Things to do / Travel Guide
As the biggest cities in the California Desert region, Palm Springs and San Bernardino have the most to offer in terms of an entertainment scene. Visitors will find everything from vibrant downtown areas with bars and clubs to symphonies and theaters offering a variety of productions. And once a year, around Spring Break, the party scene heats up in Indio, which, like Palm Springs, is located in the Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs Entertainment Scene
Your best bet for nightlife in the California Desert is in Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive, the city's main drag and an entertainment center ever since it became a playground for Hollywood stars looking for an escape in the 1930s, has a fun vibe just about every night of the week. Bars, cafés, and pubs dot the downtown entertainment area in Palm Springs, where world-class restaurants compliment the nightlife. Visitors from across the country usually stroll about in the desert air in the warm summer nights, giving the area a laid-back and friendly environment. This district is also packed during the winter, when many tourists arrive to enjoy the relatively mild weather.
Particularly enjoyable is the live music scene on weekend nights on Palm Canyon Drive. The Blue Guitar, a local blues and jazz landmark, is owned by well-known guitarist Kal David, who used to play with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Another favorite spot in Palm Springs is Howard's Hollywood Hangout, a great place to relax with a fine cigar and a martini, and to enjoy the only Hookah bar in the Coachella Valley.
Once a year, during Spring Break, the Palm Springs nightlife and entertainment scene reaches a crescendo. Literally thousands of college-age coeds pour into the area to let loose and quench their thirsts in this warm-weather paradise. The music is rockin' and the entertainment is hoppin'.
For an unforgettable experience, check out Palm Springs Follies, a world-famous variety show that is reminiscent of the old days of Vaudeville, located right on Palm Canyon Drive. Celebrating the music, dance, and comedy acts of the 30s and 40s, this production has an interesting twist to it - the cast is old enough to have actually lived through the time period they are representing. The performers range in age from 55 to over 80, and their reputation for putting on a great show has spread worldwide, landing them in newspapers and guaranteeing a packed house at almost every performance.
Palm Springs is a regional center for traveling entertainment and cultural events, from off-Broadway plays to art exhibits from around the country. The Bob Hope Cultural Center Theater is the premier regional venue to catch some classical music, a play, or one of many touring acts that come through the city each year, including such big name performers as David Copperfield and Julio Iglesias. Palm Canyon Theater is another great cultural center in the city, featuring musicals, improv, and stand-up comedy year-round.
San Bernardino Entertainment Scene
San Bernardino has a few entertainment attractions of its own to entice visitors. The historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts is home to several organizations, including the Inland Dance Theater, San Bernardino Valley Concert Association, Theater Arts International, and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, which is directed by Maestro Carlo Ponti, Jr. These organizations run a variety of productions throughout the calendar year, running the gamut from classic Mark Twain plays to lavish shows such as “Cats.”
If you still have not quenched your thirst for the arts, the Sturges Theater is only a few blocks away. The facility includes the Sturges Family Playhouse and Canto Bello Master Chorale, and also hosts many other performances. In addition, the San Bernardino Art Association exhibits pieces by local artists at the theater.
If you are looking for something a bit more casual, San Bernardino has a vibrant downtown waiting to be explored. Restaurants and bars abound, and the Court Street Square occasionally hosts concerts and festivals, making it a nice place to sit and soak in the downtown environment.
Other nightlife in San Bernardino includes an authentic saloon and dance hall experience at the Brandin Iron on South E Street, featuring live country bands, dancing, and even a mechanical bull for those brave cowboys-at-heart. The Music Room on North Sierra Way also offers live music as well as darts, karaoke, and pool tables. If you are seeking a trendy dance club experience, the Gotham Night Club, located on East Caroline Street, is very popular and plays all kinds of music. Finally, sports fans will love the Pool Club, a two story sports bar and grille on South E Street.
Coachella Valley Entertainment Scene
As mentioned above, most of the nightlife in the Coachella Valley centers around Palm Springs and its environs. However, come late-April each year, thousands flock to nearby Indio for a rockin' three-day weekend music extravaganza. The Coachella Valley Music Festival typically features top-notch entertainers like Bjork, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine. Though tickets can be pricey, it's worth the admission fee to partake in one of the better entertainment happenings to hit the California Desert during the calendar year.
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