Introduction
Our November trip to California was supposed to be a classic desert escape — warm days, cool nights, scenic hikes, and endless sun. Instead… the desert decided to cosplay as Seattle. It rained almost every day, temps fell into the 40s at night, and we had to improvise our way through the limited time we had.
But honestly? The chaos made the adventure even better.
From eBiking through Joshua Tree National Park, to discovering great local food, to finding creative indoor activities when the rain wouldn’t stop… here’s the full breakdown of our unexpected (but very memorable) trip.
Day 1: Exploring Joshua Tree on eBikes
Our first day — and one of the only days without heavy rain — was spent in Joshua Tree National Park. We rented eBikes and rode through the park’s surreal landscapes:
- Massive boulder formations
- Joshua trees stretching across the desert
- Quiet, open trails
- Scenic vantage points that look like another planet
Riding eBikes here was a game-changer: effortless uphill, fast on flat stretches, and a perfect way to see more of the park without burning the entire day.
After exploring Hidden Valley and the surrounding formations, we headed to Las Palmas, a local Mexican spot. The food was exactly what you want after hours of fresh air — hearty, flavorful, and authentic.
Food Finds: From Mexican to German to Classic Deli
This trip turned into an accidental food tour, and we weren’t mad about it. Some standouts:
🌮 Las Palmas — Joshua Tree
Authentic Mexican food, generous portions, and friendly service. A perfect post-ride meal.
🇩🇪 Alps Village — Indio
A surprising gem! A German restaurant in Indio serving warm, comforting classics. Great schnitzel, friendly staff — the kind of place you’re glad you stumbled upon.
🥪 Sherman’s Deli — Palm Springs
We didn’t film much here, but trust us… this Palm Springs staple is worth the hype. Classic deli food, huge portions, and great for a rainy-day lunch.
Indoor Adventures: Making the Best of Rainy Palm Springs
With outdoor plans washed out, we turned to creative alternatives.
🛍️ The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five
A beautifully curated collection of boutique shops. A great spot to browse local art, clothing, home goods, and quirky finds.
🎎 Wabi Sabi Japan Living — Palm Springs
Hands down one of our favorite shops of the trip.
Unique gifts, beautiful Japanese home goods, and incredibly friendly staff.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for thoughtful souvenirs or just a peaceful browsing experience.
🎯 Indoor Axe Throwing — Robin Hood Archery Academy & Games (Indio)
We spent a rainy afternoon doing axe throwing and archery, and the staff couldn’t have been nicer. A perfect activity when the weather shuts down the outdoors.
Spa Time: The Spa at Sec-he
We made a last-minute decision to try The Spa at Sec-he, and it was a highlight of the trip. Warm pools, relaxing spaces, and a great escape from the chilly weather outside.
If you’re staying in Palm Springs and need something relaxing to do indoors, this is an excellent choice.
The Great Date Shake Quest
Trying a local date shake was at the top of our list, and we sampled a few different spots.
The winner — by a landslide — was Shields Date Garden.
- Perfect texture
- Not too sweet
- Strong date flavor
- Awesome Coffee Version (so good!)
- Iconic Palm Springs experience
If you’re only going to try one date shake in the region, make it this one.
Final Thoughts
This trip didn’t go as planned.
It was colder, rainier, and more unpredictable than any November desert vacation should be. But the unexpected twists pushed us into new adventures:
- eBiking through Joshua Tree
- Finding amazing local food
- Discovering shops and indoor activities
- Relaxing at a desert spa
- Hunting down the perfect date shake
Sometimes the best trips aren’t the ones you plan — they’re the ones you adapt to.
Thanks for checking out our adventure! If you’re planning a trip to Joshua Tree or Palm Springs, I hope this gives you ideas for both sunny days and the occasional surprise rainstorm.