It has been said that Palm Springs is the golf capital of the world, but did you know that Palm Springs has several other world-class attractions as well?
With the San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop, the view alone is enough to keep some people entertained. Whether you are a long-term owner of Palm Springs real estate, or just passing through, there is truly something for everyone.
Shopping
El Paseo is a shopping district that can meet the needs of even the most discerning shoppers. There you will find over 300 specialty shops with items ranging from fashion to furniture to art. In addition to that, look to Palm Canyon Drive for a more artsy area including galleries, pubs, and any shop you can imagine.
Palm Canyon is also the home of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which is a tribute to over 300 stars who have lived or played in the Palm Springs area. On Thursday nights, Palm Canyon Drive is closed to cars and the ‘art walk’ feel takes over.
Performing Arts
Speaking of art, Palm Springs is home to the Annenberg Theater, which is housed inside the Palm Springs Art Museum. The Annenberg is an intimate state-of-the-art theater with nearly perfect acoustics and has hosted performances ranging from jazz to classical, contemporary, and dance.
Also, The McCallum Theatre for the Performing Arts in Palm Desert has hosted some big performers, including; Tony Bennett, Sheryl Crow, David Copperfield, and Art Garfunkel. Slightly larger than the Annenberg, it has been said that between the superb acoustics and state-of-the-art sound system, music performed at the McCallum sounds like nowhere else.
Gambling
No need to go to Vegas! In recent years, several new beautiful casinos have popped up all over Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Some that warrant a look are the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs, Fantasy Springs Casino, Casino Morongo, Agua Caliente Casino, and Spotlight 29 Casino.
Nature
Whether you are looking for a spa treatment complete with natural minerals or you enjoy hiking, Palm Springs is overflowing with ways to enjoy nature. A short distance from downtown, in the foothills, is the Desert Hot Springs. Said to contain healing properties, this is the only aquifer of thermal-mineral spring water in southern California. Several resorts offer day passes to enjoy the pools. For a great hike, Palm Canyon is 15 miles long and boasts a natural landscape that is unlike any other.
There you will find a trading post for hiking maps, jewelry, refreshments, and Indian artifacts. Nearby in Twenty Nine Palms, there is Joshua Tree National Park. With over 800,000 acres, this is home to some of the most intriguing geologic displays in the world including granites, arroyos, playas, alluvial fans, desert varnish, aplite, and gneiss.
With a trip to Living Desert, you will be free to stroll, shop, hike, or eat amongst 1200 acres of exhibits and scenic trails and live animals. Finally, the Moorten Botanical Garden showcases thousands of examples of desert plants and cacti grouped by geographic location.
That is a pretty extensive list, and golf isn’t even mentioned. So, whether you are new to town, just passing through, or considering your own Palm Springs real estate, this is a great place to spend some time. The art culture is prevalent and lends itself to a charming atmosphere for all types of patrons.
With fantastic dining, outstanding shopping, nature based activities for all, and Palm Springs is a true destination for more than those looking for the finest golf in the world!
image: perryscanlon.com