Palm Spring is a city located in the Sonoran Desert in southern California. It is renowned for its hot springs, golf courses and stylish hotels. The city’s architecture is also distinctive, as it features midcentury modern designs and architecture.
Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is one of the coolest things to do in Palm Springs. It’s located near downtown Palm Springs and offers an incredible view of the valley below. There are two lookout decks at the top where you can enjoy the view. You can also take a nature walk on the tram, or enjoy a snack or drink at the cafe.
Palm Springs Aerial Tram offers tours throughout the year. In the summer, you can enjoy a guided nature walk. In the winter, you can cross country ski or snowshoe on the Alpine wonderland. If you want to explore the snowy wilderness, you’ll need to apply for a backcountry permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
Mt San Jacinto State Park
San Jacinto State Park is a popular mountain hiking destination. It has a spectacular landscape, including alpine forests, mountain meadows, and mountain peaks.
There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails in the park. You can visit the ranger station in Idyllwild to get trail information and to receive permits for backcountry travel. Several campgrounds offer overnight accommodations.
Aerial Trams are an easy way to reach the top of Mount San Jacinto. Riders can take a ten-minute trip to the mountaintop. The tram’s Mountain Station offers a natural history museum and gift shop.
There are a variety of other ways to enjoy the top of San Jacinto. Thousands of hikers make the trek each year. Some people prefer to hike shorter routes through the lower valleys.
Slab City
Slab City in Palm Spring, California, is not what you might expect from a quaint desert town. Rather, it is a large self-constructed community that takes the term off-grid literally.
The community consists of concrete slabs salvaged from the foundations of former buildings. In the past, the slabs were used as housing for chemical factory employees. Today, they provide shelter for a population of roughly 50-100 people year round.
For visitors, Slab City offers the chance to experience a different side of life. While the community lacks running water and sewer utilities, it does have one oh-so-cool thing.
Slab City’s “cold shower” is a hole in the ground where water pours off from a hot spring. It tastes bad after filtration and is made up of mostly iron.
Cabazon Outlets
The 65,000 square foot Cabazon Outlets in Palm Springs is home to more than 18 specialty retailers. With deep discounts on top names such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Coach, this is a destination for those looking to save. This is also an excellent spot to get some retail therapy. There are even some dog friendly options.
The Cabazon Premium Outlets is a smaller, but no less impressive, version of the oh so popular Desert Hills Premium Outlets. You’ll find familiar retail brands like Coach, Michael Kors and Saks Fifth Avenue alongside the more unique, but equally noteworthy, stores such as Brighton Collectibles. The center’s newest entrant, Brighton, is one of the only Brighton Collectibles outlet stores in the western United States.
Historic homes in the Warm Sands area
There are a number of historic homes in the Warm Sands area of Palm Springs. This neighborhood was built before Palm Springs became a city, and it is still characterized by its eclectic style.
The neighborhood is close to the San Jacinto Mountains, which offer incredible views of the desert. It is also near many first-class resorts. In addition, it is a great neighborhood for families, because it offers a variety of amenities.
Many of the homes in this area were built in the 1920s and feature wood-burning fireplaces, adobe building styles, and custom kitchens. Some are also available in gated communities.
Several famous people have lived in Warm Sands, including screenwriter Walter Koch, actor Wesley Eure, and gay activist Cleve Jones. Located between Sunrise Way and Ramon Road, the neighborhood is a short drive from the heart of the city.
Downtown Palm Springs
Downtown Palm Springs is a vibrant, modern hub that’s home to a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a shopping spree or a leisurely afternoon at the beach, this desert oasis is sure to please.
You can explore Palm Springs on a walking tour of downtown. There are several museums and art galleries to peruse. Also, visit the Architecture and Design Center to learn about mid-century architecture. This local creative hub features an ever-growing archive of design pieces.
For dining, there are numerous options, from gourmet restaurants to a variety of locally owned eateries. One popular restaurant is Birba, where you can enjoy pasta, pizza, or global eats.
