Destination Guide: Greater Palm Springs

Located in Southern California's Sonoran Desert and surrounded by four different mountain ranges, the Greater Palm Springs area encompasses nine communities (Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Coachella, La Quinta, Cathedral City, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, and Indio). The region is well known for its lavish resort and golf destinations, amazing swimming pools, fantastic weather, and mid-century modern architecture. If you are looking for ideas for your next vacation destination, Palm Springs is definitely worth adding to your list. Each city has its own unique collection of activities offering travellers a memorable vacation experience.

Whatever time of year you visit Palm Springs, you'll find many activities, restaurants, and unique places to stay. So make the most of your time there with our top suggestions for things to do and places to dine and stay.

1. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – The San Jacinto mountain rises 3,302m (10,834ft.) above the desert valley and can be seen from almost anywhere in Palm Springs. The best part is that you can go almost all the way to the top without breaking a sweat aboard an aerial tram. This 10-minute ride over the Chino Canyon will take you to the mountain station, where the temperature is much cooler than in the desert. There, you will find observation decks with 360-degree views of the desert, as well as restaurants, and displays detailing the tram's history.
2. Get a history lesson – The museum scene in the Coachella Valley has something for everyone to discover and enjoy. The Coachella Valley History Museum preserves the history of the Coachella Valley, the native Cahuilla people, and the settlers who arrived with the railroad construction. The Palm Springs Air Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of WWII planes. Finally, Baby Boomers will experience a nostalgic moment when they enter Ruddy's General Store Museum, which houses over 6,000 memorabilia items from the 1940s.
3. Walk down Palm Canyon Drive – Palm Springs' historical heart offers more than just a scenic drive. While strolling down Palm Canyon Drive, you will come across historical buildings, art galleries, a plethora of shops of all kinds, and fantastic dining options. It is also the location of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which features over 400 stars bearing the names of local celebrities and personalities. In addition every Thursday, a quarter mile of the street is closed to accommodate VillageFest, a massive street party with live performances and more than 180 vendors where you can shop.

 
Image: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

• Luxury – Check in to the Ritz-Carlton if you want to splurge during your stay. This secluded mountain-top retreat in Range Mirage offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley as well as one of the best spa experiences and fine dining in the area.
• Mid-range – The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is a desert oasis. Nestled on 45 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, this hotel provides a perfect mix of impressive facilities and amenities such as a full-service spa, a water park with 9 outdoor pools, a lazy river and waterslides, a 36-hole golf course, an outdoor tennis court, and much more that can help make a stay there worthwhile.
• Budget – Staying at The Westcott is a wise choice if you don't want to break the bank. This boutique hotel offers views of the San Jacinto Mountains, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. In addition, because of its location, the city centre and other popular attractions will be just a few minutes away. If you stay in a suite, you will have access to a full kitchen and a separate sitting area for privacy.

Palm Springs is more than just hot springs, parties, architecture, and warm weather. It is also a culinary oasis, offering one-of-a-kind dining experiences to suit a wide range of tastes. If you are looking for truly American Cuisine made with local ingredients, look no further than the 4 Saints. Savour lush Californian wine and standout dishes while taking in the breathtaking mountain views from the restaurant’s show-stopping patio.

FARM is a traditional Provençal-style restaurant specializing in farm-to-table cuisine. Its menu features traditional European dishes. You can enjoy your meal made with fresh ingredients in the restaurant's outdoor area. You’ll feel as if you have been to the Southern part of France.

Dine at The Tropicale Palm Springs if you want to have some of the best sushi in town. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere and a retro-tropical theme. Specializing in Pacific Rim cuisine, the it offers dishes with a light and exotic feel.

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