|
|
|
|
THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
|
|
|
Palm
Springs Air Museum Day Trip
|
|
|
By Matthew
Martz |
The Palm Springs Air Museum
gives visitors a chance to experience firsthand the sacrifice
our flyers made in preserving the freedom we take for
granted. It’s a worthwhile stop on your next getaway,
and the perfect opportunity to pay homage to those heroes.
The museum is home to one of the nation's largest collection
of World War II flying aircraft that are all displayed
in modern, climate-controlled hangars. Over 30 fighters
and bombers are in the collection including a P-51 mustang,
a Lockheed Shooting Star, a Spitfire, and even the famous
F-14 Tomcat, many of which are available for special events
where visitors can take a seat in the cockpit foe a once
in a lifetime experience.
If you’re a fixed rotor enthusiasts, helicopter
rides are another option, and made available through the
Dedicated Helicopter Company. For those that want the
thrill of flying without the heights, the onsite flight
simulator may be the ticket. The experience allows you
to sit in the cockpit of a P-51 on a mission over war
torn France, or dog fighting with the German Luftwaffe.
Call ahead for details so you can strap on your flight
cap and be aboard the next mission.
As you wander through the museum visitors will find themselves
surrounded by thousands of artifacts, memorabilia, and
various uniforms from World War as well as a huge collection
of very rare and original combat photography, artworks
and murals.
Many veterans volunteer here their time to lead group
tours, and while the guide adds a few dollars to the cost
of admission, the knowledge gained is priceless.
|
|
|
Palm Springs Air Museum |
Where else
can you get firsthand accounts of what really happened,
through the eyes of real life war heroes. Be sure not to
miss the Buddy Rodgers Theater, which shows daily military
documentaries or the extensive library that houses over
8,000 volumes primarily related to aviation and military
history.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a great place to bring the
kids, and they are encouraged to explore and take part in
the various programs that are geared to the little ones.
The recent “Kool Kids Paper Airplanes” contest
was a huge hit. Check with the museum so you can submit
your entry next time! For a really unique experience, the
hangar is available for birthday parties. The aviation theme
would be an awesome experience, and the guest of honor is
free.
The museum gift shop offers an opportunity to bring a unique
souvenir home with you. Many rare and unusual items related
to World War II, are for sale including navigation charts,
airplane accessories and pilot merchandise.
Even some unique wall clocks feature nose art from the WWII
fighter planes. The museum is open seven days a week, except
major holidays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Set aside a solid
two hours for touring the museum as there is a lot to take
in. Check with the museum, as many promotions are offered
in support of our men in uniform where admission is free.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is located in Palm Springs California,
about 1.5 hours outside of Los Angeles or Orange County.
Add 30 minutes to the drive if coming from the San Fernando
Valley.
|
Entrance Palm Springs Air Museum |
Vintage Aircraft Palm Springs Air Museum |
The Palm Springs Air Museum
can be rented for galas, private parties and special events.
They offer kids birthday parties with a guided tour and
hands on computer flight simulators.
The area is a popular tourist destination, so make the museum
a stop on your next trip out. If you decide to stay overnight
to explore some of the areas other unique experiences, there
are plenty of accommodations available to suit every budget
in nearby Palm Springs.
Pre-arranged group and school tours are offered any day
of the week between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Palm
Springs Air Museum 745 North Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs,
California 92262 760-778-6262 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Palm
Springs Tram ride from catus to the
clouds onboard 360 degree rotaing tram cars. |
|
Palm
Springs sunshine,
resorts, shopping, outdoor adventures, museums,
and spectacular scenery. |
|
The
Living Desert this one of a kind desert
zoo & gardens is an amazing desert oasis. |
|
|
|
|
