It has looks and charm. With its waterfalls, desert flora and palm-lined canyons, this city is a postcard dream. Good looks aside, Palm Springs brings plenty to the table, mixing its rich heritage of Mexican, Indian and Western cultures with entertainment and fun. Throw in shops, attractions, and 100 golf courses, and you get one cool city in the desert.

Celebrate the dance, music and comedy of the 40s, 50s and 60s with the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Be sure to check out the Follies Holiday show, which runs every November and December. This lavish performance has Candy-Cane Girls, Santa, carolers and dancing penguins all topped off with a little bit of snow. The Follies is performed at the historic Plaza Theatre, which opened its doors on December 12, 1936, for the world premier of the motion picture Camille. For more information, visit www.psfollies.com.

Put on your blue suede shoes for this tour! Visit the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, a house in which Elvis and Priscilla lived and later honeymooned. The marriage is highlighted through stories and memorabilia on the tour. Architectural buffs will appreciate the short film that focuses on the home’s architecture. During the tour, you will be shown the famous “escape route” that Elvis and Priscilla took before they flew to Las Vegas to be married. For more information, visit www.elvishoneymoon.com.

Tee off at one of the area’s world-class golf courses. Head to Classic Club, a public golf course designed by Arnold Palmer that has earned numerous accolades as a top course and best place to play. The Desert Willow Golf Resort features two premier championship courses, Firecliff and Mountain View, which offer spectacular mountain views and excellent greens. For more information, visit www.classicclubgolf.com and www.desertwillow.com.

Play in the sand with Desert Adventures and its Jeep Eco-Tours. You’ll hop in the Big Red Jeep and explore the San Andreas Fault while learning about earthquakes, geology and the desert’s history. You’ll even be able to take a nature walk or hike, pan for gold at the Old Mining Camp and explore the Cahuilla Indian Village and Pioneer Homestead. Desert Adventures also offers a Nightwatch Adventure that adds stargazing to the San Andreas tour. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the skies as they transition from day to night with the mountains in the background. For more information, visit www.red-jeep.com.

If it’s shopping you came for, there are plenty of boutiques and shops for clothing and accessories, or head to the Village of Palm Springs Uptown District for furniture. Head to the “1500 Block” for amazing designers and galleries, or downtown for trendy shopping. 

Palm Springs is sunny nearly every day of the year (around 350 days to be exact), so take advantage of the weather! Follow a bike trail or take a hike to see some breathtaking views. Don’t miss Villagefest, held every Thursday evening on historic Palm Canyon Drive, when the area is transformed into an old-fashioned street fair. 

Put Palm Springs on your itinerary!