Showing posts with label Palm Springs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Palm Springs. Show all posts

Thursday, 11 August 2011

Sea Mountain Resort in Palm Springs, California


Sea Mountain Resort guests are free to leave their clothes in their rooms, as this adults only hotel in Palm Springs is clothing optional. You don't have to be a guest to enjoy the liberal atmosphere and the excellent facilities, however. This naturalist retreat in the desert serves as both an inn and a day spa. The spa is award winning, and various spa passes are available. The VIP All Access Pass is the most complete, as it offers the widest array of treatments and privileges. Regardless of whether you book a room or which spa pass you choose, having a great time is likely to be part of the deal. Sea Mountain Palm Springs is among the most renowned and respected nude spa retreats in the country.

There are only fifteen guestrooms at the Sea Mountain Resort in Palm Springs California, and since they tend to sell out, booking in advance is recommended. All of the guestrooms are quite upscale, and among the amenity highlights are flat-screen TVs, DVD players, coffee makers, premium bedding, comfortable guest robes, cozy slippers, designer bath products, and free high-speed Internet access. This isn't a 5 star resort or the most luxurious luxury hotel in Palm Springs, but it certainly does make guests and day visitors alike feel comfortable and welcome.

The Sea Mountain Palm Springs caters to couples and single women only. Upon arrival, visitors can indulge in a variety of soothing spa treatments, and simply relaxing by the pool is also an option for things to do. In addition to the overnight guests, the Sea Mountain Resort can accommodate 100 additional visitors for both day and night visits. Regardless of what time of day you visit, the only 24-hour lounge club in the world will be at your disposal and excellent service can be expected. This retreat puts a premium on service, which is part of the reason why it is among the most praised resorts of its kind in the country. Celebrities are known to drop by with relative regularity, and often times, they rent the whole place out, which is an option.

If an adults only spa resort that is also clothing optional appeals to you, then the Sea Mountain Palm Springs is worth keeping in mind when planning your next great getaway. There are lots of fun things to do in the Palm Springs area when you're not indulging in spa treatments or taking advantage of the more general facilities, and should you have sunbathing in mind, the sun is almost always shining.

Due to its popularity and the fact that it is highly ranked by many industry insiders, the Sea Mountain Resort in Palm Springs is due to be duplicated in some other choice destinations. The next Sea Mountain Resort will open in Las Vegas, and by 2020, the Sea Mountain Spas, Inns and Resort Company hopes to unveil its South Beach Miami Florida and Malibu California branches.

Indian Wells Resort Hotel Palm Springs, California


The Indian Wells Resort Hotel is a delightful desert resort that has long been a fixture on the Palm Springs area lodging scene. This affordable resort was founded by none other than Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and it first started welcoming guests in 1957. Renovations have helped to keep it current over the years, and today, there is a rather contemporary edge to the place. Some good facilities complement the comfortable rooms and suites at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, and as for the location, guests find themselves in the heart of the Coachella Valley.

The Palm Springs area offers up a number of accommodation choices, so it's not hard to find your ideal lodging fit when visiting the area. Should an affordable hotel with some good amenities and a touch of historic flare suit your taste, then the Indian Wells Resort Hotel deserves a look. All of the guest units at this resort hotel offer a tasteful and homey decor. Regardless of which one you secure, air conditioning, cable TV, and Internet access will figure among the standard amenities. Both rooms and suites are available, and should you book a suite, a marble-accented bathroom with both a tub and a shower will be among the added perks. The most desirable suite is the 4,500-square-foot Presidential Suite, which used to serve as a hideaway for its founders and other Hollywood stars. Among other things, the Presidential Suite at Indian Wells Resort Hotel features four bedrooms, a fireplace, a full kitchen, and five elegant bathrooms.

When guests at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel aren't relaxing in their rooms and suites, they can treat themselves to some golf. The Indian Wells Resort golf possibilities include visits to both the Indian Wells Golf Resort and the Indian Wells Country Club. At the Indian Wells Golf Resort, two revamped courses await, and both of these public courses are championship-caliber. The Celebrity Course has played host to the LG Skins Game on more than one occasion, which hints at its overall quality, and it's hard to find fault with the Players Course. The fairways are generously wide on the Players Course, though the ample amount of bunkers help to make for a challenging layout. Special golf and lodging packages are available if you want to add some golf to the mix during your Indian Wells Resort stay.

On an Indian Wells Resort Golf outing, you might find yourself at the historic Indian Wells Country Club. Established in 1956, this club served as the original host for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, which helped to lead to its label as the "Fun Club of the Desert". Whether you are teeing it up at the Classic Course or the Cove Course during your visit to the Indian Wells Country Club, you can expect to enjoy a rewarding experience. Both offer eighteen fun and challenging holes, not to mention excellent mountain views. The surrounding mountains offer up some fun options for things to do on the side when you're not indulging in some Indian Wells Resort golf. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are among the activities of choice in the Palm Springs mountains.

Many hotels in the Coachella Valley charge a resort fee, and it is no different at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel. This added fee covers such perks as use of the attractive outdoor pool, the full fitness center, and the two outdoor tennis course. You'll also enjoy Internet access in your room or suite and a daily buffet breakfast. Should you be looking to enjoy lunch or dinner at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, the main restaurant offers up Mediterranean and tasty American cuisine. Other facilities that an be taken advantage of during a stay at this Palm Springs area hotel include a lounge with a sports bar feel, a full service bar, and flexible event space that can be used for weddings, meetings, and a variety of other events.

Indio Hotels, Palm Springs


Indio California hotels can make ideal bases if you are planning on visiting the Palm Springs area. This is especially true when finding affordable lodging is the aim. The Indio accommodations are among the most budget-friendly accommodations in the area, though you won't have to sacrifice a lot of money to enjoy a considerable amount of comfort and an enticing array of amenities. At least a few hotels in the area are to thank for that. When even cheaper rates are what you have in mind, then the Indio motels are the accommodations that you might consider first.

Of all the Indio California hotels, the hotel at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is arguably the most upscale. That doesn't mean that you will have to break the bank to stay there, however, as the rates are more than reasonable. The 250 guest units at this casino hotel offer a relatively luxurious appeal and are classified as 4 star accommodations. Standard in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, in-room movies on demand, coffee makers, safes for valuables, and wireless Internet access (daily fee). Guests can indulge in both room service and in-room massage service, and should they need it, concierge service is also available. The concierge service can come in handy when it comes to finding area attractions and things the like. Outside of the guest units, a fine array of facilities only help to make this a fine place to stay. The casino is among the main attractions, as are the 18-hole Eagle Falls Golf Course, the bowling alley, and the eight different dining venues.

One of the other Indio California hotels that is not to be overlooked when comfort is the name of the game is the Indian Palms Country Club & Resort. The boutique hotel at this resort offers 59 attractive guest units, and these units all feature convenient kitchenettes with granite counter tops. They are also spacious and clean. Other amenity highlights in the guest units include cable TV, a DVD player, and a down comforter. When guests aren't relaxing in their rooms at the Indian Palms Country Club & Resort, they can swim in the heated pools, take a dip in a hot tub, stay on top of workouts at the state-of-the-art fitness center, play some tennis, or enjoy some great golf on the 27-hole Indian Palms Golf Course. Complementing the championship course are a high quality practice facility and a pro shop. On the dining side of things, the La Palma Restaurant offers tasty American cuisine and a wine list that includes many of the finest California wines. The restaurant is open daily for both lunch and dinner.

When searching for Indio accommodations, the Best Western Date Tree Hotel is another establishment that is not to be overlooked. Found near downtown Indio, this hotel offers good clean rooms at a good price, and it doesn't hurt that a continental breakfast is included in the rates. This morning meal can help you get energized for all kinds of area pursuits, such as hiking and golfing. All of the 119 guestrooms at the Best Western Date Tree Hotel are nonsmoking, and you won't have to pay extra to enjoy more than 70 cable channels or high speed internet access. Other amenities that help to make for a rewarding stay include coffee makers, irons, coffee makers, mini fridges, DVD players, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries. As for the facilities, they too are relatively impressive. The outdoor pool is large and heated, and guests are welcome to take advantage of the hot tub and the grilling area that can be found at the pool. A fitness center , a 450-square-foot meeting room that has an adjoining patio, and guest laundry facilities are just some of the other facilities that this Best Western one of the favorite Indio accommodations options.

Gambling, sampling some dates, and attending the Coachella Valley Music Festival are among the top things to do in Indio, and should you wish to free up funds for things like these, then staying at one of the Indio motels is a lodging option worth considering. There are a handful of motels to choose from in and around Indio, and they include the Travelodge Indio. The rooms might lack in decor at the motels, and while they are generally low on frills, you can enjoy some satisfying amenities at the Travelodge. Cable TV, complimentary internet access, a microwave, a mini fridge, a coffee maker, and a hair dryer are among the standard in-room amenities, and you won't have to worry about bringing soap or shampoo, unless you are faithful to certain brands. As for the other perks at this well-priced Indio motel, they include a free continental breakfast, and you won't have to pay anything to swim in the outdoor pool or take a dip in the hot tub.

Cheap Hotels in Palm Springs, California


Palm Springs cheap hotels are in good supply, so you don't have to break the bank on lodging when looking to visit this desert hotspot. Depending on how much you have to spend, you might opt to stay at one of the more upscale discount hotels in the Palm Springs area, such as the Andreas Hotel & Spa. You might also choose a cheaper motel, such as the clean and popular Motel 6 Downtown Palm Springs. In between are a number of cheap Palm Springs accommodations options that also deserve a look, so you might keep your options open. Staying in a cheap hotel close to an array of awesome restaurants, shops, and attractions can be the perfect balance for your Palm Spring retreat.

The Andreas Hotel & Spa isn't the cheapest hotel in Palm Springs, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better overall value. Built in 1935, this hotel exudes a healthy dose of Old World charm. The style is predominantly Spanish Revival, and renovations over the years have helped to add a contemporary edge. The queen rooms are the cheapest rooms at the highly-affordable Andreas Hotel & Spa, and regardless of which unit you book, the standard amenities will include cable TV, a coffee maker, bathrobes, a hair dryer, and an iron. More expensive suites with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces are available if you want to upgrade. Outside of the guest units at the Andreas Hotel & Spa, the facilities include an elegant spa, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. Hotel and spa packages are available.

If hotel discounts in Palm Springs are what you have in mind, you might want to give the Chase Hotel a look (pictured). This affordable hotel offers a lot of style and comfort considering the price, and some guest units feature kitchenettes if you wish to prepare money-saving snacks and meals. Comfortable furnishings and large color TVs add to the allure of the guest units at the Chase Hotel in Palm Springs, and when you're not relaxing in your room, you might wander over to Palm Canyon Drive to do some shopping. Back at the hotel, the heated pool, the barbecue area, and the free WiFi can help you fill your down time.

There are other Palm Springs cheap hotels that offer similar experiences. One is the Pepper Tree Inn, which is an adults only retreat that figures among the best boutique hotels around. Should you prefer even bigger hotel discounts in Palm Springs, then you might prefer even cheaper hotels, such as the Shilo Inn and the Vagabond Inn. These affordable hotels offer proximity to all the great area attractions, including the Desert Hills Premium Outlets and the Aerial Tramway, and while the rooms are relatively low on frills, they are both clean and comfortable. As is true at many of the cheap Palm Springs accommodations, both the Shilo Inn and the Vagabond Inn offer plenty of free perks to go with their low rates. These perks include free Internet access.

Cheap Palm Springs accommodations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you shouldn't have trouble finding your budget-friendly base while in the area. In Palm Springs, the Caliente Springs Resort is just one more discount lodging option, and you can hardly beat the rates at the Palm Springs Travelodge or the Motel 6 Downtown. If you don't have to stay in or near downtown Palm Springs, you might also look for hotel deals in the nearby cities. The Indio hotels offer some of the lowest rates around, for example. Also worth keeping in mind when it comes to hotel discounts in Palm Springs is the fact that numerous lodging packages exist to help travelers save some money. Some of these packages include big discounts on more expensive hotels.

Summer is the Palm Springs off season. As such, anyone who is interested in hotel discounts in Palm Springs might plan a summer visit. Sure, the weather is very hot in this area during the summer months, but that doesn't mean that you have to suffer. Teeing off in the morning can be a way to beat the heat at the golf courses, and scores of hotels, regardless of their rates, offer swimming pools. There's also the Knotts Soak City water park, where splashing around in a wave pool and zipping down water slides figure among the top things to do, and you can always duck into air conditioned stores and restaurants to beat the heat.

Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs, California


Palm Springs boutique hotels offer a considerable amount of style, and generally speaking, they are also good on amenities. Whereas some Palm Springs boutique accommodations have a historic appeal, others are more on the cutting edge with contemporary design. Regardless of their theme, you can expect the boutique hotels in this Southern California hotspot to provide an intimate environment that can be conducive to relaxing. Often, a fine array of facilities complement the cozy guest units, only adding to the overall appeal.

Naming the best boutique hotel in Palm Springs can be a rather tough chore, as there are a number of excellent ones to choose from. Among the best and most luxurious is the POSH Palm Springs (pictured), which can be found in the hip Uptown Gallery & Design District. An Art Deco appeal reigns supreme at this upscale gem of a hotel, and the well-equipped guest units feature premium bedding, large flat-screen TVs, deluxe bath products, WiFi, and guest robes, and more. Three suites offer a fully-equipped kitchen, though you might not need it, as three daily meals are included in the rates. These meals include a gourmet breakfast to help you get ready for a full day of shopping, golfing, or any other number of fun area pursuits.

Giving the POSH Palm Springs a run for its money in the best boutique hotel in Palm Springs department is the Orbit In. This small hotel is a restored establishment that invokes cool 1950's vibes, and you can find it between Palm Canyon Drive and the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains. As is true of many Palm Springs boutique hotels, the Orbit In offers spa services to go with its relaxing mountain views, or you can enjoy the serene environment at the outdoor pool. Other facilities include a hot tub area with a fire pit and a library where guests can borrow DVDs, CDs, and records. In the guest units, amenity highlights include a vintage-style record player, a DVD player, a CD player, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary WiFi. There are only nine studio guest units at the stylish Orbit In, and they can go fast, so booking in advance is recommended.

Another hotel that deserves consideration when trying to name the best boutique hotel in Palm Springs is the Desert Hills Hotel. This style-laden luxury boutique hotel is among the oldest of its kind in the city, and should you stay there, you will be mere blocks from all the great Palm Springs shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Desert Hills Hotel was built in 1957, and as is true of the Orbit In, it offers a mid-century design. Outside of the rooms and suites, an attractive courtyard area awaits, as does a hot tub and a heated pool. Inside the rooms and suites, upscale bath amenities, premium bedding and robes, and WiFi are among the amenities. Some rooms have a full kitchen, and you can also look to take advantage of the outdoor kitchen and barbecue area.

Palm Springs boutique accommodations are in good supply, so if you're looking to enjoy a stylish and comfortable lodging experience while in town, you will be in luck. Some of the other Palm Springs boutique hotels that you might also add to your list of possibilities are the adults only Pepper Tree Inn, the Viceroy Palm Springs, and the highly affordable Ace Hotel. These hotels strive to satisfy their guests with good amenities and good service, which in turn helps to make them some of the most popular hotels in town.

Saturday, 6 August 2011

Hotels in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs hotels offer a range of budget options, with plenty of recommendable inns to choose from as well, along with some of the finest luxury hotels in Southern California. Palm Springs, California has seen its fair share of changes in recent decades, and it continues to see a resurgence of folks who enjoy its history as much as they do fixing up its period homes. It’s important to note that the November through May high season sees most hotels in Palm Springs raising rates significantly. Midweek stays during the high season, and off season stays are your best bets for Palm Springs hotel deals.

Speaking of Palm Springs hotel deals, the Casa Cody is a good bet for low rates, and with the picturesque San Jacinto Mountains close by, it boasts quite a nice setting. Plus, its location at 175 S. Cahuilla Road is convenient, as it’s just a short walk into town and a few blocks from Palm Canyon Drive. A niece of Wild Bill Cody was a one-time proprietor, hence the name, and restorations to the main house and courtyard pools has brought it into the modern age quite nicely. The outdoor pools are heated, and the hotel offers a poolside continental breakfast free to guests. If you want added privacy here, you might find interest in one of the detached units, which are nice, 2-bedroom abodes. Each room option here has a refrigerator and television, as well as air-conditioning, and some feature kitchenettes and fireplaces. Beautiful gardens and trees surround the Casa Cody, adding significantly to its appeal, and with an in-room massage as an option, you’ll find that you get a lot for a little at this wonderful choice for hotels in Palm Springs.

For a full taste of Palm Springs in all its past glory, a stay at the peculiarly-named Orbit In Oasis is probably in order. This groovy and well-run establishment was once a 1950's motel, and it has been renovated quite nicely. The rooms here are all decked out in intriguing furnishings that help to carry the “Classic Palm Springs” theme, and during the summer, you can rely on the general Palm Springs hotel deals to reflect in the hotel’s deflated rates. There is a 2-night minimum stay required at the Orbit In Oasis, and that is typical of many Palm Springs hotels. This is an adults only establishment, which only serves to cement it as one heck of a swinging Palm Springs hotel. The pool setting here encourages hanging out under the sun, and on hot days, the poolside misters help keep you refreshed. Modern touches are everywhere here, and the hotel’s private Jacuzzi and fire pit make for interesting nights under the stars. Guests can choose from spacious rooms that offer different settings and amenities, and the “70's Modern Townhouse” in the Tennis Club neighborhood, is available for rent for those looking for it all. All rooms here are luxurious, offering amenities such as safes, comfy robes, DSL internet access, coffemakers, hair dryers, and CD and record players. At the Orbitini bar, the daily cocktail hour is a guest favorite, and the cruiser bikes are free to use if you want to explore.

Sometimes people can make all the difference, and the owners of the Desert Riviera Hotel fit into that category. This is another great choice for Palm Springs hotels if you are looking for a taste of Palm Springs history. The hotel was originally constructed in 1951 by then-renowned architect, Herbert Burns. The retro feel is well done here, and you might find yourself thinking you are staying in a cozy home, as opposed to a hotel. There aren’t many rooms here, but they are fabulous for the price, with a list of amenities to take advantage of. For starters, complimentary limousine service, soda, water and welcome baskets are just part of what makes this a great Palm Springs hotel. Wireless internet access, coffemakers, blenders, flat-screen tv’s, CD/DVD players, and signature toiletries are just some of the other amenities, and the list goes on. In fact, you will certainly be impressed by what the price gets you at the Desert Riviera, and the staff can help you book a tee time at one of the great area golf courses, or find an ideal tour. In-room spa services can be enjoyed, and the hotel offers a library of DVD’s, books and more for guest use. All in all, this is simply one of the top-rated hotels in Palm Springs.

Of course, there are a good amount of luxury Palm Spring hotel offerings, and among the newest is the Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs hotel, which is found at 4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr. A $20 million-plus renovation has brought this property into the modern age, and people have taken notice of its design. There are two savory restaurants to enjoy here, one offering some very high-end eats. Of the four hotel pools, two are heated, and the red-clay tennis courts are usually highly sought after. The Parker has a renowned sister hotel in New York City, and between the two, they continue to make names for themselves. Suites, Patio Rooms and the Estate Rooms are the different accommodations to choose from, and each features a full list of amenities, from mini-bars and refrigerators, to high-speed internet access and CD/DVD/MP3 players. The Gene Autry House, which is a nice villa, is a guest favorite, and the hotel’s spa is finding its place among the top spas in Palm Springs. Golfers will appreciate the Parker’s ability to get them on all the finest area courses.

Weddings in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs weddings are hugely popular due to this area's natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and range of things to do. Certainly, Las Vegas sees a larger number of ceremonies due to the relative ease it is to get hitched (and, incidentally, unhitched) in Nevada, but the spectacular landscapes provided by the surrounding deserts and mountains and the numerous gorgeous upscale venues that are available means that Palm Springs wedding packages are top among the special events that occur here throughout the year.

Several hundred couples get married in Palm Springs each year, and the business this generates is increased many fold by the number of visitors who come to participate in the grand event and enjoy further vacations while they’re here. Even more couples who don’t get married here enjoy Palm Springs honeymoons afterward. There are grand resorts and intimate boutique hotels in idyllic natural settings that have facilities suitable to host ceremonies. There is hardly a commercial property anywhere in the Coachella Valley that doesn’t have a suitable venue to suit any couple’s budget and tastes.

Even golf courses get into the act, and many Palm Springs weddings are held in club houses overlooking lush green fairways with sparkling fountains and water features. Palm Springs wedding packages are offered by golf courses from those in Desert Hot Springs nestled up against Joshua Tree National Park to the La Quinta Golf Club near the Salton Sea—and everywhere in between.

Bachelorette parties as well as weddings and Palm Springs honeymoons take advantage of the numerous full-service spas. The history of the region is intricately involved with its geology, which features numerous thermal mineral springs bubbling up to the surface. The Native Americans of the Coachella Valley have known the healing qualities of these springs for centuries. The springs account for many of the place names here, and pioneers and settlers began building bathhouses, sanatoriums, and spas as early as 1897.

There is a glitzy cachet to Palm Springs weddings added to by the Hollywood movie stars who began coming here in the 1930s. Scores of celebrity couples have tied the knot here, and some Palm Springs wedding packages are so exclusive that you need to “be somebody” for the planners to even consider you. But don’t despair, hundreds of wedding planners are ready to help you plan an unforgettable event in a spectacular setting that makes you feel you are somebody. Go to the boutique hotels of Desert Hot Springs for an intimate affair or to the exclusive Parker Palm Springs for one of the best five star experiences available.

This is also a huge gay travel destination, and there are a number of properties and planners specializing in gay and lesbian weddings. Probably more Palm Springs honeymoons and second honeymoons occur than weddings. Many hotels and resorts have developed around a romance theme, and many businesses cater to the kind of intimate atmosphere that encourages romance. Luxury hotels are apt to have romantic suites with private plunge pools and similar amenities. Vacation rentals can be had complete with the kind of butler and housekeeping service that means couples never need to leave. This is now an even more popular gay destination since the 2010 court ruling removing the ban on gay marriages.

You can obtain your license in any California county, and both parties must appear in person to do so. The license (no blood tests required) is valid for 90 days after it was issued. If you are coming from another state or out of the country, you will need to arrive somewhere in California with enough time to apply for the license before the ceremony. Many hotels can assist with the process, but you still must appear in person at a County Recorder's Office with two forms of identification per person to obtain the license.

Vacations in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs vacations are available for a variety of budgets and can suit the special interests of a wide range of travelers. Even though this has historically been a glamorous and ritzy destination, there are excellent Palm Springs vacation packages that are quite reasonably priced. If you can handle your betting responsibly, several of the resorts built around the Coachella Valley Native American casinos offer very attractively priced packages. Make sure to check the booking tool on this page to help find vacation packages as it will help you compare deals across a number of popular websites.

Families looking for cheap Palm Springs vacations can find very comfortable vacation rentals (with careful shopping around, sometimes quite luxurious ones) making for an excellent, active getaway. Since these have fully equipped kitchens, more money can be saved on dining out costs. Young, college-aged people looking for cheap and fun Palm Springs vacations will find them available at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club, located in the downtown area close to all the nightlife and city attractions and nestled up against the pristine wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. Reasonably priced Palm Springs vacation packages catering to the thriving gay travel industry are offered at happening spots like the Helios. But it is Palm Springs luxury vacations for which the area is best known.

This has been a playground for Hollywood movie stars, US Presidents, and the rich and famous since the 1930s and 1940s. Some of the vacation homes available for Palm Springs luxury vacations are full-blown mansions that were designed and lived in by legends like Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra. The La Quinta Resort and Rancho Las Palmas Resort are exclusive five-star resorts built in the prestigious Country Club Row area between La Quinta and Palm Springs. This area contains well over 100 golf courses, and numerous venues for elaborate weddings. They also have extensive full-service spas, something else that is part of the rich Coachella Valley history. Palm Springs luxury vacations at properties like these provide the ultimate in pampering from gourmet dining to upscale shopping, championship golf to romantic candlelit dinners in your private pool area.

Head to Desert Hot Springs for Palm Springs vacations in serene, intimate spa resorts and the best boutique hotels in the region. This is one of the best spots for honeymoons and other romantic getaways. Or rent an RV for an outdoor adventure for some boating, waterskiing, and camping in the Salton Sea State Recreational Area. The Coachella Valley lies between mountains and desert. You can head 8,500 feet up into the San Jacinto Mountains on the thrilling aerial tramways by boarding it right in the city. At the top you can enjoy gourmet dining in a restaurant with some of the most breathtaking views, or you can spend the day on more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Take an off road excursion in Joshua Tree National Park or enjoy tours of the many celebrity homes in the area.

Palm Springs vacation packages are also offered in conjunction with numerous special events. Several championship golf tournaments are played here each year. Easter week sees spring break revelry, the famous Kraft Nabisco Tournament (founded by Dinah Shore in 1972) played on the Mission Hills Golf Course, and the legendary Jeffrey Sanker White Party.

Palm Springs Vacation Rentals

Palm Springs vacation rentals are even more plentiful than golf courses in the Coachella Valley. Throw a dart at a map of the region, and there are bound to be available properties to suit your needs. Perhaps only the two other main “snowbird” meccas of Florida and Arizona have more. There are many areas surrounding Palm Springs as well that offer a range of rentals worth looking into that are not far with use of a rental car. These include Palm Springs, Indio, and La Quinta.

The majority of Palm Springs rentals are condo villas, townhouses, and single family homes. While many are available from private owners, almost all are through agencies that specialize in vacation homes and from the numerous resorts that have homes and condos within their complexes. A good example of this is Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, which has one of the area’s traditional luxury hotels with nearly 500 rooms and suites in addition to scores of homes and condos. Palm Springs rentals are also available at the Palm Desert Resort and Country Club, surrounded by seven golf courses including the Indian Wells Golf Course.

The most affordable Palm Springs rentals are modest condos. They are generally fully furnished studios and one- or two-bedroom units. Try the Oasis Villa Resort, located in the center of all the action less than a mile south of the airport. It is surrounded by golf courses, dining venues, shopping outlets, and next to the Knotts Soak City Oasis Water Park, which has a fitness center in addition to water slides, roller coasters, and other thrilling rides. The apartment complex has tennis courts (clay, grass, and hard surface), extensive gardens on 27 acres with four fountains, nine hot tubs, and eight swimming pools. These Palm Springs vacation rentals are extremely popular with young people on a budget who come for spring break and other getaways, and is very reasonably priced.

You are most likely to find a Palm Springs luxury vacation rental as this is a very upscale area. They do, however, come in a variety of price ranges, and you will save money if you do not require every opulent bell and whistle. Don’t worry, swimming pools and air conditioning are hardly considered luxuries, and are as common in houses and condos as refrigerators. You can obtain a significant price reduction and even get a Palm Springs luxury vacation rental if you opt to travel during the (very) hot summer weather. If you are traveling during peak winter months or any of the extremely popular events, it is recommended that you make arrangements for your vacations as far in advance as possible.

Because this is a major snowbird destination, may visitors might actually be considered part-time residents. They generally come from areas in the northern part of North America where it is extremely cold during the winter, although a large number are from places like Los Angeles and come here to get away from the city. Since these people are generally fairly well-to-do, it is a Palm Springs luxury vacation rental that most of them seek. They also come for extended periods, and many of the most luxurious Palm Springs vacation rentals have minimum stay of as long as 60 days. While this also applies to some luxury condo rentals, the majority of them (especially those on resort properties) can be had for stays of a week or even a weekend. If you have found a property that appeals to you for a short-term stay, and it is listed only for longer stays, it pays to invest time in a phone call to see what you can work out with the agent.

Palm Springs Vacation Homes

Palm Springs vacation homes are plentiful, and located throughout the Coachella Valley. Part of the history of this region is it status as a celebrity playground. You can clearly see this just in the name of the streets and various attractions—from the Sonny Bono Terminal at the airport to Frank Sinatra Drive and the Dinah Shore Golf Course.

There are several exclusive resorts and luxury hotels where movie stars and other celebrities stay while on their own vacations here. However, it is possible to find Palm Springs luxury homes that celebrities designed themselves and actually lived in. One of these is the magnificent Merv Griffin Estate in La Quinta, a 40-acre ranch with a working equestrian ranch and racetrack and a 2,000-square-foot living room. When you find these kinds of historic Palm Springs luxury homes they are apt to come with many of the celebrity’s personal furnishings. The living room of the Griffin Estate contains the entertainment mogul’s beloved Boesendorfer grand piano.

Palm Springs luxury homes do not come cheap. Griffin’s palatial estate goes for about $6,000 per night, close to $200,000 per month. However, you can find a more modest celebrity Palm Springs vacation house rental for a more reasonable rate. The Howard Hughes three-bedroom “bungalow” goes for a mere couple thousand per week and sleeps six people. This is fairly reasonable for families or small groups who may have come for special events like weddings.

In addition to being a celebrity playground, another reason there are so many Palm Springs vacation homes available is that this is one of the premier vacation and retirement destinations in the United States, ranking with southern Florida and Arizona. “Snowbirds” from all over the northern part of the United States and Canada retire or spend their winter vacations here. As a result, there are numerous resorts and vacation developments, some of which are on a time share basis. People with the funds and time like to play golf. They also like to travel, whether it’s abroad or to northern climes for the summer. Thus you will find more than 240 golf courses. And there are houses and condo rentals periodically vacant and available for lease.

Finding a Palm Springs vacation house rental that is actually located on a golf course is fairly easy. Located between Palm Springs and Palm Desert is what is called Country Club Row, a string of championship golf courses, country clubs, and golf resorts. Within the Palm Springs city limits and walking distance of many of the attractions is the area known as the Movie Colony. Like the city of Malibu just north of Los Angeles, this sophisticated community contains the cachet of glamor. Notable celebrity residents include Dinah Shore, Marilyn Monroe, and Cary Grant. You can find Palm Springs vacation homes here that range from unpretentious one- and two-bedroom bungalows to sleek luxury condos and full-blown mansions.

If you want a Palm Springs vacation house rental for a family, it’s possible to find one for under $200 or $300 per night—an excellent bargain for a small family with two or three children. Many of these are suburban-type homes in vacation communities with many of the facilities that resorts have, including multiple swimming pools, children’s play area, fitness centers, and spas.

Tours in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs tours are something that many visitors do on their own. However, there are a number of reasons to choose expertly guided tours of the large Coachella Valley and its surrounding mountains and deserts. If you have never visited the city before, Palm Springs bus tours that give you an overview of the city, its history, and Native American heritage is an excellent way to get oriented and find the places that you might want to spend more time exploring in-depth during the rest of your visit. Because these Palm Springs bus tours are escorted by professional guides with extensive knowledge of the region, the commentary you receive along the way will give you a richer understanding of the attractions you experience during your vacations. These orientation tours generally last from two to three hours.

Palm Springs celebrity tours are also generally on buses and motorcoaches. Numerous Hollywood stars have made their homes here. Likewise with famous politicians. Beginning with Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt, many powerful people have vacationed in the area. When President Gerald Ford left office, he and his wife retired in Rancho Mirage just outside of Palm Desert. He died here, and his wife established the Betty Ford Center here. But most Palm Springs celebrity tours concentrate on the homes of the glitzy movie stars who began coming here in the 1930s. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz so loved the region that they built the first hotel ever located on a golf course (which are in plentiful supply in the area). Bob Hope and Dinah Shore helped to make this one of the premier golf destinations in the world. Just in and around the Palm Springs city limits, Palm Springs celebrity tours will take you past the homes of 60 to 90 movie stars.

Other Palm Springs tours take you outside of the city and into the wilderness of the San Jacinto Mountains. Many of these journeys start with a ride up into the mountains on the famous aerial tramway, and then spend anywhere from two or three hours to the full day hiking with an expert guide on some of the 54 miles of trails in the Mount San Jacinto State Park. Wilderness trips like this also travel into the vast Joshua Tree National Park. Hiking in the desert or the mountains is one activity that benefits from the expertise of a guide. These are sometimes Palm Springs bus tours (usually a van or small bus carrying up to about 15 or 20 people) that make stops at the Visitors Center and The Hidden Valley and the Keys. Hidden Valley is a canyon enclosed by rocks rumored to have been used by horse and cattle rustlers; there is a one-mile hiking trail through the canyon. The Keys is a viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the famous San Andreas Fault, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, and the Salton Sea. You can book these tours for the entire day, including a picnic lunch.

Other Palm Springs tours include tours of the actual San Andreas Fault, visits to the vast wind farm in the San Gorgonio Pass with more than 3,000 giant windmills, visits (and brew sampling) at the Craft Brewery, and scenic helicopter flights over the valley. Although the vintages produced in the Napa Valley of Northern California are more famous and the wineries more numerous, there are a number of small vineyards and wineries in the area. These dot the landscape from Palm Springs and Palm Desert, past Indio and to the Salton Sea. Wine tours from Palm Springs visit some of these wineries, as well as in the Temecula Valley located about 70 miles from Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Spring Break

Palm Springs spring break became popular with young people—especially college students—after the 1963 film Palm Springs Weekend, starring Troy Donohue and Connie Stevens. For more than twenty years after the film’s release, this golf and retirement mecca for the rich and famous was taken over for the Easter weekend the way Fort Lauderdale became the spring break capital of the Southeast after the release of the 1960 film Where The Boys Are.

By 1986, things had gotten out of control. Spring break hotels in Palm Springs were reliably trashed once a year and the streets were literally taken over by out of control revelers. Local police coined the slogan: “come on vacation, leave on probation.” The 1986 weekend saw a genuine riot that made national headlines. Sonny Bono (city mayor from 1988 to 1992) was instrumental in passing a series of regulations called “Bono’s NoNo’s,” banning string bikinis and cruising through the downtown area. Palm Springs spring break deals were no longer promoted to young people. More sedate and sophisticated events like the now prestigious Palm Springs Film Festival were instituted, and young people flocked to Mexico (especially Cancun) for the rite-of-passage weekend.

The recession that began in the United States in 2008 and widely reported violence south of the border changed all that, and Palm Springs spring break came back with gusto beginning in 2009. Aspects of this weekend have been alive and well for some years, including the annual White Party that has been one of the hot gay travel events since about 1990. White Parties (where required dress is all or mostly white) are particularly popular with gay men and are held in places as diverse as New York City, Miami, and Pattaya in Thailand. The Palm Springs spring break White Party draws more than 20,000 gay men. In addition to the big eponymous event, most of the nightlife spots offer themed events throughout the weekend; guest performers include stars like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga, and internationally known disc jockeys spin the records at nightclubs.

Palm Springs spring break deals are available directly from many of the area hotels as well as from operators who promote many different destinations on college campuses. Good Palm Springs spring break deals are not necessarily only the cheap hotels in the Coachella Valley. Some spring break hotels in Palm Springs are definitely more upscale. The Renaissance (formerly the Wyndham) is located next to the Convention Center and is extremely popular. However, it is the cheap spring break hotels in Palm Springs that most young partiers seek, and there are several excellent ones. The Zoso Hotel is one of the area’s luxury hotels, and offers excellent deals during spring break and other events. Perhaps the most popular for young people is the Ace Hotel and Swim Club, with very affordable rooms and a huge poolside party area called The Commune.

Other great Palm Springs spring break deals can be had from the Agua Caliente Casino and the Spa Resort Casino. Both are located close to all the action and attractions, have large casinos and spas, and offer vacation packages for all big weekends. For something a little more offbeat, you can try the Shiloh Inn suites, which boasts of four-star accommodations and two-star prices, and the 1950s retro Movie Colony Hotel, which two-story townhouses with private pool access and second floor terraces.

Spas in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs spas are intricately entwined with the history and geology of the Coachella Valley. The entire area is dotted with natural mineral hot springs that bubble up to the surface and have been the source of many of the place names. The Native Americans who lived here when settlers came with the railroad in the 1880s knew of these springs and the healing qualities of them. Land that is currently the center of downtown Palm Springs was leased by a rancher who built a hotel and bathhouse over it in 1887. This became the first of what are today scores of Palm Springs spa resorts and patients suffering from tuberculosis (a scourge at the time) flocked here to “take the cure.”

In 1909, an article in Sunset Magazine (founded in 1898) announced that "All affections of the Skin, Rheumatism, diseases of the Kidneys and Bladder yield readily to the medicinal waters of the Hot Springs," and by the late 1920s a number of Palm Springs hotel spas had sprung up and gained international fame. Even the healthy came to visit and enjoy the spas and the magnificent scenery of deserts and mountains. Hollywood stars came from nearby Los Angeles. Presidents came, beginning with Hoover and Roosevelt. Gerald Ford retired here, and died here in 2006. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz built the first hotel ever on a golf course, and today the legacy of these famous visitors remain, from events like the Dinah Shore and Bob Hope golf tournaments to street names and even the Bono Terminal at the airport (named for entertainer/politician Sonny Bono).

Palm Springs hotel spas and resorts are located throughout the Coachella Valley. They stretch from the Salton Sea in the south to the borders of Joshua Tree National Park and the San Jacinto Mountains on the east and west to the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon to the north. Many of these Palm Springs spas take advantage of the natural springs, and there are many others that are manmade. Some of them are lovely boutique hotels, several of which are located in Desert Hot Springs, including the historic Two Bunch Palms and the El Morocco Inn.

Among the more modern Palm Springs spa resorts is the Palm Springs Marriott, actually located in neighboring Palm Desert. This lovely five-star property is surrounded by green golf courses, with sparkling swimming pools built on islands over a manmade lake, and lavishly appointed rooms and suites. The full-service spa is extensive, and the property offers vacation packages for golf, for spa treatments, and for special events like weddings. While not all of the Palm Springs hotel spas have such extensive grounds and facilities, they offer many of the same services.

More subdued and exclusive Palm Springs spa resorts might appeal to you. The El Morocco Inn and Spa in Desert Hot Springs has only a couple handfuls of opulent rooms with a decidedly “Arabian Nights” feel to them, and the exclusive spa is reserved only for guests. Here, you can imagine yourself at one of the exclusive spas of Sharm el Sheik in Egypt. If you’d rather have the excitement of readily available nightlife and gambling, you can find Palm Springs spas and resorts that are also casinos. You can try the Agua Caliente Casino and Spa Resort in Rancho Mirage. Agua Caliente means “hot water” in Spanish, and this band of Cahuilla Indians were the original owners of most of the land in this region, and it is they who first leased land with hot springs to settlers.

Resorts in Palm Springs

Palm Springs resorts are the preferred lodging choice for visitors, and whether you have golf, spa treatments, or simple relaxation in mind, it’s hard to pass up the chance to stay at one. The following suggestions for Palm Springs resorts will give you an idea of the possibilities, and hopefully they can help you find the ideal resort for your Palm Springs getaway.

Found at 74855 Country Club Drive, the Desert Springs-A JW Marriott Resort & Spa is a top pick for Palm Springs golf resorts. The full-service spa here also makes it ideal for those looking for Palm Springs spa resorts. You can play some of the best California golf courses when you stay at the Desert Springs Resort, and the rooms here are nothing short of comfortable. Signature custom bedding, a marble and granite-laden bathroom and a featured entertainment center are just some of the room amenities. Also included in each guest room and suite is a stocked mini-bar, a coffee maker, a hair dryer, iron and ironing board and an in-room safe. With 5 restaurants to choose from, you should find the kind of dining experience to suit your taste, and an equal amount of outdoor pools and Jacuzzi’s make relaxing here an easy endeavor. The Desert Springs Resort’s concierge and travel desk can help you plan area tours or day trips, that is if you ever want to leave. The Kid’s Club can prove an added bonus, and if you love to play tennis, the Desert Springs JW Marriot Resort & Spa is a fool-proof choice for Palm Springs resorts.

For another top pick for Palm Springs golf resorts, the La Quinta Resort & Club is a most ideal candidate. As you might also expect, those looking for Palm Springs spa resorts will also be quite content at this legendary retreat. Found at 49499 Eisenhower Drive, the desert setting here reveals a myriad of picturesque scenes where palm trees and cacti are in good supply. The 5 championship golf courses come from the minds of some of the top golf course designers in the industry. Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, Greg Norman and Tom Weiskopf are credited with creating what La Quinta likes to call, “The Western Home of Golf in America”. The luxurious Spa La Quinta provides a list of soul-enhancing treatments, many of which include Native American customs. Tennis Magazine considers La Quinta Resort & Club to be among the premier tennis clubs in the country, and the awards continue on from there. From the resort’s Casitas, to its Spa Villas, the accommodations are deluxe, featuring immaculate bathrooms, new flat-screen TV’s, and signature bedding. An Old World feel characterizes the lodging choices here, and each unit provides a private patio with views to boot, over-sized tubs, an in-room safe, climate control, upscale bath products, dataports and comfy bathrobes. If you like hotels with pools, there are 41 of them to be found here, and the 5 restaurants should provide a fit for all preferences.

Set on 240 picturesque acres, the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is found just outside of Palm Springs, and is a great pick for Palm Springs resorts whether you are traveling for business or pleasure. Once again, this hotel is a wonderful choice for Palm Springs spa resorts, and Palm Springs golf resorts. Meetings a conventions are a specialty here, so if you need to plan a special corporate event in the California desert, you might start your search for facilities at Rancho Las Palmas. 41000 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, is the physical address for the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, and room-side parking and nearby world class shopping and dining choices provide added convenience. The landscaped grounds here are as amazing as the rooms are, so whether you are indoors or out, it’s easy to enjoy the surroundings. You can relax in the morning on your private balcony, or tee it up early at one of the challenging courses found here. The Rancho Las Palmas spa is pretty much guaranteed to provide the best of treatments, and the resort’s numerous tennis courts feature among them a few red-clay options. 444 spectacular guest rooms, and 22 extra-spacious suites provide some of the best accommodations in Palm Springs. Satellite TV, high-speed internet access, premium beds, a private balcony, and all the basics are offered in each unit, and the suites feature an extra bathroom, as well as a wet bar.

If your budget is a bit tight, and you are looking for a nice choice for discount Palm Springs resorts, then perhaps the Palm Mountain Resort and Spa will make it to the top of your list. Families with kids under the age of 18 can save on accommodations, as kids stay for free. The Palm Mountain Resort is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs at 155 S. Belardo Rd, with the city’s main drag found within walking distance. Though it is not as fancy as some of the other Palm Springs resorts, it nonetheless is a wonderful place to find relaxation. Sitting poolside on the hotel’s pool terrace is sure to fill any downtime you might have, and the whirlpool tub is great for tired muscles. Also a good choice for discount Palm Springs spa resorts, guests here can enjoy access at a nearby wellness center. The guest rooms at the Palm Mountain Resort are all nicely decorated, and many feature a private balcony or patio. In-room amenities include ceiling fans, individual climate control, cable TV, an alarm clock, a coffee maker, a hair dryer, and an iron and board. For added convenience, each room here also provides a microwave and refrigerator.

Hiking in Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs hiking throughout the Coachella Valley will reveal wonderful views of this beautiful desert region that is punctuated by the San Jacinto Mountains on one side and Joshua Tree National Park on the other. The Joshua Tree National Park contains part of two very extensive deserts, the Colorado Desert (home of the Salton Sea and Death Valley) and the Mojave Desert.

The more than 140 Palm Springs hiking trails cover more than 1,250 miles that can take you from elevations of 11,000 feet to below sea level, and free Palm Springs hiking can be found on most of them, although there are vehicle fees to enter national parks, and some trails are accessed from parking areas that do have fees. If you are hiking on Indian land (the source of all the region’s casinos), there will also be an entry or vehicle fee.

Some of the best free Palm Springs hiking can be found right outside the door of your hotel room or your vacation rentals. Some of the best of these will be found around the town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains to the southwest. The Quiet Creek Inn is an excellent example, offering a number of secluded and sophisticated mountain cabins and homes that are excellent for family vacations and groups coming for special events like weddings. There are easy trails through the forest and alongside meandering creeks that can be enjoyed in a just a brief morning or afternoon excursion.

On the other end of nature’s spectrum, you can find free Palm Springs hiking in the desert at resorts in Desert Hot Springs. Or go even farther off the track and go camping in Joshua Tree National Park. You will pay camping permit fees for your campsite, but then you are free to wander up or down any of the established trails that suit your abilities.

If you don’t mind paying a fee in return for a truly extraordinary experience, you might consider the Living Desert, a unique wildlife and botanical park showcasing desert flora and fauna (the only such institution in the United States) and located in Desert Hot Springs. Here you can enjoy several hours of leisurely Palm Springs hiking as you wander through the extensive zoo and park observing everything from ostriches and hedgehogs to wolves and warthogs. There is a more extensive wilderness trail in the facility’s Eisenhower Park, with marked trails providing brief 30-minute hikes showcasing beautiful desert views to a full three-mile hike up rock formations and into deep canyons taking three to five hours.

Perhaps the most popular of all Palm Springs hiking trails is the Mecca Hills/Painted Canyons trail that takes you five miles or so into a deep slot canyon called Big Split Rock. The highway turnoff for this splendid hike is about ten miles southeast of the town of Indio, and then another ten miles or so to the trailhead near Joshua Tree National Park. A little farther south of Indio is the Salton Sea Recreational State Area. This beautiful area with many miles of hiking trails has a day-use fee and fees for camping.

While the Coachella Valley is an important agricultural region for the state of California, it nonetheless is desert. Many of the Palm Springs hiking trails take you deep into desert and/or high into mountains, much of which is pristine protected wilderness. Because of this, it is important that you follow some commonsense guidelines even if you are on easy trails near civilization. Remember that it can be extremely hot in the summer (upwards of 110∞ Fahrenheit), and quite cold during the winters. While winter weather can be quite balmy (70s and 80s), both desert and mountains get very cool at night. It is advisable to hike with at least one other person and bring plenty of water. Use sunscreen and a hat, dress appropriately (layers work well to accommodate a range of temperatures), and don’t wander off established trails. Let friends or family know when you expect to return. If you are staying in one of the area hotels or resorts, advise the front desk of your intended route and expected return time. During the summer months, it is best to attempt no Palm Springs hiking at all unless you are very experienced and in excellent shape.

Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Palm Springs

Rancho Las Palmas Resort is in the community of Rancho Mirage, about halfway between Palm Springs and the community of Indio. It is surrounded by many other golf courses and country clubs that are strung all the way from Palm Desert to Palm Springs and from Indio to the Salton Sea. This area is called the Country Club Row, and you have a choice of numerous golf venues here. The resort itself offers hotel-style rooms and suites as well as condo rentals and vacations homes—most alongside the Rancho Las Palmas Golf Course fairways and greens.

In addition to golfing, the premier sport in the Coachella Valley and certainly one of the most popular things to do, the Rancho Las Palmas Resort boasts a two-acre water park called Splashtopia, with water slides, a 425-fool lazy river, a sandy beach for castle building, water play zones with sprinklers and fountains, and a huge swimming pool. Children must be at least 42 inches in height to use the water slides, and there is an adults-only tranquility pool for those who want to relax away from the children. The resort also has a full-service spa, a boutique, and several dining options.

The Rancho Las Palmas Golf Course has 27 holes laid out in three groups of nine. It is a Ted Robinson design, with six lakes and the legendary Robinson bunkers. Breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains make a wonderful counterpoint to the waving palm trees, green fairways, and sparkling water features. You can book vacation packages that include the spa, golf, family deals, and special events like weddings.

Indian Wells Golf Resort, Palm Springs

Indian Wells Golf Resort vacations take you the little community south of Palm Springs and north of La Quinta within the prestigious area appropriately call “Country Club Row.” You will be able to find a couple dozen golf courses in the immediate area, but there are three excellent championship courses right here, serviced by four luxury resorts and numerous vacation rentals.

You can choose the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort with luxurious rooms and one- and two-bedroom villas with private whirlpools and lagoons or Indian Wells Golf Course fairway views. The famous Indian Wells Resort was built by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1957 and features glitzy 1950s retro décor and a rich Hollywood history. You might also choose the Miramonte Resort or the Esmeralda Renaissance. All except the Indian Wells Resort have full-service spas.

The Indian Wells Golf Course itself consists of the Celebrity Course and the Players Course, both 18 holes and par 72. Also in the area are the Shadow Mountain Golf Course, El Dorado Golf Course, Indian Ridge Golf Course, and others. As a guest at one of the four Indian Wells Golf Resort properties, you do have some privileges as far as confirming tee times, and vacation packages include golf discounts and/or spa and family discounts. All of the resorts can cater special events like weddings, and the courses are available for charity tournaments and other groups. Between the four resorts, you have a wide variety of dining options, including the acclaimed IW Club, other gourmet dining spots, casual poolside dining, lounges, bars, and snack areas.

Indian Springs Golf Course

Indian Springs Golf Course is located in the town of Indio, and is part of a complex that also includes the Heritage Palms Golf Course. Only a mile away is another complex dedicated to the sport that includes the Indian Wells Golf Course, Desert Horizons Country Club, Palm Desert and Oasis Country Clubs, El Dorado Country Club, Indian Ridge Country Club, Woodhaven Country Club, and the Lakes Golf Course.

There are several excellent resorts in this area, including the Indian Wells Resort founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1957—the first resort actually located on a golf course. Also around the Indian Springs Golf Club are numerous vacation rentals, some of which are on resorts. Luxury homes, condo rentals, and timeshares are also available in the area.

The Indian Springs Golf Course is open to the public, and rated one of the best such public facilities in the Coachella Valley. A golf day costing under $100 is rare in this slightly ritzy area, but you can find one here. If you come during the summer, it’s about half price, and there are even cheaper twilight times available. There are 6,771 yards on the course’s 18 holes, with a par of 72. It is known for its beautifully conditioned fairways and impeccable greens that are well respected in the sport. It is an excellent course for novice duffers as well as more experienced players. The Indian Springs Golf Club boasts a staff of pros available for instruction and partnering, a practice area, a clubhouse grill, and facilities for special events.

Escena Golf Course, Palm Springs

Escena Golf Course is located just to the east of the Palm Springs airport. Some of the holes actually play to or alongside the runway, and when you stop to relax with a cool drink in the sleek 1950s-style Escena Golf Club House, you have views of flights landing and taking off. It also sits at the foot of the majestic San Juan Mountains, and these provide more sweeping views along with the waving palm trees, desert landscapes, and soothing water features. The Club House contains 16,000 square feet, and has facilities to cater weddings and other special events. An expansive patio outside of the dining area boasts an open pit fireplaces for those after golf evenings when the desert air becomes chilly.

The 18-hole Escena Golf Course is a Nicklaus Design course, and when it opened in 2005 it was the first public course built within the city limits of Palm Springs in twenty years. Like the Indian Spring Golf Course further south in the town of Indio, it is one of the few places in the slightly ritzy Coachella Valley where you can play golf for under $100. There are numerous hotels and resorts within a mile, but the Escena Golf Club partners with the luxurious Riviera Resort and Spa. This property is located in the heart of all the Palm Springs action, and offers vacation packages and last minute deals for Escena golf games. You can also purchase spa packages and family packages, or a combination of all three.

Palm Springs Golf Courses

Palm Springs golf courses just can’t be avoided when you visit this vacation paradise. They are everywhere and are part of the history of the Coachella Valley and the region’s beginnings as a winter playground for Hollywood glitterati and the rich and famous. Palm Springs golf vacations have provided one of the top things to do here since Bob Hope and his contemporaries began showing up in the 1930s and 1940s. The first golf course (the O’Donnell Golf Club) was built in 1927 and is located about a mile west of the airport at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Today, Palm Springs golf packages are offered by virtually all of the casinos and resorts, and many of the golf courses are themselves integral parts of resorts. It’s hard to keep track of how many there are, but it’s safe to say more than 200. While some are exclusive private facilities and/or open only to resort guests, many more are available to the public. This profusion of Palm Springs golf courses makes the region one of top destinations for this sport in the United States. That it also has some of the most spectacular scenery combined with its sunny winter weather also doesn’t hurt.

Palm Springs golf vacations are available as soon as you land at the airport. You can just about walk from the arrivals terminal to the Doral Desert Princess Resort and Country Club, and if you’ve forgotten any necessary items, you can pick them up in the PGA Tour Shop located in the airport’s Bono Terminal. The Escana Golf Course has fairways and greens that literally run alongside the airport’s runways. This course by Nicklaus Designs is one of the top public golf courses in California. It also has a premier dining spot and is one of the region’s venues for weddings and other special events.

Also pretty much in town is the Westin Mission Hills Resort, which has its own Pete Dye course and is also surrounded by several other courses, though those are not affiliated with the Westin itself. One of the most famous of these Palm Spring golf courses is the Arnold Palmer Golf Course, but there are plenty to choose from.

Planning your Palm Springs golf vacations is about as easy as throwing a dart at a map of the region. There are bound to be several options wherever the dart lands. Around the Palm Desert area, you can book Palm Springs golf packages at Indian Wells Golf Resort or the Indian Springs Golf Course. In fact, a package is apt to include tee privileges at both of the world-class courses as well as the dozen or others in the immediate area. In Rancho Mirage (in between Cathedral City and Palm Desert) is the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, which offers almost 500 luxurious rooms and suites and boasts one of the many full-service spas in the area. In addition to its hotel, Rancho Las Palmas offers numerous vacation rentals, including condos and private homes.

Palm Springs golf packages are offered throughout the year. If you are on a budget, you will find them much less expensive during the summer months when the temperatures can be extremely hot. You can mitigate some of the hot weather by heading for the fairways as early as possible in the mornings and having plenty of water to drink during your round. During the heat of the afternoon, you can lounge by swimming pools (the Coachella Valley boasts one of the largest concentration of swimming pools in the United States, even cheap hotels have them) or trying your luck in one of the many casinos. You can also get in some shopping at air-conditioned malls.