There are any number of events and attractions to see when visiting the Coachella Valley/Greater Palm Springs area. Located in Southern California in the middle of Riverside County, the weather is the main attraction. The sun smiles 350 days a year here, and rainfall is minimal.

Some of the local events gain worldwide coverage, such as the BNP Paribas Tennis Open held annually in Indian Wells, the Humana Challenge in La Quinta, the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage and the Tour de Palm Springs. There is a wide variety of festivals, such as Canada Fest, Greater Palm Springs Pride, Indio International Tamale Festival, Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, Indian Pow-Wows, Coachella and Stagecoach music fests, art festivals and more. 

There are live events at the local casinos, McCallum Theatre, and some sponsored by several cities. The valley has several movie theatres that show new releases, and Foreign and art films. The Palm Springs Film Festival is a popular annual event that draws big names in the entertainment industry.

There are several note-worthy museums to visit, such as the Palm Springs Air Museum, one of the world's largest collections of flyable World War II aircraft, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs, Palm Springs Art Museum with a branch in Palm Desert, and Cabot's Pueblo Museum in Desert Hot Springs.

Hiking trails abound, from the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, Indian Canyons, Coachella Valley Preserve, to the Bump and Grind. (Seriously!) Each city has several parks for outdoor family fun. There is an indoor ice rink in Cathedral City, and some cities have skateboard parks.

Dining in the area ranges from fast food to fine dining. One can sample many different cuisines throughout the valley. Some of the more popular places to shop and dine are The River in Rancho Mirage, along beautiful El Paseo in Palm Desert, downtown Palm Springs, or Old Town La Quinta.

Staying at one of the many fine resorts in the area ensures you will never have to venture far from your room. The amenities include pools/spas, day spas, gyms, dining and more. What could be better than just relaxing in the sun beside a refreshing pool?

Desert Hot Springs lives up to its name. It is the only place in the world with both hot and cold natural mineral springs, and there are several hotels that offer access.

There's so much more! But this gives you a taste of what's in store for you when you visit the Caochella Valley/Greater Palm Springs Area. The best time to visit is during the winter months, though, unless you thrive on 110+ degree weather. Yes! It can and does get that hot every year! Record in the 50 years I've lived here was 129 degrees. How can you stand it? Thank goodness for air conditioning!

I found this informative blog written by Kathi Cline, Palm Desert, CA and she gave me permission to share it!

I was not able to reblog, so if you like this post, please comment on Kathi's original post!