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Located just 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a booming community boasting 83 square miles of desert land and a current population of 45,000 people. Most visitors arrive by driving from Los Angeles via the Interstate 10, which runs along the north side of Coachella Valley. Drivers generally take either the Indian Canyon Drive/ Palm Springs exit, which gives an up-close view of the giant windmills, or the earlier Tramway exit.
Palm Springs Attractions:
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, No Palm Spring visit is complete until you experience a ride on the world's largest rotating tramcar. Enjoy this breathtaking ten minute ride from the Valley Station at 2,643 ft up North America's sheerest mountain face on its way to the mountain station at 8,516 ft above mean sea level. The largest of the 3 rotating trams found in the world, you journey up the mountain constantly rotating throughout your journey allowing you to see in all directions. Once you arrive at the top you will disembark at Mountain Station where the air can be almost 40 degrees cooler. You can enjoy the walk along the nature trail, take a burro ride, in the winter play in the snow or just enjoy the spectacular views of the desert from Peaks Restaurant or Pines Cafeteria-Style restaurant where lunch and dinner are served daily.
Palm Springs Zoo - The Living Desert, Visitors to Palm Springs will embark on a magical journey into the mysteries of this unique 1,200 - acre wildlife and Botanical Park. As you peruse the North America exhibit you will notice the showcase of the local wildlife and flora within Palm Springs. Travel through the African exhibit where you will observe an assortment of animals and African desert life. Explore with your kids Gecko Gulch, where the hands on portion of this living desert will encourage your child to further explore the desert. Finally, for those who marvel at the beauty of the eagle, be sure to visit Eagle Canyon where you will meet and watch in awe the majestic golden eagle. Visitors to the Palm Springs Zoo - The Living Desert will cherish the natural phenomena of the desert for years to come. Open daily year round, except December 25. The Zoo is a perfect addition to a Palm Springs travel guide.
Knott's Soak City, Palm Springs 16 acre water park known for its water rides and attractions is the only water park in Palm Springs where you can catch a wave in the Rip Tide Reef wave pool; tube and body slide in the Surf Rider Rapids or Sea Snake; brave one of Tidal Wave Tower's 7-story vertical chutes or just relax in the Sunset River. Visit Knott's Soak City where the whole family can join in the fun. Open daily May 23 - Sept 3 and weekends only Sept 8 through Sept 30.
Indian Canyons, is located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs where you can enjoy the undisturbed natural beauty of the 15-mile long canyons. Known as one of the great beauty spots in Western North America you can explore Indian Canyon by car, by foot or by horseback, it is your choice. No matter what method you select, you are sure to view the native flora, the rocky gorges, and barren desert lands. For those of you who enjoy the beauty of the desert this is a must see. Don't forget to visit the Trading Post for refreshments, hiking maps, Indian art, artifacts and much more.
Palm Canyon Drive, The heart of Palm Springs where majestic palm trees wrapped in sparkling lights line this famous drive known as the "Palm Springs Walk of the Stars", where more than 300 stars mark the accomplishments of Hollywood Stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Clark Gable, Bob Hope and many more. Palm Canyon Drive is also known as the cultural artery where you'll find all the shops, galleries, restaurants and attractions that make Palm Canyon Drive a wonderful and memorable experience.
These are just a view places you will want to be sure to visit and serve as a starting point for your Palm Springs travel guide. If you are looking for activities to do in Palm Springs there is something for everyone.
Golf
Palm Springs is well known for it's more than 120 golf courses throughout the Palm Springs area and is truly the ultimate golfing destination. Golf is a primary attraction for many to Palm Springs. The course's are designed to be challenging as well as enjoyable and is home to some of the finest courses in the country as well as some of the world's most famous players.
Nightlife
Catch your second wind when the sun goes down and enjoy a vivacious nightlife in Palm Springs, with plenty of dance clubs, bars and live music venues. Some of the famous spots you will want to explore are Sammy G's, Hunters Palm Springs and Blame it on Midnight Bar and Grill. Whatever your taste, from club to disco Palm Springs Nightlife has something for everyone.
Shopping
Palm Springs offers world class shopping to meet every visitors taste. Some of the best shopping in Southern California is in the Palm Springs area upscale name-brand discount outlet malls and shopping malls including Palm Desert's famous El Paseo shops.
Downtown Palm Springs, also called "The Loop" and "The Village," is where nearly every visitor to Palm Springs will spend a considerable amount of time, enjoying shopping, dining, as well as strolling and people-watching. The Plaza Theater, home of the Palm Springs Follies, is in this district, along with the historic Village Green buildings and the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This district also hosts dozens of restaurants, including Trio, Zin, Copleys, Tropical and the Peabody's, as well as several gay nightclubs.
South Palm Springs is located along South Palm Canyon Drive and offers a mixture of moderately priced hotels, restaurants and residences. The Smoke Tree Ranch and Stables is located in this area, which is adjacent to the main portion of the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indian Reservation, where the Indian Canyons, a popular hiking attraction, are located. The Canyon Country Club is also in this area.
Weather
Fabulous desert weather provides a year-round respite to visitors from around the world. With its dry air and low humidity, you'll find fun in the sun by day and balmy desert evenings to enjoy the desert to its fullest. From fall through late spring, days are warm and nights are cool. Summer days are warmer, but clean, dry air makes the higher temperature feel comfortable. Use the weather forecast below to plan your next vacation.
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