Rather than go to Tampa or Fort Myers, I am now considering heading from Florida to California to visit a friend. On the way I thought I might stop in Palm Springs, where I've never been, for a couple of days. Though the Sunset stop of Palm Springs is way far from town, if I take the SW Chief and get off at Fullerton, it appears I can take a California Thruway bus to downtown Palm Springs. Has anyone ever gotten off at either of these train and bus stops, and if so do you have any advice in that regard? Also, does anyone have any affordable hotel recs for downtown Palm Springs? Also, as I will not be renting a car, does anyone have any tips on local bus etc tours in the area (I would love to go to Joshua Tree park if there is a tour). Thanks for the info
I humbly ask for discussion of my questions, not off topic comments. (This means you, Mr. Norman!) Thanks!!!! (If you want to talk about something else, please start another strand. Thanks again!!!)
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
We stayed at Indio last year for July 4th but went in to Palm Springs for the fireworks. I got the impression it was very spread out so you'd need your walking legs. I'd pick a hotel that was near to whatever you wanted to visit. During the summer it gets incredibly hot there - not so bad this time of year but I'd still be careful with the sun (hats, sunscreen etc).
Good thinking with the Thruway bus. The Sunset stops there in the middle of the night, and, as you say, is a ways away from anything.
Looks fun Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
I've been to Palm Springs several times for both work and vacation and, frankly, I find Palm Springs to be a bore. In the winter, it's great to leave Seattle when it's 38 degrees and raining sideways, then get off the plane 2.5 hours later in 75 degree sunshine. But there isn't much to do if golfing, tanning and partying aren't on your agenda. (If you do like golfing, tanning and partying, then book your ticket immediately as PS can get very crowded in the winter.) Traffic is a hassle and the local transit system is designed to shuttle low-wage workers to their jobs at hotels and restaurants.
The Palm Springs airport is beautiful and be sure to get a look at Bob Hope's UFO house, but after that I can't recommend much else.
If you had a car I would recommend that you stay in Palm Desert at one of the motels with natural hot springs on the property. Palm Desert is much less touristy and considerably easier on the budget, but requires a car. If you are coming west, my best recommendation is Catalina Island.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Sojourner--
Downtown Palm Springs is enjoying a resurgence or sorts. Some of the "improvements" of the '70's and '80's are being rethought and things are changing quickly.
We have a one bedroom condo within walking distance of downtown and it is fully booked except for late May, June, July and August. That's when the owners get to use it. And do deferred maintenance.
Our place is rented through a large British company called Saga. At least one occupant has to be 55 and the guests come for either one or two week holidays. I don't have the url handy but if you Google The Biarritz Palm Springs you should be able to find something. There are sometimes shorter term rentals available in other buildings near us.
That said, there is quite a bit to do in the downtown area and there are certainly small group tours available -- at least during the "season".
Frank in sunny but cool SBA
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Palm Springs sounds OK but I've decided to forego a cross-country trip in January. I will instead spend some extra time right in Florida. . . . Thank you all for your help though! I do plan to go some time soon.
Posted by Vincent206 (Member # 15447) on :
Boy, I sure hammered PSP pretty hard in my previous post. Most of my trips there have been work-related and I didn't have much fun.
Note to Frank--if there were any hideous "improvements" that happened during the late 90s-early 00s, I'm sorry to say that I may be partly responsible. I only did it for the paycheck--sorry!
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Vincent--
Yep, I'd say your work is going away. But that happens. My Dad worked on the J.W.Robinson department store in PSP. The interior was done by Raymond Loewy. It's now some sort of craft mall…
I take consolation in the fact that he also worked on the Theme Building (and the rest of the "Jet Age" airport) at LAX. Some of that survives.
Dare I mention that he also worked on Madison Square Garden replacing Penn Station??
Frank in sunny and way too warm SBA
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
No, I wouldn't dare mention that. I am sure he feels like he is wearing a paper bag and doing a perp walk when he mentions working on that building!. . .
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
LOL. He would probably not have much sympathy. He was of the era where "newer must mean better". He did, however, enjoy riding trains and was a frequent rider of the Lark between Glendale and San Francisco.