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Romantic Palm Springs Vacation Sights and Attractions
Although many people say just "Palm Springs", there are actually 8 desert resort communities in the Coachella Valley. West-to-east they are: Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Indio.
Here's some info on planning a romantic getaway in Palm Springs... Travel to Palm SpringsThere are flights into Palm Springs Regional Airport on Alaska Airlines and America West. There are also flights available on:
If you’re flying into LAX, driving time from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is about 2 hours. Palm Springs Romantic HotelsWe're working on a new section on romantic places to stay in Palm Springs. Until then, you can check out these Palm Springs Romantic Hotels. Or, if a your prefer a B&B instead of a resort, there are Romantic Palm Springs Bed and Breakfast Inns.
Things to Do in Palm Springs, CAGolfing in Palm Springs - There are more than 100 golf courses in the greater Palm Springs area, both public and private courses. You’ve probably seen a few already as several major golf tournaments are held here each year and often televised. It’s really worth it to golf in the “desert” - the course designs and scenery are quite impressive.If you’re hitting the links anytime in the summer months, it’s a good idea to book an early tee time (like 7AM) so you can avoid the mid-day heat.
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway - this is one of the most “touristy” things to do in Palm Springs. The rotating tram carries you up over 8,000 feet for a grand view of the desert floor – you can easily see how the Coachella Valley is truly an oasis in the desert!
The top of Mount San Jacinto can be a cool getaway from the heat, and there’s a restaurant, gift shop, and picnic area nearby. You’ll also find all sorts of hiking trails up there too, and it’s even possible to cross-country ski in the winter time!
The Palm Springs Tram is located on Tramway Road just off Highway 111. Prices start at around $21, and $28 for the Ride n’ Dine combo.
Palm Springs Desert Museum - A real "Heinz 57" of museums with at least something you'll find interesting. The Palm Springs Desert Museum, as I recall, included science displays, Native American art, some work by Andy Warhol and a scorpion spider exhibit! An interesting diversion from the usual recreation the area is famous for.
Indian Canyons Hiking - Before the mid day heat (or in the late afternoon/early evening), hiking in the Indian Canyons can be an excellent excursion into the desert. Beautiful and historically interesting, you can also spot desert wildlife, fauna and access the many trails throughout the park, located on Agua Caliente tribal land. Open 8AM-5PM daily, closed summer from July to mid September.
Shopping At Palm Springs OutletsMaureen makes sure we visit her favorite Palm Springs outlet center when we're in the desert! Actually, I kind of enjoy going there too. It’s a chance to shop for all sorts of things at better than average prices. Designer clothes, house wares, luggage and shoes are just a few of the offerings. We usually shop in the afternoon for a chance to escape the desert heat.Desert Hills Premium Outlets is one of the best Palm Springs outlets. It's located in Cabazon, CA, 20 minutes west of Palm Springs on Interstate 10.
Palm Springs Weather Information
In the summer, there’s only one word to describe Palm springs weather – heat! Average daytime highs between May and September can hit 40 celcius (105 farenheit!). And don’t let anyone just say “but it’s a dry heat”. 40 is 40, and you won’t want to stray any further than 10 feet from the pool during these months. The rest of the year is mostly sunny and very pleasant, with warm days, and cool evenings (the desert can actually get quite chilly at night). It only rains 15 to 20 days a year in Palm Springs on the average, and the area receives over 350 days of sunshine annually.
Return from Palm Springs vacation to California vacation
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Palm Springs is a favorite of ours! For Canadians, or Americans from cold weather states, a Palm Springs vacation is a great way to get out of the cold, and relax in an attractive desert environment with great accommodation, things to do and shopping. The dry desert air even seems to make people feel better!