Palm Springs, CA

California's Desert Oasis

Set in the Coachella Valley in Southern California, Palm Springs is best known as a destination to relax and revitalize in its dry warmth. It is a place of natural beauty, outdoor excitement and world-class shopping and dining. Regarded for its architecture in the mid-century modern style, the region’s resorts boast luxurious spas, world class golf and gourmet dining. Along with its high-end accommodations, Palm Springs has an impressive arts, culture and history. With a focus on the Cahuilla people who were native to the Coachella Valley, The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum tells the rich history of the area before its modern persona. Palm Springs is also no stranger to concerts and live performances. At the 1,127 seat McCallum Theater, see some of the world’s most famous singers and performers like Barry Manilow and Tony Bennett.

Flanked by palm trees, the recently renovated downtown Palm Springs, anchored by Palm Canyon Drive, has an eclectic mix of restaurants, galleries, shops and attractions. Whether you are there to shop, eat, watch a show or simply to stroll, downtown Palm Springs will certainly provide a wonderful time. When you want to head outdoors and take in some nature, Palm Springs has horseback riding at Indian Canyons, cycling trails dotting the region and hikes over the beautiful desert mountains. The Joshua Tree National Park is located just to the east and is a must-see for nature lovers. This amazing park has two distinct ecosystems, untouched desert wilderness and native wildlife. A special way to experience Joshua Tree is with Adventure Hummer Tours, whose trips through the park offer a fun and unique way to see this amazing natural environment.

For an adventure that takes guests above it all, Mount Jacinto State Park has an aerial tramway that makes a steep ascent up the 8516-foot mountain in fully enclosed cars. During the 10-minute ride to the top, riders have 360 degree views of the Chino Canyon and valley below. At the top, there are two restaurants, a museum of the area’s natural history, vistas and 50+ miles of hiking trails. To have some fun on the desert floor, Big Wheel Tours offers guided mountain bike rides through the Sonoran Desert for an otherworldly adventure. Accommodations in Palm Springs range from hip and stylish to opulent luxury. Five-star properties such as the The Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage and L’Horizon Resort and Spa have palatial rooms, gourmet dining and lavish grounds. It doesn’t matter what your taste is, Palm Springs and its many things to do and see, framed by the beautiful desert and mountains is sure to have you coming back.