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When you want to get out of Palm Springs for some change of scenery, your best option is to take the Palm Springs Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar. Many people plan a weekend getaways from Los Angeles just to go on this ride. Completed in 1963, the tram takes you for a 10-minute long, 2.5-mile ride. The trip begins at Valley Station and ends at the Mountain Station, located at an elevation of 8,516 feet. The tram is the city’s most convenient gateway to the surrounding San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains.

At the end of the tram ride, you will find yourself in the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. In the summer, you can take a guided nature walk and search for elusive wild animals or go hiking or camping. Winter offers a wide range of different adventures that you can take on skis, on snowshoes, on foot, or with kids.

Peaks restaurant, at 8,500 feet elevation, offers a spectacular view of the Coachella Valley and serves delicious locally sourced food. The fresh vegetables, poultry, and dry meats on the menu all come from Coachella Valley. For lighter fare, you can try Pines Café, which features a cafeteria style dining room in which you can have a piece of pizza, a sandwiches, soup, or salad.

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