Hotel and Area Activities

The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa Surrounded by landscape courtyards and elegant waterways, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa offers is set on top of 360 acres within the Rancho Mirage community. It offers not one, but two world-class golf courses and even certified PGA Professional Instructors. Each of the 472 rooms offers a patio and state of the art beds and baths. The 14,000 sq. ft. wellness center offers a complete gym, a full hair/nail salon, as well as body and massage therapies. Enjoy a 25 percent discount on spa services as an A.R.E. Convention attendee! Book your room today!

Experience the real desert and explore the San Andreas Fault’s unique geologic features, often referred to as the most tortured landscape on Earth. The jeeps will pass through some of the richest agricultural areas in the world. Learn how our rich soil traveled hundreds of miles to get here which allows the Coachella Valley to grow some rather unique crops, including grapes that never make wine, dates from around the world, the best grapefruit in America and the sweetest corn in the west.

Tour includes:
·     Jeep pick up at Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
·     Exclusive 4 hour tour of Metate Canyon & San Andreas Fault
·     Private Naturalist Driver/Guide for each Jeep
·     Refreshments & Snacks available during excursion

Around the Hotel

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Sitting on top of Mt. San Jacinto, the tramway is a thrilling cable car ride shuttles visitors from the desert floor to the heights of Mt. San Jacinto, sometimes providing a 40-degree temperature drop in just a few minutes. Once at the top, there are hiking trails, mule rides, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. While many visitors just hop up for the view, it can be a starting point for many outdoor activities.

The Living Desert

This vast living museum of desert flora and fauna is a must-see for most visitors to the Coachella Valley. More than 400 species thrive here, including Mexican gray wolves, bobcats, mountain lions and golden eagles. The Village Watutu exhibit expands the desert experience to include the regions of Africa, so the collection also includes camels, zebras and cheetahs. In addition, "Wildlife Wonders" shows are held in the Tennity Amphitheater daily. Check website for admission prices.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Deserts provide great conditions for preserving planes, and this huge collection of historic planes is a Palm Springs landmark. Enjoy getting an up-close view of aerial history in huge, air-conditioned hangers, then watch a movie in the Buddy Rogers Theater. There is a gift shop filled with airplane-themed souvenirs. Special events include air shows featuring the largely WWII-era aircraft, children's activities and lectures, often presented by the men and women who flew the planes originally.

Indian Canyons

The Indian Canyons are beautiful retreats from the sometimes-glitzy atmosphere of Palm Springs. When the streams are running, children enjoy splashing in the water and it's a popular area for picnics. Visitors now have the chance to see the "Witch of Tahquitz Canyon," an eerie shadow occasionally cast in the recently reopened canyon.

McCallum Adobe

The McCallum name is well known in the Coachella Valley, especially for its association with the renowned McCallum Theatre. The family history began in this small adobe home, built from the clay-rich soil of the Palm Springs area. The adobe now contains the Palm Springs Historical Society artifacts, and also displays some objects owned and used by Pearl McCallum McManus. Admission: USD2 per person, children under 12 free; includes a visit to adjacent Miss Cornelia White's House, built out of railroad ties.