Palm Springs, rich in history and glorious weather (with 354 days of sunshine), is the jewel among desert cities. Geography gives Palm Springs its famed warm, dry climate because it’s sheltered by the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains on the south, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west, with the towering 10,831-foot Mt. San Jacinto, site of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

From a simple hike to picnicking by a peaceful stream, to adventurous jeep excursions and horseback riding deep into the canyon, the Indian Canyons are not to be missed. The world-famous Tahquitz Canyon is open for guided tours. The village atmosphere, preserved and embellished over the years, presents a downtown area with quaint lampposts, benches, and Mexican-tile paved enclaves inviting strollers to linger among the shops, galleries, eateries, and coffeehouses.

The mission-style architecture throughout the village is a big part of the charisma one feels in Palm Springs. A stroll on Palm Canyon Drive with its Walk of Stars, honoring pioneers and entertainment celebrities, offers shops, galleries, and coffeehouses and, when you turn the corner, there’s Lucille Ball holding court on her bronze bench.

Reprinted, with permission of the publisher, from 50 FABULOUS GAY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO LIVE (www.FabCities.com) © 2005 Gregory A. Kompes. Published by Career Press, Franklin Lakes, NJ. 800-227-3371. All rights reserved.