Top things to see and do in Palm Springs

When visiting Palm Springs, start at the top—with a balloon ride

When planning a trip to Palm Springs, allow yourself plenty of time. You’ll need it with the wealth of options available in this lovely area.

1) Get a lift

Take a lofty position—view the desert from the basket of a hot-air balloon. For an extra touch, book a champagne flight.

2) Par excellence

Palm Springs is one of the top destinations in the U.S. for avid golfers. The near perfect weather of the region along with the fabulous scenery will give anyone a good excuse to play a round.

3) Legendary footsteps

The Tahquitz Canyon is legendary in the region. The story goes that Tahquitz was the first shaman of the Cahuilla people, but when he began doing more harm than good, he was banished to the canyon that now bears his name. The trails are beautiful—and mysterious.

4) Charge it!

Loathe though I am to advise anyone to run up their credit card bills, Palm Springs is definitely a mecca for anyone ready to shop for the unique, the fabulous or the fashionable. You could spend a week browsing shops and still not hit them all.

5) Act on impulse

The Palm Springs Follies is a must-see, particularly for those who have retired. This troupe of triple-threats are aged 56 to 81, and prove the adage every night that age is a case of mind over matter.