Prime Time For A California Desert Winter Getaway
As the weather turns chilly (and eventually snowy) in much of the northern hemisphere, it's time to start thinking about a sun-splashed California desert getaway.
Given its hundreds of accommodation and dining options, and dozens of different ways to while away a day, the Greater Palm Springs and the greater Coachella Valley is the main destination.
In bygone times, you had to drive two-to-three hours from Los Angeles or San Diego to reach the valley. But nowadays you can fly into Palm Springs International Airport on 13 different airlines offering nonstop flights from 30 cities in the US and Canada.
What's the winter weather like?
A lot of people consider it near perfect. The triple digits of summer have faded into a daily mean temperature of less than 80 ̊F (27 ̊C) between November and March. Sure, it's the rainy season. But in California's low desert that means around one inch (25 mm) or less per month. Blue skies or sunshine are the norm.
New Desert DigsThe tourism landscape is constantly changing in the Coachella Valley, starting with places where you can chill out and bed down for the night.
Like the Mojave Resort in Palm Desert. Relaunched in August, this classic Mid-Century Modern motel has transformed into a chic little boutique with a swimming pool and jacuzzi, complimentary bikes, comfy king beds, and surprisingly ample breakfast boxes delivered to your door every morning. It's a short walking distance to El Paseo shopping and restaurant row. And coming in at less than $200 per double room during the week, it's hard to beat the price.
The valley's latest super-luxury abode is Hermann Bungalows along East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. Bucking the Mid-Century Modern trend, this posh 24-suite retreat is thoroughly 21st century. Each of the low-slung rock hewn rooms comes with a private patio that opens directly onto the pool. The resort's upscale Sopa restaurant and a luxury spa add to the allure. But expect to pay around four figures for the privilege.
Among the new mid-range places to sleep tight are the Thompson Palm Springs and the funky Fleur Noire Hotel on the north side with its al fresco pink champagne bar and flamboyant murals.
California + Mediterranean = Incredible EatsNew restaurants are bursting out all over the valley.
At the gourmet end of the dining spectrum is Alice B. from James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Located in downtown Palm Springs, the menu blends fresh California ingredients with French and Mediterranean flavors in a dining room that doubles as a modern art gallery.
Eastern Mediterranean is the culinary forte at Lola Rose Grand Mezze in the new Thompson Palm Springs hotel. From shakshuka poached eggs for breakfast to falafel and tabbouleh to braised lamb with a pomegranate glaze and swordfish kebabs in the evening, the menu is guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the Middle East.
You don't have to spend a small fortune for good food. Among the new low-cost bets is Crudo Cevicheria in Palm Springs, where the northern Mexico-style seafood treats go well with the creative tequila-based cocktails.
Those craving good old American comfort food at reasonable rates there's nothing better than Grill-A-Burger , a local hangout in Palm Desert that featured on the Guy Fieri television show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. They offer a mind-blowing 30 types of beef burger and 15 different hotdogs.
When You're Not Eating or Sleeping . . .Check out the brand-new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum , which illuminates the history and customs of the Agua Caliente people who have lived for thousands of years in the Coachella Valley. Beyond the temporary and permanent exhibits, the Native American inspired stone architecture is also amazing.
On the other side of the palm-shaded Oasis Trail in the Agua Caliente Courtyard is The Spa at Sèc-he , which offers a range of wellness and beauty products from hot mineral baths, massage and facials to a salt cave, quartz bed and mineral water yoga.
Catch a wave at the new Palm Springs Surf Club , where the state-of-the-art wave pool can generate a variety of whitecaps from easy going for beginners to tubes for veteran surfers. The club features cabanas and day beds, two restaurants and three bars.
Tee off at one of the 125 golf courses in the Coachella Valley. The links range from modest public and municipal courses to pro-level conditions. The nine courses of PGA West ("Western Home of Golf in America") and two at Indian Wells Golf Resort rank among the best in California.
Eyeball the astonishing flora and fauna of the world's driest regions as the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. An experience that's extra special between Thanksgiving and the end of December when the grounds are bedazzled with three million holiday lights.
Take a road trip through nearby Joshua Tree National Park. The looping journey covers around 150 miles (340 km) with short hikes like the Cholla Cactus Garden and Skull Rock along the way, plus the possibility of snow mantling the Joshua trees during the colder months.
