On our way to Arizona in March, we stayed a few days in the Palm Springs Area. While it was raining and cold at higher elevations, it was great where we stayed.
We stayed at Indian Waters RV Resort.
Even though we were in the desert, the landscaping was lush and we had daily visits from this Road Runner.
Indian Canyons
We decided to find the old Palm Springs by visiting some areas that have been around for a long time. So, what better place to start than Indian Canyons, where the Agua Caliente Native Americans have called home for thousands of years.
We hiked the Andreas Canyon Trail, home of indigenous fan palms. They line the banks of a creek that runs through the canyon. Here is a picture from Google Maps showing the tops of the palms. The trail is about 1.5 miles in total.
The trail starts at the grinding rocks used by the Indians,
and gently winds up the canyon.
The whole time you can hear the water rolling over the rocks in the creek.
The narrow canyon and the cool water make for a natural air conditioner in the Mojave desert!
I can see why the Indians valued this place — spring-fed water, fan palms and other plants providing food, the coolness of the stream, and the natural beauty of the place. I’m glad we visited.
Moorten Botanical Garden
Our next outing was to the Moorten Botanical Garden, which has been growing cactus at this site since 1938. In fact, the owners still live onsite.
They have a tremendous variety of cacti, and for $5 you can stroll through the grounds…
…and the “cactarium”.
We took our time and really enjoyed our time there.
Shields Date Garden
Our next trip was to another classic, Shields Date Garden, for some lunch and a date shake, which they have been serving for almost a century.
The food was good and the date shake is a must.
A unique feature is their 17 acre date garden which, after lunch, you can stroll through and enjoy the landscaping…
…and over 20 sculptures illustrating the life of Christ.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture
Our final taste of old Palm Springs was the architecture of the town itself, rooted in mid-century modern. Both homes and businesses share the mid-century flair.
To find the homes and get detailed information on each one, we used the iPhone app Palm Springs Modernism Tour, which was useful.
As you can see, we definitely found old Palm Springs on this visit and enjoyed our socially distanced visit.
However, we are really looking forward to the next time we visit, when we can eat indoors and visit museums again!
Al & Deb
MobileMosers.com 
I really enjoyed your article on old Palm Springs. You have given me two places that I have never visited. And my granchildren would love.
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I think they would be great to visit with grandkids.