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Chic Retreat: The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Stays in Palm Springs

Palm Springs, a desert oasis renowned for its mid-century modern architecture, stunning landscapes, and luxurious lifestyle, offers visitors an array of chic retreats. While many know the main attractions, this guide reveals hidden secrets for an unforgettable experience in this desert paradise. 1. Boutique Hotels with a Personal Touch Explore Hidden Gems While iconic names like The Parker and The Avalon take the spotlight, smaller boutique hotels often provide a unique and intimate atmosphere. Consider staying at The Willows Historic Inn, a serene escape with lush gardens and a history dating back to the 1920s. Another noteworthy option is Sparrows Lodge, a charming hideaway featuring rustic decor and a relaxing pool area. Both places often fly under the radar, providing personalized service and a tranquil ambiance. 2. Indulge in Private Dining Exclusive Culinary Experiences Palm Springs boasts a vibrant food scene, but for a truly unique dining experience, seek out private chef services. Companies like Chef Dave’s Private Dining offer personalized menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s a romantic dinner under the stars or a festive gathering with friends, these culinary experiences can transform your vacation into a gastronomic adventure. 3. Wellness and Spa Retreats Holistic Healing Hideaways The wellness culture in Palm Springs is as prominent as its luxury accommodations. While many visitors flock to well-known spas, hidden sanctuaries like The Well Spa at Miramonte offer holistic treatments in a more secluded setting. For a true retreat, consider Two Bunch Palms, which not only features mineral springs but also provides silent meditation areas amidst natural beauty. 4. Secret Scenic Hiking Trails Nature’s Best-Kept Secrets Palm Springs is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, yet many visitors stick to popular trails. Venture out to the Tahquitz Canyon, where fewer crowds mean a more serene hiking experience. The majestic waterfalls and ancient rock art reflect the region’s rich heritage. Alternatively, head to the lesser-known Hidden Palm Oasis Trail, a mesmerizing spot featuring palm groves tucked away from the hustle of the town. 5. Art and Culture Beyond the Mainstream Explore Local Galleries While the Palm Springs Art Museum is a must-visit, delve deeper into the local art scene by exploring smaller galleries. The Galen and The Art Gallery at the River showcase contemporary artists and offer a more intimate look at the local art community. Engage with the artists directly during smaller shows or events, giving you a unique insight into Palm Springs’ creative culture. 6. Discover Vintage Shopping Finds Thrifting Paradise For fashion enthusiasts, Palm Springs is a treasure trove of vintage shopping. While destinations like The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five and Retro Row on Palm Canyon Drive attract attention, don’t overlook shops like The Paper Room and The Palm Springs Vintage Market, which are often less crowded yet filled with unique finds. Scour through racks of retro clothing, quirky decor, and curated accessories to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. 7. Unique Outdoor Activities Stay Active with a Twist Immerse yourself in Palm Springs’ stunning surroundings with unique outdoor activities. Rent a hot air balloon for a breathtaking view of the Coachella Valley at sunrise or try a desert ATV tour, which allows you to explore rugged landscapes and experience the thrill of off-roading. These options provide a different perspective of the region’s natural beauty. 8. Nighttime Stargazing Cosmic Experiences After sunset, venture to the Joshua Tree National Park, just a short drive from Palm Springs. The open skies offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in Southern California. Pack a picnic and bring along a telescope or a stargazing app to identify constellations, planets, and shooting stars. The quiet beauty of the desert night will leave you enchanted. Conclusion Palm Springs is more than just a luxury getaway; it’s a destination filled with hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered. From exclusive culinary experiences to serene natural escapes and unique shopping finds, your luxurious stay can be elevated by venturing off the beaten path. Embrace the chic and tranquil essence of Palm Springs, and let these insider tips guide you to an unforgettable retreat in the desert.

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After Over A Decade Of Construction, California Is Finally Laying High-Speed Rail Track In 2026

Photo courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority – Senior Staff Writer · February 20, 2026 The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is aiming to officially begin laying high-speed track sometime in 2026. While civil construction along the route has been underway for over a decade, the CHSRA initiated accepting bids from construction vendors in November 2025, aiming to lay tracks and systems within the year. This brings us closer to the realization of high-speed rail in California, facilitating travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. Construction at CA State Route 46 underpass. Photo courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority. First High-Speed Track Miles in the Central Valley CHSRA has concentrated most of its efforts on the Initial Operating Segment in the Central Valley, covering a 119-mile corridor between Merced and Bakersfield. Although temporary track has already been laid for freight deliveries, high-speed rail tracks have yet to be installed… until this point. In November 2025, they initiated a $3.5 billion Request for Proposals for qualified vendors to bid on the track & systems construction contract, which includes the high-speed track, overhead contact system, train control, and communications. As reported in a January 2026 article by Newsweek, proposals are expected by March 2nd, and CHSRA will award the contract to the selected vendor during Q2 of 2026. Meanwhile, CHSRA is actively procuring materials like rail, ties, and overhead contact system poles, and transporting them to installation sites from their Kern County facility. If everything proceeds as planned, the winning vendor will commence laying high-speed track and installing additional systems along the 119-mile Central Valley route by the end of 2026. Kings Tulare station rendering. Photo courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority. The Future of California High-Speed Rail California High-Speed Rail (CHSR) officially commenced in 2008 when voters approved Proposition 1A, which sanctioned nearly $10 billion in bonds for a high-speed rail line linking Northern and Southern California. Groundbreaking took place in Fresno in 2015. Over a decade later, the 119-mile Initial Operating Segment (IOS) in the Central Valley is undergoing significant construction, which involves building major viaducts, bridges, embankments, and grade separations. The IOS is projected to open in 2032. The ultimate goal for CHSR is to connect NorCal and SoCal with 200+ mph electric trains, enabling travelers to cover the distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco in 2 hours and 40 minutes. While environmental clearance has been granted for the complete Phase 1 route from San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim, a definitive project completion date is yet to be established. A long-range vision for Phase 2 aims to extend the system to Sacramento in the north and San Diego in the south, extending the network to about 800 miles. 🌐 Learn more: California High-Speed Rail Authority Source link

San Diego’s La Jolla Cove named best beach in America

A popular destination near San Diego for sunbathing and surfing has been recognized as the best beach in the United States, as well as one of the finest worldwide. TripAdvisor’s travel site has awarded La Jolla Cove the title of the top beach in the US, surpassing several stunning locations in Hawaii and Florida. A beautiful late afternoon at La Jolla Cove beach near San Diego, California. ronniechua – stock.adobe.com Located approximately 13 miles from downtown San Diego, La Jolla Cove is famous for its sea lions, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Parts of the cove offer excellent snorkeling opportunities during the summer season. The cove is part of a protected marine area, and the city warns visitors against getting too close to the sea lions for photos. A serene morning at La Jolla Cove. Ann Collins/Danita Delimont – stock.adobe.com The rankings were based on global TripAdvisor reviews collected between November 30, 2024, and December 1, 2025. Anadolu via Getty Images Florida and Hawaii each featured four beaches among the top 10. Anadolu via Getty Images TripAdvisor compiled the list based on beaches that garnered a “significant volume of outstanding reviews and feedback” from users over the course of a year, noting that fewer than 1% reach this achievement. The rankings were established based on global TripAdvisor reviews from November 30, 2024, to December 1, 2025. La Jolla Cove also scored high globally, securing the No. 7 position against sandy retreats in Italy, Australia, and South Africa, with Mexico’s Isla Pasion topping the overall list. An aerial view of La Jolla Cove. teresa – stock.adobe.com Two beaches from Los Angeles made the US list, with Santa Monica State Beach ranked at No. 9 and Venice Beach at No. 13. Florida and Hawaii each had four beaches in the top 10. Source link