pgerardi Loc: Bethel Park, PA

Hi everyone, heading to Palm Springs (Rancho Mirage) next month & looking to get some ideas as to where to explore and get some good shots. Already have Joshua Tree National Park & Palm Springs Sky Tram on the itinerary. We will be there for a week but driving to San Diego for a meeting one of those days. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated, just trying to do a little research beforehand.

Thanks

MCH1943

Must visit the Indian Canyons Palm, Murray and Andreas. Incredible photo ops. Also Taquitz Canyon is wonderful.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Can't help with photo locations, (I have never been impressed with PS scenery but that is probably just me). However Thursday evening during the summer they have a street vendor fair, don't know if this is a fall/winter activity, but lots of interesting street people and booths. If you need a great value restaurant for breakfast, lunch, dinner, be sure to look into Billy Reed's. If you want an exquisite dining experience, Lavender in La Quinta is amazing.

pgerardi Loc: Bethel Park, PA

Thanks for the info

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

How long you going to be there? It is worth a drive to the Salton Sea and to Anza Borrego - Borrego Springs. Another shot I'd like to take, and this is just me, is of the wind turbine farms in the San Gorgino Pass. Also, if you are into residential architecture, Palm Springs has some of the most amazing Mid Century Modern homes in the country.

pgerardi Loc: Bethel Park, PA

Thanks, will be there for a week. Flying into San Diego then driving to Palm Springs.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

That reminds me, if you can get a tour reservation (only a handful allowed at a time) visit Sunnyland, the estate of Walter Annenberg.

pgerardi Loc: Bethel Park, PA

Thanks, looks like they sell out fairly quickly. I’ll check into it.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

Then take the scenic drive, which isn't necessarily the fastest. Take I-8 to Alpine and stop at the Viejas Outlet Center. The streams and waterfalls throughout are like nothing you've ever seen before.
Continuing heading east to CA-79 and take it north to Julian. You'll go through the Cleveland National Forest and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and around Lake Cuyamaca. Lots of photo opportunities.
In Julian, enjoy a meal and the best apple pie in the world. Take a gold mine tour at Eagle & High Point Gold Mine.
From Julian you have two choices, both excellent. The long way is to take 78 down the Banner Grade, over to the Salton Sea, and up to Palm Springs.
The short way, and probably the more scenic, is to take 79 north to 371, 371 east to 74, and 74 down into Palm Desert. 74 is awesome as it descends into Palm Desert.
There's so much to do in Palm Springs that I'll simply recommend searching for "palm springs visitor center" online, choosing one, and planning your visit.
I have been to Palm Springs/Palm Desert/Indian Wells a few million times since May 1993 and am still finding things to do that I didn't know about.

pgerardi Loc: Bethel Park, PA

Thanks russelray, really good information to have. Won’t be a need to get there fast so that seems to be an interesting possibility & will definitely look up the visitor center online.

Appreciate everyone’s input which is one of the reasons why I enjoy reading uhh daily, the wealth of knowledge not only in photography but in areas such as this & the willingness to share.

DrBobMaher

Great place to visit! We lived in Palm Desert for 20 years and visited the area frequently. Lots to see and do in the area. Don't miss the "Taco Shop" on the south side of the main drag. Other things for your must see list are Borrego Palm Canyon and the many massive metal sculptures scattered around the area. There is an excellent museum/book store across the street from the taco shop with many guide books for the area and other interesting things.
Enjoy your visit,
Bob Maher

pgerardi Loc: Bethel Park, PA

Thanks Bob

pwrxprt Loc: Beaumont, California

I live at the top of the pass (Beaumont) down into the desert (about 45-50 minutes from Palm Springs so not quite as hot) If you're not up to spending a lot of time driving around to all the places mentioned above there are a couple of very interesting things right in Palm Springs area...the Living Desert is a great place to photograph animals, birds, reptiles, cactus. It also has probably one of the best model train layouts you'll ever see. At least a dozen volunteers work on the train layout throughout the year. Not just the train layout but the entire park is always expanding and being updates...an absolute don't miss...it is definitely not your typical zoo...they'll let you feed the giraffes at different times of the day...kind of fun if you've never done it before...you can get right up and personal with them..... Plan on spending all day at the Living Desert...

Also there is a wonderful air museum on Gene Autry Drive obviously near the airport...most hotels have discount tickets, although it isn't an expensive entry fee.

On Thursday evening there is a "street fair" down the main drag of Palm Springs...starts around 5:00PM till 9:00 I think...go early as parking gets hard the closer to 5, we usually go around 3 and walk the strip until the street fair opens...lots of arts and craft as well as a variety food vendors...also lots of fun. In the winter when the sun goes down some evenings get really cold this time of year...now keep in mind I'm a Southern California boy so cold is relative to what you're use to.

Have fun...if you have any questions please feel free to shoot me an email directly lsjoel@verizon.net...
Lane

Mark Bski Loc: A sleepy little island not far from Seattle

Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour outside Palm Springs. Excellent place for photography or just being there.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Give the Air Museum a try for up close shots of some fabulous old planes. Sunsets or sun rises almost anywhere with Palm tress in the foreground always impress. If you go to Joshua Tree, get there before sunrise for the best shots... The Living Desert in Palm Desert is always a winner. Head up Hwy 74, the Palms to Pines highway for ten minutes to find wonderful overlooks of the entire valley. There is some fun outdoor artwork on El Paseo Drive that is sure to please. A walk around old Palm Springs will find you snapping. Some folks like to take the short 2 hour bus tour of vintage ceberity homes for some unique photo opportunities. when in doubt, pick up the free travel guide of the valley once on the ground for more ideas.... Have a blast!!!