I have been picking D2 up from college near LA for trips over Thanksgiving weekend for the past couple of years. We have been to San Diego, and also stayed at SLO and went up to Big Sur/Hurst Castle, etc. Next year we are thinking of trying Palm Springs and checking out Joshua Tree.
I have been looking at hotels in Palm Springs, and wondered if anyone has any suggestions. Have been reviewing Trip Advisor reviews, but must admit that we don’t seem like the “typical” Palm Springs visitors (read: older, more moneyed, less active types seem to abound). Any thoughts on lodging in the area? Things to do besides visiting Joshua Tree (haven’t yet read up on hiking options, etc. there, but will be doing that soon)? We don’t need discount lodging, have seen some places around a couple hundred dollars a night that seem fine, but are put off by places that are $500/night.
We were there two weeks ago just before Christmas. My advice if you want all day in Joshua Tree (and it is well worth that and more), is to stay in 29 Palms. We stayed at the Hyatt in Indian Wells and next time, I’ll stay in 29 Palms to be closer to Joshua Tree. We started from Indian Wells at around 9am and by the time we drove to Joshua Tree and did some hiking, we were driving out of Joshua Tree in the dark and got back to the Coachella Valley around 7pm. We hiked the short Barker Dam trail and a nature trail near the Jumbo Rocks campground to Skull Rock. Both were very nice trails. But I’d wanted to do a longer trail 7 miles roundtrip to an area called “Wonderland of Rocks”. Next time.
Joshua Tree was much nicer than I had anticipated. The northern part of the park is high desert and that is where the Joshua Trees grow. There are incredible rocky cliffs and boulders and long vistas. The roads are good. There are no facilities of any kind in the park in the way of eating or lodging (other than camping). Bring plenty of water with you.
Yes, Palm Springs and environs is mostly golf courses and shopping but there are also hikes into the Indian Canyons and there is a very nice little zoo called The Living Desert. It’s in Palm Desert. They specialize in desert animals from deserts all over the world. They have big cats like jaguars and mountain lions and big horn sheep and hawks. I think admission is around $17. Well worth it.
There are lots and lots of inexpensive but nice funky little restored motels. Our favorite being “A Place in the Sun” GREAT salt water pool surrounded by little bungalows. Not for everyone (not exactly what you would call “lux”)
Yes, Big Sur was amazing! We had seen info online for the Pfeiffer Beach State Park, which is kind of hard to find (unlabeled, and there are all these other Pfeiffer parks in the area). We took a picnic down to the beach there and had a great couple of hours. The entrance is right at mile marker 45-64, north of Big Sur bakery, and the only sign says the road is not suitable for RVs (there is no park sign at the highway).
But seriously if you are staying longer than a few nights, or need more than one room you can get a pretty sweet house. The only hitch----Thanksgiving weekend comes with a premium and places book up fast.
We are just staying for 3 nights. Kid likes to go back to campus on Saturday, and (ahem) wants to visit the Nixon Library near LA on the day before Thanksgiving (yes, she has “unexpected” interests…).
It is just me and the kid, so usually we just get a room with 2 queen sized beds. Assuming we will do the same this time. And we will probably be out the door early on whatever day(s) we go to Joshua tree (7 am-ish), so from looking at the map I feel like we could still be okay staying in Palm Springs.
Need to make sure I read the hotel reviews carefully… was just thinking that one I was reading looked good when I noticed a review mentioning the “clothing optional” status of the resort. :o
Don’t mind gay innkeepers or guests, but “swingers” and “nude” aren’t going to cut it with a kid along (and I am sure she would say the same about having her mom along!).
Go past Palm Springs to the Renassance Esmarelda or LaQuinta resorts. They are younger but not hipster like Palm Springs and are closer to Joshua Tree. Spa, pools, golf, tennis and multiple types of restaurants on site for your down time.
Was just reading a review a few minutes ago on the Renassance Esmarelda – guest from last week had a bedbug experience, and AC didn’t work… will check out Laquinta, though.
We will be in the area in just 3 weeks. Last year we stayed at the Hyatt Indian Wells. I do not know how the prices are close to a holiday but after checking back I finally got a king on the Concierge floor for under $400. We like it as it provides breakfast, snacks all day, a heavy food happy hour (have made it dinner) and then a desert time.
Love the adult pool there.
We like to walk the downtown of Palm Dessert. There are some nice shops.
Do take the gondola and know there are easy hikes when on top. Forced H to Elvis Presley’s house and tour–it ended up being fun. This year Joshua Tree is our #1 destination other than the pool!
will check out Laquinta, though.