Winter vacationing in the U.S. continues to Merzouga Maroc in popularity. A century ago, it was reserved for the very wealthy. But, in the last fifty years, winter breaks have become increasingly popular for all of us. When baby boomers had families, they often packed up and headed for ski slopes. Families who had access to tropical beaches, especially in California and Florida, visited there frequently. Ski and beach destinations are still packed with winter vacationers, but weather conditions in those areas are not always perfect.
Today, a large number of wintertime vacationers are empty-nest baby boomers who seek sun and relaxation. Their photo albums are already stuffed with pictures of giant mice, snow covered mountain condos, and little hands holding seashells. Many of today’s vacationers are searching for an experience in the warmth of the desert sun.
And, where better to find that perfect desert experience than in the Palm Desert area of Southern California? Once an exclusive get-away for movie stars, today’s Palm Desert is a mecca for anyone who seeks warmth in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The global appeal of the area brings color to the valley that once was missing. This appeal has had its influence in the variety of restaurant and shopping experiences one can find throughout the Coachella Valley.
From world-class golf (more than 30 courses), tennis courts (Marrakesh and Shadow Mountain are two famous examples), to shopping in designer boutiques along El Paseo, Palm Desert will keep you on your feet. Those are the obvious reasons to vacation in Palm Desert. The city also has stunning art and architecture. Entertainment venues include casinos, theaters for a variety of interests, as well as hiking and biking trails, and hot air balloon trips.
Winter temperatures rarely require more than a light sweater. Daytime highs average between 73º and 80º. Fewer than 5 inches of rain fall annually in Palm Springs. The area basks in approximately 350 days of sunshine each year. For snowbirds, a January alfresco dinner surrounded in desert sunset colors may be the most memorable experience of their vacation.
For the adventurous, and those who wish to try something very different, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert offers a “Starry Safari”. Visitors only need bring a sleeping bag. They’ll experience star-filled wonderment in an outdoor camping environment while enjoying the sights and sounds of the nighttime desert.
Situated in the Coachella Valley, are several adjacent cities and towns to visit while staying in Palm Desert. Nearby Palm Springs CA, is also famous for its golf courses, yet other attractions include an air museum, art museums and a tram. The country club city of Rancho Mirage was named the best resort town in the world by the London Imperial Traveler Magazine. Another golf town is Cathedral City with its Date Palm Country Club, home of the infamous tee shot across the lake on the 8th hole. Also close to Palm Desert are Coachella, “City of Eternal Sunshine”, and Indio, home to the 3-day Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Visitors will also find Desert Hot Springs where many spas feature local therapeutic mineral waters, and Indian Wells with the odd distinction of being the home to many millionaires. Finally, for golfers, there is La Quinta, famous for being “the nation’s leading golf destination”.
There are a variety of places to stay in Palm Desert. Condominiums are very popular and there are many to choose from. One beautiful locale is the Desert Falls Country Club. A highlight of staying there is the personal touch of being able to rent a vacation condo directly from the owners. Many of the owners maintain websites exclusively for this purpose. The advantages of renting direct from owners are not just the obvious money-savings, but the added benefit, for first-time visitors especially, to see online photos and descriptions of the condo property. Additionally, owners often have favorite restaurants, shopping haunts and unusual activities to share that may not be well publicized in travel brochures.
Palm Desert is, of course, not the only desert location where one can find award-winning golf courses, great restaurants and cute boutiques. However, Palm Desert and the surrounding communities of the Coachella Valley have a friendly, small-town feel that few other desert resort areas offer. This is the place to go for those who want a relaxing, uplifting get-away, without the stress of a big-city experience.
