Palm Springs is a desert city located about 2 hours east of Los Angeles and is a popular destination for those looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Palm Springs is a classic desert town located in California, known for its versatility in accommodating different kinds of getaways. Whether you're planning a relaxed family weekend, an adventurous bachelorette party, a romantic couple's escape, or anything in between, Palm Springs has got you covered. I stopped by Palms Springs as a detour on my way home from a weekend at Joshua Tree.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
When it comes to exploring Palm Springs, there's one attraction that simply can't be missed: the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This world-renowned experience takes visitors on an incredible journey up the San Jacinto Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape and mountain ranges. The tramway itself is an engineering marvel, boasting the world's largest rotating tramcar that can hold up to 80 passengers. As you begin your ascent, you'll be instantly captivated by the sweeping vistas of the valley below, and as you climb higher, you'll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and desert. At the summit, you'll step out onto the Mountain Station, where you can explore a range of amenities, including a restaurant, gift shop, and observation decks. Peaks Restaurant serves up mouthwatering cuisine and offers incredible views of the valley, while the Pines Café provides a more casual dining experience. And once you've satisfied your appetite, the hiking trails around the Mountain Station provide a chance to explore the natural beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape that are truly unforgettable.
Share a Date Shake on a Date Farm
If you're looking for a unique experience, consider a visit to a Date Farm. Dates are a fruit that grows on palm trees, making it a perfect fruit to grow in sunny California.
Many date farms offer delicious date shakes that you can order at the counter for about $8. This is definitely worth getting for the unique sweet flavor of a date. We went to Shields, which claims to be one of the first date farms that started offering date shakes.
This farm offers a small movie theater on one side past the shop that plays a video every 30 minutes. With a catchy title called "The Romance and Sex Life of Dates", you can learn all about the history of date farming in the area. As someone who knew nothing about dates, I found this brief video super informative since I ended up buying some dates in the gift shop.
I highly recommend going through the free garden for a nice walk. The garden closes an hour earlier than the store did, so make sure you allocate enough time to explore the garden in the back. I unfortunately did not make it to the garden before they closed so I sat in the back to enjoy the weather There's also a beautiful outdoor space that's shaded where you can enjoy a quick bite or meal. And if you're a fan of dates, you can buy some of the exclusive dates from Shields at their wonderful gift shop.
Visit Coachella Valley
For those who are adventurous, Coachella Valley Vista Point is a must-visit spot. The drive up to the vista point may be intimidating for some, with multiple 180-degree turns that only have a small guardrail separating you from falling off the edge of the cliff. However, the awe-inspiring view of the city is well worth the drive, especially at sunrise or night when the city lights come on.
If you're lucky enough to be in Coachella Valley in April, don't miss the iconic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. This annual event brings together some of the biggest names in music and art for 2 weekends of unforgettable performances and installations. The event brings over 250,000 visitors every year and tickets run hundreds of dollars, so plan ahead if this is on your radar.
Go for a hike at Indian Canyon
Another family-friendly destination to consider is Indian Canyon. Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs, a beautiful natural oasis that has long been cherished by locals and visitors alike. The canyons are home to some of the most stunning scenery in the region, including towering palm trees and rugged rock formations. This local park has an admission fee of $12 for each adult, but the experience is worth it.
With plenty of palm trees and hiking trails, Indian Canyon offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the desert landscape. These trails range in difficulty, making them suitable for all skill levels. The Andreas Canyon Trail, for example, is an easy 1.5-mile hike that winds through a picturesque oasis, while the Murray Canyon Trail is a more challenging 4-mile trek that leads to a stunning waterfall. Some hikes even have small streams or rivers flowing through them, which is a real treat for anyone familiar with the California dry weather. I was able to enjoy the park with my parents who are in their late 50's without any problems. I would just bring a good hat and plenty of sunscreen.
Indian Canyon has a long history that dates back more than 2,000 years. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has called the area home for generations, and many of their cultural traditions and practices are still observed today. During our hike, we saw several holes in the rocks that were used as mortars to ground beans and roots for food. Visitors can learn more about the tribe's history and culture by visiting the nearby Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
Hit the spas
While the city name would imply that there are natural springs to visit, there are actually no natural hot springs where water is coming out of the Earth. All of the hot springs in the area are located on private property, and access to them is typically reserved for paying guests of nearby resorts and spas. Some resorts may offer day passes or other options for non-guests to access their hot springs, but there is usually a fee involved. A bit unfortunate if you're like me and always looking to score a deal while traveling. However, many of the resorts and spas that offer access to hot springs also offer a variety of other amenities and activities, such as massages, yoga classes, and hiking trails, making them great destinations for a day or weekend trip.
Palm Springs is a wonderful destination that offers a variety of unique experiences, from exploring the desert landscape to relaxing in mineral hot springs. From spas to date farms and outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this unique desert city. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vacation or a romantic weekend escape, Palm Springs is the perfect destination to unwind and soak up the sun.
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