The epic music festival, Desert Trip, set for two weekends in October, will be a “once in a lifetime” experience in Greater Palm Springs.  For all music lovers, travel enthusiasts and adventure seekers out there, here’s the ultimate list of incredible experiences in the desert oasis that will blow your mind, change your world view and let you escape the ordinary.  You may never want to go back home!

Experience the High-Class #LUXLIFE this festival season
Skip the driving and be here in record time from Southern California with Tesloop, a rideshare service with your own driver in a brand new Model X Tesla.  For longer distance travelers, you can now soar through the desert sky with Surf Air, an innovative all-you-can-fly membership that empowers its travelers to enjoy a hassle-free flying experience to Greater Palm Springs.  For the road warriors, elevate your Desert Trip experience with a Mercedes Free Spirit SS, courtesy of Bliss RV, and enjoy glamping in an elegant mobile studio apartment, replete with sky-lit shower stall, on-demand hot water, HD TV, and a memory foam mattress swathed in luxury linens. 

Live like a Hollywood legend
Why rent any old place when you could be staying in Leonardo DiCaprio’s Midcentury Estate?  Properties like Merv Griffin’s 40-acre, 14-bedroom La Quinta estate offers you the chance to live vicariously—and lavishly — while you are here.  Now is your chance to listen to records in Frank Sinatra’s old living room or take a dip in the same pool as Elizabeth Taylor.  In case you’ve missed your opportunity to rent a glamorous home, check out The Celebrity Tour, viewing some 50-60 celebrity homes along the way. 

Drag me to an unforgettable brunch
Imagine starting your day off with friends, fabulous food, Mimosas, Bloody Marys...and an outrageously fun drag show!  The comedic drag show brunch is complete with Broadway showtunes at Ace Hotel & Swim Club.  Tickets include one trip to the brunch buffet and optional $10 bottomless Mimosas are available.  

Explore Greater Palm Springs on the Harley-Davidson ride of your life
Few things are as intoxicating and alluring as the open road.  For those who have never experienced the desert oasis by motorcycle, EagleRider Palm Springs offers you an opportunity to rent a Harley-Davidson by the day or even join one of their action packed tours.  For female riders, Babes Ride Out 4 offers a unique opportunity to join other riders on 40 acres of Joshua Tree Lake Campground this year. 

Tee up, Golfboard or play FootGolf at some of the toughest golf courses in America
Enhance your Desert Trip experience by taking advantage of golf’s biggest stage, the TPC Stadium Course at PGA West, a par-72 Pete Dye-designed jewel and a “must play” for those seeking the ultimate golf challenge. Good luck on the 17th hole, known as Alcatraz, with its daunting island green.  It ranks among the toughest par-3 holes anywhere. For those golf devotees who are looking for the out-of-the-ordinary, ride on a new GolfBoard, the battery-powered hoverboard for you and your clubs, at Tahquitz Creek or get a kick out of FootGolf at one of six golf courses in Greater Palm Springs.

Earn bragging rights by completing one of America’s Hardest Hikes
Considered to be one of the most challenging day hikes in the country, the super ambitious Cactus to Clouds hike, starts behind the Palm Springs Art Museum, near sea level and ends on top of Mt. San Jacinto at 10,834 feet, a vertical half-mile higher than Mt. Whitney.  Only those who are physically ready should attempt this challenge.  Come prepared for wild temperature inversions and possible rain and hail up high.  At the top, you’ll see every major peak in Southern California.  Upon descent, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway —the world’s largest rotating tram cars— back to civilization.  Hikers to the Indian Canyons can also experience the world’s largest fan palm oasis in Palm Canyon, and Tahquitz Canyon rewards adventurers at the end of a moderate hike with a beautiful 40-foot waterfall.

Defy the speed limits at the BMW Performance Driving School
For thrill seekers, get your heart pounding with excitement on an adrenaline-infused race track and discover the unparalleled sensation of hitting 120+ MPH in a BMW racing machine at the BMW Performance Driving School.  Burning rubber is highly encouraged.

Capture the wild with a selfie at The Living Desert
For the ultimate experience at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, book a Behind the Scenes Tour with a guided Safari exploration and interactive animal encounters. While on the tour, grab a selfie feeding one of the giraffes or better yet, capture Clyde or Gulliver, one of the zoo’s camels, painting you a one-of-a-kind portrait with their lips for you to take home. The Camel Painting will forever live in your memories as one of the coolest experiences ever.

Rejuvenate with moss, minerals, mud and hot springs
Before heading back home, slip into the magic, healing waters of Desert Hot Springs, located just 15 miles north of downtown Palm Springs.  The rich pools of thermal mineral springs will relax you while removing those ‘Desert Trip’ toxins and bring deep relief to your sore dancing muscles.  While there are 22 boutique resorts in the area to choose from, the mud baths at Two Bunch Palms are legendary. This unique experience allows you to float weightless in a warm tub filled with a mixture of peat moss and mineral-rich clay.  Be adventurous and soak it in.  The mud baths are not to be missed.

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Updated: September 15, 2016