Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and neighboring desert communities have been welcoming gay visitors for years. Whether your interests lean toward sunning, shopping, golfing, hiking, biking, nature, gaming, architecture, cultural and ethnic events, tennis, nightlife, or simply people-watching, Palm Springs is like no other place.
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourismshould be your first stop, in person or online. Get a copy of the Palm Springs Official Gay Visitors Guide. Although the website is well organized and comprehensive, it's a lot of information to print out.
Palm Springs has recently seen a renaissance of mid-century art, design and architecture. The Official Visitors Information and Reservation Center (2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tramway Road) 800-347-7746, 760-778-8418 is in itself a destination for those interested in contemporary architecture. Designed by noted architect Robert Frey as a gas station, the center now sells souvenirs, books accommodations, and promotes local businesses.
While you're in the area, you might want to take the Chino Canyon tram, or check out the windmills nearby. There are more than 3,500 of them and they generate 1.5% of California's electricity.
Airports
You'll find excellent direct and non-stop flights and convenient connections from major airlines serving the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). You can also drive from larger airports in the area. Jet Blue, for example, offers New Yorkers cheap flights to Ontario, about 70 miles away. There is often little relationship between distance traveled and time spent in the car, however, as California traffic is often a nightmare.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), take Century Blvd. to Interstate 105 East, to Interstate 605 North to Interstate 10 East, exit at Highway 111 to Palm Springs. (Approximately 131 miles.)
From Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (BUR), take Hollywood Dr. North to Interstate 5 South, to Interstate 10 East, exit at Highway 111 to Palm Springs. (Approximately 129 miles.)
From Long Beach Airport (LBG), turn left on Lakewood, right on Carson to Interstate 605 North, to Interstate 10 East, exit at Highway 111 to Palm Springs. (Approximately 105 miles.)
From Orange County-John Wayne Airport (SNA), take Mac Arthur Blvd. North to Highway 55, to Highway 91 East, to Highway 60 East, to Interstate 10 East, exit at Highway 111 to Palm Springs. (Approximately 100 miles.)
From Ontario Airport (ONT), take Interstate 10 East, exit at Highway 111 to Palm Springs. (Approximately 70 miles.)
From San Diego-Lindberg Field (SAN), take Harbor Dr. to Pacific Coast Highway North to Interstate 8 East to Interstate 15 North, to Highway 215 North, to Highway 60 East, to Interstate 10 East, exit at Highway 111 to Palm Springs. (Approximately 140 miles.)
Climate & Weather
Deep heat and dry clean air provide Palm Springs with ideal climate for a winter vacation. In the summer, of course, with highs over 100 degrees, it can boil your eyeballs. No matter how cool the air, however, the sun may burn you because of the clear, dry air. And don't forget to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Current weather in Palm Springs:
Time Zone
Palm Springs is on Pacific Time. They do observe Daylight Savings in the summer. Pacific Time is 8 hours behind (-8) GMT.
Currency
U. S. Dollar
Language
English
Holidays
2007 Federal Legal Holidays
- January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
- January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
- February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
- May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
- July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
- September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
- October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
- November 12, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
- November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
- December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]
Lodging
The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism carries a complete listing of all area properties, from resorts to bed and breakfasts.
Scene
The center of Palm Springs' gay scene, where you can actually walk among three bars and several restaurants, is located on Arenas between South Indian Canyon and Avenida Caballeros.
Things to See
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (219 South Palm Canyon Drive, Village Green Heritage Center) 760-323-0151 A non-profit organization interpreting the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Cahuilla peoples. Open Wednesday - Sunday.
- Bicycling Palm Springs has a variety of biking options for all ability and energy levels. Downtown bike paths are well-marked and easy to negotiate. Download a map at: You can rent bikes at: Big Horn Bicycles, 302 North Palm Canyon Drive 760-325-3367 Burnett Bicycle Barn, 429 S. Sunrise Way at Ramon Road 760-325-7844 Canyon Bicycle Rentals, 305 East Arenas Road 760-327-7688
- Desert Adventures' Red Jeep Eco-Tours (67-555 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite E-106, Cathedral City) 760 324-JEEP (5337), 888-440-JEEP (5337) Red Jeep offers 2-hour and 3-hour guided tours which focus on adventure, Native American history and culture, old mining lore, nature, ethno-botany, geology, the San Andreas Fault, or the 1000 acre Desert Adventures Ranch. A special 4-hour tour which goes into Joshua Tree Park through the recently-opened San Berdoo Pass is exciting, but not for the faint of heart.
-What makes these tours unique is that they are all off-road and you are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Each of the Jeeps holds seven passengers. If you call in advance, they can probably fit singles or couples a pre-existing group. You all become fast friends as you travel along on your off-road adventure. Water and snacks are provided. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and wear sneakers or boots since some hiking is usually involved.
- Fabulous Palm Spring Follies (Historic Plaza Theatre, 128 So. Palm Canyon Drive, at E. Tahquitz Way) 760-327-0225 The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies is a three-hour, razzle-dazzle, song and dance vaudeville-style extravaganza showcasing the music and dance of the 30's and 40's with one big difference - the ladies are all retired showgirls.
- Joshua Tree National Park Two deserts and two large ecosystems, whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park; the higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua Tree. In addition to Joshua Tree forests, the western part of the park also includes some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts. Five fan palm oases also dot the park, indicating those few areas where water occurs naturally and wildlife abounds.
- Mid-Century Modernism In the middle years of the twentieth century, the mountains and desert sands of the Coachella Valley inspired a style that would become known as Desert Modernism. Notable for its clean lines and elegant informality, floor plans were adapted to the unique requirements of desert living. Talented designers created modern buildings of every size and function: residential, commercial, civic, religious, and institutional.
-By the late 1980's, Palm Springs had gone into decline. This slump probably saved many of these structures, which might have been otherwise torn down and replaced with more "contemporary" buildings. Much of this historic legacy, therefore, still exists and is treasured today. The structures of Albert Frey, Richard Neutra, George Alexander, and others have contributed greatly to the character of Palm Springs - a style appreciated by architecture buffs worldwide.
-A map of Palm Springs modern architecture, which can be purchased at the Visitor Center, has been published by the Palm Springs Modern Committee PSModern Tours 760-318-6118 provides individual and highlights tours by appointment only.
- Moorten Botanical Garden 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264-8936 760-327-6555 Established in Palm Springs in 1938, this private arboretum is a quirky collection of more than 3000 varieties of plants designed in concentrated habitats along a nature trail. Who knew there's a real Joshua Tree growing right near the center of the Palm Springs business district? Closed Wednesday.
- Palm Springs Air Museum (745 North Gene Autry Trail) 760-778-6262 A non-profit educational institution whose mission is to exhibit and explain the role of World War II combat aircraft. The museums holdings include one of the world's largest collections of flying World War II warplanes, rare and original combat photography, original artworks, artifacts, memorabilia, and uniforms, comprehensive graphics and historical themes, and continuous video documentaries.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Tramway Road) 760-325-1449 Provides visitors with a short ride from the desert floor up the sheer cliffs of the Chino Canyon to an Alpine forest at over 8,000 feet. The world's largest rotating tram cars take winter visitors to snow sports such as cross-country skiing or snow shoeing, while camping and guided tours are available in summer. Spectacular views and good food amid the pines make this a great destination at any time of year.
- Palm Springs Desert Museum (101 Museum Drive) 760-325-7186 Permanent collection focuses on contemporary California, classic western American, Native American, Pre-Columbian, Mexican, and European modern art; contemporary glass, and American photography. The Annenberg Theater offers productions ranging from ballet to modern dance, opera to jazz, and comedy to drama. The Museum also offers art classes, special events, lectures, films, two sculpture gardens, cafe and a new museum store filled with unique items. Closed Monday; free admission Thursday from 4 - 8 pm.
- Palm Springs Village Fest (Palm Canyon Drive between Amado Road and Baristo Road) 760-320-3781, 760-323-8272 If you can get in on a Thursday evening, Palm Springs has a street fair downtown. The brainstorm of the late major Sonny Bono, the Palm Springs Village Fest is held year-round every Thursday evening from 6 - 10 pm. Palm Canyon Drive is closed to traffic so that pedestrians can enjoy fresh fruit stands, local restaurant samplings, live music and the best of Palm Spring's unique crafts, jewelry and art.
- Spa Casino and Resort (100 North Indian Canyon) 800-852-1279, 760-883-1000 Situated on nine acres in the heart of downtown, a short walk to the most popular bars and restaurants, with more than 900 slots and 30 table games.
References
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