Easing into Travel: Dog-Friendly Palm Springs

During my two-day visit to dog-friendly Palm Springs, I discovered some of what this oasis of brilliant magenta bougainvillea and towering palms offers dog lovers. But mostly, I came away confident that this California desert town loves its dogs and will welcome yours.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t traveling with Cinnamon the Coonhound this time. But, I have promised her a dog-friendly trip to this desert oasis in the fall.

Staying in dog-friendly Palm Springs

Stay with your pooch at the dog-friendly Inn at Palm Springs (credit: Elizabeth Rose)

The Greater Palm Springs area offers a range of pet-friendly accommodations. You’ll find high-end resorts, mid-century modern motels, and even a lakefront hotel, which provides signature Martha Stewart pet beds.

For two nights during my explorations of Palm Springs, I stayed at the pet-friendly, casual Inn at Palm Springs, a small, 18-room hotel surrounding a heated pool, lawn, and garden. Colorful outdoor spaces invite communing with other dog-lovers. And, the neighborhood and nearby streets offer plentiful dog walking options.

In addition to dog lovers, the inn caters to hikers, bicyclists, and those who appreciate a laid-back, convenient location

My accommodation opened out onto the grassy area around the pool. It included a small kitchenette, a king bed with triple sheeting, and cute vintage furniture, with a color palette emphasizing traditional Palm Springs turquoise and pink. The inn provides free coffee, tea, and juices and soon will be licensed to sell beer and wine on-premises.

In addition to dog lovers, it caters to hikers, bicyclists (cruiser bikes are available at the inn), and those who appreciate a laid-back, 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.

Just a few blocks away is the spectacular Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s longest aerial tramway. Note that only service animals are allowed aboard. Rideshares are easy to hail, and I walked to dinner one night and took one back.

Dining in dog-friendly Palm Springs

the outdoor bar and patio at Jake's in Palm Springs

Jake’s in Uptown is named after the owner’s West Highland terrier (credit: Elizabeth Rose)

Since Palm Springs residents and visitors love their dogs, it makes sense that restaurateurs cater to pets. As I walked along North Palm Canyon Drive looking for coffee and a pastry, I encountered well-groomed dogs trotting along with their well-groomed owners. Patio dining is the norm in warm Palm Springs, and in most cases, even the most upscale bistros welcome dogs.

Pet-friendly dining includes areas at classic Palm Springs steak houses as well as casino cafes. Patio dining is ideal for well-behaved dogs and their owners, and I found two places where I would return, with or without my dog.

Jakes

Blackened shrimp tacos with a side salad at Jake’s in Palm Springs (credit: Elizabeth Rose)

I walked from the inn enjoying window shopping in Uptown until I reached Jake’s, my lunch destination. You enter into a pleasant, shaded courtyard bar and restaurant. If you continue through, there is a back deck with more tables and a pastry case with to-die-for towering layer cakes.

This outdoor retreat, named after the owners’ cute West Highland Terrier, is clearly a popular local haunt

I took a seat at the bar and clicked on the QR code for the menu. While deciding on lunch, I sipped an OJ and watched as mimosas, expertly mixed martinis, bloody Marys, and glasses of white wines from California were delivered to other diners. This outdoor retreat, named after the owners’ cute West Highland Terrier, is clearly a popular local haunt.

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

Boozehounds Bar and Restaurant

Dog dog-friendly patio at Boozehounds (credit: Elizabeth Rose)

As you might guess from the name, Boozehounds focuses on welcoming dogs and their owners. It even has a separate patio entrance with its own bartender.

The restaurant features a large, beautifully decorated indoor dining room and bar and an open-air lounge and patio bar facing the mountains. As I sipped on my craft margarita, I watched dogs, accompanied by their owners, enter the private entrance and start to fill the patio.

I expect that this newly opened restaurant will become the place to socialize with your furry friends, enjoy a meal and a craft cocktail. In the mornings, grab a coffee and do a little co-working in a comfortable environment.

What’s appealing to the over-50 luxury traveler?

Many over-50 folks travel with their beloved dogs, and dog-friendly Palm Springs provides a welcoming environment.

Palm Springs has pet-sitting and dog walkers for those wanting to tour without their dogs.

Palm Springs is known for nostalgic mid-century modern desert architecture and homes where the rich and famous relaxed during that era. Street names honor luminaries such as Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.

The annual Modernism Week provides a fun time learning about and seeing mid-century modern homes and architecture.

Take note

Palm Springs is in the desert. Summer temperatures are often in the triple digits, making it a bad time to bring your dog.

Check websites or call ahead to make sure that you can bring your dog with you to a restaurant or attraction.

Greater Palm Springs Tourism provides in-depth pet-friendly information on its website.

Pet fees: Some resorts charge daily add-on fees per pet; others charge nothing to keep your pet in your room.

COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 restrictions and health and safety measures change frequently. Check with the hotel or resort for current protocols and seek out updated information from the Greater Palm Springs Visitors Bureau.

Disclosure:

The author received complimentary accommodations and meals arranged through the Greater Palm Springs Visitors Bureau. Any opinions expressed are her own.