Plan a Palm Springs, California, Winter Escape

December is when I start thinking about my February “get me outta here” winter escape to somewhere warm from frigid Philadelphia. One option is sunny southern California. For those looking for a more homey alternative to a hotel stay for their winter getaway, one possibility is Palm Springs vacation rentals. As the wind chill hovers at 19 degrees Fahrenheit with snow in the forecast, I’m pleased to bring you this post sponsored by Luxury Retreats.

I’m not a devotee of cold weather outdoor sports, so winter finds me hunkered down indoors eating too much comfort food. The Palm Springs area provides opportunities for more healthy alternatives, such as biking, swimming, horseback riding, golfing, tennis and hiking which one can follow with an array of spa treatment options. As much as I like walking down quaint streets with 19th century brownstone homes in my Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia neighborhood, a visit to Palm Springs and the surrounding area also provides the opportunity to enjoy and learn about mid-century modern architecture and design. Oh, and they have food there too.

Looking back at Palm Springs from Palm Canyon (Photo Credit: Stan Shebs, CC. Lic. 3.0)

Vacation Planning Options in the Palm Springs, California Area

Visit the Giant Cabazon Dinosaurs

Mr. Rex, one of the Cabazon Dinosaurs near Palm Springs, California. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons CityMorgue, CC Lic. 4.0 Intl.)

Take a drive just west of Palm Springs on Interstate 10 to see the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Towering over visitors is a 150 feet long Brontosaurus (Dinny) and her buddy, Mr. Rex, a 65 feet tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. Both were built by Knott’s Berry Farm sculptor, Claude K. Bell, to attract people to his Wheel Inn Café. Bell died in 1988, but the dinosaurs remain, now part of a Creationist museum and gift shop. Whether you believe in the Big Bang theory of evolution or that dinosaurs walked the earth with human beings some six thousand years ago, the dinosaurs remain an iconic part of California roadside culture and make for an impressive photo op. 

Shop Til You Drop

One might not think that “Palm Springs” and “bargains” should be found in the same sentence, but one would be wrong. The Palm Springs’ area is a draw for outlet shoppers. The Cabazon Outlets have the likes of Le Crouset and Adidas. The massive Desert Hills Premium Outlets have a whopping 130 discount emporia including Tony Burch, Gucci, Barneys of New York and L’ Occitane. You can grab a new pair of Vans or a Coach handbag at a deep discount if you’re lucky. And, hey, southern California is still part of the United States, so no U.S. customs limits to worry about if you’ll be returning to somewhere in the United States. 

Stay in Upscale Accommodations

Palm Springs is not short on glam, upscale places to stay. While Mr. Excitement and I have been known to stay in an occasional hostel on our travels, that’s not what I’d be looking for in Palm Springs. A visit to Palm Springs would be the time to choose a  fancy place with a stellar view and awesome amenities.

Travelers are realizing the benefits of getting away from traditional hotels, and instead, opting to book an entire private villa. Most villas come with state of the art kitchens, game rooms, pools, privacy and a high touch of class. If you are traveling as a group or family, splitting the cost of a private villa can actually be reasonably affordable and is probably the most comfortable alternative for intergenerational groups. On the other hand, if you are traveling with a special someone, this could be the time for a splurge. After all, Valentine’s Day could be part of a February getaway. 

Enjoy the Outdoors

The Palm Springs rotating Aerial Tramway. (Photo Credit: Matthew Field, CC. Lic. 3.0)

There are dozens of spots around Palm Springs for nature lovers to enjoy. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most famous national parks within a short driving distance. The nearby Indian Canyons also feature more than 100 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Ancient palm groves and a huge 60 foot seasonal waterfall are a few of the natural features visitors can admire. For those not queasy about heights, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rotates, giving riders a 360 degree view as it slowly travels two and a half miles through Chino Canyon to the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. For those who like their adventures closer to the ground and bumpy, off road jeep tours are also available through the San Andreas Fault line.  

Get Naked (or Not) at a Palm Springs Area Spa

The desert has long been famous for its healing and restorative powers and Palm Springs has developed a spa culture to augment the experience (unless you’re me and would rather have a root canal than a spa treatment). There are spas of all types and chances are you will be able to find a treatment you’ve never imagined. You can try juice fasting spas, colon hydrotherapy, magnesium detox, Korean body splash, raindrop therapy, Finnish rock saunas, nudist resorts and spa treatments featuring native plants and herbs. Note: if you opt for the colon hydrotherapy, you don’t have to describe it below in a comment. 😏

Celebrate Mid-Century Modern Architecture and Design

Design and architecture enthusiasts descend upon Palm Springs during February for Modernism Week which actually lasts for 11 days. During this yearly signature event visitors can participate in activities such as symposia, lectures, double decker bus tours, and film screenings to better appreciate the area’s architecture, design and fashion. If you want to rub elbows with the cognoscenti, there are poolside cocktail parties and receptions. If your Palm Springs’ escape isn’t in February, guided tours are available year round. Hip and funky eclectic boutiques line the streets of Palm Springs in case you want to score some Mid-Century modern decor to take home instead of (or in addition to) that Palm Springs tee shirt. 

Admire the Art

If you are an art enthusiast, check out the Palm Springs Backstreet Arts District, an enclave of local galleries. Inspired by the desert, a variety of artists have their work on display and for sale. On the first Wednesday of every month, the shops stay open late and there is a salon style stroll. Guests can nibble their way around the galleries, pausing to sip wine and enjoy the art.

From “young” dinosaurs to mid-century modern architecture and the sunny great outdoors, Palm Springs has a lot to offer for a winter getaway. 

Have you ever visited Palm Springs, California? Does it sound like a place you would want to visit for a winter escape?

Tagged as: Cabazon Dinosaurs, California, Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway