Spotlight

What's HOT in the Palm Springs area

 

 

Things To Do

  • Attractions
  • Activities
  • Casinos
  • Sightseeing
  • Points of Interest

BUDDY GRECO'S Recognized year after year as one of the top Jazz pianists and vocalists of our time, Buddy Greco continues to wow audiences at the night club that bears his name. Opened in 2006 with his wife Lezlie Anders, Buddy Greco's Dinner Club is reminiscent of the small, intimate supper clubs that were popular in New York and Chicago during the 1960s. Step inside and you're surrounded by memorabilia reflecting on Buddy's history and accomplishments. Rare photos show Buddy with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe and many others .Dinner seating begins at 6:30 with 8 p.m. show. Open Tue. - Sun. Cathedral City, 68-805 East Palm Canyon Dr. For more information call 883- 5812 or visit www.BuddyGrecos.com

CHILDREN'S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF THE DESERT Situated on 6 1/2 acres, the museum boasts 8,000 square feet featuring over 50 hands- on exhibits including Dig It, an Archaeological dig where children can dig for actual Cahuilla Indian artifact replicas. The campus also includes a multipurpose performance center, outdoor amphitheater, covered picnic area, museum store and a citrus grove. The museum serves children of all ages with particular emphasis on primary school children. Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $6 ages 2 plus; Children under 2 are free. Rancho Mirage, 71-701 Gerald Ford Dr. Call 321-0602 or visit www.cdmod.org

DESERT IMAX THEATRE Experience a giant six- story high screen and crystal clear surround sound that will leave you feeling as if you are part of the picture. Call for current listings and show times. Cathedral City, 68-510 East Palm Canyon Dr. (at Cathedral Canyon) Call 324- 7333 or visit www.srentertainmentgrp.com

ELVIS HONEYMOON HIDEAWAY TOUR The famous Alexander Estate representing the pinnacle of Palm Springs modernism architecture is rich in local lore. It boasts a history of lavish parties, celebrity guests and famous occupants. It is commonly known as the Honeymoon Hideaway because its most famous residents, Elvis and Priscilla Presley, spent their honeymoon night there on May 1, 1967. Elvis continued to use this estate in the late 1960's as a retreat from the Hollywood movie scene. Guided tours are available daily by appointment. Call 322-1192 or visit www.elvishoneymoon.com

THE FABULOUS PALM SPRINGS FOLLIES is a world- famous, Broadway-caliber celebration of the music, dance, and comedy of the 30's, 40's and 50's, with a cast old enough to remember The Way It Really Was! The Follies also features world-renowned guest stars, the very finest international variety acts, sidesplitting comedy and, of course, that legendary line of long legged lovelies. The theme for the Follies' all-new 17th edition is Tin Pan Alley celebrating the Golden Age of American popular music and featuring all new sets, all new costumes and more of the magic you've come to expect with each new Follies season. Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, 128 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Call 327- 0225 visit www.psfollies.com

INDIAN CANYONS Some of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas on Agua Caliente tribal land are the Indian Canyons. All of these canyons are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and each offers the ideal setting for walking, hiking or picnicking. The Canyons are home to waterfalls and the most California Fan palm trees in the world. Ranger led tours are available. Just a few minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the entrance to Palm, Andreas and Murray Canyons is located at the lower end of S. Palm Canyon Drive. Open daily 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Visit the Trading Post for hiking maps, refreshments, Indian art and more. Admission: $8, adults; $6, seniors (62+), students and military; $4, children (6-12); Call 323-6018. The entrance to Tahquitz Canyon is located at 500 W. Mesquite Drive (just west of Palm Canyon Drive). Open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.The Tahquitz Visitor Center offers educational and cultural exhibits. Admission: $12.50 adults; $6 children. Call for tour schedules 416- 7044. Discount tickets available at Palm Springs Visitor Center.

KNOTT'S SOAK CITY Palm Springs' only water park, Knott's Soak City offers 22 thrilling ways to beat the heat.  Pacific Spin is a multi-person raft ride that drops riders 75 feet into a swirling six-story funnel, while high speed tube and body slides, an 800,000-gallon wave pool and a lazy river keep the fun flowing all day.  Families will have a splash at the four-story water funhouse, and at Gremmie Lagoon, a children’s pool and activity area.  Palm Springd, 1500 South Gene Autry Trail.  Call 327-0499 or visit www.knotts.com

LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS This beautiful 1,200- acre exotic wildlife and botanical park houses some of the world's rarest desert animals and plants. Enjoy the Wildlife Wonders show, see an African Village and visit the Petting Kraal with rare breeds of sheep, goats, donkeys and cattle from Africa. The North American area features replications of the ten major deserts' flora and fauna life. The Discovery Room offers a hands-on interactive adventure for all ages. Don't miss the new Gecko Gulch children's play land and special Seasonal events detailed in our Calendar. Palm Desert. 47-900 Portola Ave. Call 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org

MCCALLUM THEATRE Widely recognized as one of America's most beautiful and prestigious theatres, the McCallum attracts more than 150,000 theatergoers annually. The Theatre brings an astonishing variety of entertainment and cultural experiences to the Valley, including: World- class performances by artists as varied as Tony Bennett, Sheryl Crow, Carol Channing, the St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet and the New York City Opera Company; Nationally televised programs starring artists such as Ray Charles and Oprah Winfrey and performances by artists such as the Flying Karamazov Brothers and the ballet de L'Opera de Bordeaux. See our Calendar of Events for current shows. Palm Desert, 73000 Fred Waring Dr. Call 340-ARTS or visit www.mccallumtheatre.com

PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY From top to bottom "The Tram" delivers a scenic and educational journey. The 10-minute, 2.5-mile ride begins at the Valley Station - elevation 2,643 feet, and ends at the Mountain Station - elevation 8,516 feet. In the winter, passengers can crosscountry ski or snowshoe. Rental equipment is available at the Adventure Center, snow conditions permitting. During the summer months, camping and guided nature walks are available. No matter what the season, a one- of- a- kind dining experience can be had at Elevations or the Top of the Tram Restaurant. Call 325-1391 or visit www.pstramway.com

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM Comprehensive and sophisticated, this 125,000 square- foot art mus- eum in downtown Palm Springs would be welcomed in any large city. Permanent collections include 20th century modern and contemporary art,Western American and Native American art, Mesoamerican artifacts, miniatures, two sculpture gardens with an international collection of 20th century sculpture and the Stephen H. Willard Photography Collection & Archives. Touring exhibitions of photography, architecture, glass art and modern and contemporary paintings will be featured this season. Home to the Annenberg Theater of Performing Arts. Palm Springs, 101 Museum Dr. Call 325-7186 or visit www.psmuseum.org

 

BALLOON ABOVE THE DESERT Experience the peaceful, yet exciting! Greet the sun, or bid it farewell as you drift in beautiful desert skies in one of the most peaceful experiences of a lifetime. Sip champagne while floating efffortlessly as your experienced pilot provides a guided tour in one of their colorful hot air baloons. You will view breathtaking vistas of some of the most picturesque landscapes in California. Vineyards, polo fields, world- famous golf resorts and exotic orchards are just a few of the unbelieveable sights you will experience. Your flight direction is determined by the breeze. Reservations are required. Call 347-0410 or visit their website, www.balloonabovethedesert.com. See $30 discount on sunrise flights at www.travelhost.com/palmsprings

BOOMERS! Looking for a unique family entertainment experience? Then come to Boomers! where family fun rules. Boomers! Caters to guests of all ages with miniature golf, bumper boats, lightning fast go-karts, video games, a 32' outdoor rock climbing wall and more! Boomers! is perfect for birthday celebrations and company outings, or just hangin' out. Their staff can assist with everything from planning to invitations to catering. So if there's an event in your future, give them a call and they'll supply the fun. Call for specific hours. Cathedral City, 67-700 E. Palm Canyon Drive. Call 770-7522.

PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY is much more than a great place to borrow a book. It's an essential resource for travelers too. In addition to the latest best sellers,DVD movies and audio books, they offer free wireless Internet access, video conferencing services, and free computers for onsite use. They even have a Passport Office open six days a week - no appointment necessary. And don't forget all the great family- friendly events (many of which are listed in our Calendar of Events). 300 S Sunrise Way (at Barristo Rd next to the Palm Springs Stadium). Call 322-READ (7323) or visit www.PalmSpringsLibrary.org

SMOKE TREE STABLES Enjoy horseback riding through the historic and picturesque Indian Canyons. Experience a few quiet hours of "getting away from it all" on over 150 miles of convenient riding trails that provide both solitude and breathtaking beauty past year- round streams and the world's largest palm oases. In close proximity to Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Indian Canyons, Smoke Tree Stables offers guided rides by the hour or for the entire day.Custom-designed group packages that can include picnic lunches are also available. Palm Springs, 2500 Toledo Ave. Call 327-1372 or visit www.smoketreestables.com

TULIP HILL WINERY Experience a taste of the California wine country in Rancho Mirage at the Tulip HillWinery tasting room, where the motto is "Wine with Everything!" Tulip Hill is proud to showcase its award-winning boutique wines in a fun and interactive setting. The tasting room features an unparalleled olive oil tasting bar and an exclusive line of specialty foods and chocolates. Distinctive gifts, unique gift baskets, fine stemware and wine accessories complement the wine tasting experience. See coupon page 25. Located at The River in Rancho Mirage, 71800 Hwy 111 (at Bob Hope Dr.). Call 568-5678 or visit www.tuliphillwinery.com

FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO Palm Springs area's premier gaming resort features a 12- story, 250- room hotel, Vegas- style casino and Special Events Center with big-name entertainment. Dance the night away on Friday and Saturday nights to the hottest DJs in the 12th floor Velvet Palm Night Club. Dining options include The Fresh Grill Buffet,The Bistro, Players Steakhouse, The (24-hour) Cafe and Pizza Kitchen. See calendar of events for regular shows and special engagements. Fantasy Lanes is on site for family bowling fun. Fantasy Springs is located near Indio at 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy. (exit I- 10 at Golf Center Parkway). Call 800-827-2946 or visit www.FantasySpringsResort.com

SPOTLIGHT 29 CASINO is the Coachella Valley's most exciting place to play. Located at I-10 and Dillon Road, Spotlight 29 Casino offers 2,000 slots, 30 table games, and a seventable poker room. The 2,200- seat Spotlight Showroom presents the best in entertainment. Dining choices include the award-winning Rattlesnake Restaurant, Cafe Capitata and Food Court. Enjoy live entertainment in the Blue Bar, and relax in the Rattlesnake Bar and Casino Bar. Spotlight 29 Casino is a business venture of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Turn it on by calling 1-866-3SPOT29 or visit www.Spotlight29.com

A TASTE OF PALM SPRINGS Every Thursday this tour takes you to all the best that Palm Springs has to offer. Tour includes a reserved private car on the famous Aerial Tramway- the largest rotating Tram in the world. They take you to 8,514 feet to an alpine wonderland where temperatures are in the 70’s during the summer months. A full dinner is included at the restaurant at the top of the mountain. On the way to the Tram they give you an entertaining and educational tour of town and show you the homes of the rich and famous including the homes of Elvis Presley, Jay Leno, Marilyn Monroe and many more. Finally, they take you to the Thursday Street Festival in Palm Springs for 1.5 hours. Transportation is aboard a luxury limo coach. Pickups at most resorts. Special: $79 Adults and $59 Children under 13. Departure times from the Desert Imax: 3:30 to 8:45 p.m. Call toll free: 1-877-656-2453 or visit www.PalmSpringsFunTrips.com

ADVENTURE HUMMER TOURS Explore the REAL DESERT in a Hummer! This tour is fun for the whole family and takes you from the Palm Springs area on a goldmine trail into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. This tour is conducted in popular OPEN AIR Hummers. Leaves every morning and afternoon. Pass by goldmines and 2 billion year old canyons as you experience the desert with their expert guides. See ad for more details. This tour has been featured in the LA Times and PalmSprings.com. You will see both the Colorado and the eye-popping majesty of the Mojave Desert. Early reservations are required. Call toll free at 1-877-WE-HUMMER or 760- 285-0876 or visit www.AdventureHummer.com

DESERT ADVENTURES Join Desert Adventures for an amazing journey into the REAL desert. Travel by open- air Jeep through the San Andreas Fault's twisted and tortured landscape. Visit a recreated Indian Village, Mining Camp, or Pioneer Homestead and learn about the history and culture of the Cahuilla Indians or early pioneers. Or travel rugged back- country trails high into the Joshua Tree National Park. A naturalist guide will fascinate you with stories about the desert's plants, animals, history, and geology. Call 340-2345 or toll free at 888-440-5337 or visit www.red-jeep.com

PALM SPRINGS FUN TRIPS Call to check weekly tours both within Palm Springs as well as out-of- town day trips. Every Wednesday they go to Rosarito Beach Mexico. $89 pp (includes brunch at the Rosarito Beach Hotel and a dinner stop in San Diego.) Every Tuesday they offer a tour to Hollywood where they stop at Rodeo Drive. See movie star homes and see the Chinese Theater. ($89 pp incl pickups at most hotels.) Call 877- 656- 2453 or locally 285- 1608 or visit www.palmspringsfuntrips.com

PLATINUM HELICOPTERS Enjoy the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley along the picturesque San Andreas and San Jacinto Mountains from the best vantage point around. Platinum Helicopters provides sightseeing/tours and Corporate/VIP transportation throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. They also provide aerial real estate surveys, movie/TV camera services, and all commercial operations. Custom tour packages are available in both Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. Enjoy a beautiful day trip package to San Diego or Las Vegas. Their experienced, resourceful pilots are all Certified Commercial pilots. Call 322-6700 for select packages or visit them at www.platinumhelicopters.com

AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM Exhibits include permanent and changing displays portraying the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and other Cahuilla peoples. Hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Palm Springs, 219 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Call 323-0151.

PALM DESERT VISITOR CENTER This is no ordinary Visitor Center. In addition to the large selection of free publications, there are many items available for purchase including souvenirs, hats, golf shirts, tank tops, children's items, and the Palm Desert Table Top book. Also within the contemporary architecture and environmentally friendly design is the Palm Desert Community Gallery that showcases rotating art exhibits throughout the year. An 18- seat theatre allows visitors to watch a variety of educational videos and learn more about Palm Desert and what the Coachella Valley has to offer.Palm Desert, 72-567 Highway 111. Call 568-1441.

PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY is located on The Village Green and is comprised of two 19th century pioneer homes. The McCallum Adobe, the oldest remaining building in Palm Springs, was built in 1884 for John McCallum, the first permanent white settler. A 24 minute film on the history of Palm Springs runs continuously.The second building is The Cornelia White House, built by the city's first hotel proprietor, Dr. Welwood Murray, in 1893. The house is furnished with donated antiques. Palm Springs, 221 S Palm Canyon Dr. Call 323-8297.