When people mention Southern California, the giant amusement parks and the glitz and glam of Hollywood immediately jump to mind, but there is so much more to see and do in this sunny family destination than what shows up in the guide book. We took an incredible four days and crammed in some amazing adventures around Palm Springs.
Palm Springs is a small city (being generous here) more like a town but it is beautiful. We flew into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which was probably the most picturesque airport I have ever visited. Most of it was outside with lovely desert gardens. This was a great airport to fly into as it was small and very stress-free (especially the TSA). My family of four literally walked right through security with nobody in front or behind us. Also, we were able to get an excellent price on the airfare, as the airport is two hours from Los Angeles and considered an alternative destination.
What to Do
Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car. It takes visitors over 2 miles up the side of Mt. San Jacinto to a final altitude of 8,516 feet, offering a spectacular view of Chino Canyon. At the top there are two restaurants and a cocktail lounge, as well as a natural history museum and 50 miles of trails. The hike to San Jacinto’s peak has impressive vistas and its also the 2nd highest elevation in the state of California. $25.95 for adults (11 & Up), $16.95 for kids 3-10. 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs
- Located in the high desert, the Wolf Mountain Sanctuary is a once in a lifetime experience. Not only was the visit fun and educational, it was economic, too. The animal encounter with resident wolves will teach your kids about the animals, as well as possibly get them tons of kisses and face washes. $25, tours must be scheduled in advance. Lucerne Valley
Image courtesy of the Wolf Mountain Sanctuary
- After leaving the wolves, take a drive through the mountains on the Route 18 to Route 330 scenic drive. The breathtaking winding tour of the mountains and passes through a few lovely and rustic towns along the way, including Big Bear Lake, where you may just find snow. Eventually Route 18 meets up with Route 330 which takes you down out of the mountains to the freeway in San Bernardino.
Big Bear Lake, image courtesy of Visit California
- Located on the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, the 1.8-mile hike in Tahquitz Canyon leads to a picturesque 60 foot waterfall. Along the trail is rock art and lots of places for kids to climb and explore, and you’ll find a beautiful view of Palm Springs. This can be a strenuous hike so it’s a good idea to start early in the day and give yourself plenty of time to climb in and out of the canyon, especially as the visitor center closes at 4pm and visitors are expected to be off the trail by 5pm. There is a fee to enter the canyon: $9 for adult (13 and older), $7 for senior and students, and $5 for children (6-12). 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs
- Not far from Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park. This strikingly beautiful place in the desert features giant rock mountains that are easy for kids to climb and explore. The Cottonwood Spring Oasis is another beautiful spot filled with palms. 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms.
Where to Stay
The kid-friendly Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is just a few miles from Palm Springs. Its claim to fame? Eight different mineral spring-fed pools and hot tubs of varying temperatures from ice cube frozen cold to skin peeling hot. The best part of the hot springs at this spa is that the water here smells pleasant and tastes good, which is not the case for most of the hot springs in the area. During our stay, we enjoyed clean and spacious rooms with a patio that faced the hot springs. A budget-friendly option, my kids enjoyed hopping from pool to pool and hot tub to hot tub, and we were happy to have an onsite restaurant and poolside service. 10805 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Written by Kimberly Crawford