Big Morongo Canyon Preserve/Covington Park Picnic area, hiking trails. Docent-led tours. No pets. Wed.-Sun., Open 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Free. I-10 to Rte. 62 to East Dr. in Morongo Valley. (760) 363-7190.

Coachella Valley Museum & Cultural Center 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Sept.-June. Docent program, classes, gift shop. $1, seniors, children 50 cents. 82-616 Miles Ave., Indio. (760) 342-6651.

Date Gardens Oasis Date Gardens, 59-111 Hwy. 111, Thermal, 399-5665, and Indian Wells Date Gardens, 74-774 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, 346-2914, have tables in a garden setting. Shields Date Gardens, 80-255 Hwy. 111, Indio, presents a continuous slide program on the history of dates. Custom boxes. (760) 347-0996. Valerie Jean Date Shop, 66-021 Hwy. 86, Thermal. (760) 397-4159.

Hadley Fruit Orchards Open daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m. I-10 at Apache Tr. exit, Cabazon. (909) 849-5255.

Indian Canyons Open daily Labor Day-July 4th weekends. S. Palm Canyon Dr., five miles from center of Palm Springs. Admission $5 adults, $2.50 seniors 62 and over, $1 children 6-12 years, under 5 free, $3.50 students and military with I.D., $6 equestrian. (760) 325-5673.

Living Desert Discovery Room open weekends and holidays. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., last admission 4:30 p.m. Closed mid-June-Aug. Admission is free to members. $7 adults; children 3-12, $3.50; 2 and under, free. Seniors over 62, $6. Group rates. Free parking. 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. Take Hwy. 111 east to Palm Desert, right on Portola Ave. (760) 346-5694.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission $17.95 for adults; $14.65 seniors, $11.65 children 5-12; Ride 'n' Dine (available after 4 p.m.) $21.65 adults; $14.65 children. Annual ride tickets and group rates available. Ample parking. Tramway Dr.-Chino Canyon off Hwy. 111 (north). Open 10 a.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. weekends and holidays. Cars depart at least every half hour. Last car up 8 p.m., last car down 9:45 p.m. Visa, MasterCard, American Express accepted. The Tramway will be closed from June 14, 1999 through August 30, 1999 for installation of new Tram Cars. For General Information and weather conditions please call (760) 325-1391.

THINGS TO DO - SHOPPING

Palm Springs VillageFest
Palm Canyon Dr. between Amado Rd. & Baristo Rd.
(760) 320-3781
(760) 323-8272
Every Thursday evening from 6-10 p.m.

Gift Shops

Coyote Corner Local art, backpacking and climbing supplies, jewelry, shirts, hats, and an array of candles. Coyote Corner is open 7 days of week 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Located in Joshua Tree on the corner of Hwy. 62 and Park Blvd. (West Entrance to National Park).

Park Center Visitor Services & information, maps, books, souvenirs, handcrafted gifts, art gallery, bakery, deli and cappuccino bar. Open daily 9:00 am -5:00 pm (Sun - Thurs.) and 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (Fri. -Sat.). 6554 Park Blvd, Joshua Tree.

Mueseums

Palm Springs Desert Museum Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri. 1-8 p.m. Closed Mon. and major holidays. Admission: $5 adults, $2 ages 6-17 and military with I.D., seniors 62 and over $4. Children under 6 free with adult. Free to all first Fri. Docent-led tours, 2 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Toor Gallery Cafe serves lunch Tues.-Sun. Handicapped access through south parking lot. 101 Museum Dr. (760) 325-7186. Recorded exhibit info: (760) 325-0189.

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Center -- Open Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. noon-3. Closed July 26 -27, Aug. 1-3 for remodeling. Free. (760) 323-0151.