A week in Palm Springs that does not need an actor's bank account.

Description:

This landmark botanical garden has been delighting Palm Springs visitors for more than 60 years. Proudly proclaiming itself the "World's First Cactarium," the garden includes 3,000 fine examples of desert cacti and other desert plants, in a quirky Wild West setting sometimes used as a film backdrop. Turtledoves, hummingbirds, lizards and other small wild creatures also make impromptu appearances among the rocks and plants. Many unusual botanical specimens are for sale, along with other souvenirs. Cash only.

Description:

This classic restaurant is a long-standing favorite for lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. Although the restaurant is by no means a discount one, it does offer some unexpectedly low-priced items alongside the more deluxe entrees. The Medallions of Beef Tenderloin come from corn-fed beef and sit beneath a dollop of creamy Bearnaise sauce. If you want something lighter, enjoy one of the sandwiches. The homemade desserts are wonderful, particularly the signature Apricot Bundt Cake and the Lemon Lush, a cheese filling inside a walnut crust, topped with lemon.

Description:

The Coachella Valley is home to about 100,000 permanent residents in 10 cities. Another 1.75 million or so people visit the area each year, mostly during the winter. Some people come for the elaborate hotels, the golf and tennis resorts. But the area also has some of the best scenic and recreational values found on public lands in California. From the snowcapped peaks of the Santa Rosa Mountains to the palm-lined ponds at Dos Palmas, the Coachella Valley offers visitors a wide variety of sights and experiences.

For thousands of years, particles of sand from the San Bernardino Mountains and Indio Hills washed into the Coachella Valley, forming a system of dunes. Today, these dunes are part of the Coachella Valley Preserve System, a 20,000-acre sanctuary that is home to several species of increasingly rare wildlife. The Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard depends on this unusual blowsand desert for survival, and "swims" through the sand to escape predators or summer heat of the desert surface. Four other unique wildlife species can also be found here: the Coachella roundtailed ground squirrel, the giant red velvet mite, the flat-tailed horned lizard and the giant palm-boring beetle.

The...

Description:

• This hillside hotel is within view of the San Jacinto Mountains and is two miles from downtown Palm Springs.

• All 70 guestrooms provide cable television, coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators, and free local calls.

• The hotel offers a 24-hour outdoor pool and spa tub, and admission to Moorten's Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the hotel.

Description:

This long-established gallery and plant nursery is named for the palapas: umbrella-like, palm-frond constructions offering shade. Usually at least 30 artists are represented here. At any time, one or two of the artists will be on hand giving demonstrations or talking about their work. Look for blacksmiths, glass artists, painters, illustrators, potters and multimedia artists. Visitors can also enjoy looking through the plants offered for sale, a reminder of the site's beginnings as Neel's Nursery more than 50 years ago. The 14-acre site is often booked as a venue for special events.

Description:

Hello, Happy Luxe. Looking for the ultimate five star diner? At Norma's at Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs the dining experience begins with a shot of the fruit smoothie of the day and ends with a gift of delectable lightly glazed orange slices. In between, a gastronomic delight of entrees including Very Berry Brioche French Toast, Normalitas Huevos Rancheros, Flate-As-A-Pancake Crabcake, Hudson Valley Duck Confit Hash ? Cheval, the chef's famous Zillion Dollar Frittata straight from Broadway, or Lobster Swimming in Cheezy Macaroni are sure to delight the most discriminating patron.Norma's wooden floors, cozy leather chairs and inviting residential feeling sets the stage for relaxed gatherings of family and friends. Choose to dine under the stars on the lovely Norma's patio or surround yourself with the innovative interior of famed New Yorker Jonathan Adler, who has brought his quirky designs out into the California sun at Norma's at Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs.

Description:

Specializing primarily in contemporary glass and ceramic arts, this gallery prides itself on introducing new artists to its art-collector clientele. There is always something new and different to intrigue the avid collector, and the constantly changing collection is a delight to explore. The gallery also offers paintings, lithographs, mixed-media creations, hand-blown glass and even the occasional doll or two. Many items are investment-quality, but the gallery also features reasonably priced fine gift items.

Our Local Expert Says:

Really inexpensive ticket prices for shows of movies that were played a few months prior in other theaters. Go catch some of the great movies you may have missed before they leave the big screen.

Description:

This cineplex has 10 screens for your viewing pleasure. For a more enjoyable experience, sit back and relax with popcorn and a soda from the refreshment stand. For film times, ticket prices and further information please see their website.

Description:

• This hillside hotel is within view of the San Jacinto Mountains and is two miles from downtown Palm Springs.

• All 70 guestrooms provide cable television, coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators, and free local calls.

• The hotel offers a 24-hour outdoor pool and spa tub, and admission to Moorten's Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the hotel.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the Hollywood stars on the walk may be names of those you may have already known were Palm Springs regulars, but some may surprise you, and others may be names you've never heard of that make you wonder why they are famous.

Description:

Hollywood had it first, but Palm Springs happily pays homage to the original Walk of Stars. Of course, Palm Springs does put its own spin on things. In addition to actors, actresses, directors and other film-related personalities, the city has immortalized a few Palm Springs pioneers, frontier doctors and other inhabitants from the early days. The big, Hollywood-style brass and mosaic stars run for blocks along both sides of Palm Canyon Drive. Local historical stars are congregated in front of the Village Green museums, while major stars such as Sinatra and Bob Hope are in front of the Desert Fashion Plaza.

Our Local Expert Says:

This street can get very busy and very crowded during the middle of the day. There are lots of great shops and restaurants; if you come early you can find street parking and you will have a days worth of shopping ahead of you. If you visit later in the day it is easier to find parking off the main street just a short walk away.

Description:

This mile-long avenue in Palm Desert is often called "The Rodeo Drive of the Desert," comparing it to the renowned upscale shopping district of Beverly Hills. Art galleries, fine furnishings, couture clothing and restaurants make this tree-shaded avenue ideal for strolling and browsing. There are some bargains to be found, especially in the upscale chain stores at The Gardens on El Paseo, but most of the clientele here do not need to check the price tags. However, everyone can enjoy the free contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibits presented on the landscaped meridian.

Description:

Fine dining meets the exotic flavors of the different regions of India at this popular restaurant. Murals depicting the beauty of India adorn the walls, while white tablecloths and fine china cover the tables. Yet a visit here can be surprisingly inexpensive. While the lunch buffet does not reach the heights of the full dinner menu offerings, it is inexpensive, flavorful, fresh and filling. Dinner offerings include rich curries and authentic red-seared Tandoori Chicken.

Description:

Combining Northern Italian cuisine with Southern Sicilian touches, this spot was one of Frank Sinatra's favorites. Gentle lighting, comfortable booths and spacious tables prepare guests for an evening of outstanding food and drink. Everything from the fragrant bread to the sausages is made on the premises, under the watchful eye of the Riccios and Executive Chef Mario Marfia. The Riccio Cioppino is particularly prized, and the rich, mouthwatering Tiramisu for dessert is terrific. There is an extensive wine list of predominately Italian vintages.

Description:

This inviting shop filled with fascinating art and objects is dangerous to browse if you do not want to spend money. You are sure to find something that is just perfect for you or a friend. If you have become addicted to sophisticated Martini drinks, check out the selection of glasses and shakers perfect for enhancing your home bar. In a warm, well-lit atmosphere, lamps, framed prints, watches, gourmet or quirky kitchenware, and other small objects are displayed for your perusal.

Description:

The bustling atmosphere in this glass-walled restaurant is created by the combined noise of contented diners at tables and frequent pick-ups for to-go orders. The reasonably priced menu runs the gamut from simple sauteed vegetables to a richly flavored Seafood Combination, which brings together scallops, shrimp and crab meat with a medley of stir-fried vegetables. Combination dinner specials include soup, appetizers and at least two entrees, depending on the number of diners.

Description:

Watch for the illuminated blue neon guitar to guide you to this second-story club near the Plaza Theater. Once inside, enjoy the best blues music in Coachella Valley. The stage offers a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system just off a hardwood dance floor. The street-side balcony also holds a few tables, ideal for looking down on the crowds passing below. There is a cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays for the 9pm show. There is a free blues concert on Sundays. The music is the draw, but they also serve a mean gumbo and cheesecake.

Description:

• This hillside hotel is within view of the San Jacinto Mountains and is two miles from downtown Palm Springs.

• All 70 guestrooms provide cable television, coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators, and free local calls.

• The hotel offers a 24-hour outdoor pool and spa tub, and admission to Moorten's Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the hotel.

Description:

On a hot summer's day, one of the best things to do in Palm Springs is to take a ride from the dry desert floor with the Aerial Tramway, 5,873 feet up into the cool, moist climate of the San Jacinto Mountains. Come and ascend into a pristine wilderness aboard the world's largest rotating tramcars! Truly one of the greatest experiences in Southern California!

The world's largest rotating tramcars carry visitors from an elevation of 2,643 feet to a Mountain Station located at the 8,516-foot level of Mt San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness. It has the steepest vertical cable rise in the U.S. and the second steepest in the world. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is truly one of the greatest experiences in Southern California.

What is remarkable about the ride, aside from the breathtaking views of the valley, is the change in temperature. At the bottom of the tram route, the temperature on the desert floor can reach 120 degrees. Rising up through mountain canyons and chimneys, you arrive in an arctic-alpine forest with giant Ponderosa pines. The thrilling vertical ascent gives you views of the Chino Canyon and the San Jacinto Mountains from the front of the car, while the Sonoran Desert...

Description:

Enjoy martinis, well drinks, wines and margaritas at this popular bar, located at the Cedar Creek Inn. There are daily shooter and drink specials, as well as a "Double Your Pleasure" offer: pay one dollar more and receive almost twice your drink served "up" with a bucket of ice on the side. Happy Hour runs from 4pm-7pm each day, with extended hours on Mondays when football fans gather in the lounge. Munchies run from Greek salads to barbecue pork ribs and "Create Your Own Pizza.

Description:

• This hillside hotel is within view of the San Jacinto Mountains and is two miles from downtown Palm Springs.

• All 70 guestrooms provide cable television, coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators, and free local calls.

• The hotel offers a 24-hour outdoor pool and spa tub, and admission to Moorten's Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the hotel.