What should we do in Palm Springs, CA?

Lo, it is nearly February, and the PNW is dark and grey. Well, actually, it was sunny today, but it was still cold.

We're hoping to head to Palm Springs in February. We've got some of the basics covered; go see Joshua Tree, maybe try the aerial tram, check out the aviation museum...

What unexpected delights does GRM know about?

My only experience of Palm Springs was getting dumped there when it was too foggy to land in Oakland, and subsequently sent home to Portland by way of Seattle in a protracted waste of a day. It was a holiday trip, and there I was in a wool coat, blinking in the sunlight of the Palm Springs airport's outdoor concourse, the Christmas music on the PA somehow sounding wrong in the warm air...

Inicidentally, we did some poking around and are under the impression that it'a A) not on fire, and B) not choking on smoke, and C) not inundated with displaced Los Angelinos who need the place for living. File under somewhere between "correct me if I'm wrong" and "watch this space."

The tram is really neat, bring a sweater it is freezing at the top.  La Quinta is really nice. You can get a date shake near indio, check out Coachella, if you drive south you can see the salton sea, go to Bombay beach, I always like to go there it is kinda crazy.  

You can check out pioneer town up the hill towards Joshua tree. It is like a wild west tourist trap.    

 I like palm springs, have fun.  It should be nice there.  

BMW Performance Center West in Thermal CA. It's not a destination unless you are taking a driving class or really want some BMW swag.

Click here, then scroll down to check the schedule

Basically, number one thing is Not Be Cold.  Beyond that is all gravy.

Go climb some rocks in Joshua Tree and stop at the Ground Squirrel in 29 Palms.

I really enjoyed scrambling in Indian Cove, at least that's where I think I was.

You mentioned the aviation museum...DO IT! 

Annie and I have visited Palm Springs often and love it. (For us, it's not easy to get to from RI due to limited flights and awful connections, but well worth it once we're there). We stay at small inns in the historic Tennis Club district. My favorite aspect of PS is the McCormick Classic Car Auctions in November and February. There's always an eclectic group of cars being auctioned. If you're going to be there during the last weekend of February, definitely check it out. Otherwise at least visit the McCormick showroom on Indian Canyon Drive.

McCormick Classic Car Auction

https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/

Glamis Sand dunes , weekends are crazy but there are still people around weekdays , 

Imperial Sand Dunes (isdpermits.net)

In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :

I so wish I had a reason to be going there... with the aviation museum already on the docket maybe I'd better tuck that away for next year.

EDIT: wait, that's where the SAE applied dynamics course happens... I wonder if that ever happens early enough to coincide with our PNW doldrums escape.

Also, just another general dose of "GRM is great." Thanks for all the suggestions and little tips; that sort of stuff really improves a trip.

If you need to relax I encourage you to find some mineral hot springs. Wife and I did a few days at 2 Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs in '22 and it was great. Al Capone used to hang out here and we met some very cool people during our stay.

Top of the mountain was cold and snowed when I went. Would reccomend, but may be at odds with your goal. 

The Patton Memorial Museum isn't too far from the south entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.  I thought it was pretty interesting.  I could spend a whole week in the park and not get bored, though.