Palm Springs Airport Rates as Stress-Free

SmarterTravel.com recently included the Palm Springs International Airport among its list of America’s Top 10 Stress-Free Airports.

Wait for your flight sitting outside under palm trees as you relax with a glass of wine. You'll find a courtyard featuring patio seating, a wine bar, and a Starbucks, as well as play spaces for both kids and pets. There’s free wireless Internet access available throughout the airport for those wanting to get connected, a smoothie bar, and glass artwork by noted artist Dale Chihuly whose work is also on display at both Bellagio and Mirage resorts in Las Vegas.

The small size and open-air layout of the Palm Springs Airport creates an overall relaxed environment with minimal hassle. Best of all, the airport is about 5 minutes by car from Palm Canyon Drive, the main street of downtown Palm Springs.

Major and regional carriers like United, American, Delta, WestJet and Alaska Airlines service the airport either on a seasonal or year round basis. From late-September to mid-June travelers can get direct flights into Palm Springs International Airport from Calgary, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Edmunton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma, Toronto and Vancouver.

Real Palm Springs Resort Experience

Yesterday I had the opportunity to provide a personalized tour of the Palm Springs Old Las Palmas neighborhood (formerly called the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs) to two visitors from New York City.

These guys made their original Palm Springs resort reservation based on recommendation from a friend, but when they arrived at the resort they saw a swimming pool filled with fun-loving, albeit noisy children – something they were definitely not looking for in their special Palm Springs vacation.

After cancelling this reservation they made a number of frantic telephone calls to other resorts looking for more appropriate accommodations. They ended up choosing a resort based on how friendly and helpful a particular front desk staff person was on the telephone.

I know the resort they chose, and I’m sure their stay was enjoyable, but having spent time with these guys, I also know the resort does not particularly match their personalities and interests. I think choice of resort has a big impact on how much one enjoys a Palm Springs vacation, whether it’s for one night or one month.

With over 120 individualized resort properties in the City of Palm Springs, there’s a resort to match almost every interest and preference. If only these guys had known about, and utilized my vacation planning services. I could have saved them hassle and time, and suggested a resort that gave them, from the get go, a truly positive and memorable Palm Springs resort experience. I hope they will check in with me the next time they are headed to Palm Springs!

BTW, they really liked their walking tour of Old Las Palmas!

Palm Springs Resorts – Boutique – Korakia Pensione

257 S. Patencio Road

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760-864-6411

www.korakia.com

There is one word that I think best describes Korakia – escape. Although just a short walk from busy Palm Canyon Drive, with its excellent chef-owned restaurants and unique desert flair, Korakia is an old-world pensione that blends Tangiers and the Mediterranean.

The resort is actually two historic villas located directly across the street from each other. Built in 1924, The Moroccan villa was the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts. Here Coutts re-created his earlier life in Tangier by employing a wide variety of architectural features that promoted a Moroccan decor. It is rumored that Winston Churchill painted in the villa's Artist Studio. J. Carol Naish, an early silent-screen star owned the 1930's Mediterranean villa. The Naish property blends the charm of southern Europe with North African accents throughout its structure.

You will find no TVs in the rooms as well as no room telephones, although the resort is WIFI enabled and there is at least a small fridge in every room. There are really no “standard” rooms at Korakia to describe, but luckily, the resort’s website provides a full description and pictures of each of the 28 rooms, suites or bungalows. Some have studio kitchenettes and others have full kitchens as well as sitting area. I found it fun just to look at the wide variety of accommodations.

Although there are 2 well maintained pools, there are no Jacuzzi hot tubs. What I think is special about Korakia are the unique and relaxing amenities that make this place an unusual getaway from day to day reality. Enjoy a complimentary full-cooked breakfast in the Moroccan courtyard, seek healing with yoga or meditation on the weekends, pamper yourself with wonderful spa offerings offered daily, curl up with a vintage book from the library lounge, borrow a complimentary bicycle to explore Palm Springs – even join a game of bocce ball and relax with the daily Moroccan tea service.

Evenings are magical with 2 fire pits flickering and over 100 candles and lanterns spread out over the entire the property. There are even classic and foreign films shown on an outside wall each evening.

Midweek, Korakia is popular with older guests exploring southern California. Weekends, however, the resort draws mostly from the LA area, including a younger crowd involved primarily with the arts, entertainment and creative industries. Weekend reservations are best made well in advance. Overall I am told that most guests are from California and that half are under 40.

As you can tell from this review, this resort is an eclectic adult resort for those seeking rest, relaxation and, as I said before, escape. As such, children under 13 years of age and pets are not allowed.

Korakia is not your standard Palm Springs boutique resort, and I think will appeal to those seeking something quite unique and different for a Palm Springs get away. Come to Palm Springs and be transported to the Mediterranean.

For more information on Korakia Pensione, check out their website. If you would like other resort recommendations for your special Palm Springs vacation please contact me.

Palm Springs Resorts - LGBT - Santiago Resort

650 E. San Lorenzo Road

Palm Springs, Ca 92264

800-710-7729

www.santiagoresort.com

Stepping inside Santiago Resort is a bit like being transported to an exotic tropical paradise, albeit with a desert twist. The remarkable landscaping is meticulously cared for and maintained beautifully. The entire resort looks stylish, sexy and sophisticated, almost as if you’re walking onto a movie set. I wondered how they keep the grassy area so green and perfectly manicured – its astro-turf, what a great idea!

The outdoor areas feature what I am told is the largest pool of any gay resort in Palm Springs, maintained at a year-round temperature of 85°F, a large well maintained spa, misters, plenty of space to lounge around the property, hammocks and a new gazebo including fire pit for quiet evening conversation.

Santiago is a 24 room 2 story resort, and although I did not visit the upper level I am told these rooms have great mountain views. Rooms (including bathrooms) have all been upgraded recently and are spacious and well appointed. There are three styles of rooms – king rooms with one king sized bed, queen rooms with 2 queen sized beds, and king junior suites, basically the same as a king room, but larger and with a sitting area. All rooms include flat screen TV, desk, free internet access as well as WIFI, DVD players, CD players, refrigerator, microwave, iron and board. No rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens. I found all of the room furnishings to be simple, but high end quality.

Resort clientele seems to lean towards gay professionals in their late 20’s to late 50’s who are seeking a low energy atmosphere for couples and singles that is casual, relaxed and clothing optional. Guests seem to come from all over the U.S. as well as international locations, but I am told that weekends are especially popular with busy LA professionals who want a weekend escape in a sophisticated but laid-back environment where they can simply “chill-out.” In my opinion, this is a wonderful option for just that.

Not only does Santiago offer a complimentary continental breakfast, it also provides a complimentary lunch delivered Monday-Saturday from Aspen Mills Bakery, known for their award winning artisan breads, premier muffins, scrumptious cookies, gourmet sandwiches, and healthy salads. One other nice touch is the guest available washer and dryer.

There is plenty to do in the Palm Springs area, but if you stay at Santiago, you might never want to leave the resort!

For more information on Santiago Resort, check out their website. If you would like other resort recommendations for you special Palm Springs vacation please contact me.

Small Event Coordination

From an informal gathering of 4-8 friends who all want to spend time together to more formal small events like executive or special interests retreats, friends or family reunions, and weddings or commitment ceremonies, Palm Springs is the perfect place. Whether it’s finding a resort with 3 or 4 available rooms during the time of your visit, or booking an entire resort including catering, ground transportation, and special events, I know how to make your next Palm Springs event a success.

Some resorts offer small meeting rooms, great for retreats or mini-conferences. Others have private outdoor areas ideal for weddings and commitment ceremonies. Many of the smaller resorts do not have staff available to help fully plan and execute your event, and that’s where I step in.

For more formal events I can help you choose the right resort, book rooms and space, provide ongoing coordination with the resort, purchase supplies, make available bar-tenders, arrange for catering, ground transportation, special activities. I can give you ideas for promoting your event, and be on-site for the entire event to make sure everything runs smoothly. I have loads of contacts in the Palm Springs area and can put together a winning team for a successful event.

For informal get-togethers of friends and family just tell me what you want, and I’ll work in the background to make it all happen.

Rent-A-Guide Services

The best way to experience the REAL Palm Springs area is through the eyes of a local guide.  When you hire me, it’s like spending a few hours with a knowledgeable friend who has a real passion for the desert.

Together, some visitors and I have:

·         Spent a day in the Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country

·         Stepped back in time to reflect on our Native American ancestors at the Indian Canyons

·         Ridden the Palm Springs Aerial Tram from palms to pines

·         Explored The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park

·         Taken a day-trip to Joshua Tree National Park

·         Hiked some easy trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

·         Picnicked in the Whitewater River Canyon at the Whitewater Preserve

Here's how it works:

Let me know what you are interested in and I will make some suggestions and be happy to design a custom itinerary for you.

The length of your adventure will depend on what attractions you choose to include in your itinerary. For tours over 6 hours in length I suggest you include a lunch or dinner stop. I will be happy to suggest a restaurant or picnic location. 

Once you decide on an itinerary I will confirm a set price based on the length of time for your selected itinerary (plus additional costs, if any). If you find once we are out and about that you want to extend your tour you are welcome to do so subject to my availability at the following hourly rates: 1 person = $40 per hour - 2-4 people = $20 per person per hour (additional costs include my attraction admission fees, any special event fees or cost of picnic lunch if you wish me to provide).

If you select an attraction that has an admission fee you will need to pay the gate/admission fee directly to the attraction.

I will meet you at your resort (or location of your choosing) and join you in your personal vehicle (you drive, I narrate). If you do not have a car, I can help make arrangements for you to rent one.

What would you like to do?

Special Celebrations in Palm Springs

Often, a birthday, anniversary or other occasion prompts a vacation in Palm Springs. From providing cake and ice cream, to dinner out for 4 friends, a massage or spa visit, to something more elaborate, it’s your vacation too, so why spend time planning when you could be out by the pool.

I know where to get a birthday cake on Sunday and will pick it up and deliver it to your resort. I can provide a small catered dinner at your resort, complete with party favors. I can make recommendations and reservations at restaurants geared for larger groups.

How about a moonlight couples massage, a sunrise hike, a full day of spa pampering, or a picnic lunch sitting next to the Whitewater River?

I can arrange for an evening “bar-crawl,” casino tour, or other activities, complete with transportation so you don’t need to worry about a designated driver.

What would make your celebration special?

Everyone’s Got To Eat

Everyone’s got to eat at some point in time, even though your first priority may be rest, relaxation, sun and “chillin” by the pool. From fridge and pantry stocking to last minute restaurant reservations I can help.

Fridge and Pantry Stocking

Many Palm Springs visitors just want to spend time at their resort, out in the sun by the pool, maybe catching up on some long overdue reading, escaping a hectic work schedule – basically “doing nothing.” Most resorts have room refrigerators; some have suites with full kitchens. Based on your shopping list I’ll make sure your fridge is stocked before your arrival and re-stocked during your visit. No need to make that trip to the grocery store – spend your time doing what you really want to do.

Lunch and Dinner Delivery

You don’t need leave your resort for meals if you don’t want to. I can arrange to have meals provided for you at your resort. From sandwiches, salads or pizza, to full entrée dinners, just let me know what you want. I’ll even serve them and clean up afterwards if that’s the kind of special vacation pampering you’re looking for.

Last Minute Restaurant Recommendations

OK, so it’s 6:00 pm on a Saturday and you want a Palm Springs restaurant experience. Maybe you have a craving for sea bass, or a good steak that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, or a place that offers live entertainment, or maybe a super romantic place. Just let me know and I’ll give you my personal recommendations and even make reservations if you wish.

San Andreas Fault Desert Oasis Hiking Tour

Our Native American ancestors referred to the area surrounding what is now called Palm Springs as “the magic valley.” What continues to make it magic is a unique combination of three major geologic features:

The valley is surrounded by 4 mountain ranges including the 2 highest mountain peaks in southern California.

Under the desert floor is the 2^nd largest underground aquifer in the United States, providing water to the entire valley.

Running up the valley is the San Andreas Fault, probably the most famous and visible earthquake fault in the world, stretching 700 miles from the Mexican border to just north of San Francisco.

There is no better place to explore the impact of these geologic features than at the Coachella Valley Preserve, located 15 miles east of Palm Springs.

There are other oasis tours, but I don’t think any other hike provides the opportunity, in 2-2½ hours, to explore the rich diversity of 2 different desert oases, a close-up look at the San Andreas Fault, the unique eco-environment of a desert wash and a walk up a “living” sand dune to an impressive scenic overlook. And would you believe that this amazing area was purchased in 1905 by a cattle rancher seeking water for his animals for 2 mules and a wagon.

My tours are small (limited to no more than 6 people), personalized, and reflect my personal interests and passion. Honestly, I’m not big on plant life, but I know a lot about earthquake faults and oases.

Tour Highlights:

Thousand Palms Oasis – One of the largest groves of desert fan palms in California. Some of the trees may be over 150 years old.

San Andreas Fault – Walk on the fault, see the impact of the fault, and learn why earthquakes are necessary.

Desert Wash – A unique desert environment created by rain run-off from the surrounding mountains and home for many plants that require more water than those on the typical desert floor.

McCallum Pond and Oasis – Created by water seeping up through the San Andreas Fault from the underground aquifer. This pond is home to the endangered Desert Pupfish.

Living Sand Dunes – Wind creates these amazing sand dunes which will eventually cover over the McCallum Pond and Oasis. Home to the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard.

Vista Point – One can see the 4 mountain ranges surrounding and protecting “the magic valley,” a unique environment and home to over 500 species of native plants, 200 species of birds, 25 different species of reptiles and over 30 species of mammals.

This easy hike is mostly on sand packed established trails. A portion of the hike is on a board walk over Thousand Palms Oasis, and also includes a short climb up a “living” sand dune (kind of like walking uphill on a beach). The hike is geared for active adults who are comfortable hiking an easy, mostly flat, 2 miles. Wear comfortable walking shoes that may get a bit wet in the oasis areas, and I suggest you bring a hat, water, a camera and maybe sunscreen.

Contact me for more information and to schedule a convenient tour time.

Old Las Palmas Celebrity Home Walking Tour

Old Las Palmas isn’t meant to be seen from behind a bus or car window. Sense the incredible Palm Springs story on foot.  Walk the city streets. Absorb everything up close and personal. My tours are fun, casual, fully guided and narrated and an opportunity to get some great exercise out in our healthy Palm Springs sunshine.

Unlike van or bus tours with 15-50 people, my tours are small (limited to no more than 6 people), personalized, and improvisational (you never know what we may encounter; open gates, maybe an open house, perhaps even an estate sale. Additionally, my tours are scheduled at your convenience, not the convenience of the tour company.

Tours last 2-2½ hours, and yes, we will walk past over 30 celebrity homes where you can peak over walls and look through gates and fences. Some of the homes you may see include those of: Elizabeth Taylor; Liberace; Barbara Streisand; Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy; Ronald and Nancy Regan; Kirk Douglas; Dinah Shore; Clark Gable and Carole Lombard; as well as many others.

This walk stops often as I tell you about the celebrities, share some of my personal stories of being in some of these homes, and tell you a bit about how Palm Springs became the city it is today, share my passion for this unique community, as well as some fun facts and rumors you probably won’t hear anywhere else. I also have pictures to show, including some of the long gone resorts as well as interior photos of some of the homes we will see.

We begin at The Corridor Plaza on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road and finish 5 blocks north on Palm Canyon Drive for an easy shopping walk back through the Palm Springs Uptown Design Boutique District.

This easy walk is totally on flat city streets and is geared for active adults who are comfortable walking about 1½ miles. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and I suggest you bring a hat, water, a camera and maybe sunscreen.

Contact me for more information and to schedule a convenient tour time.

Palm Springs – A Four Season Vacation Paradise

Palm Springs offers unique vacation experiences year round. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Summer – (early June-late September) – Yes it is hot, with average high temperatures around 105°F (41°C), but if you are looking for a weekend getaway of rest and relaxation in the sun and around the pool, Palm Springs has lots to offer. Most resorts have misters to keep you cool when not in the pool, and cooling towers to keep pool temperature below 85°F (29°C). Over the past few years, Palm Springs has become an increasingly popular weekend get-away for southern California residents who want to escape Los Angeles.

Summer in the desert is laid back and quiet. There are also incredible discount deals on everything from restaurants to resorts. You can often get a room that normally goes for between $175-$200 per night during the spring, for under $100 per night. If you want to golf, bike or walk, it’s best in the early morning hours, but there is discount golf on courses that are normally outrageously expensive.

You can also take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram up to the San Jacinto National Park, or a short drive to Idyllwild, both of which are set among tall pines, sweet smelling cedars and legendary rocks. Here you can hike at temperatures 30°F less than on the desert floor, and return to your resort for a cooing midnight swim.

Fall – (October-November) – Average high fall temperatures are around 85°F (29°C), seasonal residents begin to return to the area, it has been my experience that fall is very popular with European visitors, and much of town takes on a very international flair.

As the temperatures cool, the 150 area hiking trails (from easy to strenuous) are filled with walkers and hikers. Although fall has pretty much the same weather as spring, the town is still less crowded and many resorts offer fall discount rates. Fall is a great time to mix with the seasonal and full-time residents, on the golf courses, in the restaurants, and at the weekly Thursday night Palm Springs VillageFest, which takes over Palm Canyon Drive.

Winter – (December-early January) – With high temperatures around 70°F (21°C) this may not seem like winter to most people, but it is as cold as we desert residents want it to get. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tram for a day of cross-country skiing, shoeshoeing, or just family fun in the snow – then return to your resort for an evening swim in a pool maintained at around 88°F as you look up at the snow capped mountains. The Palm Springs area takes on a holiday feel with a Festival of Lights Parade, Holiday lights at the Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and the famous Indio International Tamale Festival.

As with summer, winter has a lot of weekend visitors from the Los Angeles area, but in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in visitors from all over the U.S. and Canada who want a holiday break. You may get some rain, but you won’t have to deal with snow, except what is on the mountains.

Spring – (Mid January-Early June) – This is our primary visitor season (with average high temperatures around 85°F (29°C). You should expect prices to reflect demand. Visitors come from all over the world, but mostly from northwest U.S. and Canada as well as the Midwest U.S. and the Canadian province of Ontario. During spring there are direct air flights from over a dozen U.S. and Canadian cities, and many resorts are booked a year in advance.

People come for the sun, the wealth of outdoor activities, but also the great event and social action including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Bob Hope Desert Classic Golf Tournament, HITS Desert Circuit Horse Show, Palm Springs Modernism Week, Modern Pentathlon World Cup, BNP Paribas Tennis Open, Kraft Nabisco LPGA Golf Championship, Dinah Shore Weekend, White Party, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, and the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.

Palm Springs is at its most vibrant, lively and fun during the spring. Diners are outdoors on patios, and many restaurants feature nightly live entertainment. There is a distinct feel in the air as you realize that most of the people you see are, like you, escaping from a harsh winter back home for a week, or perhaps, two, of rest and rejuvenation in this desert paradise.

Palm Springs Restaurant Tips

There are 175 places to eat in Palm Springs, from fast food to fine dining, so there’s no need to ever go hungry, no matter what you’re looking for. Cuisine ranges from Asian to Vegatarian, and everything in between. You’ll be surprised at the variety of restaurants in this small city, almost all within walking distance from your Palm Springs resort. Many restaurants are owned and operated by award winning chefs, so you can expect some remarkable dining experiences.

Some restaurants are geared primarily to visitors; others are more local “hang-outs.” Some do a lot of advertising, while others do no advertising at all, but on any weekend during the visitor season it is almost impossible to find an open table from 7:00-8:30 pm.

A few things to keep in mind about dining in Palm Springs:

Palm Springs is an early dining city – Few restaurants (although the number is slowly growing) serve dinner past 10:00 pm, especially during mid-week. If you are looking for dining deals, many restaurants offer “early-bird” specials in the late afternoon.

Fine dining attire is California casual – Remember that most people are off to dinner after a day of golf, hiking, or lounging by the pool. For men, shorts and a colorful shirt is acceptable at even the most high end restaurant. I can’t think of any Palm Springs restaurant that requires a jacket and tie.

Some restaurants are closed during the summer – Although some restaurants do close completely for a portion of the summer, more and more are either simply limiting their mid-week hours or completely eliminating their closures. You will still find plenty of good restaurants in Palm Springs during the summer.

Restaurants do come and go – Due to the small size of Palm Springs, the comings and goings of restaurants may be more noticeable than in larger cities, but every year some close and others open. It is often hard for website portals to keep up with all the changes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast to start the day, a casual lunch on an outside patio or an evening of fine dining and entertainment, there are many great choices in Palm Springs. I can recommend a pizza place that serves what I consider the best pizza I’ve ever eaten, a restaurant that grows its own herbs in their on-site herb garden, a bakery that will deliver a fresh sandwich box lunch or salad to your resort, or one of the well kept reasonably priced local secrets that most visitors never find.

Palm Springs Best Places to Stay

At last count there are almost 130 choices of accommodations in the small resort city of Palm Springs itself, ranging from full service convention hotels (9) like Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Riviera Palm Springs to mid-size resorts (25) such as Travelodge, Best Western and the very upscale Viceroy Palm Springs, and including almost 50 boutique hotels and inns with 50 rooms or less, over 25 LGBT exclusive resorts, and an variety of companies providing vacation home rentals, condos and timeshares.

Where you stay depends on what you want, and of course, availability. There is everything from the four star Parker Palm Springs to very small boutique resorts with an old west or even traditional Japanese flair. You could stay in a traditional Mediterranean pensione or a mid-century modern resort complete with gourmet kitchens in each suite, or a four bedroom vacation home with your own private pool and spa.

You could try to explore each of these options on various websites and portals, or you can let me help you. I know each of these properties and companies, their owners and managers, their upsides and downsides. I can often arrange for deals and discounts. I’ll give you my best recommendations. Let me help match your preferences with the best available resort accommodations in Palm Springs for your special vacation.

Palm Springs is not Palm Desert

First time visitors to Palm Springs sometimes get a bit confused regarding exactly what is or isn’t “Palm Springs.” The entire Coachella Valley is often referred to generally as the Palm Springs area or the Palm Springs Desert Resorts. But there is a huge difference in ambience between the City of Palm Springs and the remainder of the Palm Springs area.

The City of Palm Springs has an historic, small town feel based around our main street, Palm Canyon Drive. Shopping and fine restaurants, live entertainment, museums, ancient Indian land and oases, local golf courses and tennis courts, hiking trails, a first rate casino and the Palm Springs Aerial Tram can all be reached by foot, bike, or a short drive or cab ride. Depending on what you want from your vacation, a car is nice, but not a necessity when staying in the City of Palm Springs.

The City of Palm Springs offers a variety of small individualized resorts, unique chef-owned restaurants, boutique shops and galleries and a focus on personalized rest, relaxation and fun.

Don’t confuse Palm Springs, however, with Palm Desert (or other desert cities like Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells or La Quinta). These cities are more like typical southern California (albeit with a desert twist) – sprawling and without a central “downtown” area. These cities are home to our most exclusive large convention and resort hotels, many including their own golf courses, and are perfect for those wishing a more “stay at the resort” experience.

Everything off resort property, however, requires transportation. If you choose to stay other than in Palm Springs itself, I strongly recommend a car for transportation to restaurants, activities and attractions.

It all comes down to what you want! As you plan your special vacation, consider carefully the address of your accommodation choices.  It will make a big difference in your experience. Let me know if you want some help with local top pick recommendations based on what you are looking for

Desert Paradise of Contrasts

Coachella Valley is 40 miles long and 15 miles wide, surrounded by 4 mountain ranges including the 2 highest mountain peaks in southern California. Under the desert floor is the 2^nd largest underground aquifer in the United States, providing water to the entire valley. Running up the valley is the San Andreas Fault allowing water to seep up to ground level from the aquifer.

The western entrance to the valley is through the San Gorgonio Pass, one of the deepest mountain passes in the U.S., and one of the windiest places in North America. This distinctive geology has created what is called a “rain shadow” desert – home to over 500 species of native plants, 200 species of birds, 25 different species of reptiles and over 30 species of mammals, ranging from bats to bighorn sheep.

The valley is comprised of a number of separate city entities, all contiguous and stretching the length of the valley. Total valley population during the months of October-May is 610,000, making the valley comparable in size during season to the cities of Boston, Seattle and Denver.

Each city, although part of this extended Coachella Valley metromix, is unique and distinct. Indio, at the east end of the valley is the center of the second largest industry in the valley – agriculture – the first table grapes of the summer season and the nation’s largest date-growing region. With ideal climate and conditions for growing dates, the Coachella Valley produces 95 percent of all dates grown in the United States. During May and June, fields overflow with red, yellow and green peppers; seedless watermelon; cantaloupe; eggplant and the first sweet corn of the season.

Palm Springs, at the west end of the valley is home to the largest valley industry, tourism. It has the highest density of tourism accommodations and attractions of any other valley city, and is the only real “walking” city. Known as the former “Playground to the Stars,” it is now estimated that Palm Springs resident population is 40%-50% gay or lesbian, making Palm Springs (on a per capita basis) the biggest little gay city in the world.

Between Palm Springs and Indio are over 100 golf courses, many large resort hotels, El Paseo shopping district (known as the Rodeo Drive of Palm Springs) and the City of Indian Wells, one of the wealthiest communities in the country.

The Coachella Valley is a region of stark contrasts – going from desert floor at 0 feet above sea level to the top of Mt. San Jacinto at 10,800 feet above sea level – from ancient history of Native Americans living in the area almost 2,000 years ago to the modern technology of the San Gorgonio Wind Turbine Farms – from migrant farmers to some of the wealthiest individuals in this country – from a conservative political viewpoint expressed by many east valley residents to a progressive viewpoint at the west end of the valley (Palm Springs elected the first openly gay African American mayor in the country).

What is special about the Coachella Valley is that these stark contrasts all work together to create a unique desert vacation environment, sustained by our natural contrasts and also a real tolerance for individuality and diversity.

Palm Springs Weather

Palm Springs features abundant sunshine, clear blue skies, low humidity, warm temperatures and only a hint of rain. This area is one of the most reliable and consistent sunny destinations in the U.S.

On average 330+ days each year are sunny. Rainfall is almost non-existent and the humidity is low in the Palm Springs area, reflecting our minimal annual rainfall. There are usually only 10 or fewer days each year during which rain actually falls in Palm Springs.

Air quality is almost always good since the surrounding mountains provide a barrier preventing the smog above the Los Angeles basin (to the west) from reaching Palm Springs.

Temperatures vary between seasons, ranging from moderate to hot. High temperatures are usually in the late afternoon and cool off quickly once the sun drops below the San Jacinto Mountains to the west. The difference between daily highs and lows is usually around 30°F.

Palm Springs is really a 4 season vacation destination:

Spring – February-May. Temperatures range from an average early morning low of 55°F to an afternoon high of 85°F (13°C-29°C). This is our busiest visitor season with many events, activities and a beautiful desert wildflower show.

Summer – June-September. It’s hot! Average temperatures are 75°-105°F (24°-41°C), but we have low humidity, and with misters in most public places and cooling towers for our pools it’s still a wonderful time for sun lovers to visit. In August we do get a small amount of humidity do to monsoon weather coming up from Mexico.

Fall – October-November. Our seasonal residents return. Temperatures are similar to spring; it’s time for desert reawaking after our long hot summer. It’s my favorite season!

Winter – December-January. Our coldest and wettest months, but not bad in comparison to other locations. Temperatures average 40°-70°F (4°-21°C). Most pools are heated to above 85°F (29°C) and December is a great holiday time; January is the official start of our social season.

No matter when you decide to visit Palm Springs, it will be a unique and special adventure!

Palm Springs Resorts - LGBT - El Mirasol Villas

525 Warm Sands Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92264

800-327-2985

http://www.elmirasol.com/

If your idea of the perfect gay Palm Springs vacation includes a relaxing get-away at a resort featuring luxurious gardens with citrus trees, as well as a sense of amazing old Palm Springs history (both gay and straight), then El Mirasol Villas is a great place to consider.  El Mirasol was originally built by Howard Hughes in the 1940’s as a six building compound primarily to entertain his female visitors. The compound was turned into a hotel in the 1950’s and was once owned by Bob Hope. In 1976 it became the first gay exclusive resort in Palm Springs.

History aside, what really makes this resort for me is the landscaping. Owner hosts Paul and Bruce have created an outdoor sensory explosion that includes all the amenities Palm Springs gay travelers have come to expect. The resort is actually comprised of two adjacent properties, the original Hughes compound with a tropical flavor, and a second property that has a more desert landscape feel. On my recent visit Paul showed me a hummingbird nest right next to one of the walkways – a first for me.

Meandering garden paths and Mexican paver walkways lead to fountains, fireplaces, two swimming pools, a 10-man Jacuzzi Spa, outdoor shower and eucalyptus steam room, all amongst splendid mountain views and soft background music.

All rooms and suites in this 15 room Warm Sands area resort are spacious and comfortable, decorated with a southwest flair, include a California king bed, fridge and the property is WIFI enabled. There is nothing spectacular about the rooms, however, with the incredible outdoor surroundings, I think that is minor. There are either poolside or bungalow studios, some with private patios. The deluxe studios include a separate partial kitchen with microwave.  El Mirasol also has one and two bedroom bungalow suites which include a queen sleeper in the living room as well as partial kitchen.

This is certainly a resort where one can settle in for a week’s stay or longer and really make this home away from home.

For more information on El Mirasol Villas, check out their website. If you would like other LGBT resort recommendations for your special Palm Springs vacation please contact me.

Backstreet Art District Palm Springs

2600 South Cherokee Way

Palm Springs, CA 92264

760-780-8484

www.backstreetartdistrict.com

This past week I explored a wonderful new Palm Springs art destination.

The Backstreet Art District is comprised of a dozen or so artist-owned galleries and working studios, all featuring collections of original art by nationally and internationally recognized artists including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and ceramics.  

The “district,” located at the east end of Palm Springs, is actually a small new strip mall hidden behind the Mercedes car dealership and about two blocks from the Parker Palm Springs Hotel.

It’s an easy stroll between the galleries and studios, and a great opportunity to see a wonderful variety of contemporary art. What I enjoyed most, however, was talking to the artists, understanding their viewpoints, and seeing some of their “works in progress.” If you are interested in contemporary art this is great way spend a couple of hours up close and personal with art and artists.  

“ART WALKS” are held the first Wednesday of every month from 6-9 pm. The galleries are all open and refreshments are served. Check out the Backstreet Art District website for links to all of the individual galleries as well as a listing of upcoming events.