There are so many things to do in Palm Springs, California. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, The Aerial Tramway, and Joshua Tree National Park will keep you busy for days.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens were alright. The gardens were tranquil with winding pathways through them. They showcased plants from the surrounding Sonoran desert and other exotic locations. The animals were disappointing as you could find them in most zoos. There was not much else to do. There were a few playgrounds, which would have been great for younger children and an Easter egg hunt, which my little sister tried and found disappointing as the eggs were not hidden, but simply placed on the ground. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is perfect for young children and people who have not been to many zoos. I fit in neither of those categories, so I didn't enjoy to the fullest extent.
The Aerial Tramway is spectacular though. The tram takes you to the top of the San Jacento Mountain right in Palm Springs.The park has many trails that take you into the woods and lead to great views of the city. In the winter, you can ski or even make a snowman. I enjoyed this day trip due to the cool temperatures while the valley below was in the 80's.
Joshua Tree National Park is another fun day-trip experience. There are many trails that you can hike in the park. The Joshua trees were beautiful. The rock formations were awe-inspiring and there are paths in and among them. I would not need to go back a second time, but I enjoyed my experience.
I would rate this trip 4 out of 5 stars. Palm Springs offers many attractions and experiences. While the nearby zoo is no San Diego Zoo, that does not take away from the beautiful desert landscape you have entered.
