FOCS 2011 October 22-25, 2011 Local Information

Palm Springs is located in the deserts of Southern California, at the foothills of mount San Jacinto, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. This region has a rich history. Today the city and the surrounding communities have become a popular vacation destination with attractions including a variety of spas, resports, golf courses, sightseeing and outdoors activities. The official Palm Springs website has extensive information on local attractions, transportation, etc.

Weather. Expect warm and sunny weather at daytime and cool nights. In late October, daily maximum temperates in Palm Springs average 80-90F (27-32C), dropping to about 50-60F (10-15C) at night. See the Palm Springs weather page, for more information. It is considerably colder, by about 10F (5C) in the mountains, so if you are planning to take the aerial tram to San Jacinto or other trips, you may want to pack something warm, just in case.

Restaurants. The hotel is within short walking distance to many restaurants. The Palm Springs guide has a list of restaurants that can be searched or browsed. A restaurant guide will be included in the information packet in the conference.

Sightseeing. There are multiple opportunities for short, half-day trips or, if you decide to stay an extra day or two (recommended), whole-day activities or excursions. Below is a partial list, with links to more information.

The hotel provides complementary shuttle service within 5 miles from the hotel, so for some of these destinations you can arrange the transportation with the hotel.

• The Art Museum. The Palm Springs Art Museum (often called the Desert Museum) is located within short walking distance from the hotel.
• Aerial Tram. If you can do only one trip when in Palm Springs, this is the one. The top station is on the mount San Jacinto's ridge, at 8,500ft. You can just go and hang around the top station and the restaurant, enjoying the views and a beer. There are plenty of hiking trails starting from the tram station, including the 5.5 mile (2K ft elevation gain) to the top of San Jacinto (total hike time from 4 to 6 hours) at 10,500 feet. For transportation, you can take the hotel shuttle or call a cab.
• Indian Canyons. Several spectacular canyons with all-year streams and the largest California palm tree "forest" in the state. Only 10 minute car ride from the hotel, with unlimited opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. You can just hang around around the stream, go on a short hike, or do a whole-day hike along Palm Canyon. The entrance to the park is about 6-7 miles from the hotel, so you still might be able to arrange the transportation with the hotel. If not, call a cab.
• The Living Desert. This is a zoo/botanical garden/museum dedicated to flora and fauna of world's deserts. About 20 minute car/taxi ride from the hotel. Good place to visit if you are planning to do some sightseeing in the desert.
• Joshuan Tree National Park. This may well be the most spectacular national park in California. A quick drive-through sightseeing visit, to snap some pictures, can be done in 4-5 hours, but to fully appreciate the beauty of the desert, a whole day is recommended. Besides the official park page, you can google it to find tons of information about the park (pictures, maps,etc).
• Salton Sea. Basically, California's Dead Sea. Created in early 1900s by the Colorado River that can't quite make up its mind which way to flow. 45 minute drive from Palm Springs to the nearest shore.
• Whitewater Canyon. A wildlife preserve created by the Wildlands Conservancy. The headquarters are located at an old fish hatchery, with fish ponds still full of trout. Great place for a picnic. There is also a trail that goes along the river, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. Located within 25 minute ride from the hotel. The Wildlands Convervancy operates two other nearby preserves, the Mission Creek Preserve and the Pioneer Town Preserve, both within an hour drive from Palm Springs.
• Cactus to Clouds. A somewhat extreme alternative to the tram ride. It's a famous hike, with the trail starting at the Palm Springs Museum and ending at the top tram station, after about 8 miles and 8,000 ft altitude gain. If that's still not enough for you, you can continue to San Jacinto's summit.

Desert Hot Springs. You can let others do the sightseeing for you and just soak and relax. Nothing's wrong with that.

Golf. Palm Springs is one of the most popular golfing destinations worldwide.

Bike Rentals/Tours. You can rent a bike and/or arrange a guided bicycle tour through the desert.

Casinos. Gambling is not legal in California, except for Indian reservations, of which there are plenty in the Palm Springs area. Popular casino destinations include Fantasy Springs, Spa Resport/Casino, Aqua Caliente, Morongo, and other.

Shopping. Well, yes, we Californians drive to the desert to shop. The most popular destination for shoppers are Cabazon factory outlets, about a 10-15 minute drive from Palm Springs.

• Complimentary hotel shuttle. Zoso has its own van available to hotel guests for transportation within 5 miles from the hotel.
• Taxis. Airport Taxi's number is 760-328-3000.
• City bus. The city bus serves Palm Springs and nearby communities of Coachella Valley.