Palm Springs Adventure

This is no desert mirage. The metropolitan oasis of Palm Springs, Calif., gets 360 days of sunlight every year and lies 110 miles east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley. Hardly in the middle of nowhere, Palm Springs is guarded on three sides by the San Jacinto Mountains, the San Bernadino Mountains and the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the Salton Sea (a huge lake, actually) lies to the south.

Its proximity to an array of natural attractions makes Palm Springs a major destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, cycling and horseback riding; nearby Joshua Tree National Park offers world-famous rock climbing. Palm Springs is also known as “the golf capital of the world” offering more than 100 golf courses. Every Thursday night, Palm Canyon Drive turns into Villagefest, a music, arts and crafts, and food festival that celebrates the city’s simple “village vibe” ambiance.

Built in 1952 by World re-noun desert architect William F. Cody for the Academy award winning actress Bonita Granville. The Horizon Hotel was the place to be seen or not. An enclave to the rich and famous with architectural details that rival the natural surroundings. The San Jacinto Mountains watch over your solitude and you feel that you have found the only desert oasis in California. Once a chic decadent weekend retreat for the wealthy and the well known The Horizon Hotel welcomes you to experience once again a time gone by.Office Hours: 8am to 8pm.

A thrilling cable car ride shuttles visitors from the desert floor to the heights of Mt. San Jacinto, sometimes providing a 40-degree temperature drop in just a few minutes. Once at the top, there are hiking trails, mule rides, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. While many visitors just hop up for the view, it can be a starting point for many outdoor activities. The last car goes up at 8 p.m., while the last car down is at 9:45 p.m. Admission: Adults $21.95, children (3-12) $14.95, seniors (60+) $19.95. "Ride 'n' Dine" is $34 for adults and seniors and $22 for children.

While private and semi-private courses shine in Palm Springs, this course is reputed to be one of the best public courses in the valley. Located in South Palm Canyon, Palm Springs' most exclusive neighborhood at the bottom of the Indian Canyons, the course offers golf and leisure at its best. With an 18-hole Championship course, and a 25 station driving range, it will suit all of your needs. If you're hungry try the Olla Grille Restaurant, and for supplies the well-stocked Golf Shop. Seasonal rates: $95-$110 for 18-holes.

This vast living museum of desert flora and fauna is a must-see for most visitors to the Coachella Valley. More than 400 species thrive here, including Mexican gray wolves, bobcats, mountain lions and golden eagles. The Village Watutu exhibit expands the desert experience to include the regions of Africa, so the collection also includes camels, zebras and cheetahs. In addition, "Wildlife Wonders" shows are held in the Tennity Amphitheater daily. Check website for admission prices.

This established Thai restaurant serves traditional spicy Thai dishes to a happy, desert clientele. The decor itself is spiced with bits and pieces of Thai art, but the greatest artistry is in the kitchen. An early-bird dinner special runs every evening from 4p-6:30p, offering a selection of dishes, which include soup or salad. The Red Mountain Shrimp is a fiery combination of shrimp with vegetables in a special sauce. Regular entree prices are very reasonable to moderate for the chef's seafood specials.

The Indian Canyons are beautiful retreats from the sometimes-glitzy atmosphere of Palm Springs. When the streams are running, children enjoy splashing in the water and it's a popular area for picnics. Visitors now have the chance to see the "Witch of Tahquitz Canyon," an eerie shadow occasionally cast in the recently reopened canyon.