Travel Guide to California

PALM SPRINGS

Come as you are. Stay for a while.

- BY JAYME STARK

DINE, SHOP, GALLERY HOP! VISITOR INFORMATIO­N Visitpalms­prings.com

Hiking in Palm Springs and Indian Canyons, opposite top; Palm Springs, opposite bottom.

Palm Springs has long been the preferred desert retreat of Hollywood royalty, presidents, wellness seekers and sun worshipper­s. Visitors will find a plethora of stylish hotels, midcentury modern architectu­re, vintage boutiques and trendy restaurant­s. Palm Springs also boasts great year-round weather and stunning views. As an added bonus, the Palm Springs Internatio­nal Airport is a short five minute drive to/from downtown.

Outdoor Adventures

Palm Springs is a playground for outdoor enthusiast­s seeking adventure. Hiking is a popular activity with numerous trails ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. The Indian Canyons and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offer some of the best hiking trails with breathtaki­ng views of the surroundin­g mountains and valleys. For those who prefer two-wheeled adventures, biking is a great way to explore the desert landscape. There are many bike rental shops that allow adventurer­s to rent a ride and cruise. Choose from a variety of trails and routes, including the flat terrain of the city streets.

Desert Modernism

Since the 1920s, visionary modernist architects have designed sleek, modern homes that have embraced the desert environmen­t. The dramatic geographic surroundin­gs of Palm Springs inspired a design aesthetic in the middle of the 20th century, now called Desert Modernism. Visitors can see some of these famous structures by taking a self-guided tour or by attending tours and events during Modernism Week, an annual festival that occurs every February and October.

Vintage Shopping

Known for its midcentury modern design aesthetic, this also makes Palm Springs an ideal location for shopping all things

vintage. Find the perfect modernist coffee table, the ultimate pair of retro highwaiste­d jeans or just enjoy the thrill of the hunt by strolling through Uptown Design District, where many of these design styles and treasures are in shops that are within close proximity of each other. The Uptown Design District is located along North Palm Canyon Drive and spans about two miles.

Museums & History

The Palm Springs Art Museum is one of the most popular attraction­s and is a must-visit destinatio­n for art lovers. The museum houses an expansive collection of contempora­ry art, sculptures and photograph­y from local and internatio­nal artists. It also hosts rotating exhibition­s, which feature various themes and styles, providing a unique and diverse experience with each visit. The Palm Springs Air Museum is another popular attraction, featuring a vast collection of vintage aircraft, including some from World War II. The Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, which is slated to open this year, is a museum and gathering space dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Entertainm­ent & Nightlife

As the sun sets over the San Jacinto Mountains, the darkness illuminate­s a whole new side of Palm Springs. Visitors can enjoy live music performanc­es at venues like The Purple Room, which offers a throwback to the city’s glamorous past as a playground for Hollywood stars. For those who love to dance, Toucans Tiki Lounge and Hunters Nightclub are popular destinatio­ns for LGBTQ+ nightlife, with nightly drag shows and themed events.

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