We will be in Palm Springs next weekend at the Palm Springs Riviera Resort for a conference. How is this resort and what should we not miss in the area. We are planning on going to Joshau Tree on Saturday to do a little hiking and would like to get to the Indian Canyons maybe Sunday afternoon.

Sounds like you have a good plan already--I was just hiking at Joshua Tree and I hear Indian Canyon is a good hiking area too.

Would highly recommend a wonderful little restaurant called Thai Smile that was recommended to me in Fodor's. It's delicious and very inexpensive.

There is also a cable car (not a la San Francico, more like mountains) that will take you up to the top of the mountains that PS borders. It can be kind of fun, the temperature difference is ususally extreme, the climate at teh top is different and there is often snow when it's very hot down below.

BUT!!! DO NOT EAT AT THE RESTAURANT UP THERE. We made that mistake some years ago....wildly overpriced and terrible food.

Outside of that and the Indian Canyons there really isn't much to do in PS...that's kind of the secret to it, there is truely nothing to do except lie out by the pool, or maybe golf. It forces you to relax.

But, if you need an afteroon out of the sun, there is also a major outlet mall (Cabazon) about 10 miles west of Palm Springs on U.S. Route 10 that can make for a break from the routine. There are also some Indian gambling casinos in the area if you like that.

Be warned, getting to Joshua Tree is a little bit of a schlepp, cause while the park is not far from PS, the two entrances are. When you look at a map it may seem counterintuitive, but I the better way to go is to drive all the way up to the North entrance (near 29 Palms) and then go south through the park until you get to the South entrance near Rte. 10. Also consider that one of the cool things about Joshua Tree is being there after dark, cause there is very little light pollution and you can really see the stars

The Riv is ok. It was re-modeled about 8-10 years ago. It is in North Palm Springs, which means downtown is driving, rather than walking. Not too far though, maybe 5 minutes.

The Indian Canyons are great hikes. The water should be flowing in the streams now because the snow is melting in the San Jacinto mountains above.

In addition to Thai Smile, a great breakfast place (also inexpensive) is Elmer's Pancake House.

Have fun.

PSL

I appreciate all the suggestions. What about good mexican restaurants? Also on the hiking in Joshua Tree and Indian Canyon. Of course, we can't see or do it all so what in particular should we see at each. We will be in Joshua tree for most of one day, but only at Indian Canyon for about 3.5 hours. thanks again.

In terms of Mexican restaurants, I would have a margarita at Las Casuelas Terraza downtown, but I wouldn't eat there. The food is very average. Instead, I would go for dinner at Edgardo's Cafe Veracruz on Palm Canyon at Alejo or El Mirasol on South Palm Canyon.

If you have only a few hours in the Indian Canyons, I would do either the guided Tahquitz Canyon hike (about 45 min.-1 hr), Palm Canyon, or Andreas or Murray Canyon.

For Mexican food in downtown PS we like the Blue Coyote.
I agree with busterla about driving through Joshua Tree -- enter at 29 Palms and drive down to the Cottonwood exit. That way you go by the cholla garden and the ocotillo patch. You should also see some great wildflowers this time of year. Be sure to stop at Jumbo Rocks (you might want to picnic there.) Make sure you bring your camera and plenty of water and sunscreen. If you have a little extra time and it's a clear day you should make the extra drive to Keyes' view, where you can look over the entire Coachella Valley.
If you're looking for Mexican food while you're in 29 Palms you'll find most of us locals at Santana's, which is really just a glorified taco stand with great food and huge portions. While you're in 29 be sure to make the rounds of the local history murals.

agree on Blue Coyote.

I have to second the "nay" on Las Casuelas Terraza. Went there recently, and the food was indeed average-- but the service was pathetic. I had to literally go yell at the manager (something I hate to do, but a whole section of the restaurant was getting their first round of drinks just after their main course was served, and ten seconds after appetizers arrived).

Blue Coyote is tasty, and Edgardo's Veracruz is great too.

I can't recommend Thai Smile highly enough. Great place, and so reasonably priced!