Discover why a food tour is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs, California.
Palm Springs is famous for sunshine, swaying palm trees, mid-century modern architecture, and luxurious desert resorts. While many visitors come for the golf courses, spas, or the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, we had something else at the top of our itinerary: a food tour!
As food tour operators ourselves, we love supporting fellow tour companies whenever we travel. There's simply no better way to experience a new destination than through its local restaurants, passionate business owners, and fascinating history.
During our visit, we joined Desert Tasty Tours for a delicious afternoon exploring downtown Palm Springs. With just five guests on our tour, it felt more like spending the afternoon with friends than joining a sightseeing excursion.
Our guide, Arnie, was an absolute gem. At 81 years young, he kept us entertained with stories about Palm Springs' colorful past, celebrity history, and local culture as we strolled along Palm Canyon Drive between tasting stops.
Here's where our culinary adventure took us.
Book you tour! Get a taste for the Palm Springs vibe on the Palm Canyon Tour hosted by Desert Tasty Tours! This three hour tour hits all the highlights. Check availability.
Stop 1: Kaiser Grille
Our tour began at Kaiser Grille, a longtime Palm Springs favorite that has been serving fresh, locally inspired cuisine since 1992.
Our tasting featured a miniature Prime Rib Sandwich topped with bleu cheese, grilled onions, and horseradish on grilled focaccia. Paired with a splash of Chardonnay and served alongside savory au jus, it was a flavorful way to kick off the afternoon.
Stop 2: Village Pub
Next, we visited Village Pub, a lively neighborhood gathering place that transforms from a casual restaurant during the day into one of downtown's energetic nightlife destinations after dark.
We enjoyed fish tacos piled with shaved cabbage, pico de gallo, and spicy ranch dressing alongside their Village Idiot Amber Ale. The combination was fresh, flavorful, and one of our favorite savory pairings of the day.
Stop 3: Tutti Frutti
No visit to the Coachella Valley would be complete without trying a date shake, and Tutti Frutti delivered.
Made with locally grown dates harvested throughout the valley, the creamy shake is one of Palm Springs' signature treats. We also sampled several frozen yogurt flavors—including chocolate, raspberry, coconut, and apple—making this a refreshing stop on a warm desert afternoon.
Book your tour! The Palm Canyon Tour features up to six tasting locations! Plus, your expert guide will tell you all of the fun history of the valley along the way. Check availability.
Stop 4: Olive A'Sudden
One of the most interactive stops on the tour was Olive A'Sudden, a specialty shop featuring premium olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars from around the world.
Guests sampled a variety of flavors before selecting a complimentary bottle to take home. My choice? The Blackberry-Ginger Dark Balsamic, which has since become a favorite for homemade salad dressings.
Stop 5: Brandini Toffee
Every food tour deserves a sweet stop, and Brandini Toffee certainly delivered.
Founded in Palm Springs in 2006, the company began as a high school fundraiser by founder Brandon Wiemer. One of our favorite stories? He perfected the recipe so the buttery toffee wouldn't stick to his braces!
We sampled their signature almond toffee along with addictive toffee popcorn—both impossible to stop eating.
Book your tour! Brandini Toffee has been recognized by both Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey! Try it out the Palm Canyon Tour. Check availability.
Stop 6: Bill's Pizza
Next up was Bill's Pizza, a local institution known for its sourdough crust and creative specialty pizzas.
We sampled the "Elton John," topped with artichoke hearts, spinach, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese. It was a unique combination that worked surprisingly well and showcased Palm Springs' fun, eclectic personality.
Stop 7: Lulu California Bistro
Our final stop was the colorful Lulu California Bistro, one of downtown's most recognizable restaurants.
Surrounded by vibrant décor and vintage Hollywood-inspired artwork, we finished the afternoon with an indulgent slice of flourless triple chocolate cake. Rich, decadent, and perfectly sized after a day of tasting, it was the ideal ending to a fantastic tour.
Book your tour! A tour with Desert Tasty Tours includes add a dash of history, a cup of culture and a dollop of famous-resident name dropping … and you get a delicious day of fun. Check availability.
Why We Love Taking Food Tours When We Travel
As owners of Rocky Mountain Food Tours, we may be a little biased—but we truly believe food tours are one of the best ways to experience a destination.
In just a few hours, you can:
- Visit several locally owned restaurants without researching where to eat.
- Learn the city's history from a knowledgeable local guide.
- Meet fellow travelers and locals.
- Sample dishes you may never have ordered on your own.
- Discover restaurants you'll want to revisit during the rest of your trip.
It's sightseeing, dining, and storytelling all rolled into one memorable experience.
Visiting Colorado Springs Next?
If your travels bring you to Colorado, we'd love to return the favor.
Rocky Mountain Food Tours offers award-winning food tours throughout downtown Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, featuring locally owned restaurants, fascinating history, craft beverages, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or you're a local looking to discover something new, we'd love to show you around.
Cheers! Samantha
