Coachella Valley, made up of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, La Quinta, and Coachella – has a weather reputation that precedes it. If you’ve been thinking of applying for one of Eisenhower Health’s highly sought-after positions throughout the Coachella Valley but are hesitant due to the summer temps, you could be letting your preconceived notions get the best of you. Those images you have of people concocting their latest omelette creation on the hot pavement and avoiding the outdoors like it’s the Zombie apocalypse are a wee bit exaggerated. In truth, it does get quite hot in Coachella Valley during the summer (to get beyond 100 degrees isn’t uncommon) but, as its many happy residents know, it is possible to survive and even thrive during these months. Read on for 10 ways to do so.
1. The Night Time is the Right Time
Anyone who lives in the desert knows that the summer months are all about getting things done before the sun comes up after the sun sets. But beyond survival, the balmy nights can be, dare we say, even enjoyable. This is especially true because of Palm Springs’ Villagefest. Every Thursday night during the summer, the downtown area transforms into a marketplace with more than 200 booths manned by people selling jewelry, art, and food. The local shops also stay open late, which only adds to the whimsical nature of these sultry summer evenings. Don’t forget to break the pooch out of air conditioning jail, as this event is pet friendly.
2. Spend a Night With Lady Luck
With three high-stakes casinos – Augustine Casino, Spotlight 29 Casino, and Agua Caliente – why not take in some extreme air conditioning while playing a bit of Blackjack, hitting the slots or enjoying one of their marquee musical acts? Hopefully the only heat you’ll feel will be from the streak you’ve got going at the craps table.
3. The Early Bird Gets the Worm … and the Tee Time
Coachella Valley is often referred to as the “golf capital of the world”. It’s not that shocking of a title when one considers there are 127 courses there. To boot, The Professional Golf Association (PGA) West has a residential complex in La Quinta. You might assume golf is off limits during the summer but if you’re willing, able, and an early riser, you simply have to arrange a tee time pre-scorching sun. Just know that others out there are likely thinking the same thing, so you’ll definitely need reservations. If you’re lucky enough to score an early tee time, hydration is still going be crucial … even at that early hour.
4. Enjoy the Natural Jacuzzi
The Desert Hot Springs is often called “Spa City” because it was built above a natural hot mineral water aquifer. You won’t cool off, per se, because the water can get as hot as 180 degrees, but many tout its medicinal benefits.
If waterfalls and pools are more your thing, head to the Palm Springs Indian Canyons. Linger under the water or brave the higher temps by hitting the more than 140 trails in the Coachella Valley.
5. Get Touristy and Star Struck
Palm Springs has always been known for it star power, having attracted celebrities as far back as the Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Rat Pack days. If you want to play tourist in your own town, take a scooter or bus tour and find out where all the “biggies” have stayed and/or lived.
6. Get Wild at the Living Desert
Many assume that attractions like Palm Desert’s The Living Desert are a no-no during the hot summer months. But much like with golf, it’s more a matter of getting a jump on things. It opens an hour earlier, which is a huge advantage because the animals are more active during the cooler mornings. Just remember that it also closes earlier (1 p.m.). Download their interactive app to learn about the sites you’re seeing as you go and how this incredible facility is making tremendous strides towards conservation. Need another incentive? Memberships are at a significant discount during the summer. Pro tip: Don’t forget the sunscreen!
7. Hit a Swanky Hotel
Even if you’ve got a pool at home, there’s something to be said for relaxing at a chic hotel. From the poolside cocktails to their ability to find just the right sleeping temperature, hotels offer great staycations … and the Coachella Valley is loaded with options. The Riviera will satisfy your desire to take a time machine back to Hollywood’s Golden Age while the kitchy Saguaro Hotel (also in Palm Springs) has a scenic mountain backdrop and technicolor decor that are something to behold.
Coachella’s Hotel Indigo has already created quite the buzz and it’s not even open yet. With a centerpiece that will be a 10,000-square-foot pool complete with a Sin City-inspired catwalk and two, four, or six-bedroom casitas, you’ll be asking yourself, “What heat?”
8. Call it Quits and Head for the Beach
Hey, no one is going to blame you for occasionally waving the white flag on those scorching Coachella temperatures. What makes it such a great area to live in is that it’s only a two-hour drive to the shores of super-scenic Newport Beach and Dana Point. Even those who know that the Coachella Valley is the perfect fit for them understand that an occasional jaunt to the sea is good for the soul.
9. Get Artsy
It’s great to tap into local culture any time of year but avoiding the hot desert temperatures makes this an ideal period to visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. With a host of Mesoamerican collections, sculpture, contemporary photography, and Native American art, this place is more than legit. The Palm Springs Air Museum is another alternative for those who prefer history over art, as this somewhat hidden gem has the largest collection of flyable World War II planes in the world.
10. How’s the Air Up There? Find Out!
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway gets as high as 10,000 feet during the eight-minute ride to the top. You might be more inclined to get moving after taking this scenic jaunt, too, as it’s about 30 degrees cooler at the top than down in the valley. Go forth and avoid sweltering, as wilderness abounds.
If you decide to stay to eat, you won’t be disappointed by your options. Pines Cafe provides a more casual cafeteria-style restaurant while the fine dining option – Peaks – provides a perfect panoramic view of the Coachella Valley.
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Contact us to find out more about what our own staff members love most about living in the Coachella Valley … yes, even during the summer!
Originally posted on 8/5/2019