Things to do in Greater Palm Springs, California Desert: The Best Traveler Resources

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains rise from the desert floor, reaching an elevation of 10,834 feet at the summit of Mount San Jacinto. Providing a picturesque backdrop to local communities, the National Monument contributes to the Coachella Valley's lure as a popular resort and retirement community. It is also a desirable backcountry destination that can be accessed via trails from both the valley floor and the alpine village of Idyllwild. The Monument was created on October 24, 2000 and is a cooperative effort of the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, state agencies and local governments. The Visitor Center has exhibits on desert wildlife and cultural history, provides information on the Monument hiking trails and vistas. The Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers operate a gift shop and bookstore at the Visitor Center and also offer hikes, lectures, and host classroom programs and projects.

The Palm Springs Convention Center is a 261,000 square foot facility that includes up to 112,000 square feet of exhibit space, 19 total breakout rooms of various sizes, including a 20,000 square foot ballroom. The Renaissance Hotel is adjacent to the Convention Center offering meetings all under one roof. Over 1,600 guest rooms and Palm Springs International Airport are in close proximity to the Palm Springs Convention Center and downtown Palm Springs.Meet in Palm Springs, California and discover over $200 million dollars in new hotels and hotel renovations offering a redefined meeting experience in Palm Springs. Transformed hotels include the 410-room Renaissance Palm Springs (formerly Wyndham) attached to Palm Springs Convention Center, Hyatt Regency Suites, Riviera Resort & Spa, Ace Hotel and Swim Club, and the new Saguaro Palm Springs. Renovated properties also include Spa Resort Casino, Courtyard Marriott, and the Hilton Palm springs is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation expected to be completed in December 2012.

Conveniently located inside Palm Desert City Hall, make Palm Desert Visitor Services your first stop for whatever you need to enjoy your stay in the desert. Need information? You'll find one of the Valley's most comprehensive selection of maps, hiking and biking guides, magazines, brochures and more available to be picked up--free of charge--from our extensive literature displays. Have questions or need a local's perspective? Our helpful and knowledgeable staff are true experts on the area, and will gladly share their insight with you.