We are thinking of going to ......

[recycled sixtie]

Palm Springs. Never been there before. What can u tell me about the place? Places to stay, good hikes, restaurants? Noticed in Prescott AZ that the traffic density was amazing. Any less traffic in Palm Springs?All suggestions welcome

[2porscheguy]

Recycled there are a "ton" of rentals available on VRBO.com in PS...most seem to be fairly negotiable so that you can get a better deal than what the owners are actually asking. We were there last 2 years ago....buddies on a golf trip...and found a decent condo owned by a fellow Calgarian. He gave us a pretty good deal and his place was pretty decent and central...easy to get to from the airport.

There are lots of great hikes close by. You should definitely make a day trip to Joshua Tree though (yes, the U2 album cover was shot there) and check it out....very cool landscape for us winter-weary Albertans! When are you going?

Alex

[Rick Lee]

It's very nice this time of year, but hotter than Phoenix in the summer. Gets windy there too. I think the main restaurant drag is on Palm Canyon. It's pretty nice there. I couldn't live there, but it's nice to visit. The city caters to the gay community, sort of like West Hollywood. I don't think I've been to any of PS on the north side of the 10.

[Hugh R]

Take the aerial tram, its worth it. Very cool and cold at the top. Have lunch up there.

[Evans, Marv]

Hope you're not there during the time the breezes bring the smell of dead fish from the Salton Sea. A friend of mine has a place in La Quinta. He says everybody tries to ignore it.

[look 171]

Hugh,

this time of the year, I am sure they don't want to be around snow. Plus, they have that gondola in Banff. IMO, it is worth going up there.

[look 171]

My cousins want to retire in Palm Spring. They were born in Moose Jaw but grew up in Calgary. I talked them out of it. Instead, I like to see them in the small suburbs of Los angeles.

Traffic will be bit heavy on the weekends in Palm Springs. Other then that, there isn't too many people around except for the snow birds. My neighbor own condos there and the real estate is a little depress out that way so there are many good deals to be had for the week or month. Many great restaurants, tons of hiking trails out into the desert. you can do all of Palm Springs in a few of days. The ocean is an hour away. A few hours drive to Vegas. My cousins wanted to explore the little cities there, but just have to be careful. Meth labs are there, ask the folks in the hotel if you planning doing that. Heck, joint Vash and go see Salton Sea.

[tevake]

We were just there for new years. Nice get away. Otherwise we would have been in South Pasadena, which is overrun with the Rose bowl Parade and all of its preparations.

We went to the agua caliente Res. for a day hike into palm valley. Nice place, lots of Indian history. Easy short day hike, and fun.

Are you still thinking of coming to Kauai this year. Never got a response when I replied to you earlier. If my place is not a fit for you. Let me know what you need, and I'll look around for you.

Cheers Richard

[aigel]

The greatest thing about Palm Springs is the weather and the landscape. Sit in the sun under palms in balmy temps sipping latte, watching the snowy mountains in the distance. Can't beat that.

There are a lot of golf courses and the average age of the visitors is pretty high. There is also a noticeably big number of gay people, also most of them at least mid-aged. I am not homophobic but some people are, so just be aware of this aspect of the town.

Things to do:

Living Desert Zoo (Palm Desert)
Palm Springs & Palm Desert's only Zoo and Botanical Garden - The Living Desert - Palm Desert California.
Great zoo in natural landscape setting, featuring local animals and African animals. A must with kids or if you like zoos.

Joshua Tree NP - about an hour away. Go on some small hikes. Drive the park. Loop it around coming back through 29 Palms and Yucca valley.

Drive at least towards if not around the Salton Sea on a day trip. Quite the place. (Search for Salton Sea thread here on PPOT). At least make it through some of the date palm plantations in the Mecca (!) area. That's quite a sight. If you are into waterfowl / bird watching, stop in the Wister Wildlife Mgmt. area and enjoy ducks, geese, and everything else waterbird. (Closed during waterfowl season on Wed, Sat and Sun for hunting!) Have lunch at the buckshot diner, if you are brave. (Buckshot Deli & Diner - Niland, CA).

Finally, in Rancho Mirage, there is a very nice BBQ restaurant that I love to go to. Order with light amount of BBQ sauce if you do any of the ribs.
Babe's Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse - Rancho Mirage, CA

Hope this helps. Enjoy your stay!

G

[scottmandue]

+1 on the tram... snow or not (and I'm sure our little sissy snow is nothing compared to what you get in Canada) the view going up and from the top is worth the ride.

Palm Springs has a bunch of natural hot springs, I always stay at a hotel that has it's own springs... nothing feels as good as soaking in natural hot mineral water.

Do you golf? Lots of great golfing in the area.

[aigel]

Note that the tram is very, I mean VERY crowded on the weekends. I never went due to crowds. The only way to do it would be during the week or maybe at o-dark 30 when they open. We are talking cars lined up on the access road all the way down to the 10 interstate.

G

[lowyder993s]

Surprised nobody's mentioned Spring Break. I'm sure it's dead compared to the early 80's when I was there. Travelodge was THE PLACE. Buddy lived out there, so we had chicks waiting for us. Great Times!!!

[daepp]

And it is very cold at the TOP of the tram - plan accordingly!

[Nostril Cheese]

Palm Springs has old people and gay people.

The Aerial Tram is a for sure thing to do. You can hike to the top of Mt. San Jacinto and back in a day if you start early enough. Dont do it on a weekend. And yes, it will be cold at the top.

Joshua Tree.. Love that place. I'd go out there just for that reason alone.

[Nostril Cheese]

Slab City is an interesting detour as well.

[daepp]

Aerial Tram:







Hike Palm Canyon:







Great Air Museum: