7 Reasons to CHILL in Greater Palm Springs

By Jan Maguire     Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs

 

1. Surf’s Up!

 Family-friendly thrills abound at Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs, a 16-acre water park where you can surf the FlowRider, careen down waterslides, and cool off with a super soak in Kahuna’s Beach House. If you’re feeling flush, rent a private cabana for the whole group and then park yourself in an inner tube for a languid float down the lazy river. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has an onsite waterpark for hotel guests. Over at Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Spa, solo riders are raving about the DesertPipe, the world’s first rotating barrel ride. After sundown, bring the kids poolside to watch a flick on the big screen—many resorts offer family-friendly dive-in movies.

2. Indulge in Healing Waters

For major relaxation and pampering, plan a trip for multiple dips in the therapeutic waters of Desert Hot Springs, where geothermal mineral-rich waters flow from underground aquifers. Choose from nearly 20 hot mineral spa resorts including the 77-acre Two Bunch Palms where you may get a glimpse of celebrities unwinding in the river-rock Grotto pool or savoring farm-to-table cuisine. If you prefer more intimate surroundings, book a stay at a boutique property like Hacienda Hot Springs, El Morocco Inn & Spa or the Lido Palms, which offers five-day detox cleansing retreats throughout the year. Many properties have day passes, not to mention a wide variety of skin treatments and wellness classes.

 

3. Speaking of Celebrities

Soak up Hollywood vibes every January at the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. Considered one of the world’s leading cinema events, the festival screens more than 180 films from over 60 countries. To make the rounds amid a star-studded social scene, splurge for Awards gala tickets, and opening and closing night parties. If you’re a filmmaker or fan of short films, make plans to attend the Palm Springs International ShortFest & Market held annually in June, a premier breeding ground for next-generation Scorseses and Spielbergs.

4. This Is Where the Pros Play, You Can Too

 Get your golf game on in Greater Palm Springs, which boasts more than 110 championship courses designed by PGA legends the likes of Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and more. Every January, host course PGA West rolls out the green carpet for the CareerBuilder Challenge, a PGA tour event with Pro-Am play on the first 54 holes. Add three hospitality venues serving up food and craft cocktails, together with post-play rock concerts, for a fun-filled fan experience.

5. Watch Tennis Greats in Action

 Each March, more than 450,000 fans and the world’s top-ranked tennis players converge at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the BNP Paribas Open, a combined ATP/WTA tournament often described as “the fifth Slam.” There’s nothing that compares to the sight of Federer and Del Potro tearing it up on court or Venus and Serena going racket-to-racket. Even non-tennis buffs will get carried away by the entire experience: live entertainment, interactive kid-friendly activities, shopping, autograph sessions and 25 dining venues that include a Spago pop-up, Nobu—even champagne flowing all day long at the Moët & Chandon pavilion. (Photo by Billie Weiss)

6. Experience the Sport of Kings

Whether you pack a picnic for an afternoon of free tailgating or reserve a private VIP table, a Sunday polo match is a must when visiting Greater Palm Springs in winter. Head over to Empire Polo Club in Indio to watch incredible equestrians, mallet in hand, whiz down the field on their lightening fast thoroughbreds. Steps away, Eldorado Polo Club hosts Sunday games with tailgating, or dining in the Clubhouse or Cantina. At half-time, join other spectators on the field for the traditional divot stomp. Polo season runs January through the end of March. Both venues are dog-friendly (on leash).

7. Explore the Great Outdoors

Walk in the footsteps of the early Cahuilla who built thriving communities in the ancient Indian Canyons. Popular Palm Canyon is home to a magnificent collection of California Fan Palms and gorgeous trails spanning shaded gorges and scenic foothills. Nearby Murray and Andreas Canyons also provide ample options to traverse trails, picnic in lush oases, and meditate to the tranquil soundtrack of gently flowing streams. Be sure to visit Tahquitz Canyon, site of a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, age-old Indian art and artifacts.

Outdoor enthusiasts will discover countless trails for all ages and skill levels within Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, Coachella Valley Preserve, Mount San Jacinto State Park (take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway), Whitewater Preserve, world-famous Joshua Tree National Park and many more conservation lands.