How to Spend a Weekend in Rancho Mirage

Located in Riverside County, California, Rancho Mirage is a small community of more than 18,500 that attracts visitors and relocators alike for its beautiful weather, golf courses, and other attractions. The area is known for its incredible outdoor recreation and top-tier restaurants, making it a strong option for individuals and families looking to invest in a primary or secondary residence. So if Rancho Mirage is your destination of choice, check out these top ways to spend a weekend in the city.

Many Rancho Mirage houses for sale are close to a number of upscale restaurants and local wineries. The Hibachi Steakhouse is a great option for Japanese fare, with chefs preparing dishes right at the table. Locals love the traditional California sushi rolls and teriyaki chicken. Dinners come with salad, miso soup, and the main entree. Shame on the Moon is a local favorite for high-end American food with vintage flair and a relaxed atmosphere. Shame on the Moon offers two dining experiences, one in the formal dining room and one in the more intimate garden room. Meanwhile, for Italian food, there’s La Spiga Ristorante Italiano, a spot influenced by the architecture and flavors of Tuscany with a large outdoor patio and great views of the mountains. For Mediterranean bites, Catalan offers a mix of Greek, Italian, French, and Spanish options. Excellent local wines can be found at wineries like La Fe Wine Bar, which features a selection of wines, beers, and small plates.

Those hoping to own Rancho Mirage luxury homes will be glad to know the town is close to a number of great attractions, perfect for a weekend of sightseeing. First, there’s the Museum of Ancient Wonders 10 minutes away in Cathedral City. Visit and explore artifacts from ancient civilizations to learn more about how we’ve arrived at where we are today. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is another family-friendly option in Palm Desert, with interactive exhibits and animal encounters. Get up close to exotic species by feeding giraffes or watching rhinos in the savannah enclosure. The zoo connects to a few local trails, as well, including those that lead to Eisenhower Peak.

Take in the scenic beauty of the Colorado Desert after stopping by the zoo for a morning spent learning about wildlife. Additionally, there’s the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert. Currently undergoing renovations. The museum plans to reopen later in 2022 with exhibits centered around ideas like imagine, move, explore, dream, and experiment. For entertainment, Rancho Mirage is close to the Coachella Valley Repertory Theater and the Desert Rose Playhouse in Palm Springs.

The local golf courses are one of the biggest factors as to why so many people want Rancho Mirage luxury homes to call their own. A series of country and golf clubs surround Rancho Mirage, including the Monterey Country Club in Palm Desert. Built in true Mediterranean style, the club is stunning and luxurious, offering 27 holes of golf alongside members-only tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and practice greens. This Mission Hills Country Club is another local option, as is the Desert Island Golf and Country Club, set right in the heart of Rancho Mirage. With more than 100 acres, Desert Island has an incredible 18-hole course as well as several eateries on site that range from casual to upscale.

The Indian Wells Golf Resort is a 36-hole course in neighboring Palm Springs with a clubhouse that spans more than 53,000 square feet. Located close to a handful of luxury hotels, the resort provides a great weekend getaway for individuals who love to golf. Courses, tournaments, and other events are also hosted at the resort. Designed by Arnold Palmer, Classic Club is an upscale course in Palm Springs featuring its own clubhouse and restaurant. There’s also the Rancho Las Palmas Country Club, the Suncrest Golf Course, the Avondale Golf Club, and more. Golf enthusiasts looking for Rancho Mirage houses for sale will truly never be bored with so many greens in and around town.

Visiting the Indian Canyons makes for a great weekend adventure in Rancho Mirage, as it’s some of the most sacred lands in the region. Part of a protected nature preserve, the canyons bring adventurers to trails, reservoirs, and waterfalls. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is another unique attraction near Rancho Mirage, carrying locals up more than 8,000 feet in elevation to take in the incredible landscape from a whole new vantage point. Using rotating tram cars, the experience brings guests more than 2.5 miles along the stunning Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station. At the station, tramway riders are able to visit the observation decks, grab a bite at the two restaurants, or stop by the documentary theaters to learn more about the area. Gift shops, a natural history museum, and miles of hiking trails provide even more for individuals and families to do at the summit. Aside from trails at Mountain Station, Rancho Mirage locals can also spend a day outdoors on one of the lower-elevation options, whether they choose to start at the well-loved Hopalong Cassidy Trailhead or the Butler/Abrams Trail.

Rancho Mirage is a golfer’s dream, a foodie’s paradise, and offers fun, local options for education and outdoor recreation. If you’re considering a move to Rancho Mirage, make sure to work with a real estate team familiar with the area and equipped to help you settle close to all your favorite sights and activities. Team Armstrong has unparalleled insight into the Coachella Valley market, helping clients pinpoint exactly what they’re looking for and make knowledgeable choices about where to call home. When you’re ready to get the homebuying process started, get in touch with Team Armstrong.