"This time, we wanted to get a big group of old friends together, as a coming-out-again party after a life of reclusion. We stayed with friends at an Airbnb, the Hey Casita which sleeps eight people and is so well-designed — not kitschy like some other Palm Springs houses. Our other friends stayed at the Ingleside Inn, an old Hollywood, Spanish Colonial–revival hotel that was built in 1922. It’s glamorous, but very humble — not showy, and not as loud as the Ace Hotel."

"We also like Ingleside because Melvyn’s, the classic Palm Springs restaurant, is there. We had Friday night dinner in one of the private rooms, which can seats dozens. We had a prix-fixe menu, but the thing about Melvyn’s, though, is it’s a steakhouse — just get yourself a martini and a porterhouse. Dessert was delicious though, a molten chocolate cake."

"A bunch of people woke up early to hike. There are amazing hiking trails, but I’m partial to the South Lykken trailhead at the end of our street, Mesquite Avenue, because if you dedicate two hours and are okay with hiking straight up a mountain, you end up at a waterfall."

"If you’re hungry after hiking, there’s Cheeky’s, this classic brunch spot that’s been around forever. It’s very decadent-rich, a place to get a stack of pancakes or waffles."

"A friend who’s a stylist led a troupe of ladies on a bike tour of the vintage shops. Palm Springs is very flat, so it’s a bike-friendly place. Vintage shops are a thing in Palm Springs. My friend’s favorite stores are The Frippery and Mitchell’s Palm Springs."

"At this point in my life, I prefer buying vintage furniture over vintage clothing, and Palm Springs has so many stores. Go to Hedge or Bridges Over Time for midcentury modern furniture and old Hollywood finds."

"I actually wasn’t on the vintage-shop tour, because I stayed at home and got a massage. My friends who use him on a regular basis would be so mad at me if I blew up his spot, but there are places to go in Palm Springs: Korakia Pensione is known for being very calming — you feel like you’re in Greece, it transports you — and there’s some noise policy thing where you have to talk quietly."

"Twenty minutes away in Desert Hot Springs, there’s also Two Bunch Palms, an adult-only spa where you sit in these tubs of hot spring water. It’s amazing, a great day trip. Right now those soaking tubs are only open to guests, but I believe day passes might come back this summer."

"If you’re going out for Mexican food, go to Las Casuelas Terraza. It’s a fun atmosphere. Just get tacos and margaritas, it’s not complicated."

"If you’re interested in the architecture, Modernism Week usually happens once a year in the spring, but there are tours year round. I haven’t gone on any, but I like to bike around and see the homes: There’s the Bob Hope house by John Lautner up on a hill. It’s this crazy dome shape."

"After that, head to Indian Canyons. It’s a natural oasis with waterfalls where you can go swimming. It’s less of a hike and more of a rigorous walk to get there, but wear sneakers and clothes as if you’re hiking. Keep your camera handy — when I was there we saw a huge family of peninsular bighorn sheep."

"Pack a picnic lunch from On the Mark, a meat-and-cheese provisions shop in town that makes sandwiches and sells guacamole and olives and stuff."

"Workshop Kitchen and Bar is an ideal Sunday evening dinner. The restaurant was built in an old movie theater, and they have a big outdoor patio, but it’s definitely a nighttime spot. I think their fish is amazing, and they’re known for the duck fat frites."