Places Worth Checking Out in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a beautiful city located in Southern California. It has been voted as one of the best places to visit in the United States. The weather is perfect year-round and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy and amazing views to love.

If you are planning a trip to Palm Springs, here are some places worth checking out.

1) El Paseo – This place was built by the founder of Palm Springs, George Wrigley Jr., who wanted to create an outdoor shopping mall that would be open all year long. He named it after his favorite Spanish word for “walk” or “promenade.” Today this area is known as the most popular spot in town because of its shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, art galleries, movie theaters, and more. There are also many events held at this location throughout the year including concerts, festivals, fairs, etc. You can find everything from high-end stores like Tiffany & Co. to local boutiques selling unique items. If you want to enjoy live music while walking around the streets, then head over to the Village Green Amphitheater where they host free shows every day during the summer months.

2) Old Town Art District – Located on North Indian Canyon Drive, this district features dozens of artists' studios and galleries. Many of them sell their work directly to customers so if you love arts and crafts, stop by and check out what they have available. Some of these businesses include Avant Garde Gallery, Beaded Dreams Jewelry Studio, Blackbird Designs, Creative Arts Collective, Elegant Impressions, and many more!

3) Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – One of the oldest attractions in the state, the aerial tramway offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background. Visitors can ride up to three times per hour with each journey lasting about 10 minutes. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3–11. Children under age 2 must sit on their lap. Reservations are recommended but not required. For reservations call -977-2787.

4) Palm Springs Air Museum – This museum houses hundreds of aircraft ranging from World War II planes to helicopters. They even have a plane made entirely out of Legos! Admission costs $12 for adults and $8 for kids. Kids 12 years old and younger get into the museum for free. Check out the website for hours of operation.

5) Palm Springs Modernism Weekends – Held annually in April, this event celebrates modern architecture and design. More than 100 buildings are featured along with lectures, tours, exhibits, parties, film screenings, and other special events. Visit www.psmodweekends.com/palmsprings for information.

6) Palm Springs Zoo – Home to nearly 200 animals representing 70 different species, this zoo is great fun for both young and older visitors. Animals roam freely through several habitats such as African Savanna, Asian Rainforest, Australian Bushland, Central American Tropical Forest, Mediterranean Woodlands, Southwestern Uplands, and Western Plains. Each habitat contains various types of plants and trees which provide food and shelter for the animals. There are also daily animal feedings at 11 am and 1 pm. Admission costs $16 for adults and $13 for seniors 65+ and students 13+. Children 5 and under go free.

7) Palm Springs Racquet Club – If golfing is more your thing then head over to the racquet club where you will find two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., an Olympic gold medalist. Both courses offer challenging layouts that include water hazards, sand traps, and bunkers. Greens fees range between $50-$100 depending upon the time of day and season. Call 922-2093 or check their website for current rates.

8) Palm Canyon Drive – Located just south of downtown Palm Springs, this scenic road takes drivers past many unique shops, restaurants, galleries, and hotels. You'll pass the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival every spring when it happens.

9) Palm Desert – A small town north of Palm Springs, Palm Desert was once home to movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner. Today, celebrities still flock to its posh resorts and spas. Many people come to see the annual Indian Wells Tennis Championships held at nearby Indian Wells Resort.

10) San Jacinto Plaza – Built in 1926, this historic shopping center features art deco-style architecture. In addition to retail stores, the plaza includes a bank, post office, restaurant, and barbershop.

11) Joshua Tree National Park - Located near Yucca Valley, Joshua tree national park covers approximately 605 square miles. Its name comes from the Native Americans who called these twisted cacti “joshua trees” because they looked similar to Biblical prophet Joshua. These giant saguaro cactus grow throughout the Mojave Desert region. Some reach heights of 60 feet tall while others stretch across 40 acres.

12) Palm Springs Art Museum - This museum houses collections of European paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, photography, textiles, ceramics, furniture, glassware, jewelry, silver, and fine prints.

The Palm Springs Lifestyle

1) Warm Weather – With average temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit all summer long, Palm Springs enjoys warm weather throughout most months of the year. However, winter brings cooler days and nights so be sure to pack accordingly.

2) Outdoor Activities – Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, skiing, horseback riding, or simply relaxing outdoors, Palm Springs provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation - from the easy hiking trails through the Joshua Tree National Park to a quick run along with the stunning palm trees in the peaceful streets of this desert oasis, and to the amazing mountain views!

3) Golf Courses – This desert resort offers three world-class golf courses including La Quinta Country Club, Riviera Country Club, and Thunderbird Country Club. All three have hosted PGA tournaments.

4) Spas – For those who prefer pampering themselves rather than hitting the links, Palm Springs boasts numerous luxurious spa facilities offering everything from traditional treatments to exotic massages.

5) Restaurants – From fine dining establishments serving gourmet cuisine to casual eateries with fast service, Palm Springs has something for everyone.

6) Museums – Art lovers can spend hours exploring museums featuring works by famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and others.

7) Nightlife – After dark, partygoers love visiting local bars and clubs where they dance until dawn. There are also several casinos within driving distance if gambling is what gets you going.

Owning a Home in Palm Springs

1) Property Taxes – Because property taxes account for about half of homeowners' monthly expenses, finding affordable housing should always be a priority. Fortunately, homes in Palm Springs tend to cost less than other parts of Southern California because real estate prices are lower due to the area's mild climate.

2) Monthly Rent Costs – Rents vary widely across different neighborhoods but generally start at around $800 per month. If your budget allows, consider renting an apartment instead of buying a house since rents will likely go down over time while mortgage payments remain relatively constant.

3) Mortgage Payments – When purchasing a home, expect to pay between 4% - 6% interest on top of your principal loan amount. On the plus side, mortgages in Palm Springs typically last longer than elsewhere in the country. The best real estate agent Palm Springs locals trust would be from the Harcourts Desert Homes brokerage.

4) Down Payment Requirements – To buy a home in Palm Springs, buyers usually need only put 5%-20% down depending upon their credit score.

5) Location – Homes in Palm Springs offer easy access to major freeways which makes it convenient to travel anywhere else in the region. Additionally, many residents commute into Los Angeles daily via public transportation.

Let our professional real estate brokers show you the best properties in Coachella Valley! If you're looking for a home in Palm Springs, contact us at Harcourts Desert Homes today and find out what makes this beautiful desert city the perfect place to live. Call us now to book an appointment!