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