Savor the Flavors: The Ultimate Foodie Trail in Greater Palm Springs
In Greater Palm Springs, local farmers cultivate an abundance of fresh flavors, from grapefruit and dates to goat cheese and honey. Follow this curated two-day itinerary to experience the desert oasis's finest farm-to-table delights, craft brews, and culinary gems.
Day 1
Shields Date Garden
Greater Palm Springs produces over 95% of the nation's dates, making a visit to Shields Date Garden the perfect start to your foodie journey. Sample nearly a dozen varieties amid stunning palm tree views, sip a classic Coachella Valley date shake, and catch the free, whimsical film "Romance and Sex Life of the Date."
Madison Street Produce
Steps from the fields, this beloved roadside stand has offered freshly picked strawberries, tomatoes, squash, and more since 2000 at the corner of Highway 111 and Madison Street.
Morgan’s in the Desert
James Beard Award-winning Chef Jimmy Schmidt pioneered the farm-to-table movement here. Savor seasonal menus highlighting top local produce in a breathtaking hacienda-style setting, paired with an exceptional West Coast wine list.
Koffi
At Koffi in Rancho Mirage—the area's only roasting facility—enjoy small-batch roasted organic and fair-trade beans for the freshest cold brews and espressos. Pair with pastries baked daily onsite.
La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
Experience Tuscan cuisine crafted from scratch in authentic Sicilian style, using herbs, vegetables, and citrus grown in the restaurant's own gardens.
Day 2
Cheeky’s
Every Wednesday, chef-owner Tara Lazar unveils a new menu showcasing the freshest local produce—from heirloom tomatoes and arugula to organic eggs and grass-fed beef—at this stylish brunch spot. Creative twists on breakfast and lunch classics await. www.cheekysps.com
Chicken Ranch
Go beyond ordinary with rotisserie chickens from Gone Straw Farms, healthy sides like beet and goat cheese salad from the Palm Springs Certified Farmers Market, and local craft beers from Coachella Valley Brewing Company.
Birba
From the same team as Cheeky’s, Birba offers romantic patio dining with pizzas on traditional or gluten-free crusts topped with local basil, mushrooms, tomatoes, and arugula, plus pastas stuffed with goat cheese and citrus.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
This architectural stunner crafts New American menus around seasonal local gems like honey, mustard greens, and dates. Complement your meal with cocktails featuring house-made syrups and regional fruits.
Farm-Fresh Finds
Stock up at the Coachella Valley Certified Farmers Markets, brimming with produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, salsas, and fresh juices. Markets run October through May in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and La Quinta; summer options in Palm Springs.
Greater Palm Springs Craft Beer Experiences
Coachella Valley Brewing Company
At the Thousand Palms brewery, taste oasis-inspired brews like Desert Swarm (with local coriander, kumquats, and honey) and Palms to Pines triple IPA (using spruce tips).
La Quinta Brewing Company
Sip award-winners like Poolside Blonde, Indian Canyon IPA, or Koffi Porter (brewed with beans from Koffi) at the Old Town La Quinta taproom or Palm Desert brewery.
Babe’s Bar-B-Que Brewhouse
Inside Rancho Mirage's The River entertainment complex, this veteran microbrewery pairs barbecue with standouts like Honey Blonde Ale (orange-blossom honey) and the highly awarded Blackfin Lager.
