REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

Regional Attractions Around Greater Palm Springs

by Mary Morrison

PICTURE YOUR IDEAL GETAWAY. If stunningly blue skies, scenic mountains, sun-filled days and a wide variety of activities come to mind, make your next trip to Greater Palm Springs. Decades ago, celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Marilyn Monroe flocked to this desert oasis to relax and make a quick getaway from Los Angeles.

Arieal View of Palm Springs

istock.com/TraceRouda The area still attracts celebrities but also draws a large percentage of retirees and sun lovers from all over the country looking to escape cold climates – yes, some like it hot! For its glorious weather and so many other reasons, Greater Palm Springs ranks as a world-class destination, and many choose to rent a seasonal home to enjoy all the area has to offer on longterm basis. If you decide to check it out, this overview of the region’s amenities can get you started on your adventure:

NORTH VALLEY

Boasting a dynamic downtown scene with chic shops, hip restaurants, a growing arts scene, and a reputation as a playground for Hollywood stars, Palm Springs has it all. If you prefer to relax and chill out, Desert Hot Springs oozes health and wellness, thanks to the city’s famous mineral springs that draw on the natural hot water aquifers flowing underneath the city. Come to enjoy the soothing spa services offered in the area’s many boutique spas and resorts.

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The River Shopping Center, Rancho Mirage

If you like shopping for unique, one-of-a-kind treasures, check out Cathedral City, where shoppers will delight in the numerous shopping plazas located along Perez Road. Or, head down Cathedral City’s stretch of Highway 111 to discover a mix of thrift, consignment, and antique shops alongside more traditional retailers.

CENTRAL VALLEY

When it comes to luxury options, look no further. Rancho Mirage offers the luxury lifestyle with world-class golf courses, resorts, and firstclass shopping and dining. Wondering where the top Bentley and Rolls Royce dealerships are located? Yup, right here.

If you want a similar experience in a thriving year-round community, try Palm Desert. You’ll enjoy natural beauty and the recreational amenities of a resort caliber destination. Though geographically small, sports fans will want to stay in Indian Wells. With world-class resorts such as famed Indian Wells Golf Resort and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden (home of the annual BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament), this desert oasis will make for an unforgettable stay.

SOUTH VALLEY

As the valley’s largest city, Indio’s beautiful vistas and endless blue skies play host to some of the country’s top music festivals including the popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival among others. If all the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley leaves you feeling inspired, head over to La Quinta to enjoy hands-on art studios, galleries, and one of the country’s top-rated annual arts festivals, the La Quinta Arts Festival. Or, hit the links at any of the impressive courses at PGA West, including the Greg Norman Course, Jack Nicklaus Tournament course, and the TPC Stadium Course. A vibrant local arts scene and annual cultural festivals fill the event calendars at the City of Coachella. Experience the city’s historic downtown and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.

Fabulous weather aside, Greater Palm Springs offers a plethora of recreation and cultural opportunities. No wonder it’s one of America’s favorite retirement locations. Whether you choose to stay short or long term, you’ll want plenty of time to try a bit of everything!