Where to Eat and What to Do in Palm Desert This Summer (2025 Edition)
Summer in Palm Desert means longer days, warmer nights, and plenty of ways to relax, explore, and indulge. Whether you live here year-round or are just in town for the season, this city is packed with hidden gems and local favorites you won’t want to miss.
From new cafes like Buena Matcha, to locally loved spots like La Provence and Mi Cultura, plus fun indoor escapes like Paint & Fire, here’s your ultimate guide to where to eat and what to do in Palm Desert this summer.
🍵 First Stop: Buena Matcha – Palm Desert’s First Matcha Bar
Start your summer morning with a refreshing boost at Buena Matcha, a brand-new matcha bar located on El Paseo. This chic, wellness-focused café offers ceremonial-grade organic matcha pastries—all served in a calming, beautifully designed space.
Standout menu items include:
Strawberry Matcha
Banana Cinnamon Matcha
Orange Blossom Matcha
📍 El Paseo, Palm Desert
🍽️ Where to Eat in Palm Desert This Summer
1. Wilma & Frieda’s Café
This beloved brunch spot on El Paseo serves comfort food with a twist—think short rib eggs benedict, churro waffles, and the flakiest homemade biscuits. A must-visit for breakfast or lunch.
🗝️ Great for: Brunch dates, family outings, casual meetups
2. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
Rooftop views and ocean-fresh dishes make Pacifica a standout. Their grilled sea bass and signature martinis are perfect for a warm summer evening.
🗝️ Great for: Dinner with a view, date night, seafood lovers
3. La Provence
Tucked into a quiet Palm Desert plaza, La Provence is a charming French café offering breakfast and lunch with a European touch. Locals rave about the quiche, crepes, and freshly baked pastries.
🗝️ Great for: Outdoor patio mornings, light lunches, Parisian vibes
4. Mi Cultura Peruvian-Colombian Cuisine
A flavorful fusion of South American dishes, Mi Cultura is a Palm Desert gem you may not know about—yet. With colorful plating and authentic ingredients, it's one of the best-kept secrets in the valley.
Favorites include:
Lomo Saltado
Arepas
Ceviche and Yuca Frita
🗝️ Great for: Unique dinner spots, cultural cuisine, hidden gems
5. Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
For plant-based options packed with flavor, this vegan deli is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The OG sandwich, potato salad, and “chick’n” specialties are always crowd-pleasers.
🗝️ Great for: Quick lunch, health-conscious eats, casual bites
🎨 What to Do in Palm Desert (When It’s Hot Out)
🖌️ Paint & Fire Pottery Studio
Looking for something creative and cool (literally)? Paint & Fire is a colorful, welcoming space where you can paint your own pottery—no artistic experience required. Choose your piece, grab some paint, and let your imagination do the rest.
🗝️ Perfect for: Family fun, girls’ day out, indoor creative time
📍 Rancho Mirage
🏊♀️ Pool Days Done Right
There’s nothing more Palm Desert than lounging poolside with a cold drink in hand. Whether you’re at your own place, a resort-style community, or visiting friends, summer is made for sunshine, SPF, and pool floats.
Pro tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are best for avoiding peak heat and catching that golden light.
🗝️ Best for: Total relaxation, staycation vibes, desert lifestyle
🎭 Catch a Show at McCallum Theatre
Cool down indoors with a night of entertainment. McCallum Theatre’s summer lineup includes live music, touring acts, and community performances—all in an air-conditioned, comfortable setting.
🗝️ Great for: Culture lovers, date nights, escaping the heat
🖼️ Palm Springs Art Museum (Palm Desert Location)
This beautiful, smaller museum is ideal for a quick cultural escape. Enjoy rotating art exhibits, desert-themed installations, and the shaded sculpture garden for a peaceful stroll.
🗝️ Great for: Art lovers, quiet afternoons, photo-worthy moments
🛍️ Indoor Shopping & Chill Spots
The Gardens on El Paseo: Stroll designer shops, enjoy a smoothie or coffee break, and take advantage of the AC.
Local Boutiques & Art Galleries: Support local artists and makers while discovering one-of-a-kind pieces.
Date Shake Runs to Hadley’s: A short drive from Palm Desert, Hadley’s is an old-school roadside stop with world-famous date shakes.
📅 Palm Desert Summer Highlights
Palm Desert Restaurant Week (Early June) – Even if the official dates have passed, many restaurants keep the summer menus going through July.
Pop-Up Events at Buena Matcha – Keep an eye out for weekend sound baths, latte art workshops, and community wellness events.
Paint & Fire Summer Specials – Group discounts and theme nights for friends and families.
Sample Summer Day Itinerary
Morning – Iced strawberry matcha from Buena Matcha + window shopping on El Paseo
Midday – Pottery painting at Paint & Fire + lunch at Mi Cultura
Afternoon – Poolside break with a good book
Evening – Seafood dinner at Pacifica + live music or a show at McCallum
Thinking About Making Palm Desert Home?
This lifestyle isn’t just for vacationers—it’s available year-round. If you're curious about buying, selling, or investing in Palm Desert real estate, I’d love to help. I’m a born-and-raised local with deep roots in the community and the experience to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
📩 Brianna Broyles, Palm Desert Realtor
🏡 Kud Properties – Your Local Real Estate Experts
📧 brianna@kudproperties.com
🌐 kudproperties.com
📱 760-898-3441
