Notice: Our pool will be closed for remodeling during the month of August 2022
Caliente Tropics is the perfect outpost to explore the boomtown that is Palm Springs. That’s right, boomtown! Palm Springs is a desert oasis, America’s playground, the pride of Coachella Valley. What with all the area’s attractions — from top-rated golf courses and vibrant festivals, to museums and nature tours — it’s no wonder Palm Springs is thriving in the tourism department.
Put all that in a pot and add a dash of nightlife here, and stunning scenery there, and we’ve got quite the recipe for an unforgettable getaway.
Oh, and did we mention Palms Springs sees about 360 days of sunshine a year? It’s almost too good. . . almost.
At Caliente Tropics, we want our guests to experience the best that Palms Springs has to offer. So we’ve put together a little sampler of the best things to do in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs makes a claim at Golf Capital of the World, and for good reason. With over one hundred golf courses to choose from, and thirty some-odd tournaments played every year, Palm Springs is an ace-in-the-hole for the golf enthusiast. So don’t forget to pack your clubs!
These two courses are not to be missed. . .
This Palm Springs golf course features two world-class layouts designed by John Fought. Cimarron, named after the vibrant purple flower, also means “wild and untamed.” Enhancing the beauty of the native desert, Cimarron Golf Resort uses European-style features such as bunker walls made out of sod and filled with white crushed marble against the creative contouring of the emerald fairways. Cimarron is quite unique, combining traditional desert golf with European-style links similar to those in old Scotland.
Address : Cimarron Golf Resort, 67603 30th Ave, Cathedral City
Phone: 760-770-6060 or 807-966-6233 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cimarrongolf.com
Made up of two outstanding 18-hole courses, Tahquitz Creek offers incredible views of Palm Springs, and it was recently voted “one of the best places to play” by Golf Digest. A Palm Springs favorite since its opening in 1995 as The Legend, Tahquitz Creek is a traditional-styled course having recently undergone renovations. What was once 6,600 yards of fairways lined with trees, now has 40 additional bunkers. Designed by the famous architect Ted Robinson, this Palm Springs golf course opened in 1995 features strategically placed bunkers, rolling terrain, spectacular waterscapes, and incredible views of the mountains.
Address : Tahquitz Creek Golf Course, 1885 Golf Club Dr, Palm Springs
Phone: 760-328-2375 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cimarrongolf.com
There’s no shortage of festivals and outdoor events in Palm Springs. Lace up your sneakers for a charity run, or head to one of the countless food, music, and performing arts festivals. There’s always something fun and exciting to do in Palm Springs.
The Coachella Valley has also earned the reputation of being open and tolerant of all different lifestyles, cultures, interests, and celebrations. So no matter who you are, you’ll likely feel right at home in our desert oasis.
Whether you’re a history buff, or just a connoisseur of neat stuff, the cultural and historical treasures of Palm Springs are sure to delight. Here’s a tip: head over to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum for a fascinating tour. Here you’ll learn all about Palms Springs through the centuries — from the hardscrabble pioneer days of the 1800’s, to today’s vibrant cultural hotspot.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Just a short drive from Caliente Tropics, guests can explore the rich culture and history of the Cahuilla Indian tribe at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. The museum is a not-for-profit organization, and admission is always free.
Hours: September through May, 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday (closed Monday & Tuesday). June through August, 10 am to 5 pm, Friday through Sunday (closed Monday through Thursday).
Address : Village Green Heritage Center, 219 S Palm Canyon
Phone: 760-323-0151
Website: www.accmuseum.org
Head on over to the Palm Springs Art Museum, a nationally accredited art and natural science facility, which houses fine permanent collections and top-touring exhibitions, galleries, sculpture gardens, the Annenberg Theater, and a cafe. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, year around except for major holidays. Free admission on Thursdays from 4-8 pm and 2nd Sunday of each month. Closed during August.
Guests can take a trip back in time, talk to war heros, and marvel at over two-dozen WWII planes. Stationed throughout three air-conditioned hangars, the collection includes a Spitfire, B25, P47, and a B17. Also on display are twenty vintage automobiles, including a 1948 Tucker, and a copper-trimmed 1928 Rickenbacker) next to the Combat Photography, Flying Tigers, and Women in WWII displays.
A diorama showing Pearl Harbor before the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941 is positioned next to a $1,000,000 exhibit of five handcrafted metal models of navy vessels. Watch a free video in the Buddy Rogers Theater, and test your flying skills on the combat computer flight simulators.
Address : Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Dr, Palm Springs Phone: 760-325-7186 Recorded Information: 760-325-0189 Website: www.psmuseum.org
Address : Palm Springs Air Museum, 750 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs Phone: 760-325-7186 Website: www.psmuseum.org
www.PSHistoricalSociety.org
Join the Palm Springs Historical Society on a remarkable trip through Palm Springs’ past with a professional tour guide. And pop into the museum where you’ll find a collection of artifacts and a wealth of information about the history of the area.
Tour cost: $20
Includes: Historical Palm Springs highlights; Mid-century and Spanish architecture; Celebrity glamorous tales of days gone by. Reservations required – Interested in private or group tours? Call to arrange – 760-323-8297.
Adventure Tours
www.FiveStarAdventuresInc.com
If the history and cultural tours seem a bit tame for you, why not hop on the “It’s all about Palm Springs” tour, or the “Legends and Icons” tour? Play paparazzi for a day and get up-close-and-personal with over 50 celebrity homes of Palm Springs. The star-studded A-list of current and past celebs includes everyone from Suzanne Somers and Bob Hope, to Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Eat your heart out Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Another great tour, the Modernism Tour of Palm Springs, is the perfect choice for those interested in architecture and the creative architects who helped to put Palms Springs on the map.
Phone: 760-200-9483
For you adventure-seeking guests, check out the Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon excursions where you’ll enter into a living laboratory of the incredibly diverse Palm Springs desert. Indian Canyons includes a 15-mile natural masterpiece called Palm Canyon, as well as the Andreas Canyon which is teeming with over 150 species of indigenous plants and fan palms. Guests can also hike to Murray Canyon, a great spot for picnicking and sightseeing.
Palm Canyon is 15 miles long and is among the most beautiful places in the West. It contains natural flora and fauna which are indigenous to the gorges and desert lands of this area. The Andreas Canyon contains over 150 species of plants, and fan palms are also abundant. There is also Murray Canyon, which can be hiked to from Andreas Canyon. There are recreation areas within palm tree groves at the end of many of the trails.
Address : Indian Canyons, S. Palm Canyon Drive, 5 miles from the center of Palm Springs
Phone: 760-325-3400 Website: www.indian-canyons.com
Located inside the Agua Caliente Reservation, Tahquitz Canyon is a strikingly beautiful and culturally diverse area. The canyon offers a breathtaking 60 foot waterfall, ancient water systems, and array of different plants, wildlife, and rock art.
Address : Tahquitz Canyon, 500 W Mesquite, Palm Springs
Phone: 760-416-7044 Website: www.tahquitzcanyon.com
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rises high above the desert floor in revolving tram cars. The magnificent ride lets you off at Mountain Station, a great spot situated at 8,516 feet in elevation where you can relax and sip cocktails in the lounge, have a meal at the restaurant, or find some trinket treasures in the gift shop.
You’ll also find 54 miles of great hiking trails in Mt. San Jacinto State Park. A permit is required for overnight camping. The park is open all year. Hours: Opens weekdays at 10 am. Opens weekends and holidays at 8am. Tram cars run every half hour. The last one down the mountain departs Mountain Station at 9:45 pm.
Address : Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs
Phone: 760-325-1449
Website: www.pstramway.com
Palm Springs Balloon Rides
Enjoy a spectacular sunrise balloon flight, or bid the sun farewell in the afternoon. Either way, you’re sure to drink in spectacular views of the Coachella valley. Ballooning provides great photo opportunities, so be sure to make space on your camera or phone. As you fly peacefully with the wind, your skilled FAA certified commercial pilot will give you an in-depth tour of the area. You’ll learn the history of the Coachella Valley and celebrate with a 200-year-old traditional champagne toast. Once back on dry land, you’ll be presented with commemorative aeronaut flight certificates and in-flight photos. Balloon rides are space- and weather-permitting, so always schedule for your first available day.