Introduction
The city of Palm Springs, California is a cultural oasis. It’s one of the most popular destinations in the United States, and it has become famous for its unique desert landscape and numerous attractions. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Palm Springs has something for everyone.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
You may want to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for two reasons: 1) it’s the highest elevation in Arizona, and 2) it’s one of the most beautiful tramways in the world. The aerial tramway gained national attention back in 2011 when it was featured as part of a Travel Channel show called ‘Extreme Trams’. It also appears on several other lists including CNN’s ‘World’s Most Scenic Cable Cars’, ABC News’ list of ‘The World’s Most Amazing Gondolas’, and USA Today’s “10 best places to go zip lining” list.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is located at the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park which makes an ideal starting point for your day trip into Palm Springs or any other activities you might be planning while in town (see below). There are three ways to reach this mountaintop destination: by foot or bike from Palm Canyon Drive (1 mile), by car on North Congress Avenue (4 miles), or via aerial tramway from downtown Palm Springs which takes about 10 minutes each way with no stop required at any stations along the way!
Eat Date Shakes in Palm Springs
Date shakes are delicious, and you should get one. A date shake is made with dates and milk and served over ice cream. They come in a variety of flavors, but the most common is strawberry cheesecake. Date shakes can be found at most restaurants in Palm Springs, including:
- The Date Shoppe (http://thedateshoppeusa.com/)
- Annette’s Restaurant & Lounge (http://www.annettespalmsprings.com)
- Charmaine’s Cafe (http://www.charmainescafeinthecanyonsandspringspkwyfloridaavepalmspringsca92262us)
Find a Hidden Hot Spring
You’ve been searching for the perfect hot spring to visit and you can’t seem to find one. You don’t have to look any further because Palm Springs is home to a few of them!
Take a trip up the mountain just outside of town and go for a hike around Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to an amazing view of the valley below and nearby mountains. You might even see some deer running across your path! If you’re lucky enough (and brave enough) then you’ll also be able to walk down into Tahquitz Canyon where there are several natural hot springs hidden inside rock walls.
If hiking isn’t your thing, then check out Desert Hot Springs where there are over 30 different spas in town ranging from luxury resorts like SpaFinder Wellness Resort & Spa to more budget-friendly hotels like Days Inn Palm Springs/Desert Hot Springs. Or better yet, just go ahead and book yourself into one spa after another until your money runs out!
Visit the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum
The Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a unique experience that takes you back in time. It’s a replica of a prehistoric Native American village, with all the tools and features needed to survive. You can see demonstrations by costumed interpreters and try your hand at making arrowheads yourself.
It’s located in Desert Hot Springs, CA (about 30 minutes from Palm Springs) and is open every day except Christmas. There are many activities for kids and adults alike!
Explore the Indian Canyons
- Indian Canyons: The Indian Canyons are a great place to hike, bike, and bird watching. It is also a great place for photographers with picturesque landscapes and wildlife.
- Hang Gliding: If you want to experience hang gliding in the Palm Springs area, several companies offer flights for beginners or experienced flyers.
- Horseback Riding: There are many horseback riding trails in the Palm Springs area that range from easy to difficult terrain. You can even take your horse on an overnight trail ride through Joshua Tree National Park!
See the Sunnylands Center and Gardens
Sunnylands Center and Gardens is a historic estate in Rancho Mirage, California. It was the winter home of the late Walter Annenberg, who was an American publisher and philanthropist. The estate is now owned by the Annenberg Foundation.
The property includes a 27-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., a fine art collection including works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Andy Warhol; an indoor tennis facility; formal gardens; and recreational amenities.
Wander Through Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium
The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium are located in downtown Palm Springs. It’s open to the public, so you can visit it without paying a fee. The garden is open year-round and has a gift shop and cafe on site. The cactus collection at the garden covers more than 100 acres with more than 1,000 varieties of cacti from around the world!
Spend an Evening at Jonah’s Restaurant and Lounge in Palm Springs CA
Jonah’s is located in downtown Palm Springs, so it’s easily accessible to those staying at nearby hotels such as the Hilton Palm Springs or The Saguaro. A great place for dinner, drinks, and dancing! Jonah’s is open 7 days a week from 11:30 am to midnight, but you’ll need reservations if you plan on dining here.
The menu includes a variety of American fare with some international flavors thrown in as well. You can eat inside or outside on the patio, which has plenty of seating options along with heaters in case it gets too cold (which isn’t likely). There are also TVs playing sports games that you can watch while enjoying an ice-cold beer or cocktail and munching on appetizers
Play Golf in Palm Springs, California
When you’re not enjoying the best weather in the country, why not check out some of the world-class golf courses that are located here? You can play on one of two 18-hole championship courses at PGA West or enjoy a round at Primm Valley Golf Club.
There are also nine public 18-hole courses within an hour’s drive from Palm Springs including La Quinta Country Club and Indian Wells Country Club which each have three courses. It’s no surprise that “Golf Magazine” named Palm Springs as one of its top 10 places to play golf in North America due to its abundance of amazing courses!
And if you happen to be traveling with kids who love golf too, they should check out Palm Springs Junior Academy where they offer youth tournament play so they can learn how to properly swing their clubs while having fun doing it!
Go on a Scenic Drive on Highway 74 in Palm Springs
Want to see an area that’s completely different from other parts of Palm Springs? Then go on a scenic drive along Highway 74. This route will take you through Joshua Tree National Park, which has one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Southern California.
You’ll also drive alongside the San Andreas Fault and through the Coachella Valley, where you can see some windmills along your way. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider driving along highway 95 as it winds its way through the Colorado Desert and up toward Salton Sea State Recreation Area.
Go Shopping in Downtown Palm Springs, California
If you’re looking to do some shopping while in Palm Springs, you will find a lot of unique items at the shops in Downtown Palm Springs. The stores are open late and have great deals. You can find many great restaurants nearby as well. The shops are located in a prime location with plenty of parking available for customers.
Take a Walk Through the Palm Springs VillageFest
The VillageFest is an annual festival that takes place in Palm Springs. It’s a fun way to explore the city and get to know the area better, while also getting to see some of its hidden gems. The village is home to many shops, restaurants, and events that highlight art and culture. This event attracts people from all over the world who want to check out what this area has to offer during their vacation in California.
There are many interesting activities taking place during VillageFest—from concerts by popular artists (such as Kenny Loggins) at venues like The Fox Theatre, or movies being screened under the stars at one of our open-air theaters—to culinary events where you can sample dishes from local restaurants like The Little Door or Oviatt Winery & Vineyard!
And if you’re feeling adventurous enough for an adrenaline rush then we recommend trying out some rock climbing or zip lining tours through our mountainside wilderness areas such as Joshua Tree National Park or Anza Borrego Desert State Park!
Relax at Healing Waters of Desert Hot Springs in California
If you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind, the Healing Waters of Desert Hot Springs is an excellent choice. Located just north of Palm Springs, this natural hot spring features 27 pools and spas that range from private to public. In addition to soaking in the mineral-rich waters, visitors can enjoy massages or book a treatment package that includes one hour each of hydrotherapy and massage therapy.
Water is a huge part of why people visit Palm Springs.
Water is a huge part of why people visit Palm Springs. The city is located in the desert, where it’s hot and dry. There are not many water sources in the area, so it can be hard to find fresh water for humans or animals to drink. There are no rivers or streams that run through Palm Springs, so you won’t find any lakes or ponds nearby either.
The only place where people can access fresh water is from an underground aquifer beneath the ground that runs throughout most of California and Arizona. This aquifer provides many cities with their drinking water supply (including Los Angeles), but it doesn’t come cheap! If you want to buy some bottled mineral water from this source then expect to pay anywhere between $8-$20 per bottle depending on what brand you choose!
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for, Palm Springs has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the canyons or enjoy a day at the spa, this town has it all. If you’re interested in spending some time here, check out our list of activities!
