The legendary Palm Springs eludes quick definition. It is palm trees and date shakes; Frank Sinatra and Sonny Bono; strip malls and mid-century design. It is sacred Native American lands, broiling hot but arid days, spring-breakers and retirees, galleries and thrift stores, piano bars and swimming pools and casinos and walks lined with water-spritzers. And, it shines, as an awe-inspiring desert oasis on a valley floor below the San Jacinto Mountains.
Located about 110-miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are an easy weekender for many Southern Californians craving a dose of relaxation. But visitors arrive from all over the world, drawn to the dependably sunny skies, the region's pockets of serenity, and attractions (natural and not) that make it an overall fun, pleasant and comfortable place to vacation.
For families, Palm Springs is a great destination suiting all sorts of budgets. Some may make their resort -- with swimming pool(s), spa, and perhaps even the golf course -- the focus of their stay. Others will want to take advantage of the many kid-friendly recreational activities, from hiking to water parks to museums, that the area has on hand.
Though the region has grown tremendously since the 1920's when Hollywood celebrities escaped to the area, Palm Springs still offers little hideaways for those who make the effort -- for some, a quick break in an adult-only resort pool may suffice, while others may want to venture into the desert wilds.
If you hit the trail, consider a ranger-led tour of the Canyons, where you will learn about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla (pronounced Kaw-we-ah) Indians, who settled in the area hundreds of years ago and remain today as an important active presence in the region.
Palm Springs Family Vacations
Palm Springs Family Vacations
Families will love:
- Dependably sunny skies
- Sacred Native American lands
- Attractions for families (natural and not)
Written by Susan Derby
Read more about Palm Springs Attractions
Best Palm Springs Family Hotels
© Copyright 2012. The Independent Traveler, Inc.
All rights reserved. This file may be downloaded for personal
use only. Other copying or reproduction is expressly prohibited.
All rights reserved. This file may be downloaded for personal
use only. Other copying or reproduction is expressly prohibited.
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