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Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum houses one of the nation's largest collections of World War II flying aircraft displayed in modern, air-conditioned and clean hangars. The Buddy Rodgers Theater shows daily documentaries about aviation in the military with an emphasis on World War II. In addition to planes and historic artifacts, the museum is host to a library of 6,300 volumes primarily related to aviation and American military history. Located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. For information call 760 778-6262 or visit www.palmspringsairmuseum.org

Moorten's Botanical Garden

Here's your chance to see the tallest, biggest, oldest and weirdest – plants, that is. This one-acre garden in Palm Springs is a fun and informative place to stroll and get ideas for your own garden. The Moorten family bought the property in 1995, and filled it with more than 3,000 different species of exotic plants, the majority of which are cactus and succulents. Located at 1701 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. For information call 760 327-6555 or visit www.moortengarden.com

The Living Desert

The Living Desert is considered unique among zoos in the U.S. for its ever-growing collection of desert plants and animals, from the valley's own desert tortoise to rare and endangered species such as Grevy's zebra, Arabian oryx, Mexican gray wolves and Peninsular Bighorn sheep . The Living Desert occupies 1,200 acres of the Colorado Desert, 200 of which are developed as a zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, paved and unpaved walkways, all interpreting the deserts of the world and providing a unique desert experience to visitors. The Living Desert also acts as a conversation center for desert plants and animals. The Living Desert is one of the most successful zoological parks in the U.S. and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Located at 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. For information call 760 346-5694 or visit www.livingdesert.org

Palm Springs Art Museum

As one of the outstanding mid-size art museums in the country, its mission is to promote enjoyment, education and involvement with visual art of the highest quality, and enhance appreciation of the performing arts. By collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art from a broad chronological and geographic range, the museum seeks to maximize its public service to audiences and make art a dynamic part of their lives. Located at 101 Museum Dr., Palm Springs. For information call 760 322-4800 or visit www.psmuseum.org

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

People love the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, easily one of the most popular desert attractions. Since this “Eighth Wonder of the World” opened in 1963, more than 16 million riders have made the trip up the mountain as thick cables pull slowly rotating cars almost 6,000 feet up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon. Once on top, the 14,000-acre Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area beckons with 54 miles of hiking trails, camping, picnicking, snowshoeing (in winter), and more. Fine and casual dining are also available. As for the 17-minute ride lifting you through five life zones, it's truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Located at 1 Tramway Rd., Palm Springs. For information call 760 325-1391 or visit www.pstramway.com

Coachella Valley Museum & Cultural Center

Opened in October 1984, the museum brings history forward in an adobe built in 1926 as the home and clinic of one of Indio's first doctors. It features Native American basketry and artifacts, memorabilia from Valley pioneer families, a blacksmith shop, a sawmill, an exhibit about the railroad years in Indio and water and agricultural displays.

The museum's purpose is to collect, preserve, display and interpret the material culture of the Coachella Valley. Exhibits are constantly changing to reflect local activities and to cover a wide spectrum in both time and subject matter, from local Native Americans to our Valley pioneers. The museum gift shop is open to purchase gifts and souvenirs. Located at 82-616 Miles, Indio, CA. For more information, call 760-342-6651.

Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

The Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert inspires and promotes intellectual curiosity and self expression through inventive and interactive exhibits and programs. It encourages children to learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring the natural environment and the community. The Museum serves children of all ages with particular emphasis on primary school age children of the Coachella Valley. Located at 71-701 Gerald Ford Dr., Rancho Mirage. For information call 760 321-0602 or visit www.cdmod.org

Cabot's Pueblo Museum

A Hopi-inspired Pueblo that is a unique treasure to the Coachella Valley, located in the heart of Desert Hot Springs. Built by Cabot Yerxa, Cabot journeyed through the desert gathering reclaimed materials to create the four-storey, 5,000 square-foot Pueblo. On the guided tour, visitors journey through the life of Canot Yerxa and his family including artifacts collected from their adventures dating back over 100 years. Located at 67-616 E. Desert View Av., Desert Hot Springs. For information call 866 941-7610 or visit www.cabotsmuseum.org

Hiking

The Coachella Valley and its surrounding areas are a hiker's paradise. Dozens of trails of varying difficulty crisscross the mountains, washes and striking palm oases. To ensure an enjoyable and safe hike, be sure to bring at least 64 ounces of water, hat and sunscreen. Also be sure to have information about the hike and a map of the area. Always make sure you let someone know where you will be hiking and when you plan to return. Located at Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains national Monument Visitor Center, 51-500 Highway 74, Palm Desert. For information call 760 862-9984.

Date Gardens

Shields Date garden was established in 1924 and has been in its current location since the 1950s, selling dates, locally grown citrus, souvenirs, date shakes and screening the “Romance & Sex Life of the Date” movie. With roots dating back to 1912, Oasis Date gardens is one of the valley's oldest working date ranches. Peruse historical photos, shop for souvenirs and dates as well watch a video on how dates are grown.

Shields Date Garden is located at 80-225 Highway 111, Indio. For information call 760 347-7768 or visit shieldsdates.com

Oasis date Gardens is located at 59-111 Grapefruit Blvd., Thermal. For information call 800 827-8017 or visit oasisdategardens.com

El Paseo Shopping

Sometimes called the Rodeo Drive of the Desert, El Paseo continues to add to its upscale retailer roster. The newest additions include Anthropologie, which features women's casual apparel and accessories, as well as home furnishings and gifts.

At 9,400 square fee, it's a fun and different shopping experience and caters to the fashion-able, educated and creative woman.” With El Paseo Village open, Juicy Coutture, Kate Spade, bebe, Lucky Brand Jeans, Apple, Teavana and Janie & Jack will also have their first presence. They are located adjacent to The Gardens.

Visitors enjoy complimentary valet parking and you can catch the courtesy car back and forth along the whole street. Located in Palm Desert.