Travel Spotlight

Palm Springs: Six to Know

1. Fly direct

When possible, fly directly into Palm Springs. Flying into Los Angeles requires driving through the city to get to Palm Springs, and you are likely to hit that horrible LA traffic. If you must fly into LA, a fun alternative is to break up the trip with a night in Pasadena while en route.

2. Time your visit well

As locals will tell you, the summer is an "oven" and the humidity and heat can be unbearable. Ideally, go during the winter season, where temperatures are comfortable. Additionally, it is a city with numerous festivals (such as Coachella) and international events, such as Modernism week, so if one should spark an interest, its definitely worth building your itinerary around the event.

3. Expect a scene where hippies meet hipsters

Palm Springs is home to more than one type of person – you should expect a diverse scene and come to the city open-minded. Everyone from partygoers there for the sun, older men there for golf, and all that is in between frequent the area. It is also a gay-friendly scene, so be sure to let your conservative grandmother know in advance.

4. Two-to-three nights is enough time

Unless you just want a week to detox under the sun, you don’t need to spend a long amount of time there to feel like you’ve experienced Palm Springs. If you do only have two or three days, be sure to eat at hotspots like Copley's (621 N. Palm Canyon Dr.; 760-327-9555) and Le Vallauris (385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way; 760-325-5059). Or try a local favorite, Shanghai Red’s Bar & Grill (235 S. Indian Canyon Dr.; 760-322-9293). If you get bored with soaking in the rays, there is tennis and golf at most resorts, and you should visit the Palm Springs Art Museum (psmuseum.org). Another must-do activity is going on an architecture tour to see the homes of stars such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

5. Take day trips

If you are the active type, head to Joshua Tree National Park for a day excursion. Be sure to visit during the week when there will be fewer tourists, and bring a packed lunch.

6. Choose the right hotel

The Parker Palm Springs is a good family-friendly option, and the Colony is better suited for couples or groups of friends.

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