Up until a week ago, my knowledge of Palm Springs was based entirely off that episode of The O.C. where Oliver Trask invites the Newport gang to his parents’ place for the weekend. But when my boyfriend and I decided we wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park, jetting off to Palm Springs for a week became necessary.

The first half of our trip was spent traipsing across the desert—which, if you let it, makes you feel incredibly insignificant (in a good way). Joshua Tree is just a 45-minute drive from Palm Springs, but it feels like an entirely different planet. In hindsight, we probably should have rented a car and camped rather than trek five miles there and back to our motel, but there were many benefits to staying in town. Joshua Tree Saloon, Crossroads Cafe, and Santana’s (I’m still dreaming about their California burrito) are all worth checking out. Air conditioning is nice, too.

After three days in Joshua Tree, we headed back to Palm Springs for a stay at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club. Located minutes from downtown, the Ace has been transformed from a 1960s-era Westward Ho motel into the ultimate desert hideaway. From the delicious diner eats of King’s Highway to the Feel-Good Spa and the spectacular poolside views, the Ace has everything you need for a relaxing weekend. There’s even a barbershop on site.

If you do decide to journey off the hotel grounds, brunch at Cheeky’s is a must. Make sure to get there early, though, because the place fills up quickly.Koffi, located right across the street from the Ace, is another local favorite. After your morning pick-me-up, venture over to Indian Canyons for an up-close-and-personal look at indigenous flora and fauna, or check out the view from the top of the San Jacinto mountains via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, any time is a good time to visit Palm Springs. But if you can stand the scorching temperatures, June through August is best for the deals (we received 20% off our room at the Ace for booking a three-night stay). Just make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen.