Palm Springs, CA What to do?
Feb 23rd, 1998, 07:54 PM
#2
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My husband and I spent a week vacationing in Palm Springs last February. Thank goodness it wasn't this February with El Nino's rains.
We found plenty to do to keep us busy during this time. There were several scenic drives that we did that were beautiful. One of the drives began on highway 74 from Palm Desert to the San Bernardino National Forest and the other was through Joshua Tree National Park. If you have Rand McNally's trip maker on your computer, you can get the scenic drive directions off of it. We followed highway 74 for a long time, but when we ended our drive, it was from a more mountainous region near Palm Springs that actually had snow at the top. I can't remember the name of the small town, but as we ascended back into Palm Springs, the views at night were gorgeous. There is also the Tramway, the Palm Springs Air Museum (my hubby did this alone). Out on the highway about 10 minutes from Palm Springs, there is a casino (we didn't visit) and there is a fairly nice factory outlet for shopping (I had a blast at the Liz Claiborne outlet there!). We stayed at the Hyatt on Palm Canyon Drive. The room was similar to a suite in that there was a separate living and bedroom area and was nicely furnished. Even if you don't stay there, if you happen to be looking for a place for breakfast, go there one morning and have the Southwestern French Toast. It's two tortillas prepared like french toast stuffed with fresh fruit and granola and topped with a yogurt and raspberry sauce. Incredible!!! There are lot's of restaurants on Palm Canyon Drive, the main road so the Hyatt was centrally located to everything we saw while we were there. You will enjoy PS.
We found plenty to do to keep us busy during this time. There were several scenic drives that we did that were beautiful. One of the drives began on highway 74 from Palm Desert to the San Bernardino National Forest and the other was through Joshua Tree National Park. If you have Rand McNally's trip maker on your computer, you can get the scenic drive directions off of it. We followed highway 74 for a long time, but when we ended our drive, it was from a more mountainous region near Palm Springs that actually had snow at the top. I can't remember the name of the small town, but as we ascended back into Palm Springs, the views at night were gorgeous. There is also the Tramway, the Palm Springs Air Museum (my hubby did this alone). Out on the highway about 10 minutes from Palm Springs, there is a casino (we didn't visit) and there is a fairly nice factory outlet for shopping (I had a blast at the Liz Claiborne outlet there!). We stayed at the Hyatt on Palm Canyon Drive. The room was similar to a suite in that there was a separate living and bedroom area and was nicely furnished. Even if you don't stay there, if you happen to be looking for a place for breakfast, go there one morning and have the Southwestern French Toast. It's two tortillas prepared like french toast stuffed with fresh fruit and granola and topped with a yogurt and raspberry sauce. Incredible!!! There are lot's of restaurants on Palm Canyon Drive, the main road so the Hyatt was centrally located to everything we saw while we were there. You will enjoy PS.
Feb 23rd, 1998, 11:26 PM
#3
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The name of the town in the mountains above Palm Springs is Idyllwild. Lots of cute shops up there. Beyond that is Temecula, where I live. We have wineries, Old Town Temecula with Antique stores aplenty and a hot air ballon festival in May. There are many websites on Palm Springs. Try your excite search engine. You might prefer a spa, with hot mineral springs. There is also a wonderful water park there. I enjoyed just getting a big tube and floating in the "river" Kids liked the waves and slide. There is also an ice skating rink. You can eat at Sony Bono's restaurant and see Bob Hope's house and there are many golf courses. The Tram is worth the trip to the top. Amazing! Drive on down to Indio and visit the date shake shops. Fun
Feb 24th, 1998, 07:10 AM
#4
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Oh yeah, I just remembered this and maybe Tricia can tell more, but one night during the week while we were there (it was either Wed. or Thurs I think), they closed down Palm Canyon Drive and set up a street market. Most of the area closed down was by the Hyatt where we stayed, the California Pizza Kitchen, etc. You could buy everything from vendors--produce, music, jewelry, paintings, dates, dates and more dates, coffee, food, I can't even remember everything that was for sale. Tricia--do they do that year 'round or just certain months of the year??
