Sherman's Travel

Before my recent trip, I hadn’t been to Palm Springs in over 20 years. Now, I wonder what took me so long to return. It’s a wonderful vacation destination for short stays of four nights or for longer stays of a week. Palm Springs is desert beauty – pure and simple.

The soaring, rocky mountains, barren as they are, remind me of certain Greek islands in the Aegean but without the surrounding sea. In the canyon sits Palm Springs with its charming main street, Palm Canyon Drive, filled with boutiques. Check out the cute shop Pawz for wonderful dog items, for your own pets or for gifts. There’s also a lovely hidden courtyard in back of the shop where you will find people sitting, reading, and sipping coffee, with beautiful gardens and a view of the mountains. Further along the street, a number of restaurants offer outdoor dining.

Palm Springs is known for golfing so if you like golf, this is paradise. I’m not a golfer but I love hiking and walking. For an unforgettable outdoor experience, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (pictured above) for the 10-minute ride up to Mount San Jacinto State Park. There is a large, almost magical alpine forest up top, with trees, rambling creeks, and even snow! Tip: Bring a jacket or sweater – it’s 30 degrees cooler up there! There are dozens of trails and hiking them (for one hour, a half day, or all day) is extremely relaxing and puts one close to nature. The views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. The San Jacinto forest is one of the most unique experiences in the U.S., I feel.

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