Visit to the west coast

[LongRanger_imp]

It all depends on what you're after. There are some very scenic areas in the Palm Springs area, including Joshua Tree National Park, and there is also a scenic tram ride from Palm Springs to the summit of Mt. San Jacinto, but the area itself is a few hours from LA when you factor in the traffic, so it'll consume most of a day to see it and come back. Others may disagree, but I don't think the town itself is worth the drive. I think your current itinerary sounds better.