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California: Palm Springs, Family Vacation Ideas.  The
Coachella Valley in Southern California is blanketed with
natural beauty and framed by snow-capped mountains. Sunny
days, starry nights and a delightfully arid desert climate
make vacationing pleasantly care free. From golf and tennis
to jeep adventures and hot air balloon rides the family
vacation options are super. Stargaze, enjoy jazz, see a
film, shop for turquoise or just chill and take advantage of
the serene ambiance of the desert.
Need a
few reasons to make plans? We have included our suggestions
below. The valley includes the communities of Cathedral
City, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta,
Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage.
Explore
the desert.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is designed to introduce
visitors to the diverse life forms that inhabit the deserts
of Southern California. Walk or ride a tram through sectors
recreating life in a range of desert zones; see and learn
about the wide variety of plants, insects, and wildlife,
including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, lizards, golden
eagles, bighorn sheep, and the ubiquitous roadrunner. The
captivating variety will keep even the most discerning of
visitors engrossed. Bonus points: Kids under the age
of 3 are admitted free, and admittance rates are reduced
during the summer months. (47-900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert,
CA, 92260. 1(760) 346-5694 or
www.livingdesert.org)
Fly
away.
For the more adventurous, visiting the Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway is a must. The 14-minutes ascent up nearly 5,900
feet to the upper slopes of Mount San Jacinto offers riders
a beautiful bird’s-eye perspective of the Coachella Valley.
Along the ride the Swiss funicular cars rotate slowly
offering each passenger a panoramic view. At the top
visitors will love the alpine scenery, ski-lodge restaurant
and temperatures
40°F
cooler than the desert floor. During the winter the
mountaintop offers visitors a snowy wonderland, perfect for
hiking and sledding. Bonus points: Guided mules rides
and cross-country ski equipment are available at the top.
(One Tramway Rd. Palm Springs, CA, 92262. 1-888-515-TRAM or
www.pstramway.com)
Step into
history.
The Palm Springs Desert Museum offers visitors a glimpse at
traditional Indian life (primarily of the local Cahuilla
tribe) as it was lived for centuries. Displays featuring
tools, basket, relics, and world-class Western and Native
American art collections, complete the picture. Alongside
the cultural components of the museum is the natural history
of the desert and the ways in which the desert environment
has shaped the people within it. Bonus Points: Admittance to the museum is free for children under the age
of six and free for all-comers each Thursday after 4pm.
Need to know: The museum’s Annenberg Theater often hosts
plays, lectures and other events – see the events calendar
for more information. (101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA
92262.) 1(760) 325-7186 or
www.psmuseum.org)
Shop around. Every Thursday evening check out the Palm
Springs Village Fest; featuring a variety of vendors
displaying arts & crafts, food, live entertainment and a
Certified Farmers Market the Village Fest is a great way to
enjoy an evening out, calming and fun for everyone. Bonus
Points: The Palm Springs Village Fest is officially
dog-friendly. Need to know: October through May the Fest is
open from 6-9pm, and from 7-10pm June through September.
(North Palm Canyon Dr. From Baristo Road to Amado Rd.)
1(760) 320-3781 or
www.palmspringsvillagefest.com)
Ride in a
Jeep.
Explore the infamous San Andreas Fault in a big red Jeep
with Desert Adventures. Steep canyons tower over head as the
tour winds through the tortuous terrain created by the
awesome power of the San Andreas Fault – a great excursion
for kids from 6 to 106. Bonus
Points:
Desert Adventures offers 5 different tours, offering
participants a range in insanity and locale. (74-794 Lennon
Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA, 92260.) 1-888-440-JEEP,
1(760) 340-2345 or
www.red-jeep.com)
Explore
Joshua Tree.
Visit the national park made famous by the UK sensation U2
and enjoy the other-worldly landscape, diverse flora and
fauna, and campgrounds, as well as horse and hiking trails.
Bonus points: During the spring and fall, visitor to JTNP
can participate in a variety of walks, hikes and campfire
talks led by park rangers and naturalists. (Joshua Tree
National Park, Joshua Tree, CA – about an hour from Palm
Springs.) 1(760) 367-5500 or
www.joshua.tree.national-park.com)
Where
is my pillow?
Hyatt
Grand Champions Resort Spa.
Surrounded
by the stunning desert landscape, our 35-acre oasis
of lush gardens and shimmering fountains provides guests
with the ultimate vacation atmosphere. We have 480 spacious
guestrooms, 35 luxurious suites, and 19 deluxe private
villas with backyard, spa & butler service. Our elegant Palm
Springs hotel and spa offers impeccable services and
amenities, an award-winning spa and championship golf plus
seven inviting pools, tennis courts and marvelous dinning
options. Camp Hyatt, and its many activities and excursions,
is available for our young guests. Bonus points:
Children ages 17 and younger stay fee in parents’ room and a
rollaway or crib is available upon request. Onsite
babysitting services are available. We have the “Best Rate”
online guarantee. Hyatt Grand
Champions Resort and Spa 44-600 Indian Wells Lane,
Indian Wells, California, USA 92210.
www.GrandChampions.Hyatt.com
Content
created by Travel Communications Inc. and /images/ezine provided by
Living Desert Zoo. Copyright 2008.
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