Summer is winding down, but there’s still time to savor the season. From scenic road trips to woodsy getaways, here are six of our favorite end-of-summer adventures in Palm Springs.
ROAD TRIP TO HUNTINGTON BEACH – Take a day (or weekend) to enjoy one of SoCal’s most beloved stretches of coastline—Huntington Beach boasts 10 uninterrupted miles of broad, sandy beaches, and had been named America’s Best Beach by Time Magazine and Best West Coast Beach by Coastal Living Magazine. Its expansive sands offer the perfect setting for kicking back under an umbrella or taking to the waves and enjoying the last few dog days of summer.
DAY TRIP TO HOLLYWOOD – Hop in the car and cruise a couple hours north to L.A. to be a tourist for a day. Check out the Walk of Fame, hike up to the Hollywood sign, catch a concert at the Bowl, grab drinks at Sunset Tower and be sure to take lots of pics.
EXPLORE IDYLLWILD – Get a dose of crisp fresh air in this mountainous region, located just 50 miles outside Palm Springs—ideal for a day trip. Perched at a much higher elevation than Palm Springs (5,413 feet), it offers great views of the surrounding desert. Do some hiking, biking or rock climbing, or just enjoy the fresh air and forests of cedars and pine trees.
RIDE COYOTE RIDGE – Book a guided horseback ride at Coyote Ridge Stable, located just twenty miles from central Palm Springs. Take in breathtaking views of the Santa Gorgonio Mountains from the area’s trails—options range from a beginner-friendly 75-minute Quail Canyon ride to the adrenaline-stoking four-hour Adventure excursion. No matter which you choose, be sure to enjoy the winged wildlife, you might catch a glimpse of the red tailed hawks, eagles and kestrels.
SOJOURN TO SAN DIEGO – Hop in the car and travel two hours south to San Diego, where a day or weekend trip can start with time at the beach and include great meals and drinks in the Gaslamp Quarter, a show at one of the city’s 17 performing arts venues and maybe an open-air concert.
VENTURE OUT TO JOSHUA TREE – About an hour east of Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park, famous for its unique natural flora, particularly, the Joshua trees. These scrubby trees stand in stark contrast to the desert landscape, and provide ample photography inspo. Get there early to hike the Hidden Valley trail, or make it a night trip—Joshua Tree’s incredible seclusion from the urban sprawl makes it ideal for stargazing.
