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Palm Springs: An oasis for groups

Hike through heritage: Bighorn sheep and the historic Tahquitz Canyon, site of the 60-foot cascading waterfall portrayed in Frank Capra’s classic movie “Lost Horizon,” are just a few visual treats for those who walk in the footsteps of early Native Americans in ancient Indian Canyons.

Absolutely wild: More nature is on the itinerary at the 1,200-acre Living Desert zoo/preserve, home to more than 450 animals. Joshua Tree National Park offers 550,000 acres of wilderness, rock formations, thousands of rare Joshua trees and nighttime views of celestial desert skies.

Monumental: Board one of the world’s largest rotating tramcars at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and enjoy a 10-minute journey to the 8,516-foot Mountain Station of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Atop, restaurants, a natural history museum and 54 miles of trails offer more entertainment.

Desert arts and culture:
Visit galleries along El Paseo and North Palm Canyon Drives, and for some of the most unique collections in the desert, enjoy the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Cabot’s Indian Pueblo Museum.

Simply fabulous:
When an 85-year-old dancer from the Palm Spring Follies earned entry into the “Guinness Book of Records” as “The World’s Oldest Still Performing Showgirl,” we knew we could honestly brag that groups couldn’t see this memorable attraction anywhere else. This Broadway-caliber revue of music, dance and comedy at the historic Plaza Theatre features a lineup of performers ranging in age from 55 to 85. From singing to soft-shoe to a sprightly senior executing a split, you’ll see why People magazine calls the Follies “a genuine blast from the past.”

What’s new in Palm Springs?
The Coachella Valley Date Museum showcases the history of the No. 1 crop grown in the Coachella Valley. Most people don’t realize that agriculture is the second-largest industry in the valley, and the desert grows close to 80 percent of the nation’s dates.

Where are some great places to get a taste of Palm Springs?
From fine-dining establishments helmed by award-winning chefs to casual bistros and ethnic-inspired eateries, groups may complain they have too many choices.

Here are just a few of our favorites:

Trio — Capture that midcentury modern feel and enjoy some great American comfort food with a modern twist.

Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant — At this virtual museum of golf, groups can choose from steakhouse and fresh market selections amongst the Master’s green coat, trophies and photos.

The Cafe at Shields Date Garden — Enjoy breakfast, lunch and a date shake amidst the tall date palms. Don’t miss the free movie “The Romance and Sex Life of the Date.”

Jackalope Ranch —  The landscape, including a waterfall and a hand-carved Harley Davidson, offers the backdrop while patrons dine on cutting-edge barbecue in the great outdoors.

Sherman’s Deli — This local favorite, with large portions and friendly service, is the only kosher-style deli with a bakery in Palm Springs.

What is your website address, and what on the site would be particularly helpful to a bank travel planner?
www.palmspringsusa.com
We have sample itineraries on the Travel/Trade section of our site. Bank travel planners can also request our destination guide and can download images.