PALM SPRINGS Vacation Rentals

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Desert Fashion: Palm Springs Shopping Areas

Desert Fashion: Palm Springs Shopping Areas

By Skip Davis

Palm Springs places just as much emphasis on shopping as it does recreation and leisure. With numerous shopping centers (River at Rancho Mirage and Westfield Palm Desert) and shopping districts (El Paseo and Old Town La Quinta), fashionistas everywhere will discover that Palm Springs' purchasing opportunities are limitless. Don't forget the consignment shops strewn along Palm Canyon Drive or the outlet malls in Cabazon, a 20-minute drive west of Palm Springs.

Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs The heart and soul of Palm Springs' shopping is in the downtown area. Hundreds of well-known designer brands and local boutique shops along Palm Springs' main downtown street, Palm Canyon Drive. You can also find colorful, flamboyant shops on Arenas Street, just a couple of blocks east of Palm Canyon. Downtown Palm Springs is also home to one of the area's most beloved shopping experiences, VillageFest. This weekly event happens on Thursday nights along Palm Canyon and features some of the best deals for arts and crafts, clothing and food in the California Desert. Uptown Design District Just a little drive north of downtown Palm Springs is the Uptown Design District. Fashionistas who love stores with a flair for Modernism will love the Uptown's shops, which include local boutiques, art galleries and novelty shops. Uptown is not as large as downtown Palm Springs, but its light crowds and great selections gives you the feeling of being in Palm Springs shopping's “in-crowd.”

El Paseo

El Paseo is commonly referred to as the “Rodeo Drive of the California Desert.” Located in Palm Desert, El Paseo is strikingly similar to its Beverly Hills counterpart with one main road surrounded by high-end designer stores such as Louis Vuitton and Brooks Brothers. In some ways, El Paseo is better than Rodeo Drive – especially in terms of parking availability.

Old Town La Quinta

Get a taste of the old California Desert lifestyle by checking out the shops at Old Town La Quinta. Old Town La Quinta is perhaps the most historically preserved district in the Palm Springs area. The district's shops are in adobe-style buildings to pay homage to the city's cultural heritage. Most of Old Town La Quinta's businesses are restaurants and cafes, but you will also find nail salons, art galleries and clothing apparel stores along Main Street.

Cabazon Outlets

The nearest outlet stores to Palm Springs lie in Cabazon, an approximate 20- to 25-minute drive west of Palm Springs. Cabazon's outlet stores have deals on clothing, jewelry, accessories, electronics and outdoor recreation equipment at wholesale rates. The two outlet malls in Cabazon are the Cabazon Outlets and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. Both outlet malls also have dining options in case you need to sustain yourself after long shopping sprees.

Shopping Centers

The River at Rancho Mirage The most extravagant shopping center in the Palm Springs area is The River at Rancho Mirage. This outdoor mall is home to unique shopping experiences at the Tulip Hill Winery – home to Palm Springs only wine tasting room – Cohiba Cigar Lounge and Bobby Chan. The River is also home to a bevy of beauty salons and health spas. Westfield Palm Desert Westfield Palm Desert is the largest indoor shopping center in the Palm Springs area. Standard retail and department stores – JC Penney, Sears and Macy's – are part of the Westfield shopping experience.

Palm Canyon Consignments

Wonder what ever happens to furniture if they are not sold at Palm Springs estate sales? While many are purchased at the time of the estate's auction, many furniture and artwork pieces end up at the consignment shops located along Palm Canyon Drive. Palm Canyon's consignment shops are full of great deals on large furniture pieces, clothes antiques and visual art.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Desert Fashion: Palm Springs Shopping Areas
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/shopping/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 26, 2012

Top Recreational Activities in Palm Springs

Top Recreational Activities in Palm Springs

By Skip Davis

Palm Springs is in the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its location near mountain ranges and national parks. Try biking or cross-country skiing on Mt. San Jacinto. Hiking? You have Joshua Tree National Park and the Coachella Valley Preserve at your disposal. Be forewarned: the climate in Palm Springs is very dry all year-round. So whatever recreational activity you choose, drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your excursion.

Hiking

Hiking is a year-round activity for Palm Springs tourists. Taking a rigorous hike through Palm Springs' parks allow you to see the local wildlife and fauna in their natural habitats. The best places for advanced hiking near Palm Springs is Mt. San Jacinto and Joshua Tree National Park, while easier trails are to be had at the Coachella Valley Preserve. (read more)

Biking

Many of the aforementioned parks have paved and/or off-road biking paths for Palm Springs tourists. Palm Springs and Palm Desert have bike trail networks for travelers who prefer biking over driving their vehicles everywhere. Try the Earthquake Canyon Bike Express Tour is you want a real taste of Palm Springs surrounds while mounted on a bicycle. (read more)

ATV Riding

Southern California's rugged desert terrain is the ideal location for off roading in a four-wheel drive ATV. Palm Springs offers plenty of ATV rentals and tour companies, which are open year-round. Be careful to not just drive your ATV anywhere, though, as it is illegal to ride in some areas.

Skiing

When you think “desert” or “Palm Springs,” you don't usually visualize skiing. However, Palm Springs is within close driving distance of skiing opportunities on Mt. San Jacinto and Big Bear Lake. Snowfall usually happens at Mt. San Jacinto and Big Bear Lake from November through March or April. If you do not have your own ski equipment, you can usually find rentals at Mt. San Jacinto or Big Bear Resorts. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Top Recreational Activities in Palm Springs
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/recreation/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 8, 2012

Checking out the Desert: Palm Springs Top Attractions

Checking out the Desert: Palm Springs Top Attractions

By Skip Davis

Once you arrive to Palm Springs, you obviously want to get out and explore the area. Palm Springs is not only a lovely desert city, but also provides quick access to national parks, luxurious spas, historic landmarks and festive entertainment. And best of all, most of these attractions are open year-round.

Mt. San Jacinto/Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Southern California and the American Southwest flock to Mt. San Jacinto State Park for hiking, climbing and camping activities. Standing at 10,834 feet, Mt. San Jacinto is one of the tallest mountains in the Golden State and only a 20-minute drive from the Palm Springs' downtown area. (read more)

Joshua Tree National Park

At approximately 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the largest national parks in Southern California. Joshua Tree stands out from other national parks with its diverse landscape and plant life, which includes the park's namesake, the “Joshua tree.” (read more)

Desert Hot Springs: Mineral Hot Spring Spas

Just northwest of Palm Springs are the luxurious mineral springs spas at Desert Hot Springs. Receive the ultimate in pampering at Desert Hot Springs spas, which provide treatments such as watusis, massages, mud baths and extremely soothing hot springs. (read more)

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies gives you a taste of Broadway's Golden Age in the California Desert. Many of Broadway's legendary performers, including Liza Minnelli and Carole Channing, have graced the Plaza Theater for this fun and colorful show. Make sure to book your tickets for the Palm Springs Follies well in advance to get the best seats possible. (read more)

Historic Palm Springs

Before Palm Springs was a hot spot tourist destination, it served as the California Desert getaway for movie stars, famous musicians and wealthy California businessmen. Luxurious, contemporary-style homes popped up in Palm Springs during the mid-20th century and many of these homes are now available for the public to tour. (read more)

San Andreas Fault

For many, the first thing that comes to mind about the San Andreas Fault, the largest fault line in the United States, is the “Big One,” an earthquake at the Fault that would sink California's coastline. However, modern discoveries have proved this to be unfounded. In Palm Springs, the San Andreas Fault runs along the city's northern border and is one of the area's most ruggedly beautiful and rugged landscapes. (read more)

Indian Canyons

Explore the rugged terrain of the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons, named after the Palm Springs-based tribe of Native Americans. The Indian Canyons give you a glimpse of what life was like for members of the Agua Caliente and the various aspects of this ancient tribe's heritage. (read more)

Temecula Valley Wine Country

Southern California's finest wine country, Temecula Valley, is a short drive from Palm Springs, making it a possible day trip for vacationers. Winery tours, tastings and vineyard strolls are merely some of the activities in store for Temecula Valley visitors. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Checking out the Desert: Palm Springs Top Attractions
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/attractions/; http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/Pages/qh_earthquakes_myths.aspx;

Author: Skip Davis

February 24, 2012

Dining in Palm Springs

Dining in Palm Springs

By Skip Davis

When it's time to whet your appetite between golf rounds or shopping, Palm Springs offers a variety of restaurant choices for all meals of the day. A typical Palm Springs day for culinary tastes may go like this. Start your morning off with a hearty brunch, treat yourself to a tasty burger for lunch and let your dinner be filet mignon or seafood. Of course, the diversity of Palm Springs restaurants allows you to mix and match however you please.

Top-Rated Restaurants

Dining at one of Palm Springs top-rated restaurants gives you bragging rights with your friends for years to come. Some of Palm Springs' top-rated restaurants are in the same pack as upscale Southern California restaurants in Los Angeles and San Diego. (read more)

Breakfast and Brunch Places

Before you venture out to Palm Springs outdoor attractions, tennis courts or museums, treat yourself right by having breakfast or brunch. The breakfast and brunch places in Palm Springs range between elegant and cheap but good eats. (see more)

Asian Restaurants

Palm Springs' residents and visitors can get a taste of the Far East by dining at one of the city's Asian restaurants. The ambiances at Palm Springs' Asian eateries ranges from trendy to casual to elegant. (read more)

Burger Joints

If you're tired of dining out at fancy schmancy restaurants and just want to sink your teeth into a juicy burger, the Palm Springs area has a couple places for you. Palm Springs is home to joints with reasonably priced hamburgers. (read more)

Healthy Restaurants

For all you Palm Springs' fruit and vegetable lovers, the desert city has an ample amount of health-conscious restaurants. Vegans and vegetarians alike will find what they like at these Palm Springs eaters. Even carnivores can find healthy selections of fish, seafood and chicken at the Palm Springs health-conscious restaurants. (read more)

Theme Restaurants

Themed restaurants have the ability to transport its patrons into a different time and place while they enjoy their meal. Palm Springs' themed restaurants tend to reflect the area's reputation as a paradisaical getaway from the trappings of big city life. (read more)

Seafood Restaurants

While Palm Springs is not anywhere near the Pacific Ocean, the desert city has an ample selection of seafood restaurants. Many of Palm Springs seafood restaurants offer fresh marina fare such as fish, eel, crabs, lobsters and other crustacean delights. (read more)

Fine Dining

Feel like wearing fine clothing and dining in an elegant setting? Palm Springs is home to some of the finest restaurants in Southern California, ranging from establishments with outdoor garden settings to places with an exotic flair. (read more)

Steakhouses

Want to bite down into a juicy steak? Palm Springs obliges you with some of the top steakhouses in the California Desert. (see more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Dining in Palm Springs
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/dining/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 17, 2012

Palm Springs: The California Desert Oasis

Palm Springs: The California Desert Oasis

By Skip Davis

Rugged desert terrain and a rich, colorful history makes Palm Springs a popular destination for international travelers. Palm Springs is also a popular weekend getaway for Los Angeles or San Diego residents due to its close proximity – less than two hours away. This city is about indulgence, the good kind. Take advantage of Palm Springs beautiful golf courses after sipping on mimosas at your favorite brunch place. Also, make sure you go to the top of the desert at Mt. San Jacinto via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Attractions

Once you arrive to Palm Springs, you obviously want to get out and explore the area. Palm Springs is not only a lovely desert city, but also provides quick access to national parks, luxurious spas, historic landmarks and festive entertainment. And best of all, most of these attractions are open year-round. (read more)

Recreation

Palm Springs is in the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its location near mountain ranges and national parks. Try biking or cross-country skiing on Mt. San Jacinto. Hiking? You have Joshua Tree National Park and the Coachella Valley Preserve at your disposal. Be forewarned: the climate in Palm Springs is very dry all year-round. So whatever recreational activity you choose, drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your excursion. (read more)

Dining

When it's time to whet your appetite between golf rounds or shopping, Palm Springs offers a variety of restaurant choices for all meals of the day. A typical Palm Springs day for culinary tastes may go like this. Start your morning off with a hearty brunch, treat yourself to a tasty burger for lunch and let your dinner be filet mignon or seafood. Of course, the diversity of Palm Springs restaurants allows you to mix and match however you please. (read more)

Shopping

Palm Springs places just as much of an emphasis on shopping as it does recreation and leisure. With numerous shopping centers and shopping districts, fashionistas everywhere discover that Palm Springs' purchasing opportunities are limitless. (read more)

Sports

When describing the sports scene in Palm Springs, two words come to mind: golf and tennis. Palm Springs is perhaps the “King of West Coast Golf” with over 120 golf courses. And with an abundance of annual tournaments and events, Palm Springs rivals any golfing destination, including The Grand Strand in South Carolina or Hawaii. All the while, Palm Springs has a strong tennis heritage with the legendary Historic Tennis Club near downtown Palm Springs. (read more)

Nightlife

People of all ages flock to Palm Springs for the city's vibrant nightlife. Whether you want to mingle at Palm Springs hottest nightclub, watch you favorite team at a sports bar or even listen to the strums of live music, Palm Springs has a vibrant night spot waiting for you. All of Palm Springs' nightclubs require you to be at least 21 years of age and provide a valid ID before entering. (read more)

When to Visit

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Palm Springs. During these seasons, Palm Springs' average temperatures range between the mid-70s to high 80s. You avoid the intense heat during the summer and the chilly winter evenings. However, plenty of activities are available in the Palm Springs area during the summer and winter.

Transportation

Palm Springs International Airport is less than 15 minutes from the downtown area and within 30 minutes of Palm Desert and La Quinta. This airport services flights year-round and offers an ample selection of rental cars. However, you may also want to consider renting a golf cart in Palm Springs as that is a common means of transportation for driving short distances, especially in the suburban areas of Indian Wells, La Quinta and Rancho Mirage. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2011) Palm Springs: The California Desert Oasis
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/palm-springs/;

Author: Skip Davis

August 18, 2011