🌴 Palm Springs Girls' Trip: A Desert Oasis Celebration
Palm Springs Mural, Palm Spring Airport, California
What do you get when you bring together twelve incredible women from high school, work, and every corner of life, and drop them into the mid-century modern paradise of Palm Springs to celebrate several milestone birthdays? A trip for the books! For five days, we swapped our daily routines for desert sunshine, stunning views, and much-needed connection. Here is how we turned a group of twelve individuals into a circle of friends.
🏡 Our Oasis Away From Home: The Triada Palm Springs
The Triada Palm Springs was the perfect location for our girls' getaway. Styled as a Spanish hacienda, this boutique hotel offered a quiet, sophisticated sanctuary steps from the downtown buzz.
Entrance, Triada Palm Springs
Pool, Triada Palm Springs
The accommodations were ideal for a group that needed both private relaxation and communal gathering spots:
Multiple Pools for Multiple Moods: With two distinct outdoor pools (one freshwater, one saltwater), there was always a spot to soak up the sun without feeling crowded.
Spacious Suites and Private Patios: The rooms themselves were large, offering plenty of space to spread out and hang out. Some rooms had large entertaining spaces indoors, and others had large patio areas. It was perfect for group get-togethers to enjoy a morning coffee, an afternoon day-drinking session, or an evening nightcap.
Spaces to Convene: The grounds provided numerous elegant lounge areas, some with outdoor fire pits. These spots became our favorite places to relax, chat, and bond in the evening after dinner.
✈️ The Journey: A Test of Patience
Getting to Palm Springs was an adventure in itself. Since we all made our own travel arrangements, we each began the journey solo or in pairs. However, with the help of pre-trip introductions via a group chat, we encountered friendly, familiar faces in various airport lounges and gate areas.
Even with an unexpected government shutdown causing air traffic controller shortages and delays, the group’s humor stayed intact. Thanks, ladies, for staying patient! And honestly, the travel hurdles only made the first cocktails taste sweeter.
🍹 Day 1: Provisions and Tropical Vibes
After settling into the Triada, some of us kicked things off with a late lunch at the Marlin Bar. We also made a strategic stop at BevMo to stock our hotel fridges with wine, seltzers, and snacks, the essential fuel for any pre- or post-party!
Our first official dinner was at The Tropicale. Between the vibrant atmosphere, finding your seat via luggage tags, the clinking glasses, and the shared plates, the ice was officially broken. This was the perfect beginning to our trip!
🛍️ Day 2: Vintage Finds and Culinary Delights
Sunday was a classic Palm Springs immersion:
The Flea Market: We hit the Open Air Vintage Flea Market (open 8 am-2 pm, and a must-do on the first Sunday of the month!), hunting for unique treasures under the warm desert sun. While we couldn't fit the mid-century furniture in our carry-ons, we loved soaking up the local vibe and culture.
Brunch at Lulu: Next up was a lively brunch/lunch at Lulu California Bistro. Whether opting for the three-course feast or à la carte, the real winners were the Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Afternoon Freetime: The afternoon was dedicated to free time. Some relaxed by the pool, others explored the iconic architecture, and a few hit the local shops.
Workshop Dinner: We reconvened for dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar. The industrial-chic decor and innovative menu made for a memorable evening. The menu was pre-chosen (including a boozy welcome punch), which allowed us to relax, enjoy the delicious meal, and the company.
50th Birthday Menu, Workshop Kitchen + Bar, Palm Springs, CA
🚠 Day 3: Peaks & Pampering
Monday offered a "choose your own adventure" vibe and gave a few of us a completely different view of the area.
The Tramway: A few of us took the breathtaking Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up the mountain. The views at the top were spectacular. Some decided to take in the views from the visitor center, and three of us chose to hike the Desert View Trail, a 1.5-mile hike with five stunning notches (or overlooks). The steepest part was the walk back to the tram station.
The Spa at Séc-he: While the adventurers were on the mountain, the rest of the group kicked off the relaxation at The Spa at Séc-he. The adventurers joined in the afternoon, and the entire group spent the rest of the day in pure bliss—moving between mineral pools, treatment rooms, salt rooms, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation rooms. Our private cabana served as the perfect "snack HQ" to refuel between treatments and use of the world-class spa amenities.
Dinner at Eight4Nine: We turned a few heads as we marched through Eight4Nine with our "5-0" birthday balloons. We dined in "The Office," a private dining room with inspiring wall art—"Work hard, and be nice to people," and “You’re amazing. Remember that!”
🌵 Day 4: Joshua Tree and A Farewell Feast
Our final full day took us out of Palm Springs and into the rugged beauty of the desert.
Joshua Tree Tour: The Joshua Tree Adventure Hummer Tour was an absolute highlight. We marveled at the unique trees and surreal rock formations—a truly unforgettable experience and a great chance for some unique group photos! 👉 [Read More and See Photos: Joshua Tree Adventure Hummer Tour]
Individual Relaxation or Shared Patio Time: The afternoon offered another chance for individual relaxation before our farewell dinner. Some of us chose to spend it enjoying each other’s company on what became our shared patio.
Dinner at Trio: Our final dinner was at Trio. By this point, our group had shifted from twelve to nine as "real life" and other priorities called a few of our crew back home a little early. Those of us remaining raised a final glass to the full dozen, toasting to new friendships, shared memories, and a truly successful milestone celebration!
✨ Day 5: Until Next Time
Wednesday morning was for goodbyes. We departed, each heading back to our different corners of the world, but carrying with us new connections and incredible memories from our desert escape. It truly was a trip that reminded us how important it is to step away, reconnect, and forge new bonds.
This trip wasn't just about the scenery or the amazing food—it was about 12 women from different chapters of life coming together to celebrate the big "5-0" for several women, and the beauty of friendship. We came as a group of individuals and left as friends. Cheers to the 12 of us! 🥂
The Triada Palm Springs was a wonderful base for us, and the restaurants on our list—The Tropicale, Lulu, Workshop, Eight4Nine, and Trio—are highly recommended!
📝 Know Before You Go: Travel Tips for Groups in Palm Springs
Signpost, Palm Spring, CA
📅 Reservations & Logistics
Book Early: For a group of this size, "winging it" is not an option. Make your restaurant reservations as far in advance as possible to ensure that the restaurant can accommodate the group.
Build in Solo Time: This is the secret to group travel success! Don’t over-schedule every second. Build in "free time" for people to nap, explore solo, or recharge. It keeps the group energy high for the group activities.
Tour Prep: Aerial Tram ticket reservations are recommended to avoid long lines, and Joshua Tree tours fill up fast. Reserve your spots in advance to avoid disappointment.
Shared Costs: Use Splitwise to track shared costs such as Uber rides, BevMo runs, and drinks/dinner (most places won’t accept more than 4 split charges). It saves time tracking and managing expenses at the end of the trip!
👗 What to Pack & Wear
The "Desert Wrap": Early November is gorgeous (highs around 78°F), but it gets chilly the second the sun goes down. Bring a light jacket or wrap for the early morning and cool desert evenings.
Tramway Layers: It is often 30 degrees colder at the top of the mountain. Pack a sweatshirt or jacket for the hike, even if you’re roasting at the base!
Joshua Tree Gear: Even on a sunny day, the desert wind can be biting, especially in an open-air vehicle. Bring a light jacket and wear comfortable walking shoes.
🍷 Provisions & Sips
The BevMo Run: Hit the local BevMo as soon as you arrive! It’s the easiest way to stock your room fridges with wine, seltzers, and snacks for those late-night patio chats.
BYOB & Corkage: Bringing your own wine is a great way to enjoy a favorite or share bottles from an overstocked cellar. Call the restaurant ahead of time to check their current corkage fees. These prices change frequently, and some places have limits on the number of bottles allowed per group!
Hydration is Key: Between the dry desert air, the mountain altitude, and the celebratory cocktails, you’ll need more water than you think.
💬 Where should we go next? Share your thoughts in the comments!
