By now, you have figured out Palm Springs has so much more to do than lying around the pool and having cocktails. You are ready to explore.
Here’s a half-day trip literally 10 miles away. This means you will need a car, though you can check Uber or Lyft, more than likely they would take you there.
First Stop Two Bunch Palms
Myth has it that Al Capon used this land as his hideout for one can see for miles across Coachella Valley; thus, he could see any approaching intruder. Whatever the case, the 72 acres of grounds are incredibly well-cared for among the ancient palm and tamarisk trees.
Give the resort a call before you go for one cannot come and just wander the grounds. You have to be checked in and out. This is to assure the privacy and security of visitors.
Reservations
Unless you want to book an overnight stay, you have two ways to experience this
tranquil, beautiful place.
1. Arrange for a day pass. This pass will allow you to spend the day and enjoy the
mineral baths. Call for exact details about what is included.
2. Make a reservation for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant, Essense, has a fantastic view, healthy farm-to-table cuisine.
There is valet parking only. I found I was able to explore the grounds before and after lunch. I, of course, honored their code of silence throughout the grounds so as not to interrupt the tranquility for the guests.
Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa
67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
800-472-4334
www.twobunchpalms.com
Next Stop Cabot’s Pubelo Museum
A very short drive up Magic Hill from Two Bunch Palms is this magnificent museum which provides a capsule in time. It reveals the life of an individual, Cabot Yerxa, who did not give up the harsh conditions of the desert in 1913. Instead, he homesteaded 160 acres in what is now called Desert Hot Springs.
There is plenty of free parking. After parking your car, head down to the path to the Gift Shop where you get your tickets for the tour. Be sure to check their hours before you head out, for they have both summer and winter hours. If it is warm, go early in the morning. In any case, take water with you for the circulation of air through the home’s tour is practically non-existent. The tour is not handicap accessible. It should also be noted all rooms are not available for viewing by the public.
The tour includes the biography of Cabot’s life and intimate details about how he discovered the hot mineral springs and cold water in this barren land. You will marvel at his engineering abilities. He constructed his home, with 35-rooms and 5,000 square-feet with found objects.
After your tour, take time to wander the grounds and take in the view and enjoy the authentic desert fauna. You will find yourself wanting to take lots of pictures on the property for there are many great photo opportunities.
Then head back to their outstanding gift shop, which has a fine collection of Indian art, jewelry, and hard to find books of the area’s history.
Cabot’s Pubelo Museum
67616 E Desert View
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Kathy Condon is a travel writer and blogger. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guider Her book It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: It’s All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net 760-902-3094
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