California Travel Guide

Palm Springs

This is exclusively a resort town, set in the heart of the Californian Low Desert. Palm Springs, famous for its famous residents (at least in the winter) is one of four similar communities that have sprawled across the floor of the Coachella Valley. The valley is, thanks to the powers of modern irrigation, some of the most productive agricultural land in the country.

The Spanish discovered the hot springs from which the town derives its name in the 18th century but Hollywood didn't discover its attractions until the 1930's.

Palm Springs is a place of retired citizens, Hollywood Stars, verdant golf courses, immaculate tennis courts and not a lot else. The town itself offers little apart from relaxation, sporting pursuits or lazing by the pool. The real attractions all lie out in the desert.

In Town

There are loads of golf courses, many only accessible to members and some very expensive but still the choice in a small area is huge.

For cooling off you could try the Oasis Water Park with its huge wave pool. Lovely.

The cultural highlight is the Desert Museum containing mainly works from the locality but with a decent collection of Asian and African artefacts and exhibits covering the natural history of the surrounding desert.

Out of Town

There are numerous park and reserves around Palm Springs chief amongst these is the Joshua Tree National Park. Visited each year by over a million people this is a vast area (800,000 acres) of scorched desert dominated by the tortured looking trees that give the park its name. There are many tracks and trails to be driven, ridden or hiked but beware. The desert is an unforgiving place, take heed of local advice follow instructions to the letter and take care in the roasting sun. Within the park the stunning scenery and geological formations have their days marked out by incredible sunrise and sunsets.

Mount San Jacinto presides over Palm Springs; the San Jacinto Wilderness State Park is good for hiking or, in winter, cross-country skiing. The best way to reach this park is by the Aerial Tramway that leaves from just north of the town.

An exhilarating way of seeing the desert is on one of the several jeep/4 wheel drive tours or rent your own off roader.

Eating Drinking and Sleeping

Palm Springs is an affluent resort that attracts a wealthy clientele this tends to limit the accommodation on offer to the higher end. Prices do drop however as conditions become more uncomfortable in the summer.

Spring Break used to be a big deal in Palm Springs but the forces of prudery have served to tone down this former rite of spring. There are many bars in Palm Springs and a range of exclusive restaurants to suit all tastes.

If you don't fancy a drink then the best place for you is a few miles down the road at the world famous Betty Ford Clinic.

Thu 4th Dec 2008