Explore the unique desert landscapes, unexpected city sights and plentiful shopping available in Palm Springs during this full-day trip. It’s a fun chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and explore the slower pace of life and wealth of amenities available in this desert city.
Begin your Palm Springs trip in the morning from either the Los Angeles Farmer’s Market or the Four Points by Sheraton in Culver City. Settle in to your seat on the air-conditioned coach that will drive you the 120 miles (193 kilometers) east out of the city of Palm Springs.
You’ll start your day in this desert town with a guided sightseeing trip, covering local landmarks including the city’s many golf courses and the one-time homes of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Barbara Streisand. Continue next to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This sky-high attraction ascends nearly 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) from the desert floor, providing stunning aerial views of Palm Springs and near-vertical cliffs of nearby Chino Canyon.
After your time above the city on the Tramway, proceed to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a public zoo and botanical garden that provides insight into the wild diversity of life that inhabits the world’s driest places. Observe animals including mountain lions, coyotes, giraffes and zebras, plus less well-known creatures like the Fennec fox, which uses its uncharacteristically large ears to help cool down.
Climb back on board your coach after the zoo and gardens, heading to El Paseo. This upscale street, known by many locals as the “Rodeo Drive” of Palm Desert, is known for its high-end shopping and secluded mansions home to various Hollywood celebrities. Enjoy a break for lunch amidst the the fancy retail offerings in this swank location.
Finish your trip at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets, offering 130 high-end brand name stores at bargain prices. Shop until you drop for brands like Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, Versace, Prada and Last Call by Nieman Marcus. After scoring a few bargains, hop back on your bus for the ride back to Los Angeles.
