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The San Gorgonio Pass is dotted with thousands of windmills |
PALM SPRINGS TOUR: DAY 3
After all your activity you deserve a lazy morning by the pool before you leave town, then brunch. Le Vallauris, a landmark of old Palm Springs, is considered by locals to be the finest dress-up restaurant in town, and it is also the prettiest.
If you're not leaving town too early, take yourself back for one more visit to the desert and a tour of some of the 4,000 windmills that line the San Gorgonio Pass and power the valley quickly, cleanly and nearly silently. As you learn about aeronautics, meteorology, botany and high finance, the soft whirring of the 112-foot blades is hypnotic. But look down, at the 1,000-year-old creosote trees along your way, dancing in the wind, and let yourself feel the timelessness of this valley of the sun.
INSIDER INFORMATION
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Carriage ride through town |
Events
On Thursday nights, Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs' main drag, becomes a street fair, full of crafts and snacks, music and ideas. The gathering crowds may hide the Hollywood Boulevard-tinged walk of fame featuring local notables. Stone stars spotlight entertainers like Marlene Dietrich, Harpo Marx, Cheetah the Chimp, Sidney Sheldon and even Mr. Blackwell.
Climate
Summer temperatures in the Coachella Valley typically soar to above 110° Fahrenheit while winter daytime temperatures might be in the 70s. You can expect nighttime temperatures to drop by about 30° in any season, so in winter a jacket is advisable for going out at night. The area gets under 5 inches of rain per year, meaning about 350 annual days of sunshine.
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GAY PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs is one of America’s most popular gay getaways. Unofficial estimates put the city’s gay and lesbian population upwards of 30%. A big part of the attraction is small inns targeted specifically to gay and lesbian travelers, such as Casitas Laquita, The Hacienda at Warm Sands or Inndulge. Looking to go out on the town? Hunter’s and Streetbar are perennial favorites; Blame It On Midnight flourishes, with entertainment Wednesday to Saturday, and Azul pours bar specials and serves tapas until 2 a.m. |
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For more information, visit the Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
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MORE PALM SPRINGS INFORMATION |
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(Updated: 09/14/11 CT) |
