A relative in Seattle likes to tease me by saying that Southern California has just two seasons—the smog season and the fire season. Sure, it’s worth a chuckle. But those of us that do live here know that SoCal does have seasons—it’s just that they are very subtle. The early days of autumn can be hot, but soon the faintest of fall colors appear and the landscape cools down into almost perfect ‘sweater weather.’
Fall also means the beginning of “shoulder season”—the kids are back to school—and boomers and empty nesters are taking to the highways and byways for—dare I say—value vacations.
We’re fortunate in SoCal—there’s much to see and do in our own backyard. Even a short car drive can feel like a trek into an unknown place and new emotional landscape. Here are a few of my favorites:
PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS
With over 129 18-hole golf course, 600 tennis courts and more than 40,000 swimming pools, the Palm Springs Desert Resorts has long marketed itself as a recreational oasis in the middle of the Coachella Valley desert. Spread over eight cities—Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage—it became a perfect getaway for Hollywood stars back in the contract system days with the "Two-Hour Rule,” where actors had to be available within two-hours of the studio.
With its secluded bungalows and tranquil
