Going to Palm Springs... Any Suggestions??

[Lorena]

We're going on a mini-vacation to Palm Springs, CA during the July 4th weekend. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go, things to do, etc? I'm looking specifically for family friendly outtings but welcome all suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

[digamma]

Do you have a place to stay already?

I'd recommend getting a little bit out of Palm Springs into the Palm Desert/Indian Wells area.

As far as activities, it's going to be HOT. The tram ride to the top of one of the mountains is supposedly pretty cool. I've never done it, but it's been recommended to me a number of times.

Joshua Tree isn't far and the "Living Desert" reserve is also nearby.

Otherwise, stay near the pool and drink plenty of water.

[Lorena]

Hi Digamma, thx 4 da advice and yes, we do have a place 2 stay.

[Coffee Warlord]

Alright, places to eat. I was born there, and we vacationed there many a times after we moved, so I know the good joints. As far as event type stuff, not as much anymore. But, the two places you must go for food....

Banducci's. Find it. Go there. Eat. An absolute must. Still the best Italian food I've ever had.

Bit O' Country: *Excellent* breakfast joint. Sort of a hole in the wall spot that's known mostly to locals.

Las Casuelas: Quite good authentic Mexican food. Make sure you go to the original one, the "newer" ones aren't as good.

Oh and be warned. Mid-July in PSP == HOT. Really hot. Pace yourself.

edit: Nevermind. You're in AZ. You know the climate.

[digamma]

I second Bit O'Country and Las Casuelas--and agree on the original one on the PS strip.

There's a nice movie theater at the River in Rancho Mirage.

The outlets are nearby in Cabazon.

[Karlifornia]

I can third Las Casuelas..very tasty and cool atmosphere.

[Karlifornia]

Dola,

Also, there's fun for the whole family if you go take a tour of a crystal meth lab.

[JPhillips]

I'm not sure what's playing, but the professional thetare, Palm Canyon Theatre is run by friends and is pretty good. The trip up the mountain is a must. I loved it. The Living Desert was also very cool, but I was there during February, so it will be hot.

If you like naked/gay stuff there's enough for the whole family! (Someday I'll tell the story of getting stuck as the only straight guy in a gay men's clothing optional resort.)

[Desnudo]

We're going on a mini-vacation to Palm Springs, CA during the July 4th weekend. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go, things to do, etc? I'm looking specifically for family friendly outtings but welcome all suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

Get jiggy with it

[EagleFan]

I recommend taking the tram to the top of the mountain. The view from up there is incredible. It's amazing how close you go from abuot sea level and 100+ degrees to over 8000 feet and in the 70's.

It you're there on that Thursday, you need to check out the festival on the main strip (I think they still have that). It's basically one big block party.

I can't remember the name of the bar, but there't a really nice Cheers type bar along that main strip as well. It's more of a local bar with big soccer ties. Had a wonderful time there with mostly the locals, few tourists seem to find that place (guess it's not flashy enough to stand out). It might be called the English Tavern, or the Tavern, something like that, I believe.

Riding in a glider is also recommended but it might be a little too hot that time of year. There's a nice little Indian casino there as well, if you're into that. It's not reallhy big but fun none-the-less.

[digamma]

Riding in a glider is also recommended but it might be a little too hot that time of year. There's a nice little Indian casino there as well, if you're into that. It's not reallhy big but fun none-the-less.
Actually, the Indian casino business has really taken off in Palm Springs. 15 miles west of Palm Springs is the new Casino Morongo with a Palms (Las Vegas type set up). About that far west of PS is Fantasy Springs Casino, which has also added a resort in recent years. Rancho Mirage has Aqua Caliente Casino, which is adequate, but very basic. The Spa Casino is the one just off the PS strip. It's the worst of the bunch, but it's still gambling.

[Runtheball]

Never heard of Las Casuelas, (though I'll make a point of going there next time) but years ago I found a little place called La Chapala. It was right off 111 just a little east of downtown Palm Springs. They had the best chile verde I've ever had.

Although this is certainly not the best restaurant in Palm Springs, Devane's has very good food and a nice garden atmosphere. You've got to take 111 all the way into Indio, but it's worth it. It's the best place in Indio.

Definitely go to the Living Desert, but do so in the early evening (if they're open at that time) as the animals will be much more active then. 1000 Palms Oasis is also worth a short visit, especially if you're interested in geology or desert plants.

[JPhillips]

I forgot about the Oasis. It was a great little hike. I was there during a very unusual rainy week and the whole desert exploded with green in a matter of days. Very cool.