California, USA
Hello, inquisitive people. Wander Woman here. Have you ever longed to get a glimpse of Old Hollywood? That super-glamorous and posh aesthetic of the 1950s and 1960s, preserved in a modern city? Date palms swaying in a gentle breeze year-round? Then Palm Springs is the place to visit. The warm weather and mild winters also recommend Palm Springs as a vacation locale, especially if you live someplace with a colder climate. I spent an entire evening of my Palm Springs visit soaking in a hot tub, sipping tropical drinks, and chatting with a family that was visiting from Wisconsin. Unfortunately, their hometown was under several feet of snow!
Even in January, which was when I visited, you can spend your Palm Springs days lounging poolside at your hotel if you wish. However, for the more active visitor, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had both within the city and throughout the surrounding area. If you have a few days in Palm Springs, make it a priority to check out San Jacinto Peak, the Cabazon Dinosaurs, and Shields Date Garden.
I will provide a brief run-down of each of these must-visit sites.
San Jacinto Peak is a mountain that looms over this desert city, often snow-tipped in stunning juxtaposition to the warm-weather paradise of Palm Springs below. Now, I’m the kind of person who enjoys taking in the view from atop a mountain but is supremely uninterested in putting in the work to climb said mountain in order to achieve those views. If you’re like me, I have great news for you: there is an aerial tramway that you can board in Palm Springs, which gets you to the top of the mountain in approximately 10 exertion-free minutes! Tickets for the tramway can sell out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of your trip.
The Cabazon Dinosaurs is located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs. American children of the 1980s, like me, will instantly recognize them as being featured in the 1985 cult classic movie Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. They are giant dinosaur statues that sit beside the interstate, greeting travelers from all over. There’s easy access from the freeway; they’re basically at the end of the off-ramp. There is plenty of free parking next to the dinosaurs, and it’s free to walk around and take photos of and with these iconic roadside attractions. There’s a gift shop that’s sometimes open inside the four-legged dino’s stomach. It’s worth a quick, one-hour detour from Palm Springs to check these guys out.
Shields Date Garden is, as the name suggests, a garden of date palms located near Palm Springs. It’s pleasant and relaxing to walk among the trees, and there is also a restaurant and gift shop on-site, serving and selling many date-based delectables. My parents love Medjool dates, so anytime I’m in the area, I stop here to grab a box for them. Personally, my favorites are the marzipan-stuffed dates. Yum!
Last but not least, there’s the downtown Palm Springs main shopping and dining district along Palm Canyon Drive. There are posh restaurants and boutiques to check out, and a giant statue of Marilyn Monroe adds to that Old Hollywood feel. Be sure to stop at Lappert’s for a Dole Whip – this sweet and icy, pineapple-flavored treat is an essential Palm Springs experience!
Anytime you’re ready to relax and unwind someplace warm with a vintage glam vibe, Palm Springs is ready and waiting for you.
Sunrise in Palm Springs
Marilyn Monroe statue, downtown Palm Springs
Cabazon T-Rex, specially painted for Christmas; me holding an umbrella for scale!
The desert outside Palm Springs: desolate, yet beautiful!
