Katie's Guide to Rancho Mirage

Summer Staycation: Fall in Love with Rancho Mirage

By Katie Slimko-Tuvell, IOM
President & CEO, Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce

There is something magical about summer in Rancho Mirage.

While some people think summer is the time to leave the desert, those of us who call this community home know there is another side to the season. Summer gives us a chance to slow down, reconnect, enjoy incredible hospitality, and rediscover the hidden treasures right in our own backyard.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, a family adventure, or an excuse to treat yourself, Rancho Mirage offers the perfect recipe for a memorable staycation.

So pack an overnight bag, silence the notifications, and let Rancho Mirage remind you why so many people dream of living here.

Check In and Check Out...Without Leaving Town

One of the best parts of a staycation is that you don't have to travel far to feel like you've escaped.

Rancho Mirage is home to some of the finest resorts in Southern California, each offering its own version of desert luxury.

Wake up to spectacular mountain views at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, spend the afternoon at the adults-only pool or indulge in a spa treatment before enjoying dinner overlooking the valley.

Looking for family fun? Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is a summer favorite with Splashtopia, relaxing cabanas, and plenty of activities for every age.

If golf, wellness, and recreation are more your style, book a stay at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, where championship golf, beautiful pools, and desert tranquility come together.

Or make it a weekend filled with entertainment at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, where gaming, live entertainment, dining, and luxurious accommodations are all under one roof.

Sometimes the best vacation is only a few miles from home.

Start Your Morning Like a Local

One of my favorite ways to begin a summer morning is with breakfast at Si Bon Belgian Bistro. Their European-inspired breakfast menu and shaded patio make it the perfect place to ease into the day before the desert heat settles in.

If you're looking for something lighter, grab a coffee and pastry at Cheers Coffee before taking a drive through our beautiful neighborhoods or spending a relaxing morning by the pool.

Summer mornings in Rancho Mirage have a peaceful rhythm that's easy to appreciate when life slows down just a little.

Family Time is the Best Time

If you're entertaining grandchildren, hosting visitors, or simply looking for something different to do, spend part of your day at the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert.

Hands-on exhibits, creative play, and interactive learning make it one of the Valley's most treasured family destinations. It's the kind of place where children can explore for hours while adults enjoy watching curiosity come to life.

Afterward, cool off with a leisurely lunch and head back to the resort pool for an afternoon of relaxation.

Lunch, Shopping & Local Favorites

No staycation is complete without enjoying some of Rancho Mirage's wonderful restaurants.

Spend the afternoon exploring The River at Rancho Mirage. Browse the shops, catch a movie, enjoy an afternoon cocktail, or simply stroll through one of our community's most popular gathering places.

Midday sweet stop with a delicious story, visit Brandini Toffee for handcrafted almond toffee - a tradition that began right here in our valley with gourmet treats, ice cream creations and toffee popcorn! 

Sometimes the simplest afternoons become the most memorable.

Dinner Worth Staying in Town For

As evening arrives, Rancho Mirage's dining scene truly shines.

Enjoy handcrafted steaks and seafood at Wally's Desert Turtle, one of the desert's most iconic fine dining experiences with a history second to none. 

If you're craving old school charm with a modern steakhouse feel, Foxy's Kitchen + Bar is elegant and comfortable. Sophisticated and welcoming. 

Willie's Modern Fare brings a fresh, contemporary approach to dining with creative dishes, quality ingredients and incredible service. The beef stroganoff is extraordinary! 

Catalan Mediterranean Restaurant offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine in a beautiful setting that's perfect for lingering over a meal with friends. Paella for the win!

Or finish your day at Pinzimini inside The Westin, where exceptional cuisine pairs beautifully with a relaxing resort ambiance.

Wherever you choose, take your time. Summer evenings invite us to slow down, enjoy good conversation, and appreciate the community we call home.

End the Day with a Desert Sunset

There is nothing quite like watching the sun disappear behind the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Whether you're relaxing on your resort balcony, enjoying dinner on a patio, or simply taking an evening walk, Rancho Mirage reminds us that some of life's greatest luxuries are also the simplest.

Those colorful desert sunsets never get old. I spend quite a bit of time chasing sunrises and sunsets - in the desert - they are nothing short of spectacular. 

From My Heart

One of the greatest joys of serving as President & CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce is introducing people to the businesses, restaurants, and experiences that make our city so special.

A staycation isn't always just about taking time off—it's about supporting local businesses, discovering something new, and seeing your own hometown through fresh eyes.

This summer, skip the airport, skip the traffic, and rediscover Rancho Mirage.

I think you'll fall in love with it all over again.

Love ya, 

Katie Slimko-Tuvell, IOM
President & CEO
Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce
www.RanchoMirageChamber.org