Deserts

California’s Desert region art scene got its start as American artists flocked to the southwest in the early 20th century. Add to that its popularity with Hollywood glitterati, and you’ve got the two ingredients that continue to fuel arts and culture here today, including fine art, opera, symphony and theatre.

Natural attractions are the best bet here for families. Explore exotic landscapes at Joshua Tree National Park or catch the February wildflower bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park . In Palm Springs, hike to a real-life desert oasis at lush Palm Canyon or ride the rotating tramcars of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway . See tortoises, rattlesnakes, and iguanas up close and learn about the ways that these animals adapt to dry conditions at Palm Desert's Living Desert Zoo and Gardens . And be sure to taste the desert region's two most delicious specialties: date shakes and date ice cream.

For decades the desert has been a safe haven for golfers trying to escape the bone chilling cold of winter. Today, low handicappers and hackers alike still enjoy the desert’s warm winter days and crisp nights. However, those same golfers are returning to play in the summer months, when the days are hot, the nights are warm, and green fees are extremely attractive.

California’s Desert region is chock full of natural beauty and ways to explore it: by foot, horseback, bicycle, car and hot air balloon. Whether you’re getting out to rock-climb in Joshua Tree, bird-watch in the Salton Sea, or run your ATV in the Dumont Dunes, rest assured there are plenty of opportunities to cool off afterward in the area’s rivers, lakes, and (of course) swimming pools.

Palm Springs has long been an escape for Southern Californians, so a large number of spas cater to vacationing urbanites. In and around Desert Hot Springs, many spas are built around natural springs, and encourage visitors to “take the water” for its healing powers. In addition to treatments such as massage and scrubs, you’ll find Native American-inspired purifying rituals to restore body, mind, and spirit.

Long a favourite getaway from the hubbub of Hollywood, the residents of Palm Springs and surrounding towns enjoy a lively restaurant scene. Close proximity to Southern California’s vineyards ensures sophisticated wine lists. Several landmarks, reminders of the rat pack’s days, still provide reliable, thick steaks with a special ambiance. Newcomers to the dining scene are spicing things up with down home barbecue, upscale Californian, Hawaiian and Thai.