Palm Springs is the perfect weekend get-away if you want to explore a quirky, artsy city that also has some good food.  I have to emphasize to you, if you don’t like the heat, do NOT visit between June and September.  Trust me on this.

Leaving DTLA, about a 2 and a half hour drive east, you’ll come to this oasis in the desert.  I think of it as the desert version of a weekend in Santa Barbara or Big Bear.  Lots of cactus, sand and a very chill vibe.  There are plenty of unique things to do so let’s dive in.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

The Palm Springs Aerial tram is right outside the main part of Palm Springs and takes you from the floor of the valley to the near top of the San Jacinto Peak (elevation 8,516 feet).  My understanding is that it’s the largest rotating tramway in the world.  The ride is 10 minutes and is a 2.5 mile ascent to the peak.  The view of the Coachella Valley on the way up is gorgeous and once at the top, there are over 50 miles of hiking in Mt. San Jacinto State Park.   If you have issues with heights, proceed with caution, but I would say it’s worth it because the observation deck view is impressive too.  

At the top, you’ll find a really nice cliffside restaurant, an observation deck, a natural history museum and gift shop.  If you’re not into the hiking part, go up to see what you can see, catch some lunch and simply hang out.  

Keep in mind the drastic weather change.  At the top, it can be 30-40 degrees cooler than the desert floor.  When I went in the early fall, at the parking lot I had on a long sleeve tee but when I got off the tram at the top, I was so glad I had a puffer coat on and a hat.  There was ice on the shady parts of trails and some snow believe it or not.  All that said, here’s some visiting information in case you do decide to check it out.

Jazz Club, Art and Shopping

If you’re looking for somewhere to chill, be entertained and experience a taste of the Rat Pack era (Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin), go check out the Purple Room.  It’s a supper club with live entertainment.  I love my jazz and if you do too, drop by for live jazz and dinner Tuesday thru Thursday.  No tickets, no cover!!

To get your art on, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum with its emphasis and visual and performing arts.  In addition to the art exhibits, they have a lively event calendar with musical performances, lectures and I even saw a fashion show on the calendar.  If you’re reading this in time, definitely catch the Contemporary African Art exhibit that’s running through February of 2024.

If you’re just interested in finding the restaurants and shops, head to Palm Canyon Drive which is the heart of Palm Springs.  You’ll also find art galleries here.  On Thursdays, the street is closed to traffic for VillageFest which hosts vendor booths selling everything from art, pottery and jewelry to fruit, veggies and flowers.  And it’s FREE!

Golf!

Of course, I can’t forget my golf buddies.  The Palm Springs area has too many courses to list, so I’ll simply provide you with a partial list.  Trust and believe, there are over 100 to choose from and you won’t be left wanting.

Hiking

Those not going up the aerial tram, but still want to get their hike on, check out the various canyons within 6 miles of the city center.  They have both hiking and horseback riding.  Again, probably not the best idea to go in the scorching heat of summer.  Plan accordingly and you should have a great time.

And that about covers it for a Palm Springs adventure.  Let me know how your trip turned out and what sites you decided to see.  Did you brave the heat?

Until next time,

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back.