Conference Tours

Open to all registered attendees

Conference attendees are invited to participate in morning tours that will highlight some of the best experiences in Palm Springs. Tours are included with all attendees’ registrations. The same tours will be provided on June 3 and June 4. Tours are subject to change.

Explore Joshua Tree National Park

Activity Level: Moderate-Intensity
Requires 6 AM Departure

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Joshua Tree National Park, where two distinct desert
ecosystems meet. Led by a professional naturalist guide, this half-day tour features a scenic drive
through Greater Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, with insights into the region’s renewable energy
sources, including the iconic San Gorgonio Pass wind turbines. Explore the park’s breathtaking
landscapes, from iconic Joshua Trees to jumbo boulders, with stops for photos, nature walks, and
optional hikes tailored to your interests. Visit highlights like Keys View Overlook, offering stunning vistas
and visibility to Mexico on clear days, and savor a delicious picnic lunch amidst the serene beauty of the
desert.

Heart of the City

Activity Level: Low to Moderate Intensity

Embark on a journey through Palm Springs’ rich history and vibrant present by strolling along the renowned Walk of Stars, where over 450 stars honor notable figures who have shaped this desert oasis.
Discover how Hollywood legends transformed Palm Springs into their playground and hear stories of visionary women who turned a barren desert into a premier resort destination. As you walk, admire a diverse array of architectural styles, including the city’s oldest adobe building from 1884, its first Modernist
hotel built in 1923, and the nation’s first multi-use shopping center designed in Spanish Colonial Revival
style in 1936. The glamour of yesteryear continues today in new upscale developments like “The Block”. Throughout your exploration, encounter abundant outdoor art installations, such as the stunning 26-foot-tall “Forever Marilyn” sculpture, symbolizing the city’s enduring celebrity history.

Wellness in the Oasis

Activity Level: Low Intensity

Experience unparalleled relaxation at The Spa at Séc-he, Palm Springs’ newest sanctuary for rejuvenation. Spanning over 73,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility offers a tranquil setting that redefines luxury. Immerse yourself in the healing waters of the ancient Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, renowned for its restorative properties. Indulge in a private 15-minute mineral bath, allowing the unique mineral composition to soothe your body and mind. Complement your spa experience with amenities such as eucalyptus steam rooms, menthol dry saunas, halotherapy salt caves, and a resort-style mineral pool with luxury cabanas.

Jeep Tour to the San Andreas Fault

Activity Level: Low-Intensity
Requires 7 AM Departure

Delve into the heart of the San Andreas Fault Zone on a guided tour that unveils the region’s captivating
geology and rich cultural tapestry. Traverse through dramatic slot canyons and absorb panoramic vistas that narrate the dynamic evolution of the Coachella Valley. Your expert guide will illuminate the intricate workings of tectonic forces that have sculpted the landscape, offering insights into the fault’s profound
impact on the environment. Additionally, gain a deeper appreciation for the heritage of the Cahuilla people, who have inhabited this area for centuries, as you learn about their traditions, survival strategies, and enduring connection to the land.

Delve into Museums & Memories - Arts and Culture of the Oasis

Activity Level: Low intensity

Discover Palm Springs’ vibrant cultural scene by visiting its notable museums. The Palm Springs Art Museum in downtown showcases modern and contemporary art, including sculptures, paintings, and photography. Nearby, the Architecture and Design Center features the Aluminaire House, a pioneering all- metal structure designed by A. Lawrence Kocher and Albert Frey in 1931. To delve into local history, the Palm Springs Historical Society offers engaging exhibits and walking tours illuminating the area’s storied past. Don’t miss the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, part of the newly inaugurated Agua Caliente
Cultural Plaza, which immerses visitors in the heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
through artifacts, art, and interactive displays. Each institution provides a unique perspective, solidifying
Palm Springs as a cultural gem awaiting exploration.

Indulge in Food in the Desert

Activity Level: Low Intensity

Begin your day by immersing yourself in the diverse culinary scene of Greater Palm Springs. Join a hands-on biscuit making class led by Executive Chef Lance Velasquez at Alice B., a restaurant co- founded by award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. During the pandemic, Chef Lance launched the acclaimed Biscuit & Counter pop-up, gaining significant acclaim for his Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits. This experience not only delights the taste buds but also offers rich content for travel writers capturing the essence of Palm Springs’ food scene.

Wildlife and Botanical Wonders at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Activity level: Low intensity

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert spans over 1,200 acres, offering a unique opportunity to explore diverse desert ecosystems and encounter wildlife from around the globe. Enhance your visit
with interactive experiences such as feeding giraffes, where you can come nose-to-nose with these gentle giants. Don’t miss the Rhino Encounter, providing an up-close meeting with black rhinos Nia or Jaali,
where you’ll learn about their biology and conservation. Additionally, explore the Australian Adventures exhibit, an immersive habitat where wallabies hop alongside you, and you’ll encounter other native species like emus and kookaburras. These experiences offer a deeper appreciation of desert wildlife and the zoo’s commitment to conservation.

Sunnylands: A Journey Through History and Sustainability

Activity Level: Low intensity

Experience the elegance and historical significance of Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate in
Rancho Mirage, California. Begin your visit at the Sunnylands Center; Gardens, where you can explore nine acres of artfully designed gardens featuring over 53,000 individual arid-landscape plants and 1.25 miles of walking paths. The Center also offers art exhibitions, films, educational programs, a café, and a gift shop. Take the Historic Walk, a guided one-mile tour focusing on the history of Sunnylands, the
Annenbergs and their guests, and midcentury modern architecture and design. This tour includes close-
up outdoor views of the historic house but does not provide access to the interior.
*Please note that tours of the historic estate are subject to availability.

Discover the Heights of Adventure: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Activity Level: Moderate intensity

Experience an unforgettable adventure aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar. Your 10-minute journey ascends over 8,500 feet, transitioning from the Sonoran Desert to the alpine wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. At the Mountain Station, enjoy panoramic views, explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, and dine at one of the two restaurants. This unique excursion offers
a refreshing escape and a chance to experience diverse climate zones in a single day.

Midcentury Modern Architecture Exploration

Activity Level: Low Intensity

Explore Palm Springs’ rich midcentury modern architectural heritage, home to one of the world’s largest
concentrations of preserved midcentury modern structures. On this tour, you’ll discover iconic designs by visionary architects such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and E. Stewart Williams, who adapted Modern architecture to complement the desert environment and leisure lifestyle. Highlights include the Palm Springs City Hall, the Tramway Gas Station, and the Kaufmann House, exemplifying the clean lines,
expansive glass walls, and seamless indoor-outdoor living that define this architectural style. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the city’s glamorous past and its enduring influence on
contemporary design.

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