California - Things to do in Palm Springs - Palm Desert

Besides lounging at the pool, shopping or golf.

Any other activities to do inside the Valley?

One of my favorite zoos is in the area:

http://www.livingdesert.org/home.html

Of course there is the famous tram. If you take it, bring warm clothes:

http://www.pstramway.com/



[This message has been edited by Craig6z (edited 02-01-2003).]

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Willie,

No I haven't.

a fellow FT'er emailed me w/the following suggestions. I got permission to post their email suggestions here on FT.

quote:

"This is the recreation angle:

There is so much to do here, hiking trails abound.

1. Indian Canyons, absolutely incredible, it is like a totally different world, and literally just 2.5mi south of my place. It is a must! Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon, Palm Canyon, and the newest reopened area, Tahquitz Canyon. The hikes aren't really very strenuous, but include sights of all sorts of desert dwellers of the non-human persuasion, and all of the flora and fauna, with waterfalls throughout with palm tree groves, rock formations, and the mountains enveloping you.

2. P.S. Aerial Tramway - A Must, even though very touristy. 50+ miles of hiking trails up there, and there are pine trees everywhere up there, it too is another world, and offers spectacular views of our valley 1.75mi below.

3. There are miles and miles of bike trails around here. It can be a great time to just rent a couple bikes and go for a ride around town, or around the valley. I think Palm Springs is the best equipped city to bike around out here, both because it is relatively flat and because there are more neighborhoods you can ride through that are not behind gates like in so many of our other cities.

4. Desert Adventures Jeep Tour - to see the areas back in the San Jacinto Mountains that you would never otherwise experience. The guides are very knowledgeable about the history of the area and the tours give you another perspective on the valley and what makes it a rather unique place. See the San Andreas Fault up close!

5. The Living Desert - A more than 1,000 acre wildlife nature preserve. Much more than a zoo, and you can walk throughout. I should talk, having never been there, but have heard incredible things about it. Think it would be worth a couple hours or so of your time, and you get to spend time outdoors which is one of the best things about being here, the weather, especially during March.

6. Check The Desert Guide online to see if there are any festivals or art fairs going on in the valley when you are here. Seems to always be some outdoorsy event going on out here during winter/spring. Can be fun to just stroll along and check out the artisans and their respective crafts on display.

7. Joshua Tree National Park - up Hwy 62 about 45min from Palm Springs. It has some incredible rock formations, and is a popular place for rock climbing enthusiasts. Can spend a couple of hours or a day up there, easy, and there is a lookout point that offers an awesome view of our valley to the south. And of course there are countless numbers of that quirky looking thing called, what else, the Joshua Tree." endquote

Having been to Joshua Tree Nat Park, I agree. I was amazed at how beutiful the park was, I honestly was not expecting much.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
... Joshua Tree National Park - up Hwy 62 about 45min from Palm Springs./QUOTE]

And if you get to Twenty Nine Palms when going to Joshua Tree, there is a steak house on the western edge of town on the south side of the highway that had one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life, along with an excellent salad with made-right-then croutons. Sorry, I don't remember the name, but I remember arriving at dusk and they had a couple of big grills going outside that you could see from the road.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
... Joshua Tree National Park - up Hwy 62 about 45min from Palm Springs./QUOTE]

And if you get to Twenty Nine Palms when going to Joshua Tree, there is a steak house on the western edge of town on the south side of the highway that had one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life, along with an excellent salad with made-right-then croutons.
Of course, we just get back from Joshua Tree National Park (never fails to amaze), and NOW I see this post. Oh well, C'est la Vie, I'll use this info for next time.

[QUOTE=cblaisd]
Of course, we just get back from Joshua Tree National Park (never fails to amaze), and NOW I see this post. Oh well, C'est la Vie, I'll use this info for next time.

just got back from another trip to PSP. Did numerous hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, (mastadon peak, barker dam to name a few)

FYI, there is a south entrance to Joshua Tree off of 10, EVERY concierge has always urged me to use the northern entrances. The south entrance was very easy and not at all crowded like the northern entrances can be. ^ ^

We did exit the park from one of the northern entrances and as we drove back towards PSP we spied a food joint called John's Place, located at 56249 29 Palms Hwy in Yucca Valley, CA. They had some decent pastrami, of course not NYC quality but much better than the average junk that is out there. Mrs Sweet Willie actually ordered the pastrami burger, a hamburger with sliced pastrami on it. I'll be darned but it actually was quite good.^

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Oasis date farm in Thermal. Yum.

The tram is a very popular thing, people love the ride and the area at the top. But, beware, the food at the top is reputed to be really, really bad. And, under no circumstances buy the meal included with the tram ticket. It is even worse. Eat below, or bring a picnic.

And don't forget the giant outlet mall at Cabizon. Upscale and a lot of fun (if you like high fashion deals).

I'll be in La Quinta next week and want to head over to Joshua Tree.

Should I head east on the 10 and enter via the southern entrance; or, head west and enter the park at Joshua Tree/Twenty Nine Palms?

Our plan is to spend 3/4 of a day at the park.

One more question, should we pack a lunch? Does the park offer any services.

Thanks.

There is a nice visitors' center at 29 Palms. I would go into the Park there. I would also try to stop for a snack or meal in 29 Palms just to take a look at the Marines and Marine families there. A little contact with these folks will give you an added appreciation for them.

Keep in mind that the distances are huge. You may not be able to see the whole thing in one day. Check the mileage before you start driving. You may be surprized. I know I was.

We just got back from Palm Springs last night. We spent a good deal of the time at the Indian Wells tennis tournament, but also went to the Living Desert Zoo and up the tram. The tram was so cool and highly, highly recommended, not many people there either, I'd recommend doing it on a week day if possible, way better and no lines or crowds. I had been to the Living Desert about 15 years ago and remembered it being great, but truth be told it really wasn't. Maybe I just hadn't been to many zoos before or something, I don't know. It might also have been because it was really hot, but a lot of the animals were out of view and many "off exhibit". Like many of the main attraction were just not there that day. Strange. If I had it to do over I would definitely not have done it and won't again.

One of my favorite things was just eating outside at night, since we can't do that here in San Francisco. So much fun. We went to Matchbox, Copley's and a great Mexican food place I cannot remember the name of at the moment, but all brilliant.

We just got back from Palm Springs last night. We spent a good deal of the time at the Indian Wells tennis tournament.
I am so jealous! We had tickets for the Monday and Tuesday sessions plus a room at the La Quinta via the Priceline deal and we had to cancel the entire trip!! Sometimes I really hate that work comes first but then again it does pay the bills. Hope you had a great time and the weather looked really good in the forecast I saw. Oh...how was Copley's? We ate there when they first opened and it was pretty good. Have been back to PS numerous times since then but we didn't eat there again. Will be back in the area over Halloween for 10 days.

It was delicious, but I really think the best part was just eating outside on a warm night. So great. And the ambience there is nice as well. A bit pricey, but really fun.

The tourney was great, even with everyone losing. Upsets everywhere you look.

Oasis date farm in Thermal. Yum.

We are heading back for our annual PSP area trip. I had read that Oasis was closing, anyone know offhand?

Edited to add: Their website still shows them as open, so yes, a date shake is in our future.
http://www.oasisdate.com/

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[QUOTE=Sweet Willie;5344029]

just got back from another trip to PSP. Did numerous hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, (mastadon peak, barker dam to name a few)

FYI, there is a south entrance to Joshua Tree off of 10, EVERY concierge has always urged me to use the northern entrances. The south entrance was very easy and not at all crowded like the northern entrances can be. ^ ^

We did exit the park from one of the northern entrances and as we drove back towards PSP we spied a food joint called John's Place, located at 56249 29 Palms Hwy in Yucca Valley, CA. They had some decent pastrami, of course not NYC quality but much better than the average junk that is out there. Mrs Sweet Willie actually ordered the pastrami burger, a hamburger with sliced pastrami on it. I'll be darned but it actually was quite good.^

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Sherman's Deli (one in Palm Springs, one in Palm Desert) has Pastrami that is the equal of better NY Delis. It's actually one of the top Delicatessens in all of Southern California.

[QUOTE=Sweet Willie;7270586]
Sherman's Deli (one in Palm Springs, one in Palm Desert) has Pastrami that is the equal of better NY Delis. It's actually one of the top Delicatessens in all of Southern California.

Manhattan in the Desert is also a good place in Palm Springs (a NY deli-style place).

[QUOTE=Sweet Willie;7270586]
Sherman's Deli (one in Palm Springs, one in Palm Desert) has Pastrami that is the equal of better NY Delis. It's actually one of the top Delicatessens in all of Southern California.

Manhattan in the Desert is also a good place in Palm Springs (a NY deli-style place).

Been to both a number of times, my heart still goes out to Katz's or Langer's but for deli in the PSP area, IMO I give the nod to Sherman's even with it's PITA parking situation (made even worse by the the patrons, you just have to sit back and laugh:D)

Manhattan in the Desert
2665 E Palm Canyon
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 322-3354

Sherman's Deli
located in both Palm Springs & Palm Desert
http://www.shermansdeli.com/

Is El Mirasol still home-making their tortillas?

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[QUOTE=D1andonlyDman;13310469]

Is El Mirasol still home-making their tortillas?

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Last time I was there the answer is yes.

For a nice wine tasting experience in downtown Palm Springs, try Wild for the Vine on Palm Canyon between Amado and Alejo (closer to big vacant lot waiting for development). For $10 or $20, you taste 4 or 5 wines and get a glass of the one you like the best. It is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. ^

We too are annual PS vacationers and I have posted in various threads on PS with our recommendations. Just before our last trip in October 2009, I had read about a great BBQ place in a Travel and Leisure (or maybe Conde Nast Traveler) PS insert. It's called Cowboy Way and is only open for lunch but the food was great. I grew up in Texas and this is the way I remember real BBQ. Don't expect anything fancy...you will sit at a counter with locals. You can actually see the BBQ pit outside of the restaurant.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cowboy-way-palm-springs

Another place that we had never eaten at in all our visits that turned out to be great was Spencer's!

http://www.spencersrestaurant.com/index.php

We too are annual PS vacationers and I have posted in various threads on PS with our recommendations. Just before our last trip in October 2009, I had read about a great BBQ place in a Travel and Leisure (or maybe Conde Nast Traveler) PS insert. It's called Cowboy Way and is only open for lunch but the food was great. I grew up in Texas and this is the way I remember real BBQ. Don't expect anything fancy...you will sit at a counter with locals. You can actually see the BBQ pit outside of the restaurant.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cowboy-way-palm-springs


ok, Cowboy Way is on our list for next year, thanks for the tip^ We have been to Tootie's in Cathedral City http://www.tootiesbbq.com/ which claims to be Texas BBQ, the brisket is too thin, dry, w/o the smoke that a real Texas BBQ brisket has.


Last time I was there the answer is yes.

Thanks, we never did make it to El Mirasol. Instead we went to
Las Casuelas in La Quinta at the corner of Hwy111 & Washington (760-777-7715). The poblano mole at Las Casuelas was stunning, one of the best moles I've ever had. The carnitas with honey & ancho wasn't too shabby either.

I think there are other Las Casuelas in the greater Palm Springs area.

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I think there are other Las Casuelas in the greater Palm Springs area.

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There are 4 Las Casuelas restaurants operated by the children of the founders. There is the original in downtown (west of Alejo) and Las Casuelas Terraza near Tahquitz Canyon. The third restaurant is in Rancho Mirage and as a pretty good and fairly affordable Sunday brunch. Las Casuelas Quinta (where you ate) is the newest of the chain.

We too are annual PS vacationers and I have posted in various threads on PS with our recommendations. Just before our last trip in October 2009, I had read about a great BBQ place in a Travel and Leisure (or maybe Conde Nast Traveler) PS insert. It's called Cowboy Way and is only open for lunch but the food was great. I grew up in Texas and this is the way I remember real BBQ. Don't expect anything fancy...you will sit at a counter with locals. You can actually see the BBQ pit outside of the restaurant.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-cowboy-way-palm-springs



A huge second to the suggestion of the Cowboy Way ^^ Bring cash and a big appetite. It's not fancy, but full of charm and good food. I love it.

Some other observations about places where we dined:

Chez Pierre
44250 Town Center Way
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-1818
www.chezpierrebistro.com

Immediately upon sitting down our waters are poured and a serving of Chef Pierre's homemade duck & chicken liver pate is set before us. Devine.
Starters:
ROASTED MARROW, GRILLED GARLIC COUNTRY BREAD, was good but garlic bread was a bit too overpowering.
Terrine of goose liver w/armagnac, to die for !!
Duck confit spring roll w/mint, bits of orange zest, this item was the surprise hit of the evening.
Entrees:
Cassoulet w/chunks of lamb - very very good however beans were not cooked enough. Would have been a fantastic dish.
Boar w/lingonberries and red cabbage
ROAST CRISPY MAPLE LEAF DUCK, LAVENDER HONEY SAUCE, a long time favorite of my wife's here.
BRAISED SWEETBREAD MASCOTTE, done so right, a bit crispy with the proper bite.
Very good wine list, a bit pricey as I noticed a couple bottles that had 4+X markup over retail, but its Palm Springs area so I expect a little spike.
It was refreshing to see Chef Pierre make the rounds repeatedly; he greeted old & new guests with the same passion.

Thai Smile
42476 Bob Hope Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 341-6565
There used to be a location in La Quinta but that has closed down, too bad as the Rancho Mirage location can get crowded quick (& often does), so we had takeout which I simply took back to the resort. I think Thai Smile is some of the best Asian food in the valley. Make sure to skip Bangkok 5 in Racho Mirage, so overpriced and the food isn't as good as Thai Smile.
Shrimp fresh spring rolls - good
Mu Shu Pork - obviously not a Thai dish but great none the less
Pineapple fried rice - normally fried rice for me is a meh item, after reading the gushing press on this item, we tried it, it was fantastic, somehow getting a smokey component incorporated into the dish
Fried Fish w/Thai Sauce - crisp, very fresh catfish with a somewhat spicy sauce.
Luscious Duck - a very good flash fried duck breast dish with a sweet sauce.
All the food is very good but did not have the spice depth that authentic Thai food has, my guess is that is due to the older clientele of the greater Palm Springs area. Next time we'll ask for more spice/heat.

Le Basil has very good and cheap Vietnamese food
(760) 773-1112 - 72695 Highway 111, Ste A10, Palm Desert, CA
(I think there is one other location as well)
We didn't go this trip so I don't have any food reviews.

Fisherman's Market & Grill:
78575 Highway 111
La Quinta, CA 92253
(760) 777-1601
http://www.fishermansmarketandgrill.com/
There are a number of location in the valley, we normally go to the La Quinta location as it is a bit larger than the other locations we've been to and doesn't seem to get as crowded (but it can get a rush).
Generally a very large selection of fresh seafood. I always get the fried clam strips which are made fresh on premise which is rare among restaruants, most use pre-breaded junk. On other visits I'll then get a fresh grilled fish plate or sandwich.
Just to manage expectations, Fisherman's is the type of place where you look at a big board of fantastically fresh seafood (for the desert), then place your order at a register, get your own drinks from a soda machine, and then take the number the cashier gives you to a table and sit down waiting for your order to be served. Don't want anyone to get the wrong idea and think it is a full service restaurant.

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I can't believe you guys like Las Casuelas!

I can't believe you guys like Las Casuelas!

As stated the carnitas were good and if you know of a better mole in valley, then please share as I'd be amazed. The remainder of the menu did have some items that I would never order (typical non-authentic items like chimichangas, crispy taco type junk)

I can't believe you guys like Las Casuelas!


Do you have another recommendation?

[QUOTE=D1andonlyDman;13310469]


Been to both a number of times, my heart still goes out to Katz's or Langer's but for deli in the PSP area, IMO I give the nod to Sherman's even with it's PITA parking situation (made even worse by the the patrons, you just have to sit back and laugh:D)

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Yes - the parking lot a Sherman's is priceless. I ate outside on Saturday and there were people cutting each other off, driving on the curb, dashing into spots when the previous occupant had barely vacated it,and generally emitting bad vibes

Do you have another recommendation?

The only other mexican place that we have been to is El Mirasol and their mole was okay...then again I am not a huge mole fan.

I also forgot to mention that we have had a couple of very good meals at Tropicale in PS (across from the post office). http://www.thetropicale.com/ One place that I would not recommend is Dink's in PS. Average food with horrible service and attitude.

Here are some breakfast places that we've been to in the valley:

Don & Sweet Sue's - www.donandsweetsues.com - a very good breakfast

I'm a hash fan for breakfast, corned beef, turkey, or beef, it doesn't matter, homemade at the restaurant hash is excellent, so while not really being casino people, we have been to the Fantasy Springs Casino (Indio) for breakfast where they make a prime rib hash. YUM^ www.fantasyspringscasinoindio.com

Michael's Cafe
35955 Date Palm Dr
Cathedral City, CA 92234
(760) 321-7197
I always get the lox platter at Michael's which is very good.

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anyone have other breakfast suggestions for the valley?

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1. The restaurant at the top of the Pal Springs Tramway is quite basic, and expensive. The view is spectacular. I've done quite a bit of mountain climbing there. The trails at that elevation ( Mt. San Jacinto ) can get rugged to technical, especially with Winter snow and ice. A Ranger pass is required for any trips beyond the Tram Chalet, orto round valley etc.

2. CABAZON: The Morango Indian Casino & Spa includes a 23 story Hotel, casino, circular pool, and restaurants. Hadley's Orchards nearby is now owned by that Indian Nation band, along with the Arrowhead waters bottling facility across the freeway and adjacent to the back of San Jacinto.

There are other Native-American owned Hotels & Casinos in the area with excellent ongoing programs and amenities.

3. All types of Restaurants abound in and around Palm Springs depending upon the season. A Brazilian all-you-can eat BBQ may not be very appealing when it is 40 C.

4. Yes you can fly there directly, however it is sometimes quicker and less expensive to rent a car and drive in. Quite scenic along the way.

5. Joshua Tree is worth seeing with a camera. Nearby are a number of thermal spa resorts and Hotels, some with day use only plans.

I'll be in La Quinta next week and want to head over to Joshua Tree.

Should I head east on the 10 and enter via the southern entrance; or, head west and enter the park at Joshua Tree/Twenty Nine Palms?

One more question, should we pack a lunch? Does the park offer any services.

sorry so late, hopefully someone else can benefit.

I'd drive in one entrance and out the other, so no backtracking.
Per my earlier comment, the south side entrance is usually not as crowded as the northern ones, so I'd enter there first.

Bring/pack a meal (& water) if staying in the park awhile, there are no foodservices inside the park.

A nice easy hike is Barker Dam hike.

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