When you think of the desert, one thing probably comes to mind…supremely hot weather. While that is accurate, there are actually many fun things that you can experience in the area. When visiting the desert, you will find that the various cities are incredibly close to one another. We typically go down over the weekend, and often we stop in several places: Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Indio…sometimes even more. We usually make a pit stop on the way in Cabazon as well.
For those of you that do not know us personally, my grandmother (Tyler’s) resides in Palm Desert. We have become somewhat familiar with the area, but when we are there, we try to explore new things. Some of the places that we feel are visit worthy are:
On the way to the desert…in Cabazon…
~ Cabazon Dinosaurs – These 100-ton sculptures are a sight to see, even if it is just from the highway. If you have time, stop, and see the Dino gift shop and take a picture with the Brontosaurus and T. Rex. Since 1975, these iconic dinosaurs have been a well-known roadside attraction. If you don’t have time to visit, you can see these distinguishable dinosaurs in Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure Movie or the Tears for Fears “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” music video.
~ Hadley Fruit Orchards – Since 1931, this place has been selling top quality dates, dried fruit, nuts, jams, and more. While the original location is no longer, its current location is right in between the Cabazon Outlets and Morongo Casino & Resort on Morongo Trail. You must come here for the famous date shake! Even if dates are not your favorite, give this a chance, you will not be disappointed. Made with Deglet Noor Dates, this shake is truly drool worthy.
…in Palm Springs…
~ San Gorgonio Wind Park – This is the spot when you know you are close to the end of your drive! This area is home to over 2,700 wind turbines that were built in the 1980s. It is the oldest wind farm in the United States. While you can tour this area and learn all about the windmills – you can also see them standing 300 feet high in the distance while driving on the 10 freeway. These make for a pretty cool photo!
~ Tyler’s Burgers – Located in downtown Palm Springs in between Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon in a former Mobil Gas station from 1936 – this little burger spot is the place to go! It is not just because its named Tyler’s! Since 1996, owner, Diana Diamico, has been serving the classic All-American burger along with salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, malts, and more. It’s mouth-wateringly delicious!! Call ahead before coming, as Diana does close for a couple of months in summer, 760-325-2990.
~ Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – These rotating tram cars will transport you to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park while providing you with views of Chino Canyon on its ten-minute journey. After arriving at the top, you will be sitting at 8,516 feet and can check out various hiking trails, two restaurants, observation decks, a museum, two theaters, and a gift shop. Tickets are $29.95 per person and pets are not allowed.
~ Palm Springs Air Museum – In 1993, Charlie Mayer, Pete Madison (Former P-38 Pilot), and Dr. Mort Gubin had a vision to create a WWII Warbird Museum in the heart of Palm Springs. Three years later in 1996, their vision became a reality. Today, you can visit for $22 per person, and you can see tons of aircrafts including the P-63 Kingcobra, B-17, P-40 Warhawk, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and T-33 Thunderbird. If you have extra money to throw around, the museum offers warbird rides ranging from $125 to $4995.
~ Forever Marilyn – Sitting 26-feet tall and weighing 34,000 pounds, this steel and aluminum super-sized Marilyn Monroe is something to see! Designed by Seward Johnson, the statue not only pays tribute to MM, but also recognizes her iconic scene in The Seven-Year Itch film, when her white dress blows up from a gust of wind. The statue has been in California, Chicago, New Jersey, Connecticut, and even Australia. Now, it is at its permanent resting place in Palm Springs on Museum Way near the Palm Springs Art Museum (which is on our list for future adventures). This is THE photo opp in Palm Springs.
~ Fleur Noire Hotel – While we have not stayed here before, this place is definitely on our bucket list, and we have stopped at it just for the pictures. (Thanks Mom!) Louise Jones, Ellie Cashman, and Chris Pardo designed this place inside and out with the most beautiful flower murals, accents, and décor. This boutique hotel features a pool, a clubhouse, fire pits, and a Rose bar called La Boisson. It sits on the land that used to be Burket’s Trade Winds Hotel and Apartments at 1555 N Indian Canyon Drive. Fun Fact – Each room has a refrigerator and a pink coffee machine!
~ The Reef – Located inside the Caliente Tropics Hotel – this Tiki Bar serves tropical libations and Hawaiian food. It is a fun divey type place that is bound to get you feeling good. The drinks are strong, and the décor is super cool and retro! Go inside, cool off, and feel the Aloha vibes.
Now continuing East to Palm Desert…
~ The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – Listed as one of the 10 best zoos in the US by Conde Nast Traveler, this non-profit zoo is full of botanic plants and over 500 animals. Tickets are $29.95 per person and in our opinion, it is well worth it. Go to the petting kraal, see a surgery at the Tennity Wildlife Hospital, watch the animal encounter shows, and check out their insane G-Scale model train that has over 3,300 feet of track. When we were there, there was a super cool Butterfly Exhibit as well, but we believe that is no longer. With or without the butterflies, go check out this place! Located on 47900 Portola Avenue.
~ Wilma & Frieda – This super hyped restaurant has two locations: Palm Desert and Palm Springs. We went to the Palm Desert location on El Paseo Drive. Named after the owner’s grandmothers, this restaurant serves some of the best comfort food in town. Grandma Wilma was a woman with style and signature cat-eye glasses, while Grandma Frieda was always the host, being able to prepare food in a heartbeat. Stop by for breakfast and see if Desert Sun AND Palm Springs Life was right about this place serving the best breakfast!
~ El Paseo Drive – After eating, work off some of those calories, by walking around El Paseo. This street is filled with loads of upscale stores and boutiques! There are also some good eats if you want to come here first!
~ Desert Beer Company – Since 2019, Devon Sanchez, has been providing good beers and younger vibes, at 77770 Country Club Drive. This spot is super fun and laid-back. They have pop-up food vendors and often have events such as Paint Night. It is a cool spot to cool off, have an ice-cold beer, and strike up a good conversation. The logo for this place is super awesome too making for sweet merch!
~ Dutch Bros – This drive-through coffee chain is LEGIT!!! While they are all over, this has become the go-to spot for us when we come down here, as there are none currently by our home. If you don’t like coffee, don’t worry, get a homemade soda, tea, energy drink, or smoothie, with flavors like Green Apple and OG Gummy bear. If you do like coffee, try a breve or soft top drink! You cannot go wrong with anything here.
~ Casinos – Agua Caliente. Fantasy Springs. Spotlight 29. Morongo. – They are all over the desert. If you’re in need of a Vegas fix, but can’t go, come here! While the casinos are much nicer in Vegas (in our opinion), it still gives you a thrill with the bright lights, themed slots, and high energy. Fun Fact – These casinos often have special performances and you may be able to see well known artists up close and personal. We saw Kellie Pickler at Morongo and it was amazing!
So, all in all, while you might have thought that the desert was primarily older folks, there is actually quite a bit to do for people of all ages. We hope this helps you plan your next getaway to the Coachella Valley.
Until then…
Feeling hot, hot, hot,
TnT
