US Travel Guide - Palm Springs

Palm Springs Entertainment

While Palm Springs is still relatively young in history, this desert community offers a vast array of entertainment options. Most notably, Palm Springs is world-famous for its luxurious golf courses. Yet, this city also features cultural museums, dynamic theater presentations, upscale shopping districts and a happening nightlife. Whether your preference is to visit a reserved museum or hip nightclub, you won't be disappointed with the entertainment found in the desert haven of Palm Springs.

Music & Theater

Since Palm Springs is located just a few hours away from the action of Hollywood, this desert community is often privy to top-name attractions. In fact, numerous Hollywood stars hold a second residence or retire in the Palm Springs area. First class musicians often perform at the McCallum Theater, a top-notch Palm Desert facility that hosts cultural and entertainment events. Meanwhile, music and dance are combined in an energetic annual show known as the Palm Springs Follies, held at the Plaza Theater. All Follies performers are at least 50 years old and many boast Hollywood fame.

Another popular music venue is Palm Deserts Summer of Fun Concert Series. Each summer, guests relax in a luscious green park while listening to live performances of jazz, big band and blues music.

In addition to music and dance, interactive theater venues abound in Palm Springs. For those with a fondness for the classics, consider taking a role in Othello or Hamlet, as the Shakespeare Reading Club of America welcomes new participants in their monthly read-a-longs. Meanwhile, contemporary theater fanatics will enjoy Joey and Marias Italian Wedding, a humorous dinner theater show. This annual presentation explores hysterical family dynamics as the headline characters plan their over-the-top nuptials.

If you prefer ultra-modern theater, namely movies, visit the new Desert IMAX Theater. Boasting a giant screen that spans six stories in height, this establishment shows cutting edge 3-D movies.

Museums

Palm Springs also abounds with countless museums, each offering a piece of Coachella Valley history. Visit the sculpture gardens at Palm Springs Desert Museum or enjoy smaller exhibits displayed at Museum at the Gardens. In addition, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum features basketry and photographs of early settlers in Coachella Valley, while the Palm Springs Air Museum boasts an expansive collection of historic aircraft, often featuring air shows and other special events. If you have little ones, visit the Childrens Discovery Museum, which offers interactive exhibits of science and archaeology.

One unique museum in Palm Springs caters to health-conscious visitors. Heartland, The California Museum for the Heart, showcases films and interactive exhibits, all devoted to educating visitors about the road to a healthy heart.

Shopping
Another favorite pastime for many tourists is shopping and Palm Springs does not disappoint with an abundance of upscale shopping venues. The Gardens on El Paseo is an exquisite complex of shops, hosting everything from pottery to sportswear. Meanwhile, El Paseo Shopping Avenue has been dubbed 'the Rodeo Drive of the desert.' This shopping district offers an enticing combination of high fashion clothing with delightful eateries.

Outdoor Activities

In addition to theaters, museums and shopping, Palm Springs also hosts a vast selection of outdoor attractions. This citys warm climate invites tourists to engage in activities of the great outdoors. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes visitors from lowland desert terrain to the top of Mt. Jacinto. Some guests simply ride the cable car for the incredible view of Coachella Valley, while others use the tramway as a route to outdoor activities at the mountaintop, including hiking trails and mule rides.

Beyond the tramway, Coachella Valley offers scores of additional outdoor activities. The Living Desert highlights over 400 wildlife species in a desert environment of flora and fauna, while Oasis Waterpark offers a break from the desert heat, with water slides and inner tube activities. Windmill Tours are another popular attraction. Guests may enjoy a three-mile tour on electric-powered vehicles to obtain a close view of the mesmerizing windmills located along Interstate-10.

Although the tramway, waterpark and windmill tours are favorite attractions, there is no argument about the most frequented outdoor establishments throughout Coachella Valley. Golf reigns supreme in Palm Springs and its surrounding desert cities. Visit the exclusive PGA West Arnold Palmer private golf course in La Quinta, a course that has hosted the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. Indio also sports a top-notch course, The Landmark Golf Club, which hosts the world-famous annual Skins Game. In addition, don't forget the Tahquitz Creek Resort Course, designed by Ted Robinson.

Nightlife

While museums, shopping and golf dominate the daytime activities in Palm Springs, this towns restaurants and bars host an upbeat nightlife. Restaurant Row in Rancho Mirage is an ideal spot for a luxurious evening meal. Enjoy seafood and meats at Chart House or Japanese specialties at Kobe. Meanwhile, 'The Loop' in downtown Palm Springs features equally tempting restaurants. Muriels is a favorite among locals, showcasing a cocktail lounge and notable entertainers in the cabaret. Another popular option is Del Rios Taqueria, where the margaritas and hot sauce are not easily forgotten.

Featuring theater, museums, golf, shopping and a happening nightlife, Palm Springs is a memorable town for any tourist. From tame, cultural experiences to upbeat, trendy spots, this town specializes in variety. So, bring your camera and your sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy the best sites of beautiful Palm Springs.

Rebecca Mil