Where to Eat, Stay and Shop in Southern California

“Whether or not partying in Vegas is your vibe, I implore you to make space in your itinerary for heading out to the desert. The beauty of the Mojave Desert and its national park Joshua Tree is worth visiting for the scenery alone. Having long attracted musicians and artists, this town is hardly a hidden gem, but its magic and spirit is something quite special. If you want to stay somewhere different and really immerse yourself in the landscape, Rachael ‘Steak’ Finley’s shoot location house, Donna’s Oaza, is available to rent on Airbnb and looks, frankly, sensational.

As fashion editors, of course we’re always on the lookout for a shop or two. From concept stores offering designer brands, beauty and interiors pieces made by local artisans, as well as plenty of vintage boutiques, general stores and wine shops, there’s a lot to browse. If you wish to go to world-famous sound-bath experience Integratron, my tip is to book in advance.

After shopping and sound-bathing, take a 20-minute drive through the Yucca Valley to Pioneertown—the purpose-built, 1880s-style cowboy town that was developed in the 1940s as a film set, and which is a must for anyone who loves Spaghetti Westerns, or really just wants a taste (and a photograph) of the old Wild West. I can’t mention Pioneertown without suggesting a visit to the Red Dog Saloon and Pappy & Harriet’s—the restaurant and venue that has seen musicians such as Patti Smith, Robert Plant and Paul McCartney grace its stage.It’s an American institution.

Continue your road trip to Palm Springs, which is less than an hour away but a completely different vibe. If you want a party atmosphere, one of the cooler hotels in town has to be the Ace Hotel. Hosting pool parties with guest DJs, as well as events in the Amigo Room, this desert oasis is the place to stay if you’re looking for fun. If you wish to continue the party into your room, you’ll enjoy the record players with a few vinyls that are there for you to enjoy. Don’t miss its diner, King’s Highway, which is a great example of the mid-century modern interiors throughout the hotel, and the coffee is much, much better than your average diner Americano. 

If you do want to hit Vegas, many guide books will tell you to stay as close to the centre of the strip as possible. This makes sense if you’re in the mood for what most go there to do—gamble and party. If you want to see the more local side of town, stay downtown, which is the artier neighbourhood and where most students reside.”
– Rhys-Evans 

Eat: La Copine (do not miss this), Crossroads, Workshop Kitchen & Bar, Letty’s de Leticia’s Cocina, Mothership Coffee, Eat., Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey

Drink: Pappy & Harriet’s, Downtown Cocktail Room

Shop: Sun of the Desert, Industry of All Nations, Ricochet Vintage Wears, Roaming Travellers, Pioneertown General Store.

Stay: Ace Hotel, Sparrows Lodge, Sacred Sands Joshua Tree, Donna Oaza.