Joshua Tree/Palm Springs in the rain

December 16, 2010 7:28 AM

We're going on an anniversary trip to Palm Springs/Joshua Tree this weekend, and the weather looks like it's going to rain most of the time. Does anyone have any indoor recommendations for Palm Springs (we were planning on the desert zoo) or good restaurants for lunch? Is hiking in Joshua Tree still enjoyable if it does rain or should we find other things to do and hike it just when it's clear? We'll have basic rain jackets.
posted by ejaned8 to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

Best answer: While it is calling for rain the the JT area it doesn't look like it is going to be flash flood type of rain although that can change quickly around here. Call or stop by a ranger station and they will be able to give you up to the minute advice on if/where to hike.

If you are interested in a restaurant in JT they are generally found at the intersection of Park and 62. Crossroads is great and the place we go when we eat out in town. The Natural Sisters Cafe is uber crunchy but pretty good if you are into that sort of thing. Our hole in the wall favorite is across the street - a breakfast/lunch shop that has some great asian noodle dishes (can't remember the name - it is in a red house and hard to miss)!

Halfway between JT and Palm Springs is Pappy and Harriet's which I'm told has good food and music - make sure you make reservations if you are planning on going there!
posted by a22lamia at 7:42 AM on December 16, 2010

Definitely stop at the visitor center on the way in - the rangers were particularly nice and will recommend hikes and sights based on the amount of time you'll be there. I went to Joshua Tree for the first time in October and can without hesitation recommend the Hidden Valley Nature Trail (highly recommended if it's your first time there) and Keys View. The other end of the park was quite boring IMHO

Maybe go up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway if you haven't thought about that yet and check out the Palm Springs Art Museum - they currently have a Richard Avedon exhibit.
posted by philad at 8:53 AM on December 16, 2010

Best answer: Definitely Pappy and Harriet's! The food is pretty darned good, the music is always worthwhile, and the people watching can't be beat. If the rain isn't too crazy, also take a walk around Pioneertown, which I think used to be used as a movie set for Westerns back in the 1940s and 1950s. Now the structures are residences and a couple of businesses, including a bowling alley, should you need shelter from the rain.

If you're in the mood for upscale desert dining, Bistro 29 in 29 Palms is good, although personally I prefer the zero-ambience Lebanese food at Palm Kabob.

Palm Springs has a museum, which looks like it has some interesting offerings right now. And if you need to do any last-minute holiday shopping you can check out their gift store.
posted by chez shoes at 9:23 AM on December 16, 2010

If you like vintage stuff, there is some fun thrifting to be had in PS and PD. The Parker hotel has a nice restaurant and spa.
posted by barnone at 9:30 AM on December 16, 2010 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks. I'm definitely write down the ranger number (we're staying in JT at a B&B on Saturday evening-Tuesday so area attractions was helpful) and I'll keep the museum as a rain-out option for Saturday in Palm Springs.
posted by ejaned8 at 1:27 PM on December 16, 2010

Y'know, in the rain, the grove at 1000 Palms would probably be relatively dry, and completely amazing. And yes, thrifting. Also, take a tour of Cabot's Lodge in Desert Hot Springs.
posted by Scram at 4:32 PM on December 16, 2010