Palm Springs is a city known for recreation and relaxation, and as such is one of the bigger draws in California outside the major metropolitan areas.
With a climate that’s wonderful for much of the year, a reputation for excellent spas and accommodations, and a generally laid back atmosphere, it can be equally appealing as a weekend getaway or a destination for a longer vacation.
Still, it’s helpful to have more in mind than the vague idea of relaxation when you go!
So we’ve put together a list of places to visit.
1. Ride The Aerial Tramway
Arguably the most popular attraction in Palm Springs aside from the general surroundings and scenery, the Aerial Tramway is, as one write-up phrased it, a classic canyon-hugging gondola ride.
“Classic” is an interesting word though given that we can’t think of another attraction quite like it.
You’ll basically ride a rotating platform up through the canyons until you have a breathtaking view of Coachella Valley.
From the top you can either relax and have a bite at a mountaintop restaurant, or continue on your way, hiking into the San Jacinto peaks.
2. Tour The Living Desert
The so-called “Living Desert” zoo and gardens are among the most unusual attractions you can find near an American city.
Basically, it’s a nature reserve, in places looking just like the surrounding desert, and in others resembling a more African landscape.
Around the grounds are exotic animals including big cats and giraffes, and in addition to seeing these animals you can pay a little bit extra to do petting zoo-style feedings for the camels and giraffes.
It’s a great way to get some fascinating activity in the midst of a more relaxing trip.
3. Check Out Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is among the most famous in the U.S., and it happens to be just east of the city.
It’s not like most other national parks, lacking towering mountains or deep canyons, but it’s widely seen as a virtually unrivaled place to get in touch with nature. People frequent Joshua Tree for hiking and camping alike.
4. Visit The Casinos
Fitting in with a culture of relaxation and luxury, Palm Springs actually has a few casino venues for tourists to enjoy, including the Spa Resort Casion and Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa.
These are fun, legal gaming destinations that can be great for your nights out while you’re in town. Just make sure you know what you’re doing, as too many travelers wander into casinos without understanding the games properly!
You’ll want to study up on the odds for blackjack hands, learn which table games are most worth your while, and learn your poker tells if you plan on playing the games.
Provided you have a basic understanding though, casinos are great fun.
5. Visit The Spas
Finally, we have to mention the spas themselves, beyond some of their casinos and their general existence. The best spas in town include venues like The Well Spa, Spa La Quinta, and Palm Springs Yacht Club, and involve treatments and amenities including (but not limited to) saunas, steam rooms, pools, couples massages, honey massage, spray tanning, cocktails, scrubs, yoga classes, and saltwater pools.
It’s really an incredible array of relaxing activity, in addition to the fact that some of the spas are close to renowned golf courses and accommodations.
So start planning your next Palm Springs adventure and we’ll see you there!
