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.
Join a naturalist guide for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. This five-hour tour includes three hours of exploration, featuring stunning vistas and diverse ecosystems with ample stops for photos and short nature walks. Spanning nearly 800,000 acres, Joshua Tree is a remarkable desert treasure characterized by its iconic granite monoliths and unique rock formations. The park showcases two distinct ecosystems shaped by extreme climate, providing a serene environment for meditation and exploration. Witness a variety of plant life, including the renowned Joshua tree, which stands majestically throughout the landscape. This adventure is ideal for eco-travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to connect with the extraordinary beauty of this natural wonder.
Join Mark Tadros, owner of Aziz Farms and The Packhouse, for an engaging tour focused on farming in the Coachella Valley. Discover the intricacies of date cultivation, including their growth and harvesting processes, while exploring the region’s rich agricultural history. Tour the fields to learn about irrigation methods, farming equipment, and the various crops grown in the fertile soil. Participants will have the opportunity to pick fresh produce during the tour. Visit the packing facility to see the equipment and methods used for packing and shipping dates and other local produce. The experience concludes with a delightful tasting of a variety of dates, showcasing the unique flavors of this iconic fruit.
Discover the healing power of ancient mineral-rich waters at The Spa at Séc-he, a 73,000-square-foot wellness sanctuary. Guests will begin with a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facility, followed by Taking of the Waters, a private 20-minute soak. Enjoy restorative experiences in the eucalyptus steam room and menthol inhalation sauna. Relaxation zones offer Acoustic Wellness vibrational loungers and zero-gravity chairs for no-touch therapy, promoting deeper relaxation. The common lounge area hosts two halotherapy salt caves, connecting treatment rooms to the main pool deck, which features a coed whirlpool, a resort-style waterfall pool, and a zero-edge mineral pool. This immersive wellness experience at The Spa at Séc-he is designed to rejuvenate both body and mind, redefining luxury spa encounters.
The Living Desert in Palm Desert is a premier zoo and botanical garden dedicated to conserving desert ecosystems. Visitors can connect with nature while exploring over 140 animal species, including giraffes, wallabies, and cheetahs, all in naturalistic habitats. The garden showcases 1,600 desert plant species, with the impressive Rhino Savanna featuring two black rhinos, Nia and Jaali, in a spacious 7-acre multi-species habitat designed for their well-being. The Living Desert promotes important conservation awareness for these creatures. Guests can participate in interactive experiences, like the Australian Adventure, where they can meet kangaroos and wallabies, as well as a Giraffe Feeding Station for memorable close encounters. This vibrant venue highlights the beauty of desert ecosystems and underscores crucial conservation efforts.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, spanning 48,000 square feet, provides an in-depth look into the history and culture of the Agua Caliente people. The museum features a permanent exhibition highlighting the tribe’s rich heritage, along with rotating galleries that offer fresh perspectives and discoveries. Visitors can explore the Museum Store, which showcases art, jewelry, and crafts made by Native American artists and businesses. A key attraction is the Creation Migration Theater, where guests are immersed in a captivating 12-minute, 360-degree animated presentation of the Tribe’s creation story. This engaging narrative experience invites visitors to explore, learn, and connect with the profound legacy of the Agua Caliente people, making the museum a vibrant cultural hub in the region.
Experience the vibrant transformation of Indio, the oldest city in Greater Palm Springs, during this engaging tour. Incorporated in 1876 as a railroad town, Indio has evolved into a lively festival destination, welcoming over a million visitors annually. Explore the revitalized Downtown Indio, featuring new shops, restaurants, breweries, and public art installations, including a colorful canopy of umbrellas and vibrant murals in Happy Alley. Next visit Coachella Walls, a project showcasing triking murals, including an evocative portrait of a farmworker by LA artist El Mac. Nearby, the “Casa de Trabajador” mural by Armando Lerma and Carlos Ramirez highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage. Once a thriving farming community, Coachella now celebrates its Mexican cultural influence through its internationally recognized murals and vibrant annual festivals.
Discover the Historic Rock House in Desert Hot Springs, a Riverside County Historic Landmark since January 2025. Built entirely from found rocks by Lee A. Watkins, this home offers a fascinating glimpse into history. Learn about the natural hot mineral springs and aquifers first discovered by homesteader Cabot Yerxa, who named the site “Miracle Hill.” An artist and human rights advocate, Yerxa constructed a Hopi-inspired pueblo from reclaimed materials to honor Native American culture. Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a unique structure made of adobe-style bricks and local materials. Filled with Native American art, artifacts, and Yerxa’s creations, the pueblo spans four stories and 5,000 square feet, featuring 35 rooms, 150 windows, 30 rooflines, and 65 doors. This tour provides visitors with an enriching cultural experience and a connection to the heritage of the area.
Begin your adventure at the Tramway Gas Station, originally an Enco service station designed by Albert Frey and Robson C. Chambers in 1965. With its distinctive cantilevered, wedge-shaped canopy, this landmark showcases modernist architecture and was meant to greet visitors arriving in Palm Springs from the north along California State Route 111. Next, embark on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car. Ascend 2.5 miles along the striking cliffs of Chino Canyon to the untouched wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During the ten-minute ride, enjoy rotating tram cars that offer sweeping vistas of the valley below. At the Mountain Station, situated at 8,516 feet, visitors can explore attractions such as dining options, observation decks, a natural history museum, a gift shop, and over 50 miles of hiking trails.
Immerse yourself in the midcentury architectural marvels and glamorous history of Palm Springs on this engaging tour. Explore iconic structures that have gained international acclaim and learn about their historical, design, and cultural significance. Participants will delve into the creative visions of renowned architects such as Richard Neutra, Albert Frey, and E. Stewart Williams. The tour includes a curated selection of both famous landmarks and lesser-known architectural gems, offering an enriching experience for design aficionados and anyone interested in Palm Springs’ unique architectural heritage. Discover the vibrant story of modernism in this captivating desert oasis, where every building tells a tale of creativity and innovation.
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