112 2 0 1 7 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A
B Y C H R I S T O P H E R P . B A K E R
W
ith its awesome landscapes and sublime winter weather, Cali-
fornia's desert region has a unique allure. More than five million
visitors annually descend on Palm Springs and environs for
club- and racket-swinging recreation and to sample nature's raw beauty, from
lush palm oases to soothing hot mineral spas. Add a glamorous yet low-key
lifestyle that's being reinvigorated and reconceived with a youthful new Hol-
lywood energy. No wonder "It's hot!" has new meaning for a cross-spectrum
of travelers thrilled by Palm Springs' newfound desert-cool sensibility. After
all, where else can you golf in the morning, go snowshoeing in the afternoon,
and enjoy a chilled martini by the pool in the evening?
An easy 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, "Palm Springs" is under-
stood as the entire Coachella Valley, comprising eight "desert resort
communities" clustered at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. They
merge into one another along Highway 111—one of California's great urban
drives. The physical setting is out of this world. Majestic mountains soar
on three sides, glistening with snow in the winter sunshine. There's no
shortage of activities and attractions. The dining is fabulous. The spas are
among California's best. And the region boasts several ritzy casinos.
Museums cater to WWII aviation buffs, art fans and nature lovers keen to
experience desert ecology. El Paseo gives Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive a run
for its money in its quality and range of boutiques. Palm Springs' music,
film and arts festivals are world-renowned, as is the city's hip trademark
mid-century architecture.
WELCOMIA/SHUTTERSTOCK
.
OPPOSITE:
JPHOTOGOLFER/SHUTTERSTOCK
DESERTS
TOP CITIES
Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage,
Barstow, Indian Wells, Needles, Salton Sea, Mojave, Indio
INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), 10 minutes
from downtown Palm Springs, 44 miles (71 km) from
Anza-Borrego State Park
TOURISM WEBSITES
visitpalmsprings.com
visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
palm-desert.org
la-quinta.org
ranchomirageca.gov
barstowca.org/visitors
indio.org
Anza-Borrego SP: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638
Death Valley NP: nps.gov/deva
Joshua Tree NP: nps.gov/jotr
POPULATION
750,000
DESERTS
A year-round recreational playground
