Explore Palm Springs, California, year-round.
Palm Springs, CA, needs no introduction. Let’s explore Palm Springs, California.
Palm Springs, California, is a desert oasis known for its stunning landscapes, luxurious resorts, and vibrant arts scene. Nestled in the Coachella Valley, it boasts a warm, arid climate, making it a popular getaway for relaxation and outdoor activities like golf, hiking, and swimming. The city is famous for its mid-century modern architecture, hot springs, rich cultural history, and ties to Hollywood celebrities. Visitors can explore attractions like the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers breathtaking views of Mount San Jacinto, or unwind at one of the many spas and wellness retreats.
Sonesta hosted a few travel writers at the Signature Inn Indio.
Stay At Signature Inn Indio
There are so many hotel options in Palm Springs that choosing a good one can be challenging. We stayed at the Signature Inn for two nights. I loved every minute of it and the hotel’s offerings.
Signature Inn Indio is one of the newest Sonesta hotels. This lovely boutique hotel combines retro-inspired design with contemporary amenities for modern comfort. Its location is among the top local attractions, including Joshua Tree National Park, Acrisure Arena, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Our group also enjoyed staying at Signature Temecula before heading to Palm Springs. I’ll share some insights on what we did there. I have to say, Old Town Temecula is my favorite place on Earth!!
Both hotels are vibrant, contemporary, and retro. They definitely took me back to my childhood.
See The Statue of Marilyn Monroe
Who doesn’t adore Marilyn Monroe? She was (and is) such an icon. I wish she were still around so we could learn more about her in “real life.” But the next best thing is reminiscing about the award-winning actress while staring up at her fantastic statue in downtown Palm Springs.
Peruse The Shops In Downtown Palm Springs
Explore downtown Palm Springs by shopping, viewing public art, and taking advantage of many photo opportunities. We enjoyed seeing the stars on the walkway of celebrities and picked out our favorite people.
Enjoy The Restaurants of Downtown Palm Springs
There are more options for a meal in this area, and I don’t think you can go wrong anywhere you choose. Our group enjoyed a few in between all the attractions we endured. We did enjoy eating outside the best.
Cork & Fork offers a unique dining experience in the Coachella Valley. It features a seasonal menu of creative small plates, crafted entrees, and an eclectic selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails.
The fun and casual Tack Room Tavern is located at the Empire Polo Club and offers classic American cuisine, fresh cocktails, & live entertainment year-round!
Dinner and drinks at Italica are a must. Start at the bar for drinks, then head into the speakeasy doors. It has an impressive menu of Italian flair, cocktails, and decor. Your group will love it.
We enjoyed a splendid lunch outside on the patio at Cafe Mon Amour.
Take A Ride On The Palm Springs Aerial Tram
I had time to spare in Palm Springs and didn’t want to waste it in the hotel room or the airport, so I took an Uber to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. I got right on and was able to view the sights with few crowds. The tram is open year-round and is one of the most exciting adventures in the state. California has some marvelous attractions, and this is definitely one of them. It’s only 6 miles from downtown Palm Springs.
Stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park
Explore the Dark Skies of Joshua Tree and gaze at the Milky Way. If you’ve never experienced stargazing, this is a must-do activity. This was my first time, and it was more than excellent. I can’t wait to do it again! This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
The tour guide took us on a journey of the planets, we marveled at the distant galaxies and star clusters, and saw the stunning colors of Nebulae. It was simply a remarkable experience that I wish everyone could do.
Find a reputable company and learn about the stars and constellations of our skies. We used Stargazing Joshua Tree, and they were the best. Plan at least 2 hours in the dark!
Empire Polo Club
Empire Polo Club is a world-class event facility in Indio, CA. It has hosted international polo tournaments and leases out its polo ground for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Festival every year. It was terrific seeing the grounds where Coachella happens before the big show.
Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
This activity is a must-do if you’ve never been in a hot air balloon. The bright day sky is impressive. Balloons Above offers hot air balloon rides in Coachella Valley and Southern California. This activity depends on the weather and wind conditions, so be sure you have a plan B.
Next time you’re contemplating a vacation in California, consider a chance to explore Palm Springs, California.