A Guide to Palm Springs

A Guide to Palm Springs

Every so often it's nice to get out and have some breathing time. Yet the costs of going on vacation often entail screaming children, a possible pat-down from TSA or losing your luggage at the airport. For a much more enjoyable trip, might we suggest you hop on the freeway and drive down to Palm Springs for some sun-filled relaxation. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, and you will be sipping on refreshing mojitos in no time. 

Palm Spring is sure to surprise you, as it holds so much more than sunbathing and golfing. Instead, experience the best classic-rock bands you have ever heard, tour some mid-century architecture or shop your heart out at the vast selection of boutiques. In order to work hard, we must play hard. Palm Springs is an ideal vacation destination.

For you shopaholics out there, spend all day searching for the perfect sundress, or a great necklace to make a bold statement. Enjoy astonishingly low prices at the Cabazon Outlets, located right next to Rip Curl on Seminole Drive. The Prada "Shop Space" store will make you fill with delight over 70% off of last seasons designs; especially in the shoe section.

Looking for a place to unwind and drop off the bags? The Colony Palms Hotel is as luxurious as it gets. The 57-room resort was originally erected in the 1930s, and still retains much of its Spanish colonial features. The buildings were revamped by iconic designer Martyn Lawrence, giving it a more subtle glamour look. Walk the carefully tended gardens, or cool off in the 65ft salt water pool, all while taking in mountain views. You can just picture a Hollywood starlet laying out with a cocktail to your right and a manager-type person looking over a bunch of scripts to your left. 

The Colony Palms Hotel also holds a spa and the Purple Palms Restaurant, with a delicious selection of California fare, crafted by Chef Nick Tall. Then it is only a short walk to the Palm Springs design district and all the other attractions of downtown. Only open during the day, try Cheeky’s for the best brunch in Palm Springs.

There is no better destination for appreciating mid-century modern designs. Palm Springs has everything from Lucite and angular to wacky. Although the prices are outrageous, it's fun just to browse furniture stores such as "A la Mod" and Modern Way. Also be sure to visit the Architecture and Design Centre, a branch of the Palm Springs Art Museum, with a growing collection of drawings, paintings, photographs, and architecture models. The collection is housed in the E. Stewart Williams Pavillion, which is itself a valuable example of modern design. Palm Springs, also known as the desert town, has quite a few wealthy residents, which makes the Art Museum that much more interesting, holding an impressive list of collectors.

Located on North Palm Canyon Drive, just around the corner from the Colony Palms Hotel. Serving organic meals that are made from locally grown ingredients, the menu changes to incorporate seasonal produce. For the best authentic Mexican cuisine in the area, dine at Las Casuelas Terraza. They have the most exquisite enchiladas and carne asada. Watch out for the super strong, but delicious, margaritas. They also feature an incredibly talented live cover bands, get a seat outdoors for the best listening experience.

Along with the rich culture, Palm Springs is a naturally scenic country. To take in the incredible terrain, hike trails such as The Araby Trail, which takes you past Bob Hope's architectural feat of a home. The Art Smith Trail will lead you to a palm oasis, or the Berns Trail will offer panoramic views of the entire valley. Another great way to travel along these trails is on horseback. Smoketree Stables, which has the friendliest ponies in town, is adjacent to the Agua Caliente India Reservation, an incredible sweep of land devoted to nature. Just don’t forget to bring lots of water!

Whether you prefer to shop, swim, hike or dine, Palm Springs is sure to have something that appeals to everyone. Only a short drive from San Diego, escape the bustle of normal life to relax and rejuvenate in this desert oasis. For many years, Palm Springs has attracted the finer crowds from California, the U.S., and all over the world.