TRAVEL CONNECTION
Springs break
The desert oasis of Palm Springs offers a variety of ways to rejuvenate
by LISA TE SONNE
Nature, culture, food and fun beckon people to Palm Springs, California, year-round. About two hours by car from Los Angeles, Palm Springs has served for decades as a desert oasis of rest, relaxation, romance and reset. Here are just a few reasons why.
Desert heights
For a dynamic overview, start with the breathtaking ride up Mount San Jacinto on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tramcar rotates 360 degrees as it ascends 4 kilometres to its destination at 2,600 metres (8,516 feet) (tip: bring an extra layer, as the temperature drops precipitously). On a clear day, you’ll see beyond the nine desert cities of Greater Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley, all the way to the Salton Sea. Topside highlights at the mountain station are restaurants, films, telescopes, walking paths to 80 kilometres of hiking trails, and lovely places just to sit and enjoy the pine forests.