By Craig Michaels
This Thanksgiving, why not take your holiday feast to new heights? The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is once again offering a breathtaking holiday experience from Thursday, November 27 through Sunday, November 30, inviting guests to celebrate the season surrounded by the natural splendor of Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
The journey begins with the world’s largest rotating tramcar, ascending two and a half miles along the dramatic cliffs of Chino Canyon. In just ten minutes, guests are whisked from the desert floor to an alpine forest more than 8,500 feet above sea level. As the temperature drops and the pine-scented air fills your lungs, the sweeping views of the Coachella Valley below remind you just how magical Palm Springs can be this time of year.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, visitors can enjoy a memorable meal paired with panoramic views that rival any dining room in the desert. The Pines Café, a cozy cafeteria-style restaurant, will serve up a special holiday menu featuring classic favorites like oven-roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or vegetarian lasagna, complete with traditional side dishes and a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert. The Ride ‘n’ Dine package, which includes both tram admission and the holiday meal, is available for $41 for adults and seniors, and $27.50 for children ages 3–10.
For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, Peaks Restaurant offers fine dining with a view. Their Thanksgiving Day menu features exquisite selections such as oven-roasted turkey breast, pan-seared salmon, or filet mignon, served alongside seasonal appetizers, gourmet sides, and decadent desserts like apple brown butter tart or pumpkin cheesecake. Thanksgiving dining at Peaks begins at 11:00 a.m. and is priced at $79 for adults and seniors, and $39 for children. (Tram fare not included; reservations recommended.)
With special holiday tram hours—the first tram up at 8:00 a.m., the last up at 8:00 p.m., and the last down at 9:30 p.m.—there’s plenty of time to enjoy a hike through the scenic trails, take family photos in the crisp mountain air, or simply soak in the stunning vistas that stretch from the Salton Sea to the San Gorgonio Mountains.
Whether you come for the feast, the view, or the adventure, Thanksgiving at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway promises an unforgettable way to give thanks.
For more information or to view the full menus, visit www.pstramway.com/dining or call 760-325-4537 for reservations at Peaks Restaurant.
