is the perennial Best Sandwiches winner in our Best of Coachella Valley poll … and our readers know what they’re talking about!

Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar & Grill, 301 N Palm Canyon Drive: Great casual eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner—with a full bar! The Bloody Marys here are stupendous.

Anything Else?

Have questions? Want tips regarding anything that’s beyond a short walk from the hotel? Need bail money? Call me or text me at 520-869-3090, and I’d be glad to help! (Just kidding about the bail money, though; you’d best ask Todd for that.)