The Indian Canyons Trails
Mountains of Palm Springs
 The Palm Springs Indian Canyons are a group of three canyons (Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, Andreas Canyon), all with their own interesting trails that take visitors through Palm Springs mountainside wilderness.
Opportunities to view wildlife are always present, and palm tree groves mark the path of creeks that criss-cross the trails. Most visitors appreciate the noticeable temperature drops that occur upon entering these palm groves.
The Indian Canyons are a great opportunity to get outdoors for some exercise, commune with nature, and fulfill a desire for adventure and exploration. With several different trails of varying length, this day-trip offers the flexibility to be just a few hours or an all-day affair.
Where: South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, Ca 92262
When: Open daily from 8am to 5pm October through June and Friday through Sunday July through September
Cost: Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors, students, and military; $4 for children under twelve. Guided Ranger-led hikes are also available for $2-3 per person
Distance: 4.5 Miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: www.indian-canyons.com
Phone: (760) 323-6018
The Palm Springs Tram
Mountain Cable Cars to the Top
Open year round, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Cable Cars offers Palm Springs visitors (and locals) the opportunity to escape the summer heat, and to reach snow in winter, all while taking in the best views of the Palm Springs area.
The vistas are amazing from the top of the mountain, valley views or city lights of Palm Springs and provide some of the best photography opportunities for photo lovers.
In 1963, after two years of construction along the Chino Canyon slopes in North Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway opened for business as a unique and spectacular way for desert residents and visitors to go from the palms of Palm Springs to the pines at the top of the San Jacinto Mountains in a matter of minutes.
The short scenic ride up to the top of the mountain is filled with stunning views of the magnificent Chino Canyon and of the Palm Springs valley below.
At the top, a lodge with dining, historical and ecological information, and magical vistas awaits visitors. From this base, there are a number of trails for hiking and other outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing.
A complimentary guided nature walk is also available for those interested in learning more about the flora and fauna of the area.
Between the rides up and down and exploring the mountainside, visitors can easily spend half a day to a full day on this not-to-miss Palm Springs day-trip.
Palm Springs Tram
Where: 1 Tramway Road, Palm Springs, Ca 92262
When: Open 10am on weekdays, 8am on weekends, until 9:45pm
Cost: Day passes are available for adults at $22 and for children at $15. Annual passes can also be purchased at $120 for adults and $90 for children. Senior discounts may also be available.
Distance: 6.5 Miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: www.pstramway.com
Phone: (760) 325-1391
Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum's exhibitions focus on art of the Southwestern United States, from Native American sculpture to the Palm Springs modern home photography of Julius Schulman, offering a diverse portrait of local and regional art for the culturally inclined.
With the museum's location so close to the heart of downtown Palm Springs, it's an easy walk from restaurants and shopping, and a good place to get out of the sun for a while. This spot can be seen in half an hour, but you'll want to stay longer to take in all the exhibits.
Where: 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, Ca 92262
When: Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, Thursday from 12pm to 8pm, but may keep different hours in the summer.
Cost: The Palm Springs Museum is $12.50 for adults, $10.50 for seniors, $5 for students and military, and free for youths under 17. The museum also opens its doors to free access for the public between 4pm and 8pm on Thursdays.
Distance: 0.2 Miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: www.psmuseum.org
Phone: (760) 322-4800
Palm Springs Architectural
Tours - Midcentury Modern
PS Modern Tours
 Palm Springs Modern Tours operator Robert Imber serves as your expert guide as you explore Palm Springs mid-century modern architecture by van-ride.
Over three hours during which Imber showcases his seemingly endless knowledge of mid-century architecture, this architectural tour provides a fascinating history of Palm Springs.
The guided tour visits views the exteriors of famous Palm Springs homes and commercial buildings in and around downton Palm Springs designed by Wexler, Neutra, and Krisel, among other notable architects who created iconic Palm Springs buildings in the 1950s to 1970s era.
Robert Imber can also arrange coach tours for larger groups by appointment. Advance booking is recommended as his popular tours tend to fill up quickly!
Where: Palm Springs, Ca 92262
When: Year-round
Cost: $75
Distance: 0.0 miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: By appointment, contact Robert Imber at psmoderntours@aol.com
Phone: (760) 318-6118
Mountain Village of Idyllwild
Idyllwild, California is a beautiful village located in the mountains above Palm Springs and offers a variety of outdoors activities, from mountain biking to hiking to rock-climbing, all at an elevated location that offers a break from the desert heat.
Equally attractive is the scenic drive up to Idyllwild on Highway 74, which features several vista points where visitors stop to take in the desert below. Pack a picnic for the trail or eat at one of the cozy local restaurants.
Whatever your activity of choice, Idyllwild is an opportunity to change setting for the day, or even just an afternoon before heading back down to your Palm Springs vacation paradise.
Where: Idyllwild, Ca, 92549
When: Year-round
Cost: No admission fee
Distance: 50 Miles from downtown Palm Springs; approximately 1.5 hours drive time
Website: www.idyllwild.com
Phone: Visit above website for Idyllwild business phone numbers and more detailed information.
|
Palm Springs Village Fest
Thursday Night Street Fair
What began 16 years ago, Palm Springs' weekly Street Fair known as Villagefest, continues to be a popular Thursday evening activity of Palm Springs life for both local residents and tourists.
 Each Thursday evening throughout the year, a large section of downtown Palm Springs "main street" known as Palm Canyon Drive is closed off to vehicle traffic, allowing vendors and performers of all kinds to set up shop along the street, making for great people-watching and shopping.
More than 200 booths display art, jewelry, unique food, and sometimes even more unusual entertainers. Villagefest also allows pedestrians to do their regular downtown shopping and dining in the cool of the evening, as most businesses stay open later for the Palm Springs Villagefest.
Allow an hour or two to peruse the booths and view some performances at this happening spot in downtown Palm Springs, Ca.
Where: Palm Canyon Drive between Amado and Baristo, Palm Springs, Ca 92262
When: Year-round, every Thursday evening. Villagefest hours are 6pm to 10pm from October-May, and 7pm to 10pm June-September
Cost: There is no admission fee for the Palm Springs Village Fest, but make sure to bring some cash for shopping
Distance: 0.0 Miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: www.palmspringsvillagefest.com
Phone: (760) 320-3781
Palm Springs Zoo
"The Living Desert"
The Living Desert provides a unique look into desert wildlife, with dozens of exhibits, ranging from indigenous populations to animals from the plains of Africa.
The varied inhabitants of the zoo are part of a mission statement from the park operators to preserve, rehabilitate, and research desert animals, as well as to educate visitors.
Taking a trip to the Living Desert is an opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close. One could spend an entire day, but plan on at least two or three hours for this day-trip just a short drive from Palm Springs, Ca.
Where: 47-900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, Ca 92260
When: September to June 15th hours: 9am to 5pm, and June 16th to August 31st hours: 8am to 1:30pm
Cost: General Admission is $12, with Seniors and Military getting a $1.50 discount, and children under 12 receiving a $4.50 discount. Summer rates are about 30% less
Distance: 15.2 Miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: www.livingdesert.org
Phone: (760) 568-9685
Palm Springs Outlet Malls
Also known as the Palm Springs Outlet mall, the Cabazon Outlets or Outlet Mall is home to over 130 brand outlets from athletic to business, casual to high-end, and even home decoration stores. If you're looking for a popular name-brand, chances are you will find it in Cabazon, California.
The mall offers an endless selection of goods at reduced prices up to 70% off department store retail. Also, the Cabazon Outlet Mall is located right next to Casino Morongo, which was recently named the best casino in California.
Allow several hours for shopping, and if you're headed to the casino, plan on spending a good part of your day on this trip.
Where: 48750 Seminole Drive, Cabazon, Ca 92230
When: 10am to 8pm Sunday through Thursday, 10am to 9pm Friday and Saturday
Cost: Free Admission and Parking
Distance: 19.1 Miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: www.cabazonoutlets.com
Phone: (951) 922-3000
Santa Monica Pier, the Beach,
and Third Street Promenade
For those interested in venturing toward the beaches of Southern California, the Santa Monica Area provides a wealth of options for shopping, dining, and sun.
The famous Third Street Promenade is a prime location to spend the morning hours before the sun heats up, shopping people-watching, and grabbing a bite to eat. Most retail stores are of the trendy but not overly pricey variety and food options are many and diverse. Yangtze Restaurant offers traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai food, while Johnnie's New York-style Pizza serves up some of the best pizza in Los Angeles.
After lunch, head out to the Santa Monica Pier for amusement park fun at Pacific Park, or hit the beach, both of which are walking distance from 3rd Street. Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals, also located by the pier, offers an opportunity to pedal along the coastline several miles on the beachside bike path. This trip is an all-day event, so plan to spend the day and arrive back in the evening.
Where: 3rd Street, Santa Monica, Ca 90401
When: The beach is best experienced in the summer months, but the Pier and the Promenade are truly year-round activity centers.
Cost: Plan on $7 for parking, whether by the pier or just off 3rd street, but consider that 3rd Street parking structures offer the first 2 hours free of charge. Clothing shops range from modestly priced to expensive, as do dining options. Pacific Park is a bit costly, but offers day passes and packages that can help keep prices down. Bike rentals will cost between $7-$9 an hour.
Distance: 122 Miles from downtown Palm Springs; approximately 2 hours drive time
Website: www.thirdstreetpromenade.org & www.santamonicapier.org
Children's Discovery Museum
of the Desert
The Children's Discovery Museum is an interactive combination of exhibits and activities for kids. Programs offered include weekend art classes, toddler programs and skill-building programs for young children.
If you have young children in your family, this facility is a great place for them to spend some time while the adults go out for lunch at one of several excellent dining options at The River in Rancho Mirage. Most programs are one or two hours long, with summer full-day camps available as well.
Where: 71-701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage, Ca 92270
When: Call or check the website for a weekly schedule of events
Cost: $25 year-long membership
Distance: 10.6 Miles from downtown Palm Springs
Website: www.cdmod.org
Phone: (760) 321-0602
Experience all of Palm Springs great activities and attractions and enjoy the privacy, private pool and plesant pace of renting a Palm Springs vacation home villa or condo with a private swimming pool. Click here to view all Palm Springs home and condo rentals!
 |
