The Mexican boarder lies just 35 miles south of the hotel and the Cultural Center is found in the peninsular Mexican state of Baja California. Mount San Jacinto, whose peak is 10,804 feet above sea level, towers above Palm Springs. The ride provides sp ectacular views of the valley. This 1,200-acre park features rare and endangered desert animals and plants from all over the world. Brought here to recreate in their native desert habitats, the wildlife includes meerkats, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, Mexican wolves, cheetahs, warthogs, zebras and birds of prey.
Visitors can walk through on their own or take a tram tour.
A nationally accredited art and natural science facility, the museum is devoted to art, natural science and the performing arts. The science exhibits focus on the natural history of the surrounding Coachella Valley. The museum's Annenberg Theater hosts performances of music, drama and dance. Hiking is not the only way to see the desert from off the road. The basket of a hot-air balloon, the window of a sailplane, the saddle of a horse and the back of a jeep all offer unique and exciting ways to explore the desert.