|
|
Post by MichyM on Nov 30, 2022 22:10:56 GMT
I swear there have been conversations about Palm Springs here, but I did a 3 year search on the board and nothing came up 🤷🏼♀️
Trip is booked (second half of January). I know next to nothing about the area, just know that I need to get away somewhere warmer and drier at least for a bit this winter, and Hawaii isn’t in the cards this year. I’ll be on my own for 4 nights, then a friend is joining me for the remainder.
Staying in an AirBnB almost right downtown, renting a car.
If you’ve been, what were your favorite things to do? We’re both around 60 YO, like *moderate* hikes. I’m into flora, fauna, animals, everything lovely outdoors. I’m not a pool-sitter, and this time of year it likely will be a bit cool for that anyhow. I will be dining and doing everything I possibly can outdoors to help soak up some Vitamin D 😉 Any suggestions are welcomed, I’d just love some direction on googling rather than the typical “10 best things to do in XXX city,” you know?
Recent visitors; are there any particular restaurants you’d recommend? We’re both working on our weight, but do enjoy fine dining, just within reason. She does not drink, and I won’t have more than a glass of wine around her, so this trip, bars aren’t important.
Thanks so much!
|
|
|
|
Post by bc2ca on Nov 30, 2022 22:52:11 GMT
We've enjoyed a few of the Palm Springs Historical Society walking tours. Inns, Architecture and Glamour or Celebrity Haven We went back to eat at a couple of the boutique hotels. IIRC, lunch pool side at La Serena Villas (Azucar?) was really nice. I also really like Jake's and dream about their watermelon gazpacho every now and then. Norma's at the Parker is also good and it is a fun property to poke around. Sparrows Lodge is another property to check out. We've never been able to get dinner reservation but dropped in for a late lunch after picking up friends at the airport. Really lovely spot. At the other end of the valley, Lavender Bistro in La Quinta is a favorite and the The Pink Cabana in Indian Wells. The Palm Springs Art Museum is excellent. |
|
|
|
Post by nine on Nov 30, 2022 22:54:58 GMT
They have a nice little art museum and a nice botanic garden.
|
|
|
|
Post by librarylady on Nov 30, 2022 22:59:16 GMT
I hope your experience beats mine. I was awarded a trip to Palm Springs and lots of things as the reward.
We were there for the first snowfall in many years which ruined our outdoor activities. (hot air balloon ride
cancelled for example)
DH and I took a tour that was "desert wildlife" or something similar in name. It was just the 2 of us and the guide
and we loved the tour. We had a milkshake made from dates at the end of the tour and it was delicious. We also visited a date processing business and found it of interest. It was in Indio, which is near Palm Springs.
|
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,755 
|
Post by pantsonfire on Nov 30, 2022 23:01:35 GMT
Close by is the Living Desert which is a great animal zoo.
A lot of tourists like to drive around and see the architecture.
There is the Marilyn Monroe statue that is huge.
Sherman's Deli is the bomb!
And if you drive west to Morongo area there are the Cabazon Dinosaurs and Date Shakes.
|
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,755
|
Post by pantsonfire on Nov 30, 2022 23:03:23 GMT
Oh and the Palm Springs Tram that will take you up to hike around.
|
|
valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,626
|
Post by valincal on Nov 30, 2022 23:04:01 GMT
We enjoyed the ride up the aerial tram. There are hiking trails at the top. pstramway.com/Last winter we joined the Red Jeep Tour tour and it was a cool and fun way to explore the area. www.red-jeep.com/ |
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,755
|
Post by pantsonfire on Nov 30, 2022 23:04:29 GMT
Lots of shrubs and whatnot at the Living Desert.
Really cool train set up too.
|
|
finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
|
Post by finaledition on Nov 30, 2022 23:20:45 GMT
You’ll be about 1 hour from Joshua Tree. There’s hikes for all abilities there. I’m a Mexican food snob and there are some great restaurants there. We stay in Palm Desert so you can probably find a closer recommendation, but I wouldn’t pass up Mexican food there. The street fair on Thursday nights is fun. villagefest.orgCheck out the local casinos. They often have some great entertainment. Morongo is the one coming to mind. |
|
valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,626
|
Post by valincal on Nov 30, 2022 23:27:22 GMT
Check out the local casinos. They often have some great entertainment. Moronga is the one coming to mind. That reminded me…the steakhouse at the Agua Caliente casino has great food or even go simply for their carrot cake in a cast iron skillet. Seriously one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. 😄 Their spa is really nice too with their own private pool area with cabanas. aguacalientecasinos.com/properties/rancho-mirage/ |
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Nov 30, 2022 23:47:34 GMT
Just an FYI that if you take the tram ride, it will be cold up at the top in January! It is generally about 20-30 degrees colder up at the top than down below. Plus, there may be a wind, which will make it colder. There could also be snow.
Have fun!
|
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Nov 30, 2022 23:55:13 GMT
My favorite thing to do is walk around the residential neighborhoods and ogle all the fabulous doors and mid century architecture. I have a whole list of houses and even walking routes if interested.
I’d probably spend part of one of the days hiking in Joshua Tree NP (not sure that appeals to you) and then eating at the saloon there. There is also sometimes really good live music at Pappy and Harriet’s.
LOVE Palm Springs, have fun!
|
|
lavawalker1
Full Member
Posts: 452
Jul 9, 2021 21:41:57 GMT
|
Post by lavawalker1 on Dec 1, 2022 0:07:18 GMT
This is a small, unique cactus garden in Palm Springs. The guy that owns it has some beautiful, unique cactus from all over the world. Worth the $5 entry fee! www.moortenbotanicalgarden.com/ |
|
lavawalker1
Full Member
Posts: 452
Jul 9, 2021 21:41:57 GMT
|
Post by lavawalker1 on Dec 1, 2022 0:22:58 GMT
My favorite thing to do is walk around the residential neighborhoods and ogle all the fabulous doors and mid century architecture. I have a whole list of houses and even walking routes if interested. . LOVE Palm Springs, have fun fuji great list of restaurants, thank you! And yes, Joshua Tree is on the list. I'll definitely head up there on my own, and will see if my friend also wants to go once she arrives. Thank you all for your suggestions <3 Please feel free to add to this thread!
|
|
|
|
Post by malibou on Dec 1, 2022 18:40:00 GMT
~summer~, I would also love info on the houses and walking tours. My brother and I accidentally found an amazing mobile home park, and I would love to go back with him and see more.
|
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,755
|
Post by pantsonfire on Dec 1, 2022 18:40:12 GMT
Close by is the Living Desert which is a great animal zoo. A lot of tourists like to drive around and see the architecture. There is the Marilyn Monroe statue that is huge. Sherman's Deli is the bomb! And if you drive west to Morongo area there are the Cabazon Dinosaurs and Date Shakes. Did you say DELI?! Yummmm! Yes! So good!! |
|
|
|
Post by cadoodlebug on Dec 1, 2022 18:51:26 GMT
Just an FYI that if you take the tram ride, it will be cold up at the top in January! We were there for spring break in 2007. We played several rounds of golf in shorts and the day we went up the tram, it was snowing at the top. It was very *cool* but freezing up there! Have fun! |
|
|
|
Post by belgravia on Dec 1, 2022 19:14:33 GMT
We've enjoyed a few of the Palm Springs Historical Society walking tours. Inns, Architecture and Glamour or Celebrity Haven We went back to eat at a couple of the boutique hotels. IIRC, lunch pool side at La Serena Villas (Azucar?) was really nice. I also really like Jake's and dream about their watermelon gazpacho every now and then. Norma's at the Parker is also good and it is a fun property to poke around. Sparrows Lodge is another property to check out. We've never been able to get dinner reservation but dropped in for a late lunch after picking up friends at the airport. Really lovely spot. At the other end of the valley, Lavender Bistro in La Quinta is a favorite and the The Pink Cabana in Indian Wells. The Palm Springs Art Museum is excellent. Another recommendation for the Lavender Bistro. Dine outside if possible. The patio is lovely. If you are able, get tickets to tour the Annenberg Estate in Rancho Mirage. Even if you can’t get tickets to tour inside, you can still check out the beautiful grounds and the visitors centre. They host outdoor events like yoga classes and symphony in the gardens. |
|
finaledition
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,896
|
Post by finaledition on Dec 4, 2022 22:38:08 GMT
MichyM I’m in Coachella for a soccer tournament so limited time to be a tourist, but thought I’d add Wilma &Frieda’s Cafe in downtown Palm Springs. They serve breakfast/brunch and lunch. It was quite hopping and everything they brought out looked delicious.
|
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Dec 5, 2022 0:51:17 GMT
This is what my daughter and I did last time we were in Joshua Tree: Joshua TreeJTree is a relatively small park and there are a lot of shorter walks/hikes you can do. Pick and choose based on what interests you and how much time you have. |
|
|
|
Post by Scrapper100 on Dec 5, 2022 0:57:33 GMT
This is what my daughter and I did last time we were in Joshua Tree: Joshua TreeJTree is a relatively small park and there are a lot of shorter walks/hikes you can do. Pick and choose based on what interests you and how much time you have. Love your photos thanks for sharing. It makes me want to go back. Maybe during Christmas break. ETA. I just looked at a map we enter on from the West and have only hiked on the western part. That will change. We have to see arch rock and many of the things in your photos. |
|
pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
|
Post by pudgygroundhog on Dec 5, 2022 1:02:59 GMT
This is what my daughter and I did last time we were in Joshua Tree: Joshua TreeJTree is a relatively small park and there are a lot of shorter walks/hikes you can do. Pick and choose based on what interests you and how much time you have. Love your photos thanks for sharing. It makes me want to go back. Maybe during Christmas break. Thanks! Have you been to Mohave National Preserve? That's actually where all the Joshua Trees are, lol. Although there was a big fire there a few years back that burned a significant number of trees. It's still something to see it though with trees as far as you can see. There are also come sand dunes there that are fun to hike. |
|
