abqdeb

I know you Fodorites can help. My fiance and I will be in Palm Desert over New Years's with his parents. That is scary enough! What is there to do in the area besides golfing. We are NOT staying at one of the resorts, but we will have a car. Please, please give me some suggestions! Also, we will be there on New Year's eve... any ideas? Of course restaurant suggestions are always welcome.
Thanks! Deb

xxx

Yes, there is a larger than typical gay population, but that doesn't mean that there aren't still a ton of straight fun loving residents and visitors.

The tram, the living desert, tennis, horseback riding, hiking in the Indian canyons, bicycling, shopping, art galleries, movies, good dining are just some of your options.

viana

Drive to Cabazon to shop, and get some Mexican food and margaritas. You can also gamble at the Casinos.

xxx

We drive there from Phx. just to shop at Cabazon (huge outlet mall).

palmer

Deb

While his folks are out golfing you and fiance-guy can Play A Round.

Mark

Take a soak at Sam's Family Spa in Desert Hot Springs. The pools are all spring-fed and huge. It is a true oasis in the desert.

x

drive up to julian for lunch

xxx

Take the tram up the side of the mountain. Go to the living desert.

Cheryl

Hiking in the Indian canyons is nice. Since you have a car I would recommend a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park and spend the day driving through there.

beachbum

You play tennis? Or how about the spa thing? You can find some happening places on New Year's eve, but most of the adult population will be in bed by 10:00pm.

abqdeb

Thanks all (well, most of you anyway)! Sounds like I'm going to get to do some serious shopping and the Living Desert looks good. Where is Julian and what's there?
Also, can you help with some restaurants? Beachbum, what "happening" places do you suggest for New Year's?
Thanks again! Deb

x

Julian is too far from Palm Springs. It's a little town that has lots of apples. Oak Glen is a similar type of thing and is much closer to PS.

Restaurants are everywhere in the desert. Type of cuisine? price range? age range? Are you looking for someplace wild or a more romantic setting?

abqdeb

x,
We're open to all types of cuisine except Mexican (we're from New Mexico and have plenty of that here) Don't mind paying top dollar for one fabulous meal, but also looking for some moderately priced meals. Mainly just want some great food. Someplace wild? Does that exist in the desert?

Boots

Please don't miss seeing Joshua Tree - it's magical. Last April, we spent 4 nights in a private home that we rented on the internet. We spent our days driving and hiking through the park. If you have a 4WD it broadens your choices. I know alot of folks like Palm Springs, but we spent one day there admiring the pretty green grass, expensive cars and pretty people and I was ready to get back to the mountains.

mike

Deb--
my wife and I went to PS for the first time this summer and had a great time. We didn't find it "old," rather a good mix of 20s to 50s. The Village Pub and Las Casuelas Terraza are two happening places to hang out day or night.

v

Las Casuelas Terraza would be shut down for health reasons if they weren't politically connected and bringing in good tax revenues from all of their alcohol sales. The Village Pub is fun. If you like to dance, head to Atlas.

David

My wife and I (both mid-30's) spend a week in Palm Desert every December or January visiting my parents who spend the winters there. It is, without a doubt, the dullest place on earth.

in

When people say it's the dullest place on earth, you kind of wonder where they're coming from and if they even make an attempt to have fun. The desert area is an extremely popular vacation home destination for Southern Californians. Several of my college friends have purchased condos out there and we meet up on weekends for fun. There really is something for everyone. Sports (who can beat the golf courses), entertainment (even better now with all of the new casinos and entertainment acts), good dining, culture and great weather!

PS Local

There are lots of things to do here if you are outdoor people. Since you are in love, why not take a champagne balloon ride?? Or go skydiving together on a tandem jump from Bermuda Dunes airport. Sixty seconds of freefall from 12,000 feet does wonders for your adrenaline level. Jeep tours...soak in natural geothermal springs...hiking...

As far as clubs, there are some that don't cater to the gay or geriatric segments. King's, Bananaz, Costas, Lava Lounge, McCormicks...

What are your NY's eve preferences?

Restaurants: La Quinta Grill, le Paon, PF Chang's, Pacifica, Omri and Boni, Mamma Gina's, Jillian's, Cuistot, Le St. Germaine, Johannes Cosmopolitan, Thai Smile, Sullivan's Steakhouse..to name a few.

abqdeb

Thanks everyone for some great suggestions! Sounds like we'll find plenty to do. Now, one more question... New Year's Eve! We need suggestions. Any place in particular that you recommend, preferably no jacket or tie required? As for the clubs that have been mentioned already, are any of them jazz or blues? Thanks again!