Palm Springs Vacation

Travel to the California Desert

Oct 21, 2009 Bev Yaworski

Rich in history and blessed with glorious weather, Palm Springs is a prime destination of travelers from all over the world.

This desert resort city is internationally known for sun, golf and its elegant yet laid-back ambiance. Palm Springs is the jewel among desert cities. Its village atmosphere has been preserved and embellished over the years. The downtown area with its quaint lampposts, benches and Mexican tile-paved enclaves invites strolling among the shops, galleries, eateries and coffeehouses.

Palm Springs California offers travelers the ultimate desert playground with year-round sunshine of about 350 days and average daily temperatures of 75 degrees. Rain is scarce with less than 6 inches (150 mm) of rain annually. The landscape highlights desert and mountain areas. The name "Palm Springs" likely came into use because of a local mineral spring and the surrounding palm trees. An increasing numbers of retirees have settled here to avoid colder northern winters.

Palm Springs Information Tidbits

More than 2,000 years ago, Palm Springs' first residents were the ancestors of today's Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.
By the time it was incorporated in 1938, the Village of Palm Springs had become world-famous as a winter playground for Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Marlene Dietrich, Bob Hope, Loretta Young.
Today, the Agua Caliente Band is the largest landowners in the city with nearly 6,700 acres within the city limits.
Sonny Bono of the singing duo Sonny & Cher was Mayor of Palm Springs for many years.

Here are some quick practical tips and suggestions to have a positive Palm Springs holiday.

Getting Around Palm Springs

Most people arrive by taking a rental car, bus, or van to get from the airport. Rail and even motorcycles are available. A car does allow visitors more freedom to explore the surrounding area, although bus tours are easy to arrange.

Hotels Palm Springs & Other Accommodation

With more than 130 hotels, lodging comes in all price ranges from high-end resorts to smaller boutique hotels – prices range from the Motel 6 Palm Springs at $55 US per night to the La Quinta Resort at fall rates of $159 or Parker Palm Springs at $509 per night. Trip Advisor is a great source to check out your lodging options. There are also many vacation homes, condos and RV parks.

Palm Springs Attractions

Palm Springs has a multiple of exciting activity choices: swimming, spas, hiking, horseback riding, sight seeing, casinos, shopping, dining and more than 100 golf courses. It’s a city of numerous festivals, conventions, and international events such as golf tournaments or the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

A visit to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must. The world's largest rotating tramcars ascend two-and-a-half miles up to reveal breath-taking viewsof the entire Coachella Valley. Construction of the Tramway was an engineering challenge and was soon labeled the "eighth wonder of the world.' The tram rises from the desert floor to an altitude in excess of 8,500 feet. A wilderness area with nature trails and helpful interpretative signage can be explored at the top of the tram. The restaurant also offers stunning views. The Tramway offers a variety of activities year-round for the adventurous and those not quite so inclined.

The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium. This 1 acre family-owned botanical garden specializes in cacti and other desert plants. The Gardens were established in 1939 by Patricia and Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten. The Moorten Garden includes 3,000 examples of desert cacti and other desert plants.

Village Fest held every Thursday features a free outdoor street festival of arts and crafts, live entertainment along with tasty food and local vendors.

Palm Springs Food & Restaurants

Visitors will find Mexican, Italian, German, American, seafood, natural organic and all manner of international dishes. The Palm Springs Visitors Bureau describes Palm Springs restaurants as providing “ fine foods, fantastic flavors, ambiance, atmosphere - from classy to casual.” A favourite, affordable restaurant to try is the Fisherman’s Market and Grill with great seafood choices and funky atmosphere. (235 South Indian Canyon Drive)

Extensive travel guidebooks, such as the Fodor's Travel books and Lonely Planet, have also been written on this area, to better prepare for the trip in advance.

Baja Mexico is also an attractive sunny destination, along with Mazatlan Mexico .

Of course, it goes without saying, that returning back to one’s northern chilly comforts will be difficult!

The copyright of the article Palm Springs Vacation in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Bev Yaworski. Permission to republish Palm Springs Vacation in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.