Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert oasis, situated two hours east of Los Angeles. The earliest inhabitants, the Agua Caliente Indians, made good use of year-round water, creeks, waterfalls and pools surrounded by fan palm trees. A resort area popular for its sunny skies and warm temperatures in winter and spring, it's more than relaxing by the pool.
Tips for planning a trip to Palm Springs – when to visit, spring weather, staying cool, playgrounds, day hikes, hiking in the desert.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Ride the aerial tramway from the desert floor to forests on Mt. San Jacinto. The tram, which rotates 360 degrees around, goes right up over spectacular craggy peaks, with panoramas of the desert in the distance. At the top, Pines Cafe has grab n' go sandwiches, kid's menu, lunch or dinner.
From Mountain Station, in summer it's a short walk over to Long Valley where you'll find picnic tables (bring your picnic lunch) and the ranger station. Take the Long Valley Discovery Trail (.06 mile) to learn about the plants and animals or Desert View Trail - (1.5 mile loop) for panoramic views of the desert below. For a longer hike through the forest, take the Round Valley trail (stop into the ranger station first to get a free wilderness permit for this trail).
In the winter months, it may be warm in the desert below, but the peak often has snow, and it's cold (it was 35 degrees when we visited), so bring hats, jackets, gloves and warm shoes. Check Aerial Tramway website for weather, updated daily.
Check Aerial Tramway
website for weather, updated daily.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Desert)
- At Living Desert, discover desert animals of North America, Australia and Africa. The Living Desert also has play areas, animal feedings, small water park, plus seasonal events. This is one of our favorite things to do in the Palm Springs area, and it's a full-day activity.
In the Africa section, see warthogs, wild dogs, zebras, gazelles and cheetahs, pet the pygmy African goats at the petting Kraal. Don't miss the daily giraffe feeding where kids get to
feed the giraffes
- watch the giraffe curl its long purple tongue over the food and eat a carrot from your hand!
For North America there are chubby javelinas, golden eagles, Mexican wolves, jaguar, bobcats, bighorn sheep. Also, wander through amazing cactus gardens with different plant habitats and wide variety of cactus. Stop into the
Discovery Center
for exhibits about ancient animals (giant sloth), plants and wildlife of the Coachella Valley.
Little kids will have fun on the carousel, and next door is a super play area,
Gecko Play Park
, with saguaro slide, sand and water play area, chuckwalla to climb on, tunnel to burrow through, benches, picnic area and shade.
Across from the carousel is a
nature trail
loop. Go for a walk out into the desert - there are signs explaining desert plants and geology (it's easier to walk the trail wearing closed toed shoes).
Palm Springs Air Museum
- The Air Museum is chock full of every major plane of World War II in perfect condition, helicopters from Korea and Vietnam, plus a diorama of the attack on Pearl Harbor and huge ship models. Take a tour to explore inside a real B-17 bomber. Volunteers in the museum know all about the planes, so ask questions (we met a guy who was a B-17 pilot in World War II).
Boomers
- Activity center go-karts, climbing wall, and everyone in the family will enjoy a round of
miniature-golf
.
Playgrounds -
Palm Springs has excellent playgrounds, some are shaded with big awnings. List of playgrounds on
Tips for Palm Springs.
Day hikes -
Hikes are best in fall, winter, spring,
do not hike in summer, it's too hot
.
Five day hikes for families:
Tahquitz Canyon
Indian Canyons
Coachella Valley Preserve
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Whitewater Preserve
Horseback rides
- Several ranches, Crazy Horse Ranch, Guided Trail Rides and Smoke Tree Stables offer guided trail rides, moonlight rides through the desert and western BBQs. For kids 7 and up.
