Palm Springs

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Desert Getaway

An October 2003 trip to Palm Springs by MKnight

Cathedral Canyon GC #1More Photos

A visit to the Palm Springs area--a wonderful time!

  • 7 reviews
  • 14 photos

Desert GetawayBest of IgoUgo

Overview

DG
Some of the highlights from my trip:
Golfing, tennis, casinos, Joshua Tree National Park, Living Desert Zoo, Uprising Rock Climbing Center

Quick Tips:

Palm Springs is known for its older population, but there are certainly plenty of activities to keep you busy. Definitely get some golf and pool time - the area has an abundance of both.

Best Way To Get Around:

Rent a car (or motorcycle!!) at the airport - we didn't even attempt public transport. I can't imagine waiting for a bus in that heat!

Lawrence Welk's Desert Oasis ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Lawrence Welk's Desert Oasis"

Best Things Nearby:
Cathedral Canyon Golf Course, Uprising Rock Climbing Center, Joshua Tree National Park

Best Things About the Resort:
Accommodations, staff, activities

Resort Experience:
All the units at LWDO are one-bedrooms, very comfortable for four people. The grounds are well-kept and pleasant to take a walk around. I've never been to a resort with more activities - they even have an ice-cream social. Situated next to a golf course, which is a huge bonus as well!

  • Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
  • Activities: Excellent
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by MKnight on November 25, 2003

Lawrence Welk's Desert Oasis Resort
34567 Cathedral Canyon Drive Cathedral City, California 92234
(760) 321-9000

Las Casuelas NuevasBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

La Casuelas
A beautifully decorated Mexican restaurant, with excellent food to match. Kick back and enjoy a grande margarita, some fresh guacamole and chips. I can recommend the Chicken Mole dish - it was outstanding.

The service was attentive without being overbearing, and very prompt. It was certainly a comfortable atmosphere to relax and eat well.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by MKnight on November 25, 2003

Las Casuelas Nuevas
70050 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, California 92270
(760) 328-8844

Cathedral Canyon Country ClubBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Cathedral Canyon GC #1
There are three nine-hole courses: Mountain, Arroyo, and Lake. During my stay only Arroyo was being repaired. The courses are not extremely long or particularly difficult, lots of straight drives. Some sections tend to have multiple water hazards, which can make for some tricky approach shots. Greens were well kept, a little on the fast side. The vistas throughout the courses are magnificient.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by MKnight on November 25, 2003

Cathedral Canyon Country Club
34567 Cathedral Canyon Drive Cathedral City, California 92234
+1 760 328 6571

Joshua Tree National ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

JTNP1
Bring plenty of water, remember it is the desert!! Pick up a guide book and try some of the marked trails. Most are under two or three miles and are easy to follow. Take a drive through the park interior if time allows to see the Chocolate Mtns when going south.

Hiking difficulty is moderate, with lots of sandy areas mixed with some boulders to hop around on. Definitely a national treasure not to be missed.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by MKnight on November 25, 2003

Joshua Tree National Park
74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, California 92277
(760) 367-5500

Uprising Rock Climbing CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Uprising Rock
$25 ($5 coupon in local ads) will get you a lesson and climbing for the day. After a solid half hour of instruction, we were climbing away with confidence. The instructors were very helpful, but I think they were a little under-staffed. It was my first time, so I can't fairly estimate the difficulty. There was plenty for beginners, and some walls looked like they could give a veteran a hard time. I recommend getting there early so your instructor can focus on teaching you.

You have to park in the Soak City parking area so they stick you with a $10 fee. Bummer!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by MKnight on November 25, 2003

Uprising Rock Climbing Center
near Knotts Soak City Palm Springs, California

Living DesertBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens"

LD
A sprawling park that even has a mile hiking trail! A little short on the larger animals compared to most zoos, but plenty of interesting creatures the likes of which I've never seen.

The aviaries were fun - the birds can get pretty close. Check out the butterfly section if you're a photography buff; either way, bring a camera for the day!

Bring water if you can. There are vending machines around the park, but it's best to be prepared, right?

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by MKnight on November 25, 2003

Living Desert
47-900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, California 92260
+1 760 346 5694

About the Writer

MKnight
MKnight
New York, New York

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.