Palm Springs in central California has a reputation for being one of the best tourist destinations in the state. Visitors and holidaymakers will find everything they need from luxurious resorts and various Palm Springs vacation rentals to choose from as well as a range of other facilities. You can come here to relax around the pool, cycle along desert trails, ride a rotating gondola and visit rare animals in the zoo. Check out the following seven reasons why Palm Springs should be your next holiday destination.
1. Relaxation
Palm Springs sits in the middle of the Californian desert surrounded by vast stretches of sand in all directions. The resort city is far from the heavy pollution of major cities making the air fresh and clean. Given its location, visitors can expect peace and quiet. A holiday in Palm Springs will give you something which is almost impossible to find in other parts of California. And that’s not all. You’ll find a number of spas, hot springs, golf courses and other places where you can really unwind.
2. The Opportunities for Hiking
What can be a better way to experience nature and escape from the stresses of daily life than going for a hike? The trails in Palm Springs pass through the baron landscapes and canyons, up rocky outcrops and into the heart of California. Tourists often choose to follow the Palm Springs Indian Canyon and the Palm Canyon Trails. This will also be a great way to experience the wildlife in the desert, snap a few photographs and get a bit of exercise. Just remember that hiking isn’t recommended in the summer when daytime temperatures often exceed 45°C. The most popular time for hiking is during winter when you can expect sunny days at a much more comfortable temperature around 18°C.
3. The Golf Resorts
The resort city has endless golf courses of varied difficulties and settings. Hobbyists and professionals alike descend on the green to tee off and practice their game. You can find several resorts with an adjoining course and those coming purely to play golf can stay at their hotel. One of the highlights is the incredible landscapes and environment. Just picture a lush green golf course like an oasis in the middle of the dry desert. And because of their popularity around the United States, you might bump into a few familiar faces and celebrities here on their break too.
4. The Chance to Ride the Aerial Tramway
The most iconic attraction in Palm Springs is the Aerial Tramway. Located a short drive from Downtown and visited by thousands of independent travellers and tour groups every single day, the gondola rises up the mountain to give some of the best views. The journey goes from ground level to the summit at 1768 metres (5800 feet) to provide stunning views of the desert and landscapes below. At the top, there’s a restaurant and café to enjoy lunch and a coffee while savouring the environment and views in front of you. One or two shops sell unique souvenirs and mementos too. Just remember that the temperature will be much cooler because of the altitude. In the summer this provides a relief from the scorching ground temperatures, and in winter you might see sprinkles of snow.
5. An Incredible Cycling Adventure
Palm Springs is both pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The roads tend to be long and clear with ample space for someone to ride their bicycle. If you rent a bike, you can cycle out into the desert along the roads or use them as a means of transport around Palm Springs itself. Not only will you get some exercise and see the city from a different perspective but you’re also doing your part tokeep the unpolluted state of the city. Adventurous tourists can also head out along the trails on a mountain bike. Although, this might not be a good idea in the middle of summer!
6. The Culture in Palm Springs
Few people associated Palm Springs with having a vibrant art and culture scene. Art lovers can visit the Palm Springs Art Museum where they can see a variety of contemporary displays and modern art from North America and Europe. If you visit the Backstreet Art District, you’ll find a number of other art galleries and sculpture parks. Just because it seems like there’s not much to do on the surface, dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a thriving cultural scene in Palm Springs.
7. Bring the Family to Visit the Living Desert and Zoo Gardens
The Living Desert and Zoo Gardens houses a wide variety of animals from both Africa and North America. Just a few kilometres from Downtown, visitors can spend the morning or afternoon at this zoo in the middle of the desert. Inside, you’ll find two sections with animals such as ostriches, camels and mountain cats. Because of the conservation efforts, each animal lives in an enclosure that’s tries to mimic its natural habitat as much as possible. Whether you’re travelling to Palm Springs with your family or not, the zoo makes a great day trip. It’s advisable to take advantage of the on-site guides to help explain more about the animals and their habitats.
Palm Springs: The Perfect Retreat
So hopefully you’re now convinced why Palm Springs makes a perfect place to take a holiday. Every type of tourist from couples to families will find something to suit their interests. Be sure to take advantage of any guides to fully appreciate and enjoy this wonderland in the Californian desert.
