By Locals Ani Madanyan and Oliver Martinez

Ani moved to Palm Springs two years ago. She considers herself a local now. But, she started out as a tourist. She’s been coming to the Coachella Valley since she was little. Hence, she knows good touristy spots. Beyond the hotel rooms and swimming in the shallow, heated pools, she knows we all love an adventure. Blogger Oliver embraces more the comforts of home, but he’s got recommendations of places to take desert visitors.

Ani  Recommends The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a fast journey into the mountains that will take you out of the desert heat. Mount San Jacinto, which towers above Palm Springs, is 10,000 feet above sea level (planetware.com). The Tramway has the world’s largest rotating aerial tram cars. It’s definitely exciting to go from the scorching hot pool to snow on a mountain within one half-hour tram ride. The views are spectacular, even a little scary. The Tram, built in Chino Canyon, has been around a while. Its inaugural ride was way back in September 1963. 

Oliver Recommends staying at home. He says it’s a great place to go.

But, if you must get out, go visit the windmills. The windmills are a great part of Palm Springs, and you can’t miss them. According to planetware.com, the Banning Pass is one of the windiest places on earth. It is harsh, but picturesque. The windmills make for dramatic photos as sunset.

Ani also recommends local hiking.

Hike to a waterfall! How fun is that? I personally love to go on hikes because I know that there is a pot of gold at the end of it (the pot of gold is the waterfall). The Indian Canyons, which are at the south end of Palm Springs, are the perfect place to go hiking. 

Palm Canyon is a fifteen-mile-long canyon full of waterfalls and the famous palm trees–the indigenous Washingtonia. There’s also the Andreas Canyon. You can drive directly into the canyon and grab a table by the water. “It’s a great place for picnicking,” says Ms. Zachik. The canyons are also known for having lovely birds all around. People often go bird watching. It’s also a beautiful place to see animals such as deer, snakes, and all other sorts of animals. “The hawks up there are really cool,” Ms. Zachik adds.

Lastly, we have Tahquitz Canyon. This Indian Canyons is located all the way up Ramon Road when you drive toward the mountain. At the end of the designated hike, there is a 60-foot-tall waterfall. There are guides, theaters showing documentaries about the canyon, and artifact displays. Adult admission costs $12.50 per person, while an entrance fee of $6 applies for each child. Kids 5 and younger and active military members can visit for free (planetware.com).

Oliver’s final recommendation is The Living Desert. 

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has plenty of animals from all over the world! There are giraffes, mountain lions, zebras, cheetahs, wild dogs, and a lot more! There are also lights at certain times of the year, and it makes the whole place look even more beautiful. “Glow in the Park” occurs from March 27 to April 29, 6:30-10:00 p.m. The Living Desert is a great place for families with a lot of attractions for everyone. You can even get married there. 

What are you waiting for? Invite friends and family to the Coachella Valley! Tell them to bring bathing suits because even though it’s March, it’s always pool time!