Palm Springs
(Photo Credit: Kate Buckley)
For this PalmSprings.com Spotlight, Kate Buckley has invited Lizz Riggs, fellow Palm Springs travel writer, editor and blogger, to share her thoughts on how to best create a memorable Memorial Day Weekend in Palm Springs!
Many think of Memorial Day as the beginning of summer, and celebrate this three day weekend in a warm destination where there’s always fun to be had! Everyone loves vacationing during this three day weekend, and Palm Springs is a great choice because the weather is perfect, but there are also tons of things to do on Memorial Day weekend in Palm Springs, to celebrate the holiday and remember our veterans. Attend any of the special Memorial Day weekend events in Palm Springs, head to the any of the popular attractions and get ready for a fantastic weekend to kick off the summer fun in Palm Springs.
Annual Memorial Day Flower Drop
On May 27th, The Palm Springs Air Museum will hold their annual Memorial Day Flower Drop. This is a brief but bold event in remembrance of those who made their ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. A B-52 Mitchell Bomber drops 3,000 red and white carnations, starting at 1pm. In addition to the main event, there are food vendors and family friendly activities that make this a great event to attend for the afternoon. [If you go, family and air activities are scheduled all day long; Memorial Program and Flower Drop scheduled for 1:00pm.]
On many holidays, this Palm Springs’ attraction starts up at 8am, and Memorial Day is one of those. The first tram goes up at 8am, and will continue through the day until 9:45pm. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers active military personnel a 10% discount when they bring their Military ID (before 4pm). This discount can be used for to up to 6 tickets, so it’s a great Memorial Day weekend activity for military families!
Many summer deals at golf resorts around Palm Springs become available starting Memorial Day Weekend. Many of the best golf courses in the area will offer special rates for tee times this summer, so check with your go-to resort about rates for Memorial Day. There’s no better time to hit the greens for a day or two.
Knott’s Soak City Palm Springs
What better way to kick off the beginning of summer than getting soaking wet on the water slides, lazy river and wave pool at Knott’s Soak City. Normally, you can show your Military ID and save on regular admission prices, but specially for Memorial Day, all active and retired service members will receive free admission into the park, as well as the discounted “show your Military ID” rate for up to 6 family members and friends!
Concerts in Palm Springs Memorial Day Weekend
On Friday, May 24th, Steve Miller Band will be playing at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA. The next night, May 25th, The Guess Who will play a show at Spotlight 29 casino, and Hollywood Blonde will be at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio. DJ Layla Loxa will be spinning at the Parker Hotel, starting at 8pm. Also that night at the Fantasy Springs Resort, see a Tribute to Prince. On Sunday, May 26th, check out Cellojoe at the Doral Palm Springs Resort and Jan Abrams in Abrams Sings Abrams at the Joslyn Center. [Please visit the PalmSprings.com Calendar of Events for more information and to reserve your tickets now!]
What to Bring to Palm Springs
May is a wonderful time to visit, as the temperatures are milder than they will be in the months to come. Whether you’re coming for a wild weekend or a relaxing one, there are a few Palm Springs essentials to pack! You’re definitely going to want to bring your bathing suit, as the pools at different Palm Springs resorts are calling your name, and of course if you’re taking advantage of the Knott’s Soak City deals. Now is the time to start working on your summer tan! Of course bring your summer gear, a camera to commemorate your trip and some clothes that you can kick back and relax in. If you’re planning on going on the Aerial Tram, consider a light sweater, as the mountains are much cooler and refreshing than the early summer heat everywhere else. Of course, you might be needing these light layers some evenings of your stay too. Don’t overpack though, because there’s lots of shopping to be done in the area!
Memorial Day weekend is almost here, so don’t miss the chance for a fun, relaxing and warm weekend getaway. Many of the wonderful Palm Springs hotels are already filling up, but with all the fantastic hotels and resorts around here, you’re sure to find a great place to stay with everything you need for your vacation. Kick off the summer in the ultimate desert playground!
This guest editorial was written by Lizz Riggs, a Palm Springs area travel writer, editor and blogger.
