10 family vacations for Southern Californians

The approach is stunning: Spectacular rock formations reveal themselves around every turn on the steep drive up, in brilliant relief against a dark blue sky. Then a thick stand of California fan palms, like nothing you’ve ever seen — their shaggy beards hang all the way to the ground. They’re a little surreal, like a council of elephants conferring in the desert.

This is Indian Canyons, a preserve that belongs to the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians, and it’s one of the best things about Palm Springs.

Yes, we come to the desert to decompress at midcentury boutique hotels with no shortage of spa treatments and mojitos. We love to shop and dine and lounge in the pool and play tennis. But Palm Springs is also a great place to bring the kids, and its hiking trails are as compelling for them as for adults.  (Jay L. Clendenin/ Los Angeles Times)