Our No. 7 pick takes you just slightly in off the coast – though still within easy access of California’s sugar sand beaches. Palm Springs offers an incredibly diverse landscape, filled with outdoor activities and indoor luxury.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the terrain of Palm Springs, which ranges from rocky gorges to unusual rock formations. From giant palm trees to pine forests, Palm Springs is a hiker’s dream. And if you’re just overwhelmed by the vast beauty of this region, you can take a hot air balloon ride or helicopter tours to see it all from above. Go horseback riding through the pristine desert or take a hummer tour into beautiful remote locations. Get in a bus to see where celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Elvis and Liberace lived. The shopping in Palm Springs is as celebrated as its outdoor activities. Explore a vast collection of mid-century retailers, fashion boutiques, art galleries and more.

Each month, the Backstreet Art District showcases a variety of artist-owned galleries and working studios – a must-see! After all that excitement, return to your Palm Springs resort for relaxation and spa treatments.