he Palm Springs Desert Resorts is a sophisticated world of unforgettable resorts and legendary golf courses, gourmet restaurants and first-class attractions in the heart of Southern California’s desert region.

This charming, low-key paradise is comprised of eight distinctive cities — Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage — all of which are remarkably easy to navigate. It is an especially scenic destination, with year-round sushine and world-class hotel and resort amenities that entertain 3 million visitors each year, including families, newlyweds, seniors and singles.

Easy to Get To

The Palm Springs Desert Resorts is all within easy reach of travelers. Ten major air carriers serve Palm Springs International Airport and provide daily departures, including nonstop service to hub cities in the United States and connections worldwide.

The desert is easily reached via Interstate 10, which connects the Palm Springs Desert Resorts to Los Angeles to the west and Phoenix to the east. Interstate 15 meets I-10 about 45 minutes west of Palm Springs, providing easy access to both San Diego and Las Vegas.

What to Do

With more than 115 golf courses, 600 tennis courts and 30,000 swimming pools, the Palm Springs Desert Resorts is a mecca for golfers, tennis buffs and sunbathers, as well as others who come to relax and rejuvenate — the No. 1 reason visitors from around the world come to this desert resort.

Outdoor types may wish to explore the desert by Jeep, covered wagon or on foot through historic Indian Canyons, picnic by a peaceful stream, watch a polo match or enjoy the view from a hot air balloon high above the valley floor. There are also world-class golf, tennis, film, jazz and arts festivals, the world’s only annual golf cart parade and historic mid-century modern architecture that lends a peek into the past of Palm Springs’ Hollywood heyday. If it’s spas you seek, choose from dozens of fabulous facilities and bask in the desert’s natural hot mineral waters.

There’s also a variety of unique desert museums for art lovers, children and aviation buffs, plus the chance to see desert animals up close at one of the world’s finest wildlife and botanical parks. Every desert visitor needs to sample a date shake and learn about the desert’s second largest industry, agriculture, at a date garden. And when it’s time to shop, trendy boutiques on historic Palm Canyon Drive and exclusive El Paseo Drive or air-conditioned malls are always nearby. Those who feel lucky can even try their hand at poker, slot machines or bingo at five area casinos.

Where to Stay

Regardless of your budget, Palm Springs Desert Resorts offers hotel rates across the spectrum. Accommoda-tions range from privately owned small inns to expansive, posh resorts that are destinations in themselves, to family-style properties with special children’s programs. Condo rentals are also available for those who prefer a home away from home.

Fabulous Cuisine

More than 150 restaurants vary from formal and elegant to casual or poolside, with cuisine ranging from French, Mexican and Italian to seafood and California bistro. Vibrant nightlife includes professional theater, piano bars, coffee house jazz, and dance clubs.

Year-round Sunshine

It seems the sun always shines on the Palm Springs Desert Resorts. With an average of 350 days a year of clear, sunny skies, year-round desert dwellers attest that low desert humidity makes even high temperatures comfortable. Winter highs reach the 70s and spring and fall temperatures rise to the perfect 80s. Summer days are always perfect for water sports and life at a leisurely pace. Magical star-filled summer nights lure everyone outdoors to dine, dance and play.