One of the very interesting features about Palm Springs is the people it attracts. It's no longer that retired snowbird who wants to escape the snow of Minnesota who shows up here. It has a diverse group of tourists who flock here from all over the world.

At times the juxtaposition of some of these groups is interesting. For instance, over Spring Break you get the typical college party animal sharing a wait for a table with your average, white-haired retired AARP member. Every year the massive gay circuit party called the White Party descends on Palm Springs around Easter, which sometimes falls around the same time as Passover. You will see the decked out white party boys sharing the sidewalk with an Orthodox Jewish family walking to temple. Last year the Mrs. America pageant took place during the same week the professional strippers had their convention (yes, strippers hold a convention!). It was hard to tell these two groups apart at times! Another one of these unusual pairings happens every Columbus Day when thousand of motorcycle clubs hit the streets of Palm Springs for Desert Heat, the same weekend when hundreds of gay dads and kids come to the desert for Dads in the Desert!

Actually the two groups exist side by side very well. Most bikers are really middle-aged accountants who love to slip on a pair of chaps and sit on a Harley over the weekend. It's a pretty good group, and this year, as in the past, there was not one single arrest.

The kids love looking at all the bikes on the street. I have to admit that I like seeing them, but hearing them is another story. During this weekend there is a constant roar of engines EVERYWHERE! You can be by the pool or eating outside on the patio and all you hear are the motorcycles. It really does break up the peace and quiet of the desert.

Weather-wise, Columbus Day weekend may be one of the most perfect times in the desert. The skies are usually clear and sunny and the temperature hits a dry 90˚ mark; it feels just right. It's a great time to come if you can put up with the motorcycle noise, but book early, as this is a very popular weekend! ${QuickSuggestions} Palm Springs is a seasonal resort town. Things fill up in the winter and the prices go up - way up. If you want to save money, consider going off season.

If you arrive in the summer, the temperatures often hit 115˚F. As cliché as this sounds, it is a dry heat. I have been here several times for the 115˚, and it's great to spend the day in the pool and have a lovely meal outside in the evening with the misters going full blast. The deluxe hotels offer some outstanding summer discounts. You can find a room that cost $350 in March for $49 in August.

However if the 115˚F temps are just too extreme, come in October. The weather is perfect and the big flocks of snow birds have not yet arrived. This is shoulder season, and you may not dig up $49.00 rooms at major resorts, but you will find some very attractive shoulder season rates - and the weather is some of the best Palm Springs has to offer! ${BestWay} Well, I guess if you are here for Desert Heat, you will need a Harley to get around.

Most people feel they need a car. Although the valley does have a lot of taxis and some people who stay in a five-star resort never feel the need to leave it!

Palm Springs has a major airport and most major airlines fly into Palm Springs (PSP). However, the fares are often expensive as discount carriers do not offer service here. If you find outrageous fares into Palm Springs, look into flying into Ontario (ONT). It's less than one hour away. Ontario offers a lot of competition, like Southwest and JetBlue. Often fares into Ontario are far less than those into Palm Springs. We have even found the rental cars to be cheaper in Ontario.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

Palm Springs International Airport

Ontario International Airport

From journal Dads and Hogs in the Desert