YOUR GUIDE TO TAOS, NEW MEXICO

TAOS FUN FACTS

1. Taos Pueblo is an adobe village that has been home to the Taos Native American tribe for a millennium. It’s a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.
2. Taos has a thriving art colony and has been a source of inspiration to artists since the 1920s.
3. The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the country and offers jaw-dropping views.

BRIEF HISTORY

What comes to mind when you think of Taos? A rich artistic history? Adobe homes? The mystical beauty of the Sangre de Cristo mountains? Taos is a place of incredible beauty that has inspired visitors for generations.

The Athabascan people began settling in the Taos area in 1200 AD and Pueblo structures that date to 1300 AD have been found. Battles and arguments over the territory dragged for years until New Mexico was named the 47th state. In 1915 the Taos Society of Artists was officially formed, and the area flourished as an enclave for creatives.

Discover Scenic Drives in Taos

• A visit to Taos is not complete without a drive across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Visitors can also hike along a walking trail to the rim of the gorge on a trail that leads from a parking lot on the west side of the bridge.

Where to Eat in Taos

• Antonio’s, The Taste of Mexico is too busy preparing unforgettable Southwestern dishes to have a website! Diners rave about the unexpected flavor combinations and the delicious and authentic dishes.
• Lambert’s of Taos is a fine dining experience that proudly sources local ingredients. Treat yourself to a special night out.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN TAOS

Take in the Sights and Attractions

• The Taos Mountain Balloon Rally takes place the last weekend of October and is growing in popularity each year. The contrast of bright hot air balloons floating against the rugged splendor of the mountains is a sight to behold.
• The Harwood Museum of Art presents more than 100 years of Taos art history. Discover the artists who made Taos famous, and the modern-day artists who continue in this tradition.
• No visit to Taos is complete without seeing the Taos Pueblo for yourself. This is a living, breathing World Heritage Site that’s currently populated by approximately 150 full-time residents. Tours are offered through the visitor center.

Outdoor Recreation

• Hike the Rio Grande Gorge West Rim trail for spectacular views. This 4-mile trail skirts the rim of the gorge and is easy enough for families traveling with kids.
• Just past the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a place that definitely feels other-worldly! Welcome to the Earthship, a biosphere community that visitors can tour.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN TAOS

You’ll feel right at home in modern haciendas, cozy stucco homes, and homes that offer breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.

Enjoy Taos year-round, book now>>>

YOUR GUIDE TO JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA

JOSHUA TREE FUN FACTS

1. Joshua Tree National Park has two ecosystems! The Colorado desert and the Mojave desert.
2. Joshua Tree offers some of the most spectacular star-gazing in the country.

BRIEF HISTORY

A visit to Joshua Tree feels a bit like stepping onto a different planet. Home to Joshua Tree National Park, gravity-defying rock formations, and unique desert ecosystems, Joshua Tree is a vacation for the soul.

According to the National Park System, legend has it that Mormon settlers named the odd-looking tree that populates the area after the biblical figure of Joshua. The yucca tree is prolific and is part of Joshua Tree’s rich ecological history. The massive rock structures that populate the trails are a constant source of amazement to visitors.

Explore Scenic Drives in Joshua Tree

• Driving Park Boulevard offers incredible desert vistas from within the Joshua Tree National Park. Top sights along this route are Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Skull Rock.

Places to Eat in Joshua Tree

• The Joshua Tree Saloon is a must-see in Joshua Tree. Part historic flavor, part wild west, this eatery offers delicious food with a side of memorable experience.
• The Crossroads Cafe is a favorite with both locals and visitors! This diner has a Southwest twist and serves breakfast until 1:30 pm. A “Hot as Hell” taco and thick burgers round out the late lunch menu.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN JOSHUA TREE

• A visit to Joshua Tree is more introspective than most places. Stargazing, long hikes, or floating in a private pool to escape the heat are the best ways to spend time in this incredible place.
• One of the most popular rock formations to hike to in the National Park is Skull Rock, and one of the best ways to experience the park is on horseback. You can take a guided tour and see the natural beauty the same way early settlers did.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN JOSHUA TREE

The Wheelhouse in Joshua Tree is considered a rare example of mid-century modern architecture in the desert. The Wheelhouse features five large millstones, each more than 100 years old, that surround the home’s private backyard pool.

Enjoy this property year-round, book now>>>

YOUR GUIDE TO PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

PALM SPRINGS FUN FACTS

1. It’s home to the world’s largest rotating tram car—the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Ride to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where you can eat, shop, or explore miles of trails.
2. Beloved by architecture aficionados, this mid-century modern paradise hosts Modernism Week twice a year.
3. Palms Springs is LGBTQ-friendly and is home to a diverse and welcoming community.

BRIEF HISTORY

A playground to the rich and famous at the western edge of Coachella Valley, this desert oasis overflows in style and personality. Home to Desert Modernism and a diverse culture, Palm Springs offers luxurious fun in a gorgeous natural setting.

Nestled at the base of the San Jacinto mountains, at the edge of Coachella Valley, is gorgeous Palm Springs. Home to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for centuries, the area we now call Palm Springs became popular for its dry mountain air and the lure of healing hot springs. Hollywood greats like Frank Sinatra, Walt Disney, Dean Martin, and Marilyn Monroe called Palm Springs home.

When to Visit Palm Springs
Palm Springs is wonderful all year long, but the Winter months are the most popular. With over 350 days of sunshine per year, it's easy to see why!

TOP THINGS TO DO IN PALM SPRINGS

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an unusual way to take in the views and easily explore Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
• The Spa at Sec-he is located in downtown Palm Springs and operated and cared for by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The mineral springs here are unique and begin in a chamber 8,000 feet below the surface before traveling 1.5 miles up a natural pipeline to the desert floor.
• Architecture, architecture, architecture! Meet the design-obsessed during Modernism Week (held twice per year). Learn about the birth of Desert Modernism, tour famous and beloved Palm Springs homes, and have fun at after-hours events and gatherings.

Enjoy Scenic Drives in Palm Springs

• Palms to Pines Scenic Byway skirts the San Jacinto National Monument and offers tremendous views of Coachella Valley, views of Lake Hemet, and small desert towns. This route is popular with motorcyclists.
  
  Palm Springs Restaurants
  
• Don’t judge local-favorite Paul Bar by its location. Tucked into a forgettable strip mall is a neighborhood bar with a 1940s vibe and a line stretching out the door.
• “Queens. Mimosas. Drag.” Need we say more? The Palm Springs Drag Brunch at The Saguaro Hotel is an iconic Palm Springs experience. All-inclusive tickets include a range of bottomless drink packages too!

Where to Shop in Palm Springs

• The Street Fair at College of the Desert is the open-air market of your dreams. Open weekends from October through May (and for special Summer events), this street fair is in its 39th year! Shoppers will find everything from hand-painted bags to jewelry to patio furniture.
• It might sound a bit odd, but the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm is an incredible sight to behold. And the wind farm makes an incredible background for photos!

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PALM SPRINGS

Natural Retreats offers a variety of incredible Palm Springs homes. From the storied history of Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate to the posh pink panache of Mesa Bungalows—there is something fabulous for everyone.

Enjoy Palm Springs year-round, book now>>>

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DESERT

When you’re ready to escape the stress of your daily life, book a desert stay with Natural Retreats. Travel on.