Destination Series: Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley (#72)
The Palm Springs region has become an even hotter destination in recent years, with mid-century modern vibes, music festivals, and the one-of-a-kind Joshua Tree National Park. #nerdbirds David and Rachel share stories of arriving in the Coachella Valley by road and air — including encounters with dinosaurs, wildflowers, and windmills — along with quirky places discovered on their various trips.
Some of David and Rachel’s photos from their very different trips over the years:
Palm Springs Living 
Skull Rock – Joshua Tree 
Mid Century Architecture – Palm Springs 
Joshua Tree 
Joshua Tree 
Joshua Tree – Skull Rock Trail 
Painted Canyon 
Painted Canyon 
Painted Canyon 
Cabazon Dinosaurs 
Palm Springs Wind Farm 
Bombay Beach – Salton Sea 
Bombay Beach – Salton Sea 
Bombay Beach – Salton Sea 
Bombay Beach – Salton Sea 
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum 
Bombay Beach – Salton Sea 
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum 
Hwy 74 descending to Palm Desert 
Joshua Tree desert blooms 
Palm Springs Airport
If you drive to the Coachella Valley:
- Cabazon Dinosaurs, on the drive from I-10 (from LA)
- Palm Springs Windmills and Tours
- Palms to Pines Scenic Byway (California Hwy 74, to Palm Desert)
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park (from San Diego)
- Whittled, rotted, and abandoned: How Bombay Beach has gone from apocalyptic wasteland to offbeat art hub, Salton Sea
- Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon hikes, Mecca
- Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, Town of Joshua Tree
Palm Springs Attractions
- Aerial Tramway, north of Palm Springs (30 degrees cooler!)
- Palm Springs Air Museum
- Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center –
- Downtown Palm Springs: 12 Spots to Check Out