While I don’t want to jinx it, I have to say that it’s been a truly lovely summer so far! But August? It’s heating up fast! As such, I’ve rounded up five fun and refreshing ways to chill out on those days when it’s just too hot to do much of anything. From pizza-and-prosecco nights to pool-hopping like a pro to ice skating (yes, in the desert!), I’ve got you covered with the coolest ways to cool off in the Coachella Valley.
XO, Lindsay
PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
Sure, this locale makes for a fun visit any day of the week, but Thursday nights are where it’s at! With free admission starting at 5 and Pizza & Prosecco Nightscourtesy of onsite restaurant Liv’s, it’s the ideal spot to cool off with culture (and a little bubbly). Must-see works include Old Couple on a Bench (pictured), Spider II, and Robert Therrien’s stacked plates sculpture. Pro tip: Liv’s is open Thursday through Monday—no museum ticket required—so if Thursday nights don’t fit your schedule, you can still savor the charm of this new eatery on another day.
PALM SPRINGS SURF CLUB
This place is summer in a bottle. When I popped by recently, it felt like stepping into a picture-perfect tropical vacation postcard: the bar area was buzzing with water-logged guests, sunbathers lounged on daybeds, meandering inner tubers dotted the lazy river, and waves were cresting and crashing across the 4-million-gallon surf pool. Not up for a full-day hang? The Restaurant is a perfect alternative! Grab a burger and craft cocktail and enjoy a front row seat to all the watery action.
RESORT PASS
Last year, a friend gifted me a ResortPass credit and it’s since become my husband’s and my go-to way to enjoy the best of the Valley’s resorts – no overnight stay required! For a simple daily fee, you can access the pools and amenities at luxe properties like Casa Cody(pictured, where we celebrated our anniversary last summer), Korakia Pensione, and Thompson Palm Springs. Passes start at just $22. Check in, chill out, and feel like a resort regular!
BERGER FOUNDATION ICEPLEX
You can now ice skate in the desert! This 36,000-square-foot venue next to Acrisure Arena is home to the Valley’s only public NHL-sized, regulation rink, complete with 4 locker rooms, concessions, and seating for 250. Primarily serving as the official training center for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Iceplex also hosts a slew of events, including Frozen 5Ks, hockey classes, and daily skating sessions. I had the pleasure of visiting the sprawling facility earlier this week and trust me: there’s no cooler place in town!
DESIGN BY POUNEH POTTERY CLASSES
Architect. Interior designer. Ceramic artist. My talented friend Pouneh Shahrestani does it all! From her charming Palm Desert studio, Pouneh crafts gorgeous bowls, cups, earrings, and more! And you can join her by signing up for one of her pottery classes! Offered to kids and adults of all levels, Pouneh provides everything you need to create your own bespoke masterpiece! It’s the perfect creative escape from the summer heat—and you’ll walk away with a unique keepsake and a brand-new skill! (Photo courtesy of Cirina Casaluci Photography.)
Thanks for Reading!
I hope these ideas help you beat the heat—whether you’re floating, skating, crafting, or sipping prosecco. As a local realtor, I love sharing my favorite corners of the Valley with residents, visitors, and future neighbors alike. Here’s to keeping cool out there!