What to do in Palm Desert
 

Visiting a friend in PD for the weekend (Jan 22-23) and have never been there. I know nothing about the area and haven't had time to research as I thought she was still in LA. Any suggested hiking trails to see the area? If I'm only there two days should I try to do Joshua Tree or stick to Palm Desert area? I don't want to spend time traveling in a car with so little time to spare. Want to get dressed up and go to dinner also. Suggestions?

PD is noted for golf, tennis, and spas, so if you want to hike, I'd suggest Joshua Tree. A good way to "see the area" might be a balloon ride.

There are any number of decent restaurants; I bet your friend has some good suggestions.

The problem is that she just moved to PD a couple of months ago from LA so she doesn't know the area well yet either. How long is the drive from PD to Joshua Tree?

From Palm Desert to the Cottonwood Visitor Center in Josuha Trees is 42 miles and most of that is on Interstate 10. The scenic drive to the west entrance is 50 miles and there are many things to see on the way. There are also other roads to explore.

You're best bet would probably be to make a circle starting from PD, taking I-10 east to the Cottonwood Entrance, driving the scenic drive, exiting at either Twenty-Nine Palms or Joshua Tree and then taking Hwy 62 west to I-10. This would be about 150 miles round trip and take at least 3 1/2 hours to drive. I know this is desert area, but it still gets cold in January. When we were there in early Feb. there was still snow on the ground in some areas.

Utahtea

Go hang out at Paseo Drive. It is the Rodeo Drive of the desert. Bring your purse.

The living desert zoo is very nice right in PD. There is a very neat short hike at 1000 palms oasis to a crystal clear pond that I really like. Just a short drive to the North/East as I recall.

Take a ride the the East to Indio and grap a date shake and a free tour of a date farm....sounds cheesey but it is pretty neat.

There are a bunch of very nice restaurants but the names escape me. Have you friend ask around a bit. there is a newish shopping/restaurant area that I ate at last time...Riverwalk or something like that.

If you take a short ride up route 47 into the San Bernadino national forest there are several hikes and the ride out of the valley is great.

For a first time visitor, the Palm Springs Tram is a must do IMHO. This year there will be significant snow at the top so if you choose to go, dress appropriately. Finally if you run out of stuff there are casinos or you could go to the West end of the valley and marvel and the giant electricity generating wind mill fields.

That should keep you busy!

I am not a big golfer or tennis player so my big highlight in PD is the cabazon outlet mall about 40 mins west of PD. Hands down the best outlet mall, only the very best kinds of stores and great buys. I try to stock up on grad gifts, etc when I'm there,plus the Burberry store is great cuz the desert dwellers don't need a lot of cashmere scarves,raincoats, or winter coats.

I was in Palm Desert once for work and we spent our one afternoon off driving to and exploring Joshua Tree. I thought it was really great, but that may be because I live in Ohio and had never seen that part of the country (southwest). We had fun climing the rocks, taking pics, racing to get to the best sunset watching spot, and avoiding snake holes!

Thanks everyone! I'm printing this out as I type. I appreciate the variety of ideas. You all make me wish I had more time there.

Joshua Tree is great, but if you don't want to drive there are great hikes in the local area. Also a bit cooler in JTree. Daytime weather here in the next ten days is supposed to be low 70's. Finally a dry, sunny spell. In Palm Desert I suggest the Art Smith trail on Highway 74 south of Highway 111. Stop in the BLM Visitor Center near the trailhead for good info. In PS I suggest the Indian Canyons, maybe the Murray Canyon trail from Andreas Canyon where you park. The guided tour in Tahquitz Canyon is also interesting, though not very long.

The balloon ride idea is great. Try to go first thing in the morning. the sunlight on the Santa Rosa Mountains is surreal.

Dinner suggestions are Desert Sage in La Quinta, Scirocco or Le St. Germaine in Indian Wells, Cuistot in Palm Desert.

Have fun and relax.

PSL