Holiday Systems International User Group
Palm Springs:
A major tourist destination since the late 19th century, Palm Springs had already caught Hollywood's eye by the time of the Great Depression. During its heyday from the 1930s to the 1970s, the city drew some of the world's most famous architects to design homes for the rich and famous. The collected works, inspired by the mountains and desert sands, became known as Palm Springs Modernism. The city lost some of its luster in the 1970s as the wealthy moved to newer down-valley communities. But Palm Springs reinvented itself in the 1990s, restoring the bright and airy old houses and hotels, and cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for well-heeled gay visitors. A short drive away, Joshua Tree National Park interrupts the resort developments with half a million acres of pristine wilderness.
Top Reasons to Go:
Palm Springs Arial Tramway. The desert's most dramatic ride takes you up a mountain canyon where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Las Vegas.
Joshua Tree National Park. This is desert scenery at its best and most abundant. Tiptoe through fields of wildflowers in spring, climb up and around giant boulders, and check out the park's bizarre namesake trees.
Palm Springs Art Museum. A visual delight, this museum holds wonderful collections of contemporary art, art glass, and Native American basketry. Huge, bright sky-lighted spaces invite you to linger.
Village Fest. This weekly party fills Palm Canyon Drive with entertainment, food, and fun. The fest is a great place to meet the locals and buy everything from hand-dipped candles to custom dog collars to designer patio umbrellas.
Indian Canyons. Discover the area's Native American heritage, fan palm oases, wildlife viewing, and a year-round desert waterfall. Bring a picnic!
No matter how deep your pockets, who doesn’t love free?! If you want a bash without forking out cash, check out these great ways to enjoy Palm Springs absolutely free.
TAKE A HIKE
See Southern California's most breathtaking scenery and tallest mountain ranges... The Coachella Valley Hiking Club, 345-6234: Desert Trails Hiking Club 340-2256.
VILLAGE GALLERY WALK
You can spend the afternoon gallery hopping and enjoying fine art, sculptures, and unique boutiques on Palm Canyon Drive. Check out the local papers for the frequent art fairs held in Francis Stevens Park and Sunrise Park.
FEEL THE SPIRIT OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
At the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Information Center in the Village Green downtown to get a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Cahuilla Indians. Hours:10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Phone: 323-0151.
EXPLORE AN OASIS
The 13,000 acre Coachella Valley Preserve has springs, dunes, mesas, hiking, and riding trails. Thousand Palms Oasis has a Visitors Center and picnic areas. Sunrise to sunset just 10 miles east of Palm Springs near Thousand Palms. Phone: 343-1234.
FOLLOW THE STARS
Palm Springs has its own "Walk of Stars", on the sidewalks of Palm Canyon Drive in downtown. Or just walk outside after dark and lookup at millions of stars you’ll never see in the big city.
SHOP THE WINDOWS
Stroll world famous Palm Canyon Drive. Offering unique and interesting shopping.
STROLL THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
Enjoy changing contemporary art, and excellent permanent Western art and Cahuilla basketry collection, a sculpture garden, gift shop, and restaurant. FREE admission Thursdays after 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.. Phone: 325-7186.
SPOT A VAST ARRAY OF WILDLIFE
The Big Morongo Wildlife Reserve and Covington Park is a noted wildlife sanctuary, with a picnic area and hiking trails. Wednesday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - sunset. North of Palm Springs in Morongo Valley. Phone: 363-7190.
Top Reasons to Go:
Palm Springs Arial Tramway. The desert's most dramatic ride takes you up a mountain canyon where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Las Vegas.
Joshua Tree National Park. This is desert scenery at its best and most abundant. Tiptoe through fields of wildflowers in spring, climb up and around giant boulders, and check out the park's bizarre namesake trees.
Palm Springs Art Museum. A visual delight, this museum holds wonderful collections of contemporary art, art glass, and Native American basketry. Huge, bright sky-lighted spaces invite you to linger.
Village Fest. This weekly party fills Palm Canyon Drive with entertainment, food, and fun. The fest is a great place to meet the locals and buy everything from hand-dipped candles to custom dog collars to designer patio umbrellas.
Indian Canyons. Discover the area's Native American heritage, fan palm oases, wildlife viewing, and a year-round desert waterfall. Bring a picnic!
No matter how deep your pockets, who doesn’t love free?! If you want a bash without forking out cash, check out these great ways to enjoy Palm Springs absolutely free.
TAKE A HIKE
See Southern California's most breathtaking scenery and tallest mountain ranges... The Coachella Valley Hiking Club, 345-6234: Desert Trails Hiking Club 340-2256.
VILLAGE GALLERY WALK
You can spend the afternoon gallery hopping and enjoying fine art, sculptures, and unique boutiques on Palm Canyon Drive. Check out the local papers for the frequent art fairs held in Francis Stevens Park and Sunrise Park.
FEEL THE SPIRIT OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
At the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Information Center in the Village Green downtown to get a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Cahuilla Indians. Hours:10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Phone: 323-0151.
EXPLORE AN OASIS
The 13,000 acre Coachella Valley Preserve has springs, dunes, mesas, hiking, and riding trails. Thousand Palms Oasis has a Visitors Center and picnic areas. Sunrise to sunset just 10 miles east of Palm Springs near Thousand Palms. Phone: 343-1234.
FOLLOW THE STARS
Palm Springs has its own "Walk of Stars", on the sidewalks of Palm Canyon Drive in downtown. Or just walk outside after dark and lookup at millions of stars you’ll never see in the big city.
SHOP THE WINDOWS
Stroll world famous Palm Canyon Drive. Offering unique and interesting shopping.
STROLL THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM
Enjoy changing contemporary art, and excellent permanent Western art and Cahuilla basketry collection, a sculpture garden, gift shop, and restaurant. FREE admission Thursdays after 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.. Phone: 325-7186.
SPOT A VAST ARRAY OF WILDLIFE
The Big Morongo Wildlife Reserve and Covington Park is a noted wildlife sanctuary, with a picnic area and hiking trails. Wednesday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - sunset. North of Palm Springs in Morongo Valley. Phone: 363-7190.
