Although I was raised in L.A., most of my traveling CA has been along the coast. I am planning a trip from NJ in Feb (President's Week--we have to go then for family business)with my husband and adult son who want to do some hiking in Joshua Tree. We've booked 3 days at the 29 Palms Inn which sounds interesting and funky where I will paint and maybe take a side trip to Palm Springs to check out the shops while they hike for a few days. Any other suggestions of things for me/us to do in the area for a 4-5 days or is that too much time to do a loop of the area, hike, etc. Ideas on restaurants, fairs (is the date festival in Inio worth it?) spas for a message! etc.
Thanks for any thoughts

In February Palm Spring has a DATE FESTIVAL - date palm fruit that is, not a dating service Don't miss it! They have ostrich and camel races, buy a date shake - like regular ice-cream shake, only ground dates instead of sugar. Lots of activities, exhibits, food, concerts. It was great!

This year they have it on Feb 17-26. The list of events in February is here:

http://www.desert-resorts.com/ec/febcal.html

Thanks for the Date Festival suggestion. Any others, especially spas restaurants and other side trips will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Shopping at the Cabazon outlets?

The Indian Casino new motel has a spa, I think, and I was impressed with the buffet.

ttt

It will be cold in the high desert in Feb---brrrrgh! Are you sure you don't want to stay in the low desert and do the side trip to the high desert?

The Date Festival is ok---you have to sort through the chaff of the tacky carnival stuff and find the local gems, mostly in the exhibit areas.

- sunrise ballooon champagne ride

- san andreas fault jeep tour

If you let me know what type of restaurants you like I can be more specific.

PSL