Between San Diego And Las Vegas Is A Laid-Back City With Restaurants, Art, And Family Fun

When looking at California cities to spend your next vacation, it's hard to ignore the state's massive coastline. With places like Santa Barbara, Venice Beach, and San Francisco in the running, there are plenty of world-class locales to explore. But the fact is that the Golden State has more than just crowd-pleasing coastal towns. In fact, if you head farther inland, you'll run into one of the most famous cities in the area: Palm Springs.

For the uninitiated, Palm Springs is firmly in the desert, close to Joshua Tree National Park. It's also located about three hours northeast of San Diego by car and four hours southwest of Las Vegas. And, like Sin City, Palm Springs has become something of a desert oasis, providing all the amenities and attractions of a big city, including high-end restaurants, museums, and plenty of entertainment options, while maintaining a laid-back flair. In fact, Palm Springs is so inviting that it has something for the whole family. So, if you're thinking of taking the kids on a trip to a new California destination, it may be time to give Palm Springs a second look.

Although Palm Springs has something of a posh, chic reputation, the fact is that it's also a laid-back place ideal for families with children in tow. That said, many of the most child-friendly attractions are not technically in Palm Springs proper, but rather in surrounding cities. For example, one of the more popular options is Cabazon Dinosaurs, where you can marvel at over 100 different replicas of various dinos, like the T-Rex or the Brachiosaurus. As the name suggests, this place is in Cabazon, which is about half an hour west of Palm Springs.

Similarly, if your little ones want to see real animals, there's the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, about half an hour southeast of Palm Springs. There, you can see a wide variety of desert animals and even hand-feed giraffes. Finally, there's the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, which is next to Palm Springs. This museum is full of interactive exhibits that are as entertaining as they are educational.

For outdoor family adventures within the city itself, check out the Moorten Botanical Garden, which has been delighting guests since 1938. Or, for impressive views of the region, take the Aerial Tramway to the top of Mount San Jacinto and explore the Mount San Jacinto State Park once you're at the summit. Then, once evening hits, head into downtown for VillageFest, which happens every Thursday night and feels like a city-sponsored (and family-friendly) block party with vendors and visitors mingling.

Fortunately, Palm Springs has its own international airport, so you should be able to fly into the city rather than driving out from San Diego — although San Diego is home to one of the most beautiful airports in the world. When it comes to accommodations, there are plenty of resorts and hotels, but not all of them are family-friendly, so pay attention when booking your trip. Also, keep in mind that, as a desert city, the summers are sweltering, with temperatures often reaching above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, winter and spring are peak travel seasons, and the city is often considered one of the best winter destinations in California. If you visit outside of this period, try to book a hotel with a pool so everyone can stay cool during your trip.

If you're not traveling with small kids, Palm Springs has an incredible art scene to explore. Spend an afternoon at the Desert Art Center, the Palm Springs Art Museum, or the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, featuring historical pieces from the local Cahuilla tribe. There are also numerous art galleries where you can browse works from renowned artists. But if architecture and celebrity culture are more your vibe, you can also visit various homes of old-school celebrities in the city, including Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, and Liberace.

After a day of outdoor fun or admiring artworks, you can take advantage of Palm Springs' vibrant dining scene. For retro vibes, the Tropicale features neon signage and international dishes. For an award-winning option that blends Hollywood history, Copley's is built inside Cary Grant's former guesthouse and has won numerous accolades for its menu and ambiance.