Planning a trip to the desert getaway of Palm Springs this spring or summer? This region is known for its stylish and retro hotels, dazzling pools, old Hollywood glamour, and high concentration of mid-century modern architecture. We visit every year for Modernism Week and keep coming back to this tranquil and artistic city. These are the must-see sights that make visiting this region so special.
For more information, go to https://VisitPalmSprings.com
1. Palm Canyon
If you are looking for a shaded hiking spot which also has plentiful Palm Springs history, look no further. Enter Indian Canyons, which has been home to the indigenous people for thousands of years. Palm Canyon is the largest fan palm oasis in the world. It is filled with hiking trails that wind through the Washingtonia Palms, which provide natural air conditioning. There is also the 60 foot tall Tahquitz waterfall and a running spring, the original life source for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. There is an entry fee which is well worth the admission. There are no dogs are allowed, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. More information: https://www.indian-canyons.com/indian_canyons
2. Palm Springs Aerial Tram
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram whisks you away on an exciting journey from the bottom of the desert floor to the mountain peaks in ten minutes. The tram is the largest rotating tram in the world and the ride is breathtaking. As it rotates, visitors get a 360 degree view the different ecological zones below as they transition dramatically from cactus to coniferous trees. This is the perfect activity for the entire family, especially on hot desert days. The top of the mountain provides alpine breezes and a refuge from the desert heat. Note: There is a $12 parking fee and bring warm layers of clothing. The top of the mountain is over 8,000 feet high and there can still be snow in May! More information: https://pstramway.com/
3. Pool Party
If you do one thing here in Palm Springs this summer, you must make a splash in the pool. There are more pools per capita here than anywhere else in North America. If you are not staying at a resort with a pool, you can grab a day pass. Visit the retro pools at Ace Hotel or The Saguaro for a fun day in the sun! If you want a full pool party experience with music, check out the Splash House event this summer.
4. Modernism Mecca
Palm Springs has an extensive concentration of mid century modern architecture. There is even an event called Modernism Week which provides tours of the iconic homes, many of which you otherwise cannot access. One of the most well-known modernist buildings is the Albert Frey Tramway Station as you enter Palm Springs on Highway 111. Its design showcases the quintessential look of the mid-century style including the industrial materials, glass windows, overhanging roofs, and angular lines. Modernism Week happens in May and is the best way to transport yourself back to the Palm Springs of the 50's and 60s! Get your tickets here: https://modernismweek.com/
5. Dining Out
In Palm Springs, dining out is a must do! There's classic deli cuisine, Italian, and even Austrian food here! The evenings usually bring cool breezes here in Palm Springs. If you are dining outdoors in summer, many restaurants provide misters and covered patios so you can stay refreshed. Be aware that many restaurants close in the mid afternoon from 3 - 5 PM so plan accordingly.
6. Art Scene
Palm Springs has an eye-catching public arts scene. Most notably is the 26 foot tall Forever Marilyn sculpture, which is on display in front of the Palm Springs Museum of Art. Her presence brings the Hollywood glamour to Palm Springs, which has been known to be the playground of the stars. Another jaw dropping public art piece on display is the "History of Suspended Time" by Gonzalo Lebrija, which is an inverted vintage automobile that appears to be plunging head-first into a reflecting pool. It is on display for a year and found in front of the entrance to the Palm Springs Museum of Art. Be sure to visit the Palm Springs Museum of Art which has a thought provoking collection of Native American art and contemporary designs.
What are your favorite sights to see in Palm Springs? Comment below!
âThank you to Visit Palm Springs for helping to make this video possible! For more information, go to https://VisitPalmSprings.com
If you are looking for a weekend escape in California that will allow you some real downtime, then you must check out Oxnard. Located in Ventura County, Oxnard offers many of the amenities of Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, but without all the crowds. The 7 miles of wide beaches sand dunes offer a relaxing and approachable atmosphere. Oxnard also has a variety of excellent cuisines to sample, scenic biking paths, and water sports in the Channel Island Harbor.
What's unique about Oxnard is that from the coast, you can see California's Channel Islands. These islands are known as the Galapagos of North America and feature plenty of marine wildlife. Travel Vlog: We are staying that the Embassy Suites by Hilton Mandalay Bay, the only all-suite oceanfront resort in Southern California. The resort is complete with a pool, waterfalls, and beach-front suites that are perfect to work from home on your staycation. In fact, this is the first time I have stayed on the beach in California with a white water view. Where to stay: Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach
To start off the day, we visit the beach and Port Hueneme Pier, which offers plenty of picnic and seafood spots.
You cannot visit Oxnard without getting out on the water. We rent kayaks at the Channel Island Harbor. The harbor is filled with surprises and wildlife, including sea lions. Channel Islands Kayak Center: http://cikayak.com/
A great way to explore Oxnard is by surrey bike, where you can ride along the Hollywood Beach path.
Wheel Fun Rentals: https://wheelfunrentals.com/ca/oxnard/embassy-suites-mandalay-beach-resort/
Step in to the history of Oxnard at Heritage Square Park which is filled with old restored Victorian homes.
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Otani's Seafood: http://www.otanis-seafood.com/
Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine: http://www.moquecarestaurant.com/ Casa Agria Specialty Ales: https://www.casaagria.com/ Heritage Coffee: https://www.heritagecoffee805.com/ â
We love exploring new brands with clothes made for active travelers. We tried two exciting brands that will enable you to travel in comfort and style while keeping your luggage light at the same time.
Janji
We tried a few pieces from the Janji Transit Tech Collection, who have designed pieces perfect for the minimalist, cross-functional, active traveler. They use lightweight, breathable, water resistant + fast drying fabrics. Since the pieces dry in a few hours, you can rewear them throughout your trip.
Transit Tech makes ideal gear for active travel. Style matters, but more than anything, we appreciate sturdy gear that won't let you down. Janji purposefully selects materials that are performance-focused and durable.
We tried the Janji Lattitude Half Zip in Midnight and the 6” Transit Tech short in midnight. The half-zip is perfect for the trail or to use as a windbreaker in the city. It is well-ventilated so it stays cool and helps you regulate the temperature highs and lows. Perhaps the best feature is the kangaroo pocket that zips on both sides. We also like the drawstring on the bottom for adjustments. The lightweight and comfortable pieces help you stay refreshed wherever your adventures take you!
SOAR RUNNING
SOAR is a UK-based brand with technical fabrics that go above and beyond the average running brand. The collection was born from an admiration for runners and frustration of major sports brands. The issue is that these major sports brands might sponsor Olympic athletes but their interest seemed to be in the top 0.1% of the sport instead of grassroots runners (e.g. joggers, hikers, active travelers). SOAR steps in to fill the gap with well-designed performance-focused gear. The Hot Weather Shirt is constructed from unbelievably light material, suited for hot summer sun or layering during unpredictable weather. It is made of an open weave 3-D mesh fabric, while the shoulders and upper back use a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection) 50 fabric to protect against the sun's UV rays. We do recommend sizing up when you select their pieces as some of their sizes can wear a touch tight and this is something to keep in mind, if you prefer ventilation with your race-day shirt.
We tried the RUN SHORTS 3.0 which are a mid-thigh length that feature laser cut ventilation holes on the sides to boost breathability. The bonded hems ensure chafing is eliminated – even on your longest runs. The shorts are super-light and washing and drying them is a breeze. Reach for these shorts if you need something for race-day to get you to the finish line faster!
We hope you enjoy these activewear brands and take them on your next adventure!
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Published Travel ArticlesWelcome to Run The Atlas!
We are two adventurous young professionals who turned our passion for travel into a blog to help others travel more.
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