Hand-spun cotton candy from Lulu California Bistro.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA ALEXANDER
PALM SPRINGS
Lulu California Bistro: With a lively outdoor patio and colorful multilevel main dining room centered around a bustling bar, there’s always a party at this downtown favorite. The unmissable happy hour includes a diverse assortment of beers, bites, wines, and cocktails.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
Lizzy’s Premium Frozen Yogurt: Keep cool with a towering swirl of frozen yogurt at Lizzy’s. A rotating menu includes fun flavors like Cookie Monster, Snickers, Butter Pecan, and Dole Pineapple Soft Serve.
CATHEDRAL CITY (TIED)
Capizzi’s Cheesecakes Pizza … and Then Some: What’s the best thing to eat after a delicious cheese pizza? Well, more cheese, of course. The strawberry-smothered cheesecake here is a must. So is the cannoli.
La Michoacana Ice Cream Parlor: Let’s face it, when it’s hotter than 100 degrees outside, we’re all screaming for sweet relief. This shop churns out ice cream and Mexican shaved ice.
Monster Shakes: What’s better than a milkshake on a hot day? A monster shake on any day, regardless of the temperature. Dazzle the senses with over-the-top sweet treats topped with epic extras like doughnuts, cotton candy, and entire candy bars.
PALM DESERT
Cowboy Cantina: Saddle up and enjoy a taste of the Southwest. Cowboy Cantina’s menu is informed by rustic cooking techniques and promises a fusion of spices in every dish. For something sweet, try the giant signature sundae, topped with ancho chile caramel sauce.
INDIAN WELLS
Vicky’s of Santa Fe: Enjoy a wide selection of wine, beer, cocktails, steaks, and fine seafood at this adobe-style hotspot on Highway 111. For your final course, decide between classics such as homemade apple pie, chocolate layer cake, and tiramisu.
LA QUINTA
TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill: Come to this Old Town La Quinta restaurant for complimentary chips and salsa before downing a few gourmet tacos and housemade margaritas. (The restaurant is named after tequila, after all!) Leave room for a grand finale of caramel-infused churros, dark chocolate flan, or mud pie, just like Mom used to make.
INDIO
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino: At Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, you can have it all: a day on the golf course followed by a swim, a fancy steak dinner at The Bistro, and a signature hot fudge sundae at Lique. Before you head home, visit Splurge, where you can spend your casino winnings on a memento to commemorate the trip.
COACHELLA
Augustine Casino: Experience the excitement of gaming at Augustine Casino, a favorite among locals for loose slots. Sip signature cocktails at Ayily Bar and savor delicious eats all day (including popular brunch, burgers, and dessert) at Café 54.
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