Of course, the Coachella Valley is best known for the music festival of the same name, for the Stagecoach music festival, and for encompassing a town where some folks aim to retire – Palm Springs. However, Los Angeles's desert playground has activities year round that make it a popular vacation destination or a wonderful place to live. Here are some things to do in the Palm Springs area in the summertime.

1. Swim

The summer temperatures in Palm Springs are incredibly hot; when my family landed at the airport for our last vacation there, the temperature was 122°. Naturally, swimming is an important summer activity to stay cool in the desert, but it also makes for a fun and relaxing summertime day.

2. Golf

If you'd rather play in the heat than beat it, the Coachella Valley offers world-class golfing experiences. The PGA West golf complex offers 6 courses designed by the best in the business, and some have even been featured on the PGA Tour. If you can't get a tee time on one of the PGA West's courses, no need to fret because the Palm Springs area offers many more spectacular courses for the competitive and casual golfer alike.

3. Shop

Palm Springs is just a short drive away from some incredible shopping experiences. The Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, California offer stores such as Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Lululemon outlet, J. Crew Factory, Rag & Bone, Lacoste, and much more. For a different upscale shopping experience, El Paseo in Palm Desert includes Anthropologie, Apple, Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Tesla, Tommy Bahama, Kate Spade and more.

4. Dine

The Palm Springs area has a variety of delicious dining options, some of which have been featured on the Food Network and other major food publications. Some local favorites and some of my family's favorites include Babe's Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage, Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill in La Quinta and Palm Desert, La Quinta Cliffhouse. For some of Guy Fieri's favorites, check out Grill-A-Burger or Sherman's Deli & Bakery, as both of the Palm Desert eateries, have been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Of course, if you don't call the Texas or the West Coast home, a stop at In-N-Out Burger is a must

5. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Take a ride on the world's largest rotating tram car, as your journey over Chino Canyon and the San Jacinto mountains. The ride concludes at Mt. San Jacinto State Park, which includes two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, hiking paths, and more.

6. Joshua Tree National Park

Located in Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree National Park offers visitors the chance to rock climb, camp, hike, and learn about the ecosystem of Southern California's desert. Some of Joshua Tree's most popular sights include Skull Rock, Keys View, Cottonwood Spring, and Black Rock Canyon.

7. Day Excursion to Los Angeles or San Diego

Unless you're from one of these Southern California cities, a day trip is a fun addition to your vacation. Each city is approximately a two-hour drive from the Palm Springs area, and each boasts a wide array of activities, including attending professional sporting events or concerts, spending time at the beach, shopping, dining, and exploring the city.

8. Relax

Above all, a vacation to Palm Springs should be refreshing. Vacations are often centered around rest, relaxation, and quality time with family and (sometimes) friends; and a trip to the Coachella Valley need not be any different. Many Palm Springs area activities involve relaxing activities, such as swimming and playing sports, while taking in breathtaking views of Southern California's mountains and desert. Palm Springs is a fantastic getaway, regardless of the time of year, and has more to offer than just the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals.