Historic Palm Springs, California
Gay Vacation Mecca of the World

NIGHTLIFE IN PALM SPRINGS really rocks especially on weekends along Palm Canyon Drive. No wonder that Hollywood's celebrities come and hang out here where the nights are long and the entertainment out of this world.

Palm Springs in recent years has reinvented itself as a destination for visitors, capitalizing on its glamorous, star-studded mid-century history. Here is the world famous Palm Springs FOLLIES at the historic Plaza Theatre which celebrates the music, dance and comedy of the 30s and 40s with a cast old enough to have lived it. And here are located many estates of the celebrated including Walter Annenberg and Frank Sinatra, plus a multitude of exclusive country clubs, playgrounds of the internationally elite. Here, too, is Las Vegas-style gambling at the Spa Resort Casino right in downtown Palm Springs.

PALM CANYON DRIVE is the heart of most of Palm Springs' historic action. On Thursday nights it is closed off for the Village Fest, an old-time street fair that transforms downtown Palm Springs into a charming international bazaar, with over 100 ventors. It seems like the whole town turns out for this weekly street fair featuring a cast of colorful characters, food and beverage stalls, musicians, merchandise ranging from hand-made dog tags and sun visors to hand-painted patio umbrellas to finger puppets for the kids. You can follow the Starwalk, dine outside at a sidewalk cafe, study the displays at the Village Green Heritage Center along the way.

PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM is not to be missed. See how the Native Americans lived in the desert 500 years ago. A diorama features a realistic mural of the Coachella Valley hundreds of years ago with human figures and authentic artifacts that illustrate the story of the early inhabitants of the Palm Springs desert area. The McCallum National Science Wing provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to learn about past and present desert animals.A diorama highlights the flora and fauna of the desert sown against a painted mural of desert scenery. Navigate your way through the cool, elegant surrounds of the Palm Springs Desert Museum while enjoying numerous art-filled galleries.

PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAM has the world's largest rotating tramcars. Rising 2-1/2 miles to a scenic wonderland in the Mt. St. Jacinto State Park, the Tram's two 80-passenger cars revolve slowly from within, providing a spectacular 360 degree view of the valley floor and surrounding area. The Mountain Station at 8,516 feet elevation features viewpoints, a restaurant and cocktail lounge as well as an Adventure Center open mid-November through mid-April, snow conditions permitting, for snowtube, snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals. The Wilderness area encompasses 54 miles of hiking trails.

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM is where history flies through the skies and your tour guides are the people who made that history. It has a new, spacious 67,000 sq. ft. air conditioned building with vast open spaces and exhibits, aircraft access to the airport. Here you will find temporary exhibition openings throughout the year, fun-filled children's activities and on-going scheduled programs.

SOUTH & EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE Several country clubs are wedged between these two main arteries of Palm Springs. East Palm Canyon Drive, Highway 111, also leads to the other cities of Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta down the Coachella Valley. Many visitors prefer to stay along this stretch of road for easy access to whatever else the valley has to offer. The vista of the San Jacinto Mountains is absolutely spectacular.

AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS Centuries ago, ancestors of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians settled in the Palm Springs area. To learn more about them and their culture, visit the Tahquitz Canyon one of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Reservation. Tahquitz Canyon is home to a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, rock art, ancient irrigation system, native wildlife, and plants. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is located in the Village Green Heritage Center in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

SHOPPING IN PALM SPRINGS is sensational. It's an important part of any vacation getaway. Especially on Palm Canyon Drive one can find special items not found at home or those one-of-a-kind work of art that dazzle. If you stay in the historic Tennis Club area, just keep your car parked and walk to Palm Canyon Drive.

ACTIVITIES IN PALM SPRINGS Desert sports include golfing at the 36-hole championship Tahquitz Creek offering beautiful views of the San Jacinto Mountains. There is tennis galore at the Tennis Club in the Historic Tennis Club area.

RESTAURANTS Palm Springs' chefs present the flavors of the world in restaurants ranging from casual to classic French. Click on "Restaurants" on the navigation bar to see the extensive list. Two of the most renowned ones are Melvyn's Restaurant & Lounge voted #1 for Fine Dining, Most Romantic Restaurant, Best Place to See Celebrities and Best Martini by The Desert Sun's "Best of the Valley" reader's poll. The other one, Europa, offers superb Continental cuisine and an impressive variety of imported and domestic wines, served fireside or under the desert stars.

Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree National Park near Palm Springs is open year round. Over 1.3 million people visit the park, with April the peak visitation month. Each season adds its personality to the desert's character. Two deserts come together at Joshua Tree National Park. The Colorado Desert, occupying the eastern half of the park, is dominated by the abundant creosote bush. The higher, slightly cooler and wetter Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree, extensive stands of which occur throughout the western half of the park. See website Joshua Tree National Park

Palm Springs Airport
For information on how to get to Palm Springs and a lot of other information, see website Airport