California’s desert area is a land of extremes. From the dramatic canyons of Death Valley to the star-studded culture and luxury lifestyle of Greater Palm Springs, there's mass appeal to this fascinating destination. Spend days basking in the blazing sun at high-end resorts and evenings checking out the hideaways of retro Hollywood. For a trip that takes you to each end of the spectrum, this is the place to be.
"No wonder the film industry started in the desert in California where, like all desert dwellers, they dream their buildings, rather than design them." - Arthur Erickson
If you relish a life of luxury and have a penchant for golf, this is the place to be. Whilst designer lodgings and boutique shops pepper the sun-kissed landscape of Greater Palm Springs, pro level golf courses sit amongst the impressive desert peaks. Test your mettle on the green and soak up the spectacular mountain views all at the same time.
When it comes to taking in remarkable scenery, Death Valley is in a league of its own. With extinct volcanic craters, colourful sandstone ravines and palm-shaded sanctuaries, this world famous National Park is a geological marvel. Just 2 hours from Las Vegas, it’s a worthy trip to see one of Mother Nature’s most incredible shows.
About 85 miles northeast of San Diego you'll find the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Covering 600,000 acres and home to countless dunes, canyons and palm groves, visit during Spring to see the colourful, annual bloom of the desert wildflowers.
At the point where the high Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert, you'll find the fascinating Joshua Tree National Park. A land sculpted by desert winds and sudden rain, head to Keys View for sweeping sights across this incredible landscape. This is also one of the finest spots in California for stargazing with the ranger-led Night Sky programme a huge hit for locals and visitors.
The Golden State offers it all and this desert oasis is a place unlike any other. Time seems irrelevant here, the laws of physics are defied in Death Valley and the Hollywood past lives on in Greater Palm Springs. Bring your camera and your curiosity, you’re in for the time of your life.