Gluten Free Things to do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs

Palm Springs Travel Tips

G-Free Travel Rating

8/10

Major Airport

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Official Language

English

Currency:

US Dollar (USD)

Power Outlets:

Types A & B

Eating Gluten Free in Palm Springs

We had time for only a couple meals in Palm Springs and Kara found fantastic restaurants. With unique offerings including great gluten free options in an interesting setting is the best way to start and finish a vacation.

Our top list of things to do while in Palm Springs

Visit Coachella Preserve

We were planning to head to the preserve for a couple hours prior to our flight taking off but unfortunately, I hurt my hip. Since it was painful for me to walk and we had 5 hours of flight time ahead of us, we decided it wasn’t worth being miserable on the flight. It looks like a stunning desert oasis, so if you have the time we would recommend checking it out. Spanning over 20,000 acres, it features lush palm groves, desert dunes, and a series of natural springs. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the rare Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard scurrying across the trail! Otherwise, just take in the tranquil beauty of this ecological treasure.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

A breathtaking experience that transports you from the desert floor to the alpine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park. This is the largest rotating tram in the world that offers 360-degree views as you ascend over 2.5 miles, climbing to an elevation of 8,516 feet. At the top, you can explore hiking trails or even enjoy a fine dining experience whilst taking in panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Cost for tramway: $34.95/ticket for ages 11 and older. Two dollars more if booking online.

Clothing: Take layers. The temperature at the top of the mountain averages 30-40-degrees cooler than the desert floor.

Windmills

While we have the occasional windmill in Wisconsin this is still an iconic experience offering a glimpse into renewable energy. The towering white turbines, located along the San Gorgonio Pass, are among the first large-scale wind farms in the U.S. Being set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and desert plains leads to striking photo opportunities. You can take guided tours to learn about their history, engineering, and environmental impact. These windmills are a symbol of Palm Springs’ blend of innovation and natural beauty.

Walk of the Stars Palm Springs

This is a delightful tribute to the many celebrities, pioneers, and visionaries who have left their mark on the city’s history. Located mainly along Palm Canyon Drive and some side streets, the Walk of Stars features more than 400 golden stars embedded in the sidewalks honoring this diverse range of individuals. As you walk, you’ll notice names like Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor reflecting Palm Springs’ long-standing connection to Old Hollywood. Occasionally, plaques include dedications to local heroes and cultural icons, showcasing the city’s appreciation for its history and community. Walking the Walk of Stars is a blend of nostalgia and discovery.

Explore Palm Canyon Drive

Being the main street of the city, it is lined with tall swaying palm trees set against a backdrop of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains. The street is always bustling, featuring a mix of retro-modern architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants with inviting outdoor patios. The sunny weather is perfect for people watching and soaking in the desert vibes.

As you walk, you’ll encounter unique storefronts offering everything from vintage clothing and handmade jewelry, to mid-century modern furniture. Public art installations dot the sidewalks, adding to the creative energy of the area. Cafés and bars often have live music, creating a lively atmosphere. If you are there on Thursdays, the VillageFest takes over, turning Palm Canyon Drive into a bustling street fair with food vendors, craft booths and live entertainment.

Find the Statues Around Palm Springs

Similar to the Walk of Stars, the statues pay tribute to some of the iconic Hollywood stars that may have had homes in Palm Springs. Ultimately, Palm Springs is known for its eclectic mix of public art and statues that reflect its cultural heritage, desert environment, and mid-century modern aesthetic. Below are three must stops:

Forever Marilyn

The one that probably spikes the most conversations. Is a 26-foot-tall statue of Marilyn Monroe in her famous pose from The Seven Year Itch. It is located just off a side street from Palm Canyon Drive near the art museum. A great place for a photo op.

Lucille Ball Statue

Not nearly as large as Forever Marilyn, none the less, still life size. This is a bronze statue of Lucille Ball sitting on a bench near a corner off Palm Canyon Dr. A great way to celebrate the comedic legend who frequently visited Palm Springs.

Sonny Bono Statue

Also, a life-size statue. The bronze statue of Sonny Bono sits in the Sonny Bono Memorial Park downtown. He was a former singer; known most for his duets with Cher of “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On”. It honors his contributions to the city as a mayor.

Really if you are visiting Palm Springs, you don’t have to venture far from Palm Canyon Dr. There is so much to do along the drive it could keep you entertained for a couple of days.

Parks

While strolling up and down Palm Canyon Drive a couple times to capture everything, it is nice to step back away and see what nature has to offer. If you are wanting to stay around Palm Springs we’ll outline a couple of parks nearby, but if you want to explore a little more then we suggest doing a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Some of the more notable parks we discovered:

Ruth Hardy Park

Just a short stroll from Palm Canyon Drive we meandered here to relax before our flight. We chose it for it’s paved walkways and open grassy areas. This park is a favorite for families and recreational activities featuring tennis courts, basketball courts and a children’s playground. Lucky for us it has benches and picnic tables scattered throughout the area; we were even able to find one in the shade.

Demuth Park

Farther away from downtown; it is Palm Springs’ largest park. It’s comprised of baseball diamonds, soccer fields on top of basketball courts and a large playground. You can expect to find sports enthusiasts playing around or a community event, making this a great place to have a picnic and spend the day in a low key environment.

Sunrise Park

Another great park with open grassy areas and ample shade. This one has similar features to the above two; in addition, it has a swimming pool if you are wanting to get in a quick swim. Located not far from downtown and near the public library.

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

While this is not a public park (privately owned) it offers a unique experience for plant lovers and those interested in the desert ecosystem. It hosts over 3000 desert species from around the world ranging from miniatures to giants. Before swinging by, make sure to check their hours. There is an admission fee of $7/ticket for visitors 13+.

The Best Gluten Free Thing to do in Palm Springs…Explore the Gastronomic Scene

As people continue to gain knowledge about the gluten free diet; more and more restaurants, cafes, and bakeries are able to offer gluten-free options. This reflects the city’s focus on wellness and dietary preferences. So if you are looking for a great meal, there’s one just around the corner. Here is a list of some restaurants that we have either tried or wished we could try.

Cheeky’s

Located on the main drive, it is a popular brunch spot. They don’t take reservations so be prepared for a wait. While their menu changes frequently, staples like the bacon flight, salads and certain egg dishes can often be made gluten-free– just inform the waitstaff of your needs. There aren’t many places you can do a BACON flight and it was fantastic! They had a breakfast quesadilla on their menu, which wasn’t gluten free; however, our waiter recommended doing it like little tacos. So we did and it didn’t disappoint! In fact, the presentation of them inspired the two tables to the sides of us to get the same modification!

Lulu California Bistro

While they are not a dedicated gluten free restaurant, we didn’t have any concerns with cross-contamination. They have a menu dedicated specifically to the gluten free diet that offers modifications from salads to pastas. They even have a gluten free baguette as an appetizer which was a first for us. Of course, Terry tried one. A little on the hard side but it was nice to have the option for a side of bread with the pasta he ordered.

Gabino’s Creperie

Of course, we would find a crepe place. When browsing the menu online you have the option for specifying your gluten free preference. In store the staff are knowledgeable about the menu and accommodating the diet. They clean the machines prior to making a gluten free crepe to decrease the risk of cross-contamination. They also label which crepe is gluten free if multiple are ordered. Just make sure you are patient as a gluten free crepe preparation takes longer than the regular crepes.

BoozeHounds

This is where we were intending on going once we got off the plane but they weren’t open until the evening and we would already be in Joshua Tree by then. Their menu looks fantastic with clearly marked gluten free options. Will try if we are ever back that way. Plus, they allow you to bring your furry friends. It’s hard to not like a place who’s motto is “Where Dogs Bring Their Humans.”

Great Shakes

For those who have a sweet tooth they have premium ice cream with a plethora of toppings. The handwritten menu does not distinguish between which ones are gluten free and which are not but if you have any questions the staff was knowledgeable. Make sure you communicate with them to ensure they don’t put a donut on top of your shake and that they clean the machines prior to creating your ice cream heaven.

Check Out More of Our Recent Adventures!

California