A Gearhead’s Guide on What to Do in Beautiful Palm Springs

From the February/March 2022 issue of Car and Driver.

Did you lose the Rochambeau when it came time to choose a family get-away destination? Is the rest of the group dreaming of pools under palm trees and karaoke on main street while you’re dreading the week? While most people fantasize about vacations centered around drinks with small umbrellas, us car-folks can find the idea of parking for a week, even by the bubbling turquoise waters of an infinity spa, less relaxing than downright dull. But don’t worry, because we’ve scouted it out, and can report that Palm Springs is far more than rat-pack nostalgia and skinny trees. It’s also a car-nerd paradise, and we’ve got your activities covered.

Shopping (For Cars)

In addition to the famous McCormick’s auction, Palm Springs is full of classic-car dealers. What could possibly go wrong with a $19,000 Rolls-Royce bought on a whim? For those who fear commitment, there are several classic- and exotic-car rentals in the area. Forget Jeeping; tour nearby Joshua Tree National Park in a Huracán Spyder.

Palms to Pines Scenic Byway

Another thing to do with your rented Lamborghini. Some of Southern California’s best driving roads are near Palm Springs. For a short mountain run that will get you back by lunch, take State Route 74 up to Idyllwild for coffee—the mayor is a golden retriever named Max. If you have all day, try State Route 79 to Temecula, then, heck, cut south to State Route 76 and keep going to the coast. Come back on Route 79 through Julian and pick up a pie to excuse your absence. Julian is famous for its apple pie, and for good reason.

El Paseo Cruise Night

Twice a month, the El Paseo cruise night brings out the classic cars Palm Springs is famous for. It’s a moving car show, with plenty of time to chat up owners in the parking lot and at the surrounding restaurants. If you miss the cruise, there’s still plenty of car spotting all over town. Take a run through the neighborhoods on a Sunday morning and enjoy both the architecture and what’s in the open garages.

1. Palm Springs Air Museum: Ok, not quite automotive, but if an electric SUV counts as a Mustang, so does a P-51. Not only is the air museum in town and open daily, but you can also get rides in vintage warbirds or biplanes. Tell the rest of the family to wave from the pool, you’ll see ‘em from the air.
2. National Museum of Golf Cars: Hey, it’s got car right in the name! Take a quick run through this small museum dedicated to small cars and come away fully prepped on such rarities as a Cushman Gulfster or a Taylor-Dunn Tee Bird.
3. Dirty Deeds: It’s not just the paved roads that are worth a drive. Off-roaders will find the Anza-Borrego area a wild delight. Bring everyone, rent ATVS, kick up some dust. Set up a scavenger hunt for artist Ricardo Breceda’s astonishing steel dinosaurs, horses, and dragons out in the desert.
4. School Day: How convenient that one of the two BMW performance driving schools in America is housed at nearby Thermal Club race track. Spend the day clipping apexes and be done in time for dinner. Now that’s a good vacation.

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James LipmanCar and Driver

The Car: 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS

With its architectural interior, glowing screens, and two powerful motors, the AMG EQS, the first electric AMG, is apropos for driving past the windmills, midcentury buildings, and neon lights of Palm Springs. It’s all class in town, and when you’re ready, 751 horsepower will get you gone faster than Sinatra could punch a reporter.

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