In less than 3 hours you can swap the beaches of San Diego for year-round sunny skies and beautiful desert scenery in Palm Springs. There are plenty of opportunities for walking and hiking in the Mount San Jacinto State Park or the Coachella Valley Preserve – Desert Adventures offer guided hikes.
You can get a great aerial view of the city from the Palm Springs Tramway, tour the Palm Springs Air Museum to see World War II air force exhibits, or stroll through the Moorten Botanical Garden to see intriguing desert vegetation.
Be sure to be in Palm Springs on a Thursday night to enjoy art, food, and entertainment at the Village Fest in Palm Canyon Drive.