When you think of California — Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco or perhaps even Napa may immediately come to mind. If you’re like many of us living in colder weather U.S. destinations, you may be dreaming of a warm weather getaway by now. Palm Springs offers a relaxed and unique type of California travel experience that we think is worth exploring and is our latest “Destination Spotlight” to be featured.
Located about 2 hours by car from Los Angeles or San Diego and 4 hours from Phoenix or Las Vegas — Palm Springs is a desert resort city that lies on the western edge of California’s Coachella Valley. It’s surrounded by four spectacular mountain ranges and visitors to the area have been enjoying the dramatic views and scenery for years. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be taken in by the picturesque landscape. Summers can get hot, so we suggest Spring, Fall or Winter as the best times to fully enjoy its abundance of outdoor activities.
If you enjoy walking or hiking, there are hundreds of trails in the mountains for all levels. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation is home to the gorgeous landscapes of Tahquitz Canyon and Indian Canyons, both of which include waterfalls and the largest California fan palm oasis in the world. The Indian Canyons reserve is home to a large trail network and is well marked. There’s also the Andreas Canyon Trail, Palm Canyon Trail and many others to choose from — and you’ll find specifics on the trails at the local visitor’s center. Of course, one of our country’s most famous national parks, Joshua Tree National Park, and it’s nearly 800,000 acres are nearby and not to be missed on a visit to Palm Springs!
If you’re a golfer, you have more than 100 renowned courses in Palm Springs, more than 300 days of sunshine each year and the courses offer play at all challenge levels. Designs by legendary architects like Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus are a major draw.
Downtown Palm Springs is a charming, retro town with dozens of quaint local shops, restaurants and museum galleries to explore. Bilbao Candy is a popular, local confectionary stop if you have a sweet tooth. Much like Hollywood, Palm Springs even has its own version of the walk of stars highlighting celebrities who’ve visited, including Elvis, Frank Sinatra, President Gerald Ford and hundreds of others. McCallum Adobe is a small museum and a great spot to learn about the history of the area and some of the famous Palm Springs residents while you’re downtown exploring.
In addition to the stunning mountain backdrops, another iconic feature of the area are the windmills. Since their inception in 1982, you can take tours onto the private wind farm and learn about their history and get an overview of the renewable wind energy and the purpose they serve.
Wellness seekers can explore natural hot springs and world class spa experiences, and foodies can treat themselves to unique culinary dining experiences and the growing craft cocktail scene.
With an array of accommodations, from mid-century modern homes, to boutique historic inns, to camping, luxury resorts, there’s room in Palm Springs for every type of traveler to unpack and unwind in this truly stunning and relaxing oasis of California.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Robert & Mary Carey, Hosts
America’s #1 Travel Radio Show
www.RMWorldTravel.com
Photo credit: Photo of Palm Springs tram provided by Robert & Mary Carey
Photo credit: Indian Canyon Golf Resort David Mark (Pixabay.com, Creative Commons 0)