A week in Palm Springs wasn’t nearly enough time to experience this desert playground. With more than 350 days of sunshine and under 5 inches of annual rainfall Palm Springs has been a tourist destination since 1909.
Since the 1920s, Palm Springs has been Hollywood’s desert playground for celebrities to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of showbiz. The legendary “Two-Hour Rule” of Hollywood studios put Palm Springs on the map as a perfect getaway. Actors under contract had to be available within two-hours from the studio just in case last minute film/photo shoots had to occur. Palm Springs remains a destination for film stars and celebrities including many past presidents that enjoy vacationing here.
So you may wonder what this outdoor adventurer chooses to do in such a glitzy location. Two great things about Palm Springs for me are
#1 – It is the desert
and
#2 – An old friend from high school days happens to live there now!
“It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” John Leonard
Kim and I met over 35 years ago when we both worked together at McDonalds (my first job in high school). Although we attended different high schools we became fast friends and were fortunate enough to reconnect a few years back. On Kim and her husband Pete’s recommendation we all went to dinner at Lulu’s. Even though it was a Friday night the restaurant was unusually uncrowded due to pouring down rain that had flooded many of the city streets. If you visit Palm Springs be sure to try Lulu’s specials, the food was excellent at a reasonable price.
As Kim is an avid golfer it was time to finally get my golf clubs out from under the motorhome and get out on the golf course. As a beginning golfer I am sure Kim was entertained (if not a bit frustrated) by my less than stellar performance but she was remarkably patient and very helpful in giving me pointers to improve my game.
With numerous golf courses in the Palm Springs area we golfed at The Lights in Indio. This was a great par 3 course for a beginner with no sand traps and just a few water hazards.
After golf happy hour back at Kim & Pete’s golf course condo was a great way to end the day.
“A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I was able to talk Kim into a cool desert hike leaving right from the RV park in Desert Hot Springs we hiked up into a canyon crossing the boundary into the southern part of Joshua Tree National Park. The weather was perfect for hiking and we enjoyed a great day on the trail.
Cory and I had actually hiked part of this trail earlier in the week before I realized that it actually led into the National Park.
“I love a dog. He does nothing for political reasons.” Will Rogers
If you are looking for an RV park in the Palm Springs area Desert Pools RV Park is a great choice. Far enough away from town for quiet but close enough to get to the action. They have Passport America rates and so the cost is very reasonable and the sites are large for an RV park.
Other great not to be missed activities in the area include watching Polo at the Polo Grounds in Indio. Although definitely a game for the wealthy (you need several horses per game) it is a great spectator sport for the rest of us. Between storms the fields were dry enough for scrimmage games to take place on a Saturday.
The Thursday night street faire is a popular activity that I believe happens year round here and features local artists, music and street food in downtown Palm Springs.
And lastly, what better than an outdoor pool in a desert paradise. The pool run by the city of Palm Springs offers lap swimming with a view. The only challenge was the outdoor locker rooms, with the chilly weather the outdoor shower was brisk!
There is much more to do and see in the area. Home to numerous concerts year round as well as music festivals, art shows and outdoor activities. Next time I will definately take the tram up to the top of Mount San Jacinto, visit the Living Desert and do even more hiking and golfing. Thanks again to Kim for being such a great host – looking forward to staying in touch and sharing even more adventures.
One more by Will Rogers – very applicable in this crazy political climate……
“Times have proven only one thing and that is you can’t ruin this country even with politics.” Will Rogers
Hitting the road again – time to experience the craziness of Quartzite and the giant RV show!
Dana it was a fun week while you were here in the desert! I enjoyed reading your write-up. I had a great time golfing, and enjoying happy hour, hiking and reconnecting with your parents while they were here! It was a great time. I wish that you could have stayed longer however I know that you have lots of places to see out there so hopefully we can get together again soon. Happy travels and enjoy the sights!