The Coolest Visitor Center In Southern California Has A Two Restaurants, Spectacular Views, And More
By Natasha Kayes|Published August 21, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
Many visitor centers are little more than a place to grab a brochure, map, or other tourist information. Some have small, interesting exhibits, gift shops, and even museums that add interest and education regarding a particular destination. But there is one visitor center in Palm Springs that is quite a bit more than a source of information and a hub for activity in the area.
The world’s largest rotating tram car, The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, carries visitors on a 10-minute journey from the valley floor to the visitor center at Mountain Station.
This extraordinary visitor center sits at 8,516 feet above the valley floor and is not only a place to get to know this pristine natural area, but is a cool destination in its own right. It is also a perfect base station for hiking enthusiasts.
Above the main visitor center are several dining options, including a bar called Lookout Lounge and a cafeteria-style eatery, Pines Cafe, which offers pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, and beverages.
Peaks Restaurant offers a fine dining experience above the clouds with stunning views from every table and a lovely menu of dry-aged meats, fresh vegetables from the Coachella Valley below, fresh breads from local bakeries, market-fresh seafood, and more.
Observation decks are situated around the visitor center with tables and benches (depending on the season). Visitors enjoy spectacular picturesque views, from the forested wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park to the sprawling desert floor below.
The Long Valley Ranger Station and a small natural history museum help visitors to discover the great variety of flora and fauna that occupy the San Jacinto Mountains.
The visitor center features a gift shop full of little treasures and souvenirs, as well as two documentary theaters where visitors learn about the area, its history, the tram, and more.
The visitor center is a gateway to over 50 miles of hiking trails in Mount San Jacinto State Park, ranging from easy walking trails to challenging technical hikes and rock climbing.
Mount San Jacinto State Park is one of Southern California’s premiere hiking destinations and the visitor center at Mountain Station is an unbeatable place to begin and end an epic hiking adventure. Have you explored this beautiful area? If not, what are you waiting for? Make sure you have your hiking essentials and hit the trail! Find more information about the tramway and visitor center on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway website or you can purchase tram tickets here.
