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The warm air may draw you here, but any number of other attractions will keep you coming back.
It could be the innovative spas in Desert Hot Springs, the outdoor adventures in the desert, art galleries in Palm Desert, hot air ballooning over Joshua Tree, or the hundreds of birds at the Salton Sea. Then again, it could be the simple act of lounging by a turquoise pool in Palm Springs that’s reason enough for a repeat visit.
About the Region
The vast, awe-inspiring and action-packed Southern California region lies northeast of San Diego 140 miles (225 km) and 107 miles (172 km) east of Los Angeles. Noted for its luxurious year-round resorts and hotels, it seems as if everyone in the desert is either at the pool side or has a tennis rackets in one hand and a golf club in the other.
The resort communities of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Bermuda Dunes were once retreats for the rich and famous. Today, the area offers some of the finest resorts in the world, more than 90 golf courses, 600 tennis courts and diverse shopping and dining. Palm Springs’ latest offering is the Gardens of El Paseo, 18,580 square metres of shops, galleries and restaurants in a two level, open-air complex. With new circular tram cars and revolving floors, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides a 360-degree view of this awesome region.
The high Mojave Desert, which stretches east to the Nevada border, encompasses the vast Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park (86 meters below sea level). Farther south, the Salton Sea and the Colorado River provide an abundance of water sports and wildlife viewing opportunities. Here you can hike and explore the colourful desert landscape or swim and water ski / wakeboard for miles without stopping.
Activities
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California’s Desert region art scene got its start as American artists flocked to the southwest in the early 20th century. Add to that its popularity with Hollywood glitterati, and you’ve got the two ingredients that continue to fuel arts and culture here today, including fine art, opera, symphony and theatre.
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For decades the desert has been a safe haven for golfers trying to escape the bone chilling cold of winter. Today, low handicappers and hackers alike still enjoy the desert’s warm winter days and crisp nights. However, those same golfers are returning to play in the summer months, when the days are hot, the nights are warm, and green fees are extremely attractive.
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California’s Desert region is full of natural beauty and ways to explore it: by foot, horseback, bicycle, car and hot air balloon. Whether you’re getting out to rock climb in Joshua Tree, bird watch in the Salton Sea, or run in the Dumont Dunes, rest assured there are plenty of opportunities to cool off afterward in the area’s rivers, lakes, and (of course) swimming pools.
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Palm Springs has long been an escape for Southern Californians, so a large number of spas cater to on holiday urbanites. In and around Desert Hot Springs, many spas are built around natural springs, and encourage visitors to 'take the water' for its healing powers. In addition to treatments such as massage and scrubs, you’ll find Native American-inspired purifying rituals to restore body, mind, and spirit.
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Long a favourite getaway from the hubbub of Hollywood, the residents of Palm Springs and surrounding towns enjoy a lively restaurant scene. Close proximity to Southern California’s vineyards ensures sophisticated wine lists. Several landmarks, reminders of the rat pack’s days, still provide reliable, thick steaks with a special ambiance. Newcomers to the dining scene are spicing things up with barbecues, upscale Californian, Hawaiian and Thai.
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Recommendations
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