The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is a unique zoo and botanical garden that specializes in the deserts of the world with a mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.
Mountain lion, leopard, warthogs, bighorn sheep and Peninsular pronghorn are just a few of the more than 450 incredible animals found in their natural setting that take you from Africa to North America. Feed a giraffe, watch the cheetahs run, admire the zebras, mimic a meerkat, interact with goats, explore nature and so much more.
The immersive botanical gardens include geographic replicas of areas as diverse as Baja California’s Viscaino Desert and the exotic deserts of Madagascar. Stop by the interactive Discovery Center, visit one of the largest G-scale model train displays, enjoy a Wildlife Wonders animal presentation, hike our nature trails, and have lunch in one of our cafes.
Let the shuttles take you from African Village WaTuTu, to the state-of-the-art Wildlife Hospital. For location information, hours and a list of upcoming special events visit www.LivingDesert.org.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is dedicated to the restoration, preservation and operation of America’s legendary fighters, bombers and trainers. It contains one of the world’s largest collections of flying WWII airplanes, including the Robert J. Pond Collection.
The Palm Springs Air Museum flying aircraft are displayed in modern, well lighted, air-conditioned and clean hangars. Our Buddy Rodgers Theater shows daily documentaries about aviation in the military with an emphasis on World War II. In addition to planes and historic artifacts, the museum is host to a library of 6300 volumes primarily related to aviation and American military history.
Hear the pounding roar of the mightiest piston engines ever built! Climb up and look in the cockpits of the legendary fighters and bombers of WWII! See the actual planes that won the greatest war in history!
745 North Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262
https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/
Sunnylands, completed in 1966, was the winter home of the late Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Designed by midcentury architect A. Quincy Jones, the 25,000-square-foot house displays original furniture and décor by interior designer William Haines and partner Ted Graber. With a collection of Tang, Ming, and Ching dynasty artifacts, silver-gilt, Meissen porcelain, Stueben glass, Flora Danica, and sculpture by 19th and 20th century artists, Sunnylands has played a role in 20th and 21st century American history. As directed by the Annenbergs, the estate, often referred to as “Camp David of the West,” serves as a sanctuary for high-level national and world leaders seeking the privacy, the peace, and “the pause” needed for solving the most pressing national and international issues.
Visit website for more info https://sunnylands.org
Designer shopping meets sophisticated dining at The Shops on El Paseo, a luxury retail district nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert — the heart of California’s Coachella Valley.
This portion of the famed El Paseo is an experience in and of itself, lined with stately palm trees, public art, fine eateries, and name-brand boutiques with fashionable offerings from a variety of designers. Browse popular stores such as Escada, Grayse, Ralph Lauren, or go for distinctively casual luxury at Chico’s and Soma. You can even find home enhancements at The Shade Store before. Enjoy a fantastic meal at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood or brunch at California Pizza Kitchen and The Daily Grill (mimosas, anyone?).
Getting here is equally effortless. The Shops on El Paseo is located where El Paseo meets Monterey Avenue, only 15 miles from Palm Springs and a 2-hour drive from several coastal hubs, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.
With complimentary valet parking offered seasonally and ample self-parking available behind the storefronts, this stylish shopping and dining destination is designed with world-class service and the luxe desert lifestyle in mind.
Visit website for more info https://theshopsonelpaseo.com/
A world-class facility for the ardent tennis player at a location unmatched in its beauty. Host to the BNP Paribas Open, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden features 29 hard championship courts, member lounge, fitness and locker rooms for members and guests to enjoy.
78200 Miles Avenue
Indian Wells, CA 92210
https://indianwellstennisgarden.com/
If there’s any reason to strike up an interest in golf or make your rounds as an avid golfer, there’s no better place than Indian Wells. The oasis city has become synonymous with the recreation thanks to the award-winning and famed Indian Wells Golf Resort, the mother of all courses with 36 holes, a terrific clubhouse and impeccable landscapes. Golfers rejoice in how remarkable the John Fought-designed golf course is, and it’s been visited by notable players across the globe. Best of all? Indian Wells Golf Resort is framed by breathtaking views of the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and San Bernardino mountain ranges.
With Fantasy Balloon Flights, visitors reach great heights (literally!) with one of Indian Wells’ most popular activities. Covering 10-30 miles of the vast desert, the balloon ride lasts approximately an hour, offering a dramatic, birds-eye view of cities, farms, resorts and the natural desert landscape. While in the sky, champagne is served and photo opps are destined to get tons of love on social media. The balloon ride is perfect for families, friends and couples, and it’s been known to be an excellent place for a proposal (hint hint).
Thanks to Indian Wells Village, you may be the next member of Shopaholics Anonymous. Right in the heart of Indian Wells, The Village features more than 30 excellent boutiques, restaurants and galleries to make for an exciting afternoon. Whether treating themselves to a manicure or browsing home goods, visitors delight in the eclectic range of businesses. The Village is also home to some of Indian Wells’ most notable restaurants, including Don Diego’s and Eureka, a hip spot serving up comfort foods and craft beers, so come hungry.
There’s nothing like relaxing in a luxury resort’s pampering spa for blissful treatments and total relaxation. Indian Wells is home to some of the destination’s most wonderful spas where it’s all about decompressing and getting beautified. The fabulous Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Resort includes a tranquil, outdoor relaxation area with sublime, intoxicating views; Miramonte Resort’s Well Spa is a lush oasis with an actual well and saltwater pool; and Spa Esmeralda at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells is all about self-renewal and indulgent features like outdoor cabanas and waterfalls.
The small mountain town of Idyllwild, California is nestled within the San Jacinto Mountains, and offers a nice break from busy cities. Things to do range from hiking and other outdoor activities to eating at delicious local eateries, shopping, and more. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Mount San Jacinto State Park, Idyllwild Park, andLake Fulmor. Other attractions include boutique shops, art galleries, and a winery for wine lovers.
12 Best Things to Do in Idyllwild, California
Got 10 minutes? That’s all it takes to go from the hot desert floor to cool, piney highlands, thanks to this engineering marvel. Spinning slowly as it ascends—it’s the world’s largest spinning tramcar—the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway traverses 2.5 miles of Chino Canyon in one smooth ascent to 2,596 metres at Mountain Station, on the flanks of towering Mount San Jacinto. On the ride up, you’ll be Instagramming non-stop as you take in the wonderful views of jagged cliffs and canyons (keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls in spring). Celebrated naturalist John Muir once wrote that “…the view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth”, and he wasn’t exaggerating.
At the top, there’s access to more than 50 miles of paths into the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. The tram operates throughout the winter, and don’t be surprised if fellow tram riders are carrying snowshoes or cross-country skis for exploring the snowy wilderness (you can hire these from Winter Adventure Center, at Mountain Station). Tip for outdoor lovers: it’s a short walk to Round Valley, which offers picturesque camping pitches (bookings must be made five days in advance), even in winter.
But you don’t have to hike or ski to have fun. At the top there are two restaurants (fine dining at Peaks Restaurant; cafeteria fare at Pines Café), a full cocktail and beer bar (aptly named The Lookout Lounge), an observation area, natural history displays and a small cinema showing documentary films.
Visit - https://pstramway.com/