The River in Rancho Mirage is a popular hang out. Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Beating Desert Boredom 101

By: Anna Altheide

Posted: 4/28/08

No matter the time of the year, it can often seem difficult to find cool and exciting entertainment in the desert. The Chaparral surveyed 10 College of the Desert students and asked them how they like to beat the boredom.

Most of them agreed: head on over to Knotts Soak City in Palm Springs. The water park features over 20 water rides and attractions, including rafts, a classic wave pool, and a lazy river. Desert novices may remember it as Oasis Water Park from back in the day. A full-day pass for Southern California residents is $24, so remember to pack a lot of sunscreen.

The Westfield Mall in Palm Desert (simply dubbed, The Mall) is also a cool hang out place and, best of all, is only a block away from the campus. There's little limit to what you can buy there, and it's a great place to go in the summer for one reason alone: full-blasted air conditioning!

A few students also named The River in Rancho Mirage as a popular destination. We recommend Babes, The Yard House, P.F. Chang's, and the Cheesecake Factory for good eats. You can also slip into Baja Fresh if you want something fast. As well as boasting one of the most popular movie theatres in the valley, The River periodically features live entertainment in its intimate, outdoor amphitheater.

If you're in the mood for more outdoor festivities, Palm Springs' Villagefest in Down-town Palm Springs goes from 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday night. Villagefest boasts over 200 booths, featuring art, food, and music and is popular among locals and tourists. Dogs are welcome, too.

If you're a nature enthusiast or just really into desert geology, you can also drive over to the Coachella Valley Preserve in Thousand Palms (no dogs or stealing allowed), or to Joshua Tree National Park, or simply roam the Santa Rosa Mountains that border the La Quinta cove.

Several students surveyed also listed their favorite restaurants around the valley, including Piero's Acqua Pazza at The River, and CJ's Diner and City Wok, both in Palm Desert. One student also recommended Ignition Coffee and Hookah Lounge in Palm Springs, a cool place to hear local bands and relax.

We hope this helps if you're ever in a crunch. If there's any place we left out, e-mail us at Chaparral@collegeofthedesert.edu.