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Palm Springs   Travel Guide

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16 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs

Updated February 6, 2024

This isn't a place where you should pack your schedule: Embrace Palm Springs' relaxed mentality by enjoying time by the pool and at the spa. But if you're interested, there's more to do than just sunbathing and unwinding with a

• All Things To Do

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The city of Palm Springs rests in the shadows of the San Jacinto Mountains. The towering, snow-topped peaks of Southern California's second-highest mountain range are beautiful to behold from the valley floor, but many visitors say that a mountaintop experience is incredible. To reach the summit, you'll take a 10-minute ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Once you rise 8,516 feet to the top, you can hike (there are more than 50 miles of trails, including to San Jacinto Peak ), or snowshoe and cross-country ski during the winter, before heading back down the mountain via its rotating tram cars.

To avoid waiting in long ticket lines, several travelers recommend purchasing your tram passes in advance on the attraction's ticket page. If tickets are not available online for your arrival date, you will need to buy them on-site. Adults will be charged $28.95 for standard tram tickets; tickets for children ages 3 to 10 cost $16.95. Keep in mind: The weather at the top is typically 30 to 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor, so you'll want to wear layers to stay comfortable.

Coachella Valley Preserve Coachella Valley Preserve free

The Coachella Valley Preserve may seem like a barren desert, but keep your eyes peeled and you'll see that its 20,000-plus acres are more than just sand and brush. The preserve encompasses the smaller, 880-acre Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve, which boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails. Along the trails you'll spot rare wildlife, such as the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, lush palm woodland oases and desert wetlands, which at different times of the year blossom with wildflowers.

Previous visitors said a stop here is worth a few hours of your time to view the unique geography of the Thousand Palm Oasis and to hike the trails. Reviewers also appreciated the free admission. Additionally, some suggested arriving early before temperatures become unbearable and the small parking lot fills up.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is part zoo and part botanical garden, all in the extraordinary setting of the desert. Along with animals like rhinos, bighorn sheep and meerkats, there are a handful of gardens that showcase more than 1,600 species of plants, including multiple varieties of cacti, prickly pear and agave. If you're visiting between October and May, you can also explore the attraction's three trail loops.

Past visitors enjoyed seeing The Living Desert's animals, but recommended arriving early, since the park offers little shade and temperatures often rise above 100 degrees in the summer. Many also suggested paying an extra $8 to feed the giraffes, and if you're traveling with little ones or don't want to walk between exhibits, consider purchasing a ticket for a two-hour private tour. Passes start at $79 for adults and $49 for children between 3 and 12 and include general admission, a guide and a shuttle.

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Joshua Tree National Park Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an oasis in the center of the desert. From Hidden Valley (which features a nice, easy hike) to the Cholla Cactus Garden (home to many a photo-op at sunset), Joshua Tree caters to a variety of active travelers. Meanwhile, with its perch in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, the Keys View lookout is another great place for a spectacular view of the Coachella Valley.

Whether you're planning on hiking or just driving through, the park rangers recommend bringing plenty of water – this is the desert, after all. What's more, recent travelers suggested bringing food to enjoy at one of Hidden Valley's picnic tables.

Indian Canyons Indian Canyons

Located 6 miles south of central Palm Springs, these canyons, which consist of Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon and Andreas Canyon, sit on the reservation lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. All three canyons offer hiking trails with breathtaking desert scenery, but other activities are also available. At Palm Canyon, purchase authentic Native American artwork or pottery at the trading post. Andreas and Murray canyons, meanwhile, are best for wildlife-watching; if you're lucky, you may even spot endangered species like the Peninsular desert bighorn sheep and the Least Bell's Vireo bird while exploring Murray Canyon. The new Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, Tahquitz Canyon and three resorts – Indian Canyons Golf Resort, the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage and Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs – are also situated on or near the reservation.

According to recent travelers, the Indian Canyons are "peaceful" and "stunningly beautiful." Some, however, cautioned that temps often soar above 100 degrees in the summer, so bring lots of water and sunscreen. Many also recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes and skipping the Murray Canyon Trail if you don't want to get your feet wet as it ends at the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Palm Springs Art Museum Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum, which was founded in 1938, contains a stunning collection, like works from the landscape painter Thomas Moran and glass artist Dale Chihuly. You'll also find an ever-changing list of rotating exhibits, which have included studies of impressionism, contemporary sculpture, pop and graphic art, and architecture. The facility's permanent collection is not to be missed either as it contains more than 12,000 works across its 28 galleries. The museum also owns the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, which sits less than a mile south of the art museum, as well as Frey House II, the longtime residence of architect Albert Frey.

According to recent visitors, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a "cultural oasis" with "wonderful" exhibits. Many also appreciated its small size, adding that it's easy to see everything in an hour or two. Plus, the property offers free entry every Thursday evenings, no reservations required.

Palm Springs Air Museum Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum boasts an extensive collection of aircraft from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, including aircraft that range from the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress to the Grumman F7F Tigercat to the Douglas DC-3 Skytrain. The aircraft are positioned throughout the museum, not unlike the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C .

Several previous visitors said this attraction was "one of the best museums in Palm Springs" and served as a "great place to beat the heat," adding that its kids area, where children can sit in airplane cockpits, is a must if you're visiting with little ones. What's more, many appreciated the property's informative and friendly volunteers.

Tahquitz Canyon Tahquitz Canyon

For stunning scenery and a look at Native American history and culture, check out the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian's Tahquitz Canyon. Situated less than 2 miles southwest of downtown Palm Springs, this area of the reservation boasts the 60-foot Tahquitz waterfall (accessible via the Tahquitz Canyon Trail), rock art and a variety of flora and fauna. You'll also find the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center, where you can watch a movie about the canyon, peruse various artifacts, buy souvenirs and take a guided walk. Additional facilities, including three resorts, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (opening soon) and the Indian Canyons , can be found on or near the reservation as well.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking the nearly 2-mile-long Tahquitz Canyon Trail, which past visitors said was relatively easy to traverse, despite its lack of shade and occasional changes in elevation (as much as 350 feet). What's more, temps can climb into the 100s at times, so pack plenty of water. Several previous travelers recommended carrying at least one liter of water per person.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket

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Palm Springs Golf Courses Palm Springs Golf Courses

With 300 days of sunshine and more than 100 courses – many designed by celebrity architects like Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus – Palm Springs is a golfer's paradise. No matter where you decide to play, you'll be surrounded by stunning mountain and desert vistas and towering palm trees.

Some of the top-rated courses include Indian Wells Golf Resort , which offers 36 holes and sits next to the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, originally founded in 1957 by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Players say Indian Wells is in excellent condition and enhanced by the incredible views. For golfers staying in downtown Palm Springs, the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort offers two 18-hole golf courses that recent visitors called challenging.

Sunnylands Center & Gardens Sunnylands Center & Gardens free

For a curated desert landscape that hosted royalty, world leaders and old Hollywood stars, explore Sunnylands Center and Gardens, the 15-acre parcel that's part of the 200-acre Rancho Mirage estate of former ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife, Leonore. The Sunnylands Center and Gardens features a 9-acre garden with reflecting pools and more than 50,000 arid-adapted plants, some from North and South America, Africa and the Mediterranean. Along a 1.25-mile walking trail, visitors can enjoy views of the nearby mountains and several free audio tours are available for download on smartphones. The Sunnylands Center and Gardens features free activities throughout the year, such as a guided 60-minute birding walk on Friday mornings from November to May. The main house, a midcentury modern classic, is located within the 200-acre estate that also includes 11 human-made lakes and a nine-hole golf course. The home is open by tour only (reservations are required several months in advance) and other guided tours are also available.

Recent visitors marvel at the precision of the gardens, where " no flower or bush or cactus is out of place." Other visitors added that the Sunnylands Center and Gardens offered lots of bird-watching opportunities, in addition to plenty of benches for resting. Reviewers also encouraged visitors to plan ahead and book tickets to the home tour well in advance, as tickets are often sold out.

Palm Canyon Drive Palm Canyon Drive free

With shoulder-to-shoulder restaurants (many with outdoor dining), designer boutiques, locally owned shops and galleries, Palm Canyon Drive is a pedestrian-friendly destination in downtown Palm Springs. Anchoring downtown, Palm Canyon Drive is also the home to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, a collection of more than 400 granite squares embedded in the sidewalk bearing the names of celebrities and well-known locals. Sprinkled along the Palm Canyon Drive sidewalk, artists have painted more than 50 concrete benches for a splash of color and a place to sit. Palm Canyon Drive also hosts the weekly street fair known as VillageFest, where vendors take over the street and the thoroughfare is closed to cars every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Nearly every visitor enjoyed walking up and down Palm Canyon Drive seeing the sights and window-shopping. However, reviewers warn that drivers need to take care when parking in the area as parking limitations are strictly enforced.

Cabot's Pueblo Museum Cabot's Pueblo Museum

Drawing inspiration from the Hopi Native American tribe, Cabot Yerxa, a homesteader in the area that became known as Desert Hot Springs, spent decades creating a four-story, 35-room pueblo. Using reclaimed and found materials from the surrounding Coachella Valley, Yerxa did everything from dismantle abandoned cabins to craft adobe-style sun-dried bricks. Visitors are drawn to the home not only because of the meticulous craftsmanship, but also because of the artifacts on display. The home is filled with Native American art and artifacts, souvenirs of Cabot's travels and Cabot's own works of art. Another highlight of Cabot's Pueblo Museum is Waokiye. Lakota for "traditional helper," Waokiye is a 22-foot-tall sculpture made from donated Sequoia redwood.

A self-guided, 45-minute audio tour is accessible on mobile devices. The tour guides visitors through the building while explaining how it was constructed, as well as Yerxa's role in developing Desert Hot Springs.

Moorten Botanical Garden Moorten Botanical Garden

Established in 1938 by former actor Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten and his wife, Patricia, Moorten Botanical Garden is a 1-acre privately owned botanical garden and plant nursery. When not tending to their botanical garden, the couple designed gardens for a who’s who of Palm Springs, including Walt Disney. Meander the garden's nature trail to marvel at more than a dozen biodomes and more than 3,000 desert plants. For gardeners, the plant nursery is located on the property and offers a knowledgeable staff.

Recent visitors enjoyed the setting of Moorten Botanical Garden and felt it offered an escape from the surrounding development. Others described the attraction as small and not worth more than an hour of your time.

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San Jacinto Peak San Jacinto Peak free

As the backdrop to the Coachella Valley, San Jacinto Peak is part of the San Jacinto Mountains and the second-tallest peak in Southern California. Unique to this summit – and a benefit to mountaineers – is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that carries hikers up nearly 6,000 feet on the way to the 10,834-foot summit. When climbers exit the tram at the mountain station at 8,516 feet, the elevation gain is just over 2,300 feet to the summit.

After exiting the tramway's mountain station, hikers start their 5.5-mile one-way hike to the San Jacinto Peak as they enter Long Valley. After hiking along Long Valley, hikers enter Round Valley, a more open section of the trail. Wellman's Divide is home to the steepest section of the trail, with a 600-foot elevation gain over one mile. According to past visitors, the San Jacinto Peak Trail is well marked to the summit.

Cabazon Dinosaurs Cabazon Dinosaurs

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Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Palm Springs, CA

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Writer Freddy Sherman lives in Palm Springs and spends most days exploring different parts of the city with his Belgian Malinois Gretel.

Palm Springs is a vacation destination set in the Sonoran Desert surrounded by four different mountain ranges. The resort city is just a three-hour drive from San Diego and a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, making it popular for weekend getaways .

Known for mid-century modern style, its plethora of championship golf courses , warm weather, and a fun and welcoming vibe, the city, along with several surrounding communities known collectively as the Coachella Valley , is a popular winter destination .

Beyond the golf resorts and swimming pools there are still plenty of tourist attractions, things to do, and places to visit. You can take your pick from a wide range of activities downtown like shopping; dining; touring museums; or exploring the surrounding desert, mountains, and canyons.

When it's cold in most other parts of North America (approximately November through March), that's the high season for Palm Springs, and the population swells with visitors and snowbirds.

The city is home to a serious lineup of Hollywood celebrities each January during the annual Palm Springs Film Festival , and draws architecture and design fans from around the world during February's Modernism Week. The city is also crowded in April during the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals , held in Indio about 30 minutes from downtown.

For sightseeing ideas, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Palm Springs.

1. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

2. take a photo with marilyn monroe, 3. visit the palm springs air museum, 4. take a canyon hike to a waterfall, 5. play golf, 6. visit the palm springs art museum, 7. explore the coachella valley preserve, 8. moorten botanical gardens and cactarium, 9. the living desert zoo and gardens, 10. check out the villagefest weekly street party, 11. palm springs art museum architecture and design center, 12. discover the city's history at the palm springs historical society, 13. visit the windmills, 14. discover sunnylands, 15. visit a date farm, 16. take a jeep tour of the desert, 17. ride a horse through a canyon, 18. fly in a vintage biplane, where to stay in palm springs for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in palm springs, ca.

Escape the heat of the desert with a quick ride into the mountains on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway . Standing on the edge of Palm Springs, Mount San Jacinto rises more than 10,000 feet above the desert floor and can be easily accessed with a ride on the scenic tramway.

The tramway, which opened in 1963, has the world's largest rotating aerial tram cars . The cars are suspended from cables, like a ski lift, and the cables are strung atop metal towers installed on the mountainside. From the top, the view out over the desert is fantastic, and on hot days, the cool air (sometimes 30 to 40 degrees lower than that at the desert floor) can be a refreshing treat. During the winter, there is snow at the top.

In less than 10 minutes, the tram will take you up Chino Canyon to an elevation of 8,500 feet. At the top, called the Mountain Station, there are observation decks, two restaurants, historical displays, and videos on the construction of the tram. From here, 50 miles of hiking trails run through the pine forests of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, including a trail to the summit of Mount San Jacinto (11 miles round trip). You can also camp in the park.

At the tramway entrance on U.S. 111, you'll find the Palm Springs Visitor Information Center. Housed in a striking mid-century structure (a former gas station) designed by celebrated architect Albert Frey, the center is a great place to stop for visitors.

It's fun to go swimming in Palm Springs in the heat of the desert, then drive to the tram, take it up the mountain and play in the snow, all within an hour.

Address: One Tram Way, Palm Springs, California

The "Forever Marilyn" statue is a 26-foot tall sculpture of the iconic Hollywood actress, now installed right in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum in downtown Palm Springs. The sculpture shows Marilyn with her billowing dress from the film "The Seven Year Itch", one of her most famous roles.

It was originally installed on Palm Canyon Drive from 2012 to 2014, then moved to New Jersey. Public demand brought it back to Palm Springs and it's now the most popular place in the city to take photos.

The area around the statue can be crowded with other visitors, so visit early in the morning or late at night for some alone time with the sculpture. Be sure to visit the adjacent pocket park, which has grass and rocking chairs for relaxing. There are also palm trees to shade you from the sun along with public restrooms, water fountains, and a doggie waste station with bags.

The Palm Springs Air Museum has a large collection of military aircraft, many of which still fly. Planes from World War II along with the Korean and Vietnam Wars are represented. It's a fascinating place to visit as most of the docents who provide tours are veterans themselves, with personal connections to the types of aircraft they talk about.

The aircraft are shown in static displays, and you can also get inside and tour some of them, including a massive B-17 bomber. Much of the collection is displayed inside air-conditioned hangars, so it's a great place to visit if you're looking for an escape from the city's extreme summer heat.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is located at the Palm Springs International Airport, about 10 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. For those wanting to get up into the sky, the air museum offers flights on some of their rare warbirds.

Address: 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, California

The Indian Canyons, located at the south end of Palm Springs, is a popular protected nature sanctuary comprised of three unique canyon environments. The area is part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation and is a great place for hiking and exploring some beautiful desert scenery.

Be sure to start with one of the main areas, Palm Canyon . This 15-mile long canyon, complete with a creek and waterfalls, is lined with large palm trees. In fact, the canyon is home to the world's largest grove of California fan palms . The canyon is home to a range of hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. The Indian Canyons park has a trading post selling souvenirs, Indian art, and other tribal-related items.

Andreas Canyon , another canyon area within the Indian Canyons park, is also worth checking out and is known as a good place to see birds. In the same vicinity is Murray Canyon, with a less frequented hiking trail and better opportunities for spotting deer and other wildlife. There are many hiking trails in the park, and many of those trails take you into multiple canyons.

Tahquitz Canyon is another protected canyon area, also tribal land, located near but not within the Indian Canyons space. This canyon has lots of hiking trails and is home to a 60-foot-tall waterfall. There is a visitor's center with artifact displays, hiking information, and a small theater showing a documentary about the canyon.

Read More: Best Hikes in Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs and nearby cities like La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert have over 100 championship-level golf courses. Many of the city's best courses are public and accessible to anyone (waiting lists are long during popular periods).

The city is a very popular golf destination, as the weather is great for golf (an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year), especially during the winter months. Summer temperatures are extreme, making early morning games the only option.

Aside from the well-groomed and challenging courses, you also get the benefit of the beautiful scenery and desert backdrops. As you play, you're treated to a changing desert landscape with the area's different mountain ranges always visible in the distance.

Popular golf courses playable by the public in the area include PGA West (home to the American Express Desert Classic, formerly the Bob Hope Classic), the Indian Wells Golf Resort (home to the Renaissance Indian Wells, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, and the Indian Wells Resort Hotel), Marriott's Shadow Ridge, and the Indian Canyons Golf Resort.

The Palm Springs Art Museum features a combination of fine art, natural history, and performing arts. The museum has been in existence since the late 1930s and formerly focused almost exclusively on desert subjects and artists, but over the years, the direction has shifted to a well-curated collection of modern and contemporary art, including Native American art.

In addition to fine art, the museum has a large collection of Native American craftwork and artifacts. There is also a natural science collection of animals and fossils on display, making the museum a great place to visit for kids and families.

Also on-site are two outdoor sculpture gardens. The museum's permanent collections include paintings, photography, glass, pottery, and architecture and design with a focus on American Western art and artists. There are also touring and changing temporary exhibitions and shows.

Providing a wide selection of year-round programming, the museum's large Annenberg Theater hosts an extensive series of music, dance, and theater productions and performances.

Address: 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, California

The Coachella Valley Preserve is a large, protected outdoor space covering over 13,000 acres of raw desert and mountain landscapes. It's a partnership between federal, state, and private land-owners, allowing management and preservation of the natural environment.

Located east of Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife. It's made up of three different preserve areas. The best one to visit is the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve area, near Palm Desert. There are 30 miles of hiking trails along with multiple oases.

Guided hikes led by volunteer docents are a great way to see the preserve and offer an excellent overview of the area. Like other outdoor activities in Palm Springs, hiking is best done in the fall and winter months as the temperatures climb to dangerous heights in the summer.

The Moorten Botanical Gardens and Cactarium is located just past downtown Palm Springs on the south end of Palm Canyon Drive. The unique nature space first opened in 1938 and offers an incredible display of cacti and desert plants that range from full-grown trees to plants just taking root. In the spring, when the desert is coming into bloom, and trees are starting to turn green again, the gardens are at their best.

Moorten is open year-round, but during the cooler months, from fall until spring, you can take a guided tour of the facility offered free with admission. Typical hours are 10am to 4pm and the gardens are closed on Wednesdays.

The gardens are also a commercial nursery, so in addition to being a botanical garden, you can purchase some of the plants to take home with you.

Address: 1701 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California

What started 50 years ago as an idea to preserve some raw desert land as the surrounding area developed into a resort has become a world-class zoo. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Palm Desert offers a chance to see the flora and fauna of the desert and gain some insight into ecosystems from deserts around the globe.

The compact zoo also features a variety of animals from North America and Africa, including camels, coyotes, wolves, foxes, badgers, mountain lions, raptors, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, leopards, gazelle, and many other species.

The morning is generally the best time to visit, when the animals are still active before the heat sets in. Check the zoo's daily schedule to find out about guided nature walks, wildlife shows, and animal feeding times.

A highlight is to participate in the daily giraffe feeding. Guests can feed their herd of giraffes from a tower. It's done in the mornings during the summer and all day during the other months. You can also interact with the zoo's camels, working with keepers on feeding, grooming, or training them.

Address: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, California

On Thursday evenings year-round, downtown Palm Springs turns into a giant street party, with more than 180 vendors set up along the city's main street for VillageFest . A quarter-mile stretch of Palm Canyon Drive is closed to traffic, and booths are set up along both sides of the street.

This is a fun evening out, where you can shop for arts, crafts, jewelry, and other interesting trinkets and also try some tasty snacks from local restaurants and artisinal providers. As you shop, musical performers, buskers, and other street artists provide additional entertainment.

The night market event starts early in the evening, around 6 or 7pm, depending on the season, and runs until 10pm.

Palm Springs is home to the world's largest collection of intact mid-century modern buildings in the world. The city celebrates the design movement each February with Modernism Week.

Design and architecture fans come from all over the world, and there are many events, including open houses, film screenings, and home tours of architecturally significant structures.

The Palm Springs Art Museum's Architecture and Design Center is a unique and free attraction that is worth a stop, particularly if you are interested in architecture or design. Located in a preserved 1960 mid-century modern bank building, similar in style to many other buildings in Palm Springs that still remain from this period, the structure itself is a protected historic site.

The Architecture and Design Center holds the architecture collections of the Palm Springs Art Museum and features temporary exhibitions, as well as a rotating display of material from the permanent collection.

The art museum also operates the Frey House II , an important modernist home in the mountains designed by iconic architect Albert Frey for his own family. The home can be visited on docent-led tours.

Address: 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California

The Palm Springs Historical Society has a small but comprehensive museum in the heart of the downtown area right on Palm Canyon Drive. It's housed in two preserved 19th-century buildings and has a free museum and other exhibits.

The society is also known for its many excellent walking (and biking) tours of the city, available with different themes. You can take a walking tour that explores the city's architecture, its Native American history, its many connections with the Rat Pack, or its many celebrity residents.

Address: 221 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California

Just outside of Palm Springs, the San Gorgonio Pass is one of the most windy places on Earth, which is why it's filled with windmills (well actually wind turbines). The pass, located on either side of the I-10 freeway as it enters the Coachella Valley, not only has extreme wind, it has constant wind, which is essential for power generation. Acres of wind turbines dot the desert and the hillsides, silently generating electrical power for the region.

You can view the wind turbines by pulling off the I-10 freeway at the Indian Canyon exit or by taking a tour. Palm Springs Windmill Tours has the only official tour that takes you "behind the fence" to get up close and personal with these giant machines.

Address: 62950 20th Street, Palm Springs, California

Sunnylands is an incredible, mid-century modern estate that was the home of billionaire businessman (and founder of TV Guide) Walter Annenberg and his wife. The vast 200-acre estate has hosted seven U.S. presidents and summit meetings with world leaders, serving as a West Coast Camp David for several presidents, including President Obama.

Designed by celebrated MCM architect A. Quincy Jones, the 25,000 square foot main house and its incredible art collection, along with its gardens, can be visited. Sunnylands is in Rancho Mirage, about 25 minutes from downtown Palm Springs.

Visiting the park-like grounds is free. Tickets can be purchased for docent-led tours of the house and art collection.

Address: 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, California

Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley has a rich agricultural history. One of the key crops is dates, and the area produces more than 90 percent of the dates grown in the U.S. This Middle Eastern fruit was first planted in the desert in the early 20th century, one of the few crops that can be grown year-round in the area's extreme weather.

The Shields Date Garden is in Indio, about 30 minutes from downtown Palm Springs. The almost-20-acre date farm has a café, a guided tour of the date groves, and even a theater showing a kitschy 1940s movie about date farming. They also serve date shakes, a must-drink date milkshake-like smoothie every Palm Springs visitor should try.

Address: 80225 US Hwy 111, Indio, California

What better way to explore and experience the desert landscape than in the back of an open Jeep. Most Jeep tours are two to three hours long (a six-hour Joshua Tree adventure is available). The off-road tours explore the local desert landscape and the nearby San Andreas Fault.

Some of the Jeep tours depart from downtown Palm Springs; others start at a ranch in Indio, about 30 minutes east of Palm Springs. The naturalist-guided tours include bottled water and granola bar snacks.

Another fun way to explore the local desert around Palm Springs in on horseback. Smoke Tree Stables has been operating since 1927 and offers trail rides into the local canyons. These are gentle, guided trail rides suitable for all ages and all levels of experience (including first-timers).

You can do a one-hour group trail ride, which starts at the stables and takes you through the desert along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Another option is a two-hour group ride through Indian Canyons. The ride goes from Andreas Canyon to Murray Canyon and back, along streams and through palm tree groves.

Palm Springs Biplanes , a company based at the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), offers rides in a vintage 1940 Stearman biplane aircraft. The three-seat planes mean the passengers sit next to each other (behind the pilot). The open-top biplanes allow you to see all around, and you wear a cool vintage aviator cap and goggles.

The basic 15-minute flight is only $349 for two people and offers a lot more excitement and memories than a fancy dinner, which costs about the same price. A 30-minute flight takes you across the Coachella Valley and over the Santa Rosa Mountains and the hour-long flight covers the entire region.

Luxury Hotels:

• Located just a block from the heart of downtown, but worlds away, the Ingleside Inn has a private feel akin to staying at a friend's country estate rather than a hotel. With the San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop, it is a posh adults-only hideaway with stylish rooms. Amenities include a restaurant, swimming pool, hot tub, and bike rental.
• Inspired by the desert surrounding it, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel is located downtown and offers 153 stylish rooms and suites. The hotel is inside a seven-story building and boasts the only rooftop pool and restaurant in town. The property is very dog friendly with no nightly charges for your pet. If you are traveling with kids, it is also a family-friendly resort.
• Colony Palms Hotel has been around since the 1930s and has hosted its share of celebrities over the years including Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, and Frank Sinatra. Today the 4-star luxury property is a boutique hotel with lots of flair to its rooms and suites. These come with colored mosaic tiles and bright fabrics and many also feature claw-foot bath tubs and fireplaces. Amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, and a spa. Unlike many Palm Springs hotels, the Colony Palms is family friendly.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Desert Riviera Hotel is a top mid-range choice. The vintage property has been recently renovated and features retro decor in its spacious rooms and suites. The adults-only property has a pool, hot tub, and bikes available for guests. A free breakfast is also served.
• Like many Palm Springs properties, Little Paradise Hotel is also adults-only. The luxe boutique hotel features plush rooms with comfy beds, 4K curved TVs, jet showers, and full kitchens. There is also a heated saltwater pool with sun-loungers.
• One of the few mid-range hotels that accepts kids, Palm Springs Tennis Club is within walking distance of the historic downtown. It has spacious, modern rooms and suites. Amenities include three swimming pools, tennis courts, and an on-site restaurant.

Budget Hotels:

• For a family-friendly hotel that is also easy on the budget, check out the Vagabond Motor Hotel . On the outskirts of downtown, it offers tidy and modern rooms. There is a free breakfast offered and parking is also free. If you're traveling with a dog, the hotel allows pets.
• Days Inn by Wyndham Palm Springs is another budget choice near downtown. It offers spacious rooms with balconies and welcomes families. There is a kid's wading pool, as well as an Olympic-size swimming pool on-site. Other amenities include a hot tub, workout room, restaurant, and free parking.

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Less than an hour's drive from Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park , one of the most interesting and beautiful parks in the Southwest. If you have time for only one side trip, this is the place to come. This park has some amazing sites, along with great walks and hiking trails . It also offers outstanding campgrounds , where you can park your RV or pitch your tent next to huge Joshua trees and giant rock formations.

If you are traveling around California and looking for new ideas, be sure to check out our articles on California desert tourist attractions and our list of great off-the-beaten-path attractions in California . For a more general overview of what to see throughout the state, see our article on the top tourist attractions in California .

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Palm springs official guide to palm springs, california, attractions, top 20 palm springs attractions.

Palm Springs, a sun-soaked oasis in the Californian desert, is brimming with a variety of places to visit tailored to suit every interest. Here is our list of the top 20 attractions that are in the Palm Springs and Coachella Valley.

Palm Springs Windmills

745 North Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.6262 The Palm Springs Air Museum is dedicated to the restoration, preservation and operation of America’s legendary fighters, bombers and trainer. It contains one of the world’s largest collections of flying WWII airplanes. The significance of World War Two is unparalleled in all of the history of the world in that it was the greatest, most costly conflict ever fought, taking the lives of more than 70 million people.  …more

Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way & Museum Drive Rudi Valentino, Liberace, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Shirley Temple, Buddy Rogers, Mary Pickford, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Ginger Rogers, Gene Autry, Dinah Shore, Sonny Bono, Merv Griffin, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford as well as hundreds more join the long list of celebrities who are honored along the streets of downtown Palm Springs.  …more

VillageFest

Village Green Heritage Center

Wolf Mountain Sanctuary

PalmSprings.com : The Official Guide to Palm Springs, California!

21 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs California You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 25/03/2024

In the heart of Southern California lies Palm Springs, a desert oasis that beckons with its blend of natural beauty, history, and modern luxury. Famed for its palm-lined streets, soothing hot springs, warm weather and a backdrop of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains, this city offers an escape combining relaxation and adventure.

In addition to its natural beauty, Palm Springs is full of stylish and quirky things to do. From the world’s first rotating tram car to drag queen brunches and outstanding street art there are so many great things to do in Palm Springs California that I think you’ll love.

I will start this article with what I consider to be  the five best things I did whilst in Palm Springs . I’ll then take you through some of the other options available to help you plan the best possible Palm Springs vacation.

21 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs California

Let’s start with my personal top 5 best places to visit in Palm Springs California.

1. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

First opened in September 1963, the  Palm Springs Aerial Tramway  is the world’s largest rotating tram car. This means visitors receive 360 degree views over the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs.

The tram travels over two and half miles along the cliffs of the Chino Canyon and lands at Mt San Jacinto State Park at an elevation of over 8,500 feet. This means it is generally between 30 and 40 degrees cooler at the top than on the desert floor. 

Start your journey on Tramway Road in Palm Springs North. The tram journey takes 10 minutes and the trams run every hour between 10am and 8pm. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with some amazing views. You’ll also find:

• Over 50 miles of hiking trails through Mt San Jacinto State Park
• A small natural history museum
• Two theaters showing State Park and tram construction videos
• Two restaurants
• Cocktail Lounge

I enjoyed a delicious dinner at the  Peaks Restaurant.  This is the more upmarket option of the two restaurants at the top. Peaks serve both lunch and dinner. I recommend going to dinner as I was able to enjoy fantastic food whilst watching the sunset over Palm Springs. 

As always, it is a good idea to book your ticket for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ahead of time. When you book your ticket, you will also choose a time. 

Book Your Ticket for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

2. Relax at The Spa at Sec-he

Sec-he is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. It is an ancient hot mineral spring that emerged from the ground over 12,000 years ago. This is how Palm Springs came to be known as Palm Springs. The spring is cared for and protected by the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians. 

A major renovation of the structures around the spring was completed in 2023 and the site is now known as  the Spa at Sec-he.  I have visited many spas in my time and this is one of the best. There is 73,000 square feet of space, all dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. Not only does the Spa at Sec-he feature the opportunity to take the ancient springs, but it also has some of the most cutting-edge spa equipment I have seen. 

A Taking of the Waters Day Pass gives visitors access to all spa amenities including a private Taking of the Waters bath experience. There are 22 private mineral baths at the Spa at Sec-he sourced form the spring at 105 degrees.https://www.tiktok.com/@boutiqueadventurer/video/7303875536303000865

The facilities are stunning. Choose from the main pool with its waterfall feature or the zero-edge mineral pool. There are day beds and cabanas by the pools designed to be the perfect place for relaxing.

The Spa at Sec-he is also home to a mix of classic and cutting edge therapies in its 15 treatment rooms including:

• Quartz gemstone treatment tables
• Chromatic light, infrared heating, and grounding pads on the massage treatment tables
• Facials are administered on wave tables
• a grounding room with zero gravity loungers
• an acoustic wellness lounge for audio therapy
• menthol dry sauna 
• eucalyptus steam room 
• two halotherapy salt caves
• cryo-therapy chamber
• IV Nutrient Therapies

I loved my private mineral bath and the grounding room. Visiting the Spa at Sec-he was one of the best things I did in Palm Springs.

3. Visit Indian Canyons 

The Indian Canyons comprise Andreas Canyon, Murray Canyon and Palm Canyon. They sit at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains and cover around 60 miles of hiking trails. Despite Palm Springs desert climate, the canyons contain streams and lush palms. And all of this just a few miles from downtown Palm Springs.

I visited Andreas Canyon and Palm Canyon. Andreas Canyon is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to more than 150 species of plants and absolutely beautiful. The Andreas Canyon Loop is considered easy and covers 1.2 miles. The Maynard Mine Trail is considered strenuous and runs for 6 miles round trip. 

Palm Canyon is home to the world’s largest naturally occurring oasis of Washingtonia Filifera Palm Trees, and they are quite a sight. The Canyon runs for 15 miles and can be used for hiking, horseback riding or picnics. The Palm Canyon Trail covers all 15 miles and is considered to be quite an easy walk.

Indian Canyons has  admissions fees  which can be paid  at the trail head at the Indian Canyons Toll Gate,  38520 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs . Check the website for ranger-led walks. Visitors are not permitted to stay in Indian Canyons overnight.

Book a guided Indian Canyons hike and/or bike ride

4. Visit Palm Springs Art Museum

Founded in 1938, this museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Art Museum’s main location is in the heart of downtown Palm Springs near the Marilyn Monroe statue. It houses a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions and of course the building itself is a stunning example of mid-century architecture. 

This innovative museum is home to 28 galleries, two sculpture gardens, four classrooms, resource centers, five storage vaults, an 85-seat lecture hall, a 433-seat theater, a gift shop and a restaurant. The Frey House  II is part of the museum and is located just behind it. 

The Palm Springs Art Museum is constantly running events so  check the website  before you visit. 

5. See the Catci at Moorten Botanical Gardens

You really don’t want to leave the desert without experiencing at least one cactus garden.  Moorten Botanical Garden  is a private arboretum in South Palm Springs. It was established in 1938 and contains a huge variety of desert plants from all over the world. 

There are more than 3,000 plant varieties in the gardens. It is extremely photogenic and well worth a visit. 

6. Enjoy the Street Art

Art is everywhere in Palm Springs. Palm Canyon Drive contains loads of concrete benches that have been painted in various styles. Utility boxes have been converted into works of art. Here are a few more key pieces of public art in Palm Springs:

Rainmaker Fountain, created in 2000 by David Morris, is located at 500 N Palm Canyon Drive

Isabelle by Julian Voss-Andreae is made of polished stainless steel that appears almost see-through at 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way

There is only one of the “Babies” sculptures left in Palm Springs and it is located near the Palm Springs Art Museum. David Cerny’s “Tower Babies” came to Palm Springs in 2018 on a temporary loan. 

The blocks around the Palm Springs Art Museum regularly feature short-term public art exhibitions. And don’t miss the classic statues of Lucille Ball and Sonny Bono downtown. 

7. Visit the Palm Springs Visitor’s Centre

This iconic building by Albert Frey is instantly recognizable due to its distinct soaring roof. The Palm Springs Visitor’s Center contains everything you would expect a visitor’s center to contain. The architectural significance of the building is the key point of difference for this visitor’s center. And some public art around the center makes for nice photo backdrops.

8. Go Shopping

Palm Springs is a fantastic place to shop. There are loads of unique and quirky stores. At the north end of Palm Springs check out  The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five.  This is a collection of luxurious shops (fashion and home) in an iconic E. Stewart Williams building. 

Shag  is the place to go for kitsch Palm Springs design souvenirs and artworks. 

My favorite store in Palm Springs was  Trina Turk . They had some of the most fabulous bathing suits and cover ups I have ever seen. I went home with two new pairs of swimsuits and a new cover up.

9. Get Your Photo Taken at the Marilyn Monroe Statue

Forever Marilyn is a 26 feet tall statue of Marilyn Monroe designed by Seward Johnson. Marilyn is rendered in the classic post from The Seven Year Itch movie, where a gust of air blows up her white dress. This stainless steel and aluminum is now probably Palm Springs’ most iconic landmark. No trip to Palm Springs is complete without a picture under or next to Forever Marilyn.

The statue is located downtown near the Palm Springs Art Museum. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for the most attractive photographs but do remember it is a popular photo spot. 

10. Walk the Palm Springs Hollywood Fame

As you explore the heart of Palm Springs, make sure to take a walking tour along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars along Palm Canyon Drive. This celebrated sidewalk honors not only Hollywood’s finest but also notable local leaders, humanitarians, and civic icons who have made significant contributions to the growth and reputation of Palm Springs. Celebrities with stars include Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley.

11. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center

The Palm Springs Art Museum I mentioned earlier in this article has several locations, once of which is the Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion. The center resides in a restored mid-century modern building. It runs various educational and community programs and rotating exhibitions highlighting design elements from the 20th century to the present.

The museum store offers a unique experience as it is situated in the original bank vault of the former Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan Association. 

12. Go to a Drag Brunch

If you’re looking for something different to do in Palm Springs, why not head to a  Drag Brunch ? Apparently, Drag Brunches are now quite popular but I went to my first one in Palm Springs at The Saguaro Hotel. 

Two set menus were on offer, as were a la carte options. We enjoyed granola parfait, nachos and breakfast sandwiches. And, of course, bottomless mimosas were available. 

But we weren’t there for the food. We were treated to several numbers by our drag queens and they were quite amazing. I could have sworn Celine Dion was in the room! The performers are not shy so if you don’t want any attention, it is best to sit away from an easily accessible seat. 

And it is standard practice to “tip” the performers with small (or large) bills, so make sure you bring some cash. And there are photo opportunities with the drag queens at the end of the performance. 

Book Your Palm Springs Drag Queen Brunch

13. Relax at the World’s Largest Weed Lounge

Four Twenty Bank Dispensary and Lounge  is the largest and only cannabis concert lounge and dispensary in the world. It is in the heart of downtown Palm Springs and popular with locals. 

The lounge has a custom air filtration system to keep things as fresh as possible and also sells CBD and THC infused drinks (no alcohol). Pop in for a relaxing smoke or attend one of their live music events. 

14. Enjoy an excellent Mexican Meal at El Mirasol

My best meal in Palm Springs was at the fantastic Mexican restaurant El Miarsol. This family owned business opened its first branch in Palm Springs in 1985. I ate at its second branch, which is inside its boutique hotel, Los Arboles. This is classic Mexican made with the freshest ingredients and was fantastic.

Open Wednesday-Sunday

15. Grab a Pink Coffee at Cafe La Jeta

The Flannery Exchange is a cute mixed-use workspace on Palm Canyon Drive that is home to the super cute Cafe La Jeta and its gorgeous pink coffee cups. Their gorgeous outdoor patio is a popular spot for locals and the good coffee and breakfast offerings keep them regulars. 

16. Tahquitz Canyon

Like the Indian Canyons I mentioned earlier in this article, Tahquitz Canyon is part of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. It is best known for its rock art and the 60 foot tall Tahquitz Waterfall. The canyon offers a 2 mile loop walk that leads visitors to this beautiful waterfall. You’ll also see plenty of native wildlife and plants along the way. 

The Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center is located at the entrance to the canyon. Find out more by watching the Legend of Tahquitz video and don’t miss the observation deck. 

The canyon is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Overnight stays are not allowed. 

NB: The trail to the falls and back will have you gain 350 feet in elevation. It is steep, has many rock steps and has little shade. There are no restroom facilities or water fountains. It is considered to be a strenuous trek.

17. Visit Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a remarkable desert destination located approximately one hour from Palm Springs. This national park uniquely combines the Mojave and Lower Colorado deserts. Here are some of the best things to do in Joshua Tree National Park as a day trip:

• hike one mile round trip to Arch Rock
• see Skull Rock
• visit the petroglyphs
• the famous Joshua Trees are located in the Northern part of the park, which is the Mojave Desert

Start your visit at one of the park visitor centers. Here, you can gather maps and gain insights into the park’s trails and attractions. Pay your entry fee at the North entrance. 

The main park road is accessible to all vehicles and guides you through various viewpoints. Remember, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is advisable for off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Book Your Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park from Palm Springs

18. Coachella Valley Preserve

The Coachella Valley Preserve is a protected area spanning approximately 17,000 acres 10 miles east of Palm Springs. It’s a haven for the unique Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, a species not found anywhere else in the world. The preserve features the Thousand Palm Oasis, nourished by water seeping from the San Andreas Fault. 

Here are some of the hiking trails in the Coachella Valley Preserve:

• Moon Country Trail : Experience diverse terrain and potentially spot some local wildlife.
• Hidden Palms Trail : Discover another serene oasis amidst the arid desert.
• McCallum Trail : A relatively easy hike leading to McCallum Pond, an ideal spot for a peaceful break.

19. Palm Springs Air Museum

This aviation museum in Palm Springs focuses on World War Two. The  Palm Springs Air Museum  is a living history museum that opened in 1996. Today, the museum has five hangars and is home to over 70 vintage static and flying aircraft. The museum also has a gift shop, library, theater and cafe.

20. Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, this 10,000 square foot gallery is the best place to gain an understanding of the history and culture of the Agua Caliente people. The  Agua Caliente Cultural Museum  has five exhibition areas that tell the story of the Agua Caliente. The museum also holds regular events and there is a store. 

21. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

This not-for-profit zoo and desert botanical garden is home to over 500 animals. The  Living Desert Zoo and Garden  has been rated one of the 10 best zoos in the United States by Conde Nast Traveller and receives over 500,000 visitors each year.  It is a 30 minute drive from downtown Palm Springs near Palm Desert.

The zoo is a great place for encounter experiences. Encounter a rhino, feed a giraffe or see Australia’s most treasure animals in an interactive exhibit. There are hiking trails, a discovery center, a petting kraal and even an endangered species carousel.

Key Seasonal Events in Palm Springs

Palm Springs hosts a variety of events throughout the year that celebrate art, music, and architecture. These signature events attract visitors from all over for their unique offerings and vibrant atmosphere. Here are the two for which it is best known. 

Coachella Music Festival

The  Coachella Music Festival  is an annual music and arts event held in the Coachella Valley. Known for its eclectic mix of music genres, Coachella offers an unforgettable experience with performances by top-tier artists from around the globe. 

• Where:  Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA
• When:  Typically spans over two weekends in April

Modernism Week

Modernism Week  celebrates and fosters an appreciation of midcentury architecture and design and contemporary thinking in these fields. When you attend the event, you can access exclusive tours of iconic homes, film screenings, and insightful lectures.

• Where:  Various locations in Palm Springs, CA
• When:  Usually held in February

If you’re looking at where to stay in Palm Springs don’t miss my article on the  17 best boutique hotels in Palm Springs.

My visit to Palm Springs was sponsored by Palm Springs Small Hotels but as always, my opinions are all my own. This article also contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in the article and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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The Best Things to Do in Palm Springs

By Kelsy Chauvin

In Palm Springs , it can feel like leisure breezes in the warm desert air. For travelers ready to embrace that easygoing Coachella Valley spirit, there are many ways to experience this Southern California destination where the sun shines 300 days per year. Much of the early local history started with its natural hot springs, whose mineral water attracted the Cahuilla people that made this valley home for two millennia. The same desert springs and scenery live on today in modern spas for soaking up the mineral waters—including the occasional, actual oasis.

In more modern history, however, Palm Springs earned its wider reputation as a hotspot for celebrities and snowbirds building prized mid-century modern homes. You can join much of that timeless scene at cool restaurants and lounges, soaking up the pools-and-cocktails culture, and events like Modernism Week, which offers seasonal tours of the best local architecture. The city also draws travelers for several prominent international film festivals, LGBTQ+ weekends, and, of course, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival every April. Whether you’re interested in meditating and hiking in Joshua Tree , or viewing groovy art and sipping martinis poolside, there are lots of ways to catch some of that Greater Palm Springs swing. Here are the best things to do in Palm Springs.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Palm Springs Art Museum Arrow

What began in 1938 as the modest Palm Springs Desert Museum is today one of California’s best institutions for contemporary fine art, American Western art, Native American art, and natural science. The museum has of three locations, starting with the large main campus in downtown Palm Springs. That central, three-story building and courtyard itself is a national landmark for its Modernist architectural style, housing 28 galleries, a lecture hall, sculpture garden, museum store, and the Annenberg Theater, all within its 124,000 square feet. And you can find it easily, next to Downtown Park’s giant Forever Marilyn sculpture. About a 10-minute walk south, the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center–Edwards Harris Pavilion shifts focus from fine art to structural and spatial work. Like the main campus, it was designed by E. Stewart Williams and carries forward more of that quintessential midcentury style. It’s also home to the Bradford W. Bates Vault, the cool museum design store. The third location is the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden, about a half-hour drive south in Palm Desert. Across its four acres you can explore a landscaped oasis with winding walkways, native plants, and sculptural works by several modern masters.

Joshua Tree National Park Arrow

One of the desert gems of America’s parks, Joshua Tree National Park spans nearly 800,000 acres within Southern California’s portion of the Mojave Desert. There’s no wrong way to behold the beauty, whether you’re drawn to rock formations, particular plants, seasonal fauna, or outdoor activities. One sure bet is to head toward the park’s center for a picnic and/or walkabout at mighty Cap Rock, or around Jumbo Rocks where you can check out the giant skeletal Skull Rock. Get acquainted with flora along the Cholla Cactus Garden Nature Trail, a flat loop through 10 acres of cacti and bushes where something colorful is usually blooming any time of the year. Nature lovers, and especially desert fans, may end up loving Joshua Tree more than any other preserve. If time is tight, the park is fine for a driving tour, though traffic may slow you down during peak summer and holiday weeks. But if you’ve wisely reserved ample time (at least one full day is best), take your pick of activities to engage with the landscape, be it camping (reserve ahead of time), climbing, horseback riding, birding, biking, wildflower viewing, or geology touring.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Arrow

A Palm Springs visit seems incomplete without a tram ride up the slope of Mount San Jacinto. Opened in 1963 and modernized in the year 2000, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ascends about 2.5 miles in 10 minutes, from the valley to the cliffside Mountain Station. Up at 8,516 feet, you can soak in the views from observation decks, Peaks Restaurant, Pines Café, the Lookout Lounge (with full bar), picnic areas, or along more than 50 miles of hiking trails accessed from the lofty station. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can join weekend guided nature walks along two easy trails (led by volunteers twice daily); and there are a limited number of campgrounds within the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness Area. In winter, come for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with equipment rentals at the Winter Adventure Center; or you can bring your own sled.

Melvyn's Arrow

Beyond the entrance to the Ingleside Inn, itself a Palm Springs local landmark, you’ll spot the iconic arched awning of Melvyn's. Enter to find a classic dining room, the kind Frank Sinatra liked, with white tablecloths, bow-tied servers, and furnishings comfy enough to keep you around all evening. It's a romantic place for a date, and it's romantic in that old-timey way, with atmospheric coolness and debonair charm. Solo time here is fine too for an evening at the Casablanca Lounge, where nightly live jazz and piano music complements the velvety-smooth ambience. That mid-century sensation infuses the Palm Springs air, and even though Melvyn’s opening in 1975, its vibes suit the contextual mod tempo. Come here to time-travel in spirit and to taste what made fine-dining restaurants famous once upon a time—and what’s made Melvyn’s a nouveau-classic institution for our own era.

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis Arrow

Fifteen minutes northeast of downtown Palm Springs is the hamlet of Desert Hot Springs, whose name makes the top attraction clear. Among the handful of natural mineral spring spa -hotels here is the Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis, new to the scene in 2021 after a full overhaul of an older property. Compared with larger resort-spas in the vicinity, Azure’s more relaxed, personal vibes stand out. There are 40 hotel rooms, but the day-spa experience (available 8am to 8pm) delivers the right dose of tranquility without an overnight stay, with good rates that are discounted with a spa treatment or day package. Plan ample time before or after a treatment to make good use of the luxurious hot springs here, since this town’s world-famous mineral water is really the essence of your visit. Azure’s modest desert site is surrounded by mountains, and its magic conjures a sense of connection to the landscape, the unending sky, and the free-flowing natural hot mineral water. Soak it all up.

Sunnylands Center & Gardens Arrow

It’s an expansive desert art garden, art-exhibition center, and historic home where Queen Elizabeth II once stayed (among countless other luminaries). Such a marvelous property inspires a feeling of time travel into a place where privilege was the lifestyle. Gardens are landscaped with care to each detail, walking paths invite quiet strolls, and exhibits reveal splendid treasures. The house itself is a masterpiece of mid-century-modern architecture and interior design, earning it historic-site designation in 1990. There’s much to learn about art and late 20th-century diplomacy here. Or you can just wander and ponder the beauty brought about by the Annenbergs, whose private estate featured 13 man-made lakes, three guest cottages, and a nine-hole golf course. The couple’s art collection included original works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Wyeth, and Monet; and though they’re mostly loaned to museums these days, at Sunnyland you'll still find perfect replicas.

Hermann Bungalows Arrow

This is the place for ultimate Palm Springs mid-century luxury, designed with the most sumptuous details and suited for the natural landscape—including prime poolside San Jacinto Mountain views. It's also an uncommon experience: a resort within a resort. One is luxury while the other is “ultra-luxury.” The latter is Hermann Bungalows, a uniquely chic 24-suite lodge opened by designer-hotelier Steve Hermann in 2022. It’s adjacent to L’Horizon Resort & Spa (25 rooms), which Hermann opened in 2015 after a $10 million renovation of an existing mid-century property. Bungalow guests enter through L’Horizon’s lobby to reach their own fully contained hotel , whose design inspiration is rooted in the mid-century-modernism architecture of Richard Nuetra. Guests can stay in the privacy of the Hermann Bungalows, or access all of the amenities of L’Horizon Resort, including its pool, the Spa, and the elegant SO.PA restaurant.

21 Best Things To Do In Palm Springs, California (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Looking for all the best attractions in the Golf Capital of the World? Our guide with all the best things to do in Palm Springs is all you need!

Welcoming Hollywood stars since the 1920s, Palm Springs, California , is a notoriously well-known resort destination in Southern California .

The playground for movie stars and celebrities, the city is prevalent with history, world-class golf courses, fine-dining restaurants, eclectic shops, natural hot springs, palm tree gardens, and beautiful landscapes.

Combined with the perfect sunny weather year-round, all these attributes have transformed the Palm Springs area into the ideal vacation spot. 

Palm Springs blends art, nature, cuisine, and culture into the perfect melting pot of attractions drawing in visitors from all over the world. The city is teeming with mid-century architecture, many of which have been designed by famed architects like John Lautner and Donald Wexler.

And riding the Aerial Tramway through the famed Coachella Valley Preserve offers the opportunity to see the natural architecture of the surrounding cacti-filled desert and the mountain-dotted valley of Palm Springs. 

From hiking the historic Indian Canyons to going on a jeep tour through the mountains, check out our carefully curated list of the best things to do in the Palm Springs area!

Table of Contents

1) Explore Downtown Palm Springs

2) scour the collection at palm springs art museum , 3) hitch a scenic ride up the palm springs aerial tramway , 4) peer at intriguing rock formations at joshua tree national park , 5) ride on a vintage warbird at the palm springs air museum , 6) visit the natural hot springs in san bernardino national forest, 7) stroll down the famous palm springs walk of stars, 8) grab house-roasted coffee & souvenirs on palm canyon drive, 9) learn the local culture & history at the agua caliente cultural museum, 10) visit the famous coachella valley preserve , 11) adventure the historic indian canyons, 12) start your trip off at the palm springs visitor center, 13) travel in the shade of thousand palms oasis preserve, 14) have a family day at the living desert zoo & gardens, 15) stroll through the desert oasis of the moorten botanical gardens, 16) trek to the peak of the san jacinto mountains, 17) scour the historic palm springs architecture and design center , 18) take a historic hike on the tahquitz canyon trail, 19) step back into the swinging 60s at the purple room supper club, 20) join an exclusive private tour through the san gorgonio pass wind farm, 21) test your luck at the agua caliente resort casino spa rancho mirage, best hostel in palm springs, best mid-range hotel in palm springs, best luxury hotel in palm springs, the best things to do in palm springs, california.

Are you looking for what to do in Palm Springs, California? Then you need to check out this list of the area’s top attractions, from exploring the social hub of downtown Palm Springs to hitching a ride on a vintage Warbird at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Palm Springs has it all! 

Downtown Palm Springs is a social hub full of restaurants, entertainment, shops, and other popular attractions framed by palm trees and boulevards. 

Head downtown on a Thursday for the Palm Springs VillageFest. Hosted year-round, every Thursday, the Palm Springs VillageFest closed down a quarter-mile of Palm Canyon Drive to host a night market and street fair teeming with booths of artists, food vendors, and more!

Enjoy some much-needed retail therapy at the numerous local boutiques and shops selling handmade goods, souvenirs, and high-quality products.

Head to Lolli & Pops for a sweet treat of curated boxes of caramel popcorn, chocolates, gummies, and other sweet treats.

There are plenty of offerings and activities to consider throughout downtown Palm Springs, like this legends and icons tour that visits the celebrity homes for more than 50 hours, including the home of Frank Sinatra. 

Founded in 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum homes a vast permanent collection of compelling art pieces. It is the most important cultural institution in the Coachella Valley and the only major art museum between Phoenix and Los Angeles.

The museum’s impressive collection of artwork showcases modern and contemporary art of the 19th to the 21st century, focusing on a range of cultures from Mesoamerican to Native American.

Within the museum is the Annenberg Theater, on the lower level, which offers performances and hostings of Broadway, opera, cabaret, and jazz. 

Sit in for an art class or lecture at the museum if you want to learn. Then, stroll the museum’s sculpture gardens and settle in for a meal at the cafe after peering at the museum’s impressive art collection. 

• Address: 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
• Hours: Thursdays 12 pm – 8 pm, Fri-Sun 10 am – 5 pm

Exploring more of southern CA? Check out our list of the best things to do in Los Angeles !

The largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, was opened in 1963. Its purpose was to form a method of transportation from the Coachella Valley floor to the top of San Jacinto Peak. 

The tramway traverses over two miles, with outlandishly gorgeous views of Chino Canyon and the wilderness beyond.

Sadly, the journey only lasts ten minutes, which can feel too short when wanting to bask in the scenery. During the trip, the tram car rotates to offer more picturesque views of the valley. 

Reaching the Mountain Station on top, visitors can sit down for a meal at the two restaurants, tour the natural history museum, and adventure hiking and horseback riding trails that extend over 50 miles, look out over the observation decks and visit the two educational documentary theaters. 

• Address : 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
• Hours: 10 am – 8 pm (Opens at 8 am on weekends)
• Cost: $29.95

The place where two deserts and two ecosystems meet, Joshua Tree National Park is named after the unique gnarly Joshua trees that sprinkle throughout the park. 

Joshua Tree National Park is well-known for its many sights, such as its rough desert landscape and rock formations. Arch Rock is one of the park’s famous formations, forming a natural arch that makes it a highly photographed spot.

Other intriguing features of the park include the Cholla Cactus Garden and sighting opportunities of native species such as the roadrunner and jackrabbit—and of course, the undeniably stunning sunsets backed by endless stretches of desert.

Dedicated to preserving World War II combat aircraft, the Palm Springs Air Museum uses top-class exhibitions to teach others the crucial role of aircraft, pilots, and American citizens in winning WWII. 

The Palm Springs Air Museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of flyable WWII airplanes, preserving and exhibiting other related artwork and artifacts. Having taken over 70 million people’s lives during World War II, the inclusion and power of aircraft drastically altered the course of history. 

The museum educates others on how aerial force empowered change in the war. Visitors can peer at vintage aircraft, a flyable B-17 bomber, join a flight simulator, and fly around the valley in a vintage warbird for a one-of-a-kind experience! 

• Address: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
• Hours: 10 am – 5 pm

Venturing over to the nearby city of San Diego? Here is our list of the best things to do when you get there!

Featuring the rugged mountain peaks of the San Bernadino Mountains, the San Bernardino National Forest has been a protected national forest for more than a hundred years. 

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the forest thanks to the enriching and prosperous landscape full of flora and fauna.

During winter time, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are all popular winter activities enjoyed through the winter wonderland of the San Bernardino National Forest.

The Deep Creek Hot Springs is another favored attraction, the natural hot spring featuring five main pools with ample space. 

These are only a small number of recreational activities at San Bernardino National Forest, the ultimate outdoor playground! 

The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is one of the world’s most famous sidewalks, boasting more than 400 names of favorite celebrities and personalities that have lived in the area.

A stroll down Palm Springs Walk of Stars includes sections of other top Palm Springs attractions like Tahquitz Canyon Way, Museum Drive, and Palm Canyon Drive. Some noteworthy people honored include pioneers, Presidents of the United States, humanitarians, and Medal of Honor recipients. 

• Address: 10 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

The main street downtown, Palm Canyon Drive, is hopping, with trendy shops and top-notch restaurants waiting to be explored. 

The byway winds through the low desert plain before hitting the palm tree-speckled downtown.

Ditch Starbucks and head to Koffi, serving up house-roasted coffee and an expansive lawn with backdrops of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Palm Canyon Drive also features historical structures like the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, the oldest intact civil structure in Palm Springs, and the Plaza Theatre, which premiered the 1930s classic Camille .

Read next: The Ultimate 3 Days In San Diego Itinerary

Dedicated to telling the Tribe’s artifacts and art collections, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum welcomes visitors to learn about the Cahuilla people’s true creation story. 

A cultural journey, the first exhibit highlights the Indian Canyons and the culturally and historically significant to the Tribe.

Next, the gallery displays an artistic expression of ceremonial practices and artifacts, such as ollas (clay vessels for food storage). Then, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum details how the Tribe changed and adapted.

Visitors will learn the cultural importance of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Springs, Séc-he while walking through the museum. And then, found in the last exhibition area, guests can peer at historically important archaeological artifacts, including metates and manos dating back to 8,000 years. 

• Address: 140 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
• Hours/Cost: Find more info on the website!

World-famous for hosting the country’s best music and arts festivals, the Coachella Valley Preserve draws in people from all over the world to experience celebrated musicians and artists. It is also home to some of the best Palm Springs activities and attractions.  

Within the preserve are Joshua Tree National Park, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and the Palm Springs Natural Hot Springs.

More than a few noteworthy desert hot springs in Coachella Valley Preserve System offer desirable healing properties for the ultimate rejuvenation.

This San Andreas open-air jeep tour includes an informational naturalist guide that explores the history, geology, animals, and plants of Coachella Valley Preserve. 

The ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Indian Canyons consists of the Chinho, Murray, Palm, Andreas, and Tahquitz Canyons. 

Long ago, the ancestors of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians settled in the area, developing communities in each of the canyons. The historic site presents traces of this, including irrigation ditches, reservoirs, rock art, and foundations. 

Each of the Indian Canyons offers exceptional opportunities to explore its landscape. First, hitch a horseback ride in Palm Canyon through rocky gorges and sprawling desert.

Then, join a ranger-led hike for an educational tour of ancient artifacts and cultural exhibits in Tahquitz Canyon. Or, consider this Indian Canyons hiking tour by jeep to discover the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Welcoming all who visit Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Visitor Center offers a wealth of information to learn more about this historic city. 

The center is located in the historic Albert Frey building, representing the mid-century modern architecture of Palm Springs.

For more information on the wealth of culture, history, and adventure in the city, like where to dine and play or to find some early or last-minute souvenirs, head to the local visitor center!

• Address: 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
• Hours: 10 am – 5pm

Heading up the California coast? Here is our list of the best things to do in San Francisco !

Featuring the palm trees that thrive in the hills of California, the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve is another one of the best things to do in Palm Springs.

Fed by groundwater pushing up the surface, the California fan palms, or Washingtonia filifera , flourish in the Southern California desert ecosystem. People looking for shade and solace come to bask under the drooping fronds.

The Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve boasts more than 25 miles of hiking trails traversing through desert landscapes, including canyons and dunes. And at McCallum Pond, surrounded by 150-year-old palms, you can rest surrounded by a canopy of palm fronds and desert. 

• Address: 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276, United States
• Hours: 7 am – 5 pm Wednesday – Sunday

Drawing in more than half a million visitors annually, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens specialize in desserts and the species that live in them. 

With over 500 species of animals, including mountain lions, warthogs, and Peninsular pronghorn, the zoo is perfect for a family day in Palm Desert.

Feed giraffes, the tallest mammal in the world. Head to the botanical garden, presenting replicas of deserts such as Madagascar and Baja California’s Vizcaino Desert. Hike the zoo’s natural trails or take the shuttle to the Wildlife Hospital to observe the zoo’s conservation efforts. 

• Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States
• Hours: 8 am – 5pm

The Moorten Botanical Garden is a family-owned garden transformed from a residence estate into a living museum and desert paradise of cacti, fossils, and crystals. 

Opened in 1938, the garden has long been established as the best of its kind, featuring special exhibitions of rare plants called “The World’s First Cactarium.” From big to small, more than 3000 species of desert plants scour the gardens in concentrated habitats settled along a nature trail.

The Cactus Castle, the Moorten family’s Mediterranean-style home, is one of the biggest noteworthy attractions here. Located in the Palm Grove Oasis, the Cactus Castle is a haven, exuding a tranquil charm in the desert beauty of the Moorten Botanical Garden.

• Address: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
• Hours: 10 am – 4 pm (Closed Wednesdays)

In San Jacinto State Park you’ll find the San Jacinto Mountains and some of the most picturesque desert landscapes ever seen. 

Within the park are camping options and hiking trails available to visitors desiring a rewarding adventure of San Jacinto State Park.

Trek the national scenic route surrounded by palm oases and snow-capped mountains. The hike to the top of Mount San Jacinto Peak is challenging on the Deer Springs Trail, but it’s one of the most breathtaking hikes in all of Southern California. 

The Palm Springs Art Museum also hosts an Architecture and Design Center in downtown Palm Springs is renowned for its modern mid-century structure, established by the prominent architect E. Steward Williams. 

Recently designated a Class I Historic Site, the glass pavilion’s ground floor displays a variety of design and architecture exhibitions.

Through the museums are floor-to-ceiling windows that present outstanding views of downtown Palm Springs and the San Jacinto Mountains while scouring the natural science exhibitions, including Cahuilla Indian artifacts.

Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center’s museum store is located in the original bank vault of the former Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan Association. 

• Address: 300 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
• Hours: Thursdays 12 pm – 8 pm, Fri-Sun 10 am – 5pm

This two-mile loop in the historic Tahquitz Canyon leads to the 50-foot plus Tahquitz Falls. The falls are the perfect example of a natural desert oasis, with natural-formed stone stairs that lead the trail up to the falls. 

The Tahquitz Canyon Trail is minutes from downtown, beginning at the visitor center. At the center, visitors can view intriguing artifacts, peer out at the stunning views on the observation deck, and then watch a short film on local folklore and history in the theater room before heading out on the trail. 

The canyon is owned by the Agua Caliente Band of the Cahuilla Indians, home to more than 5,000 years of history connected to the tribe.

As a result, the Tahquitz Canyon Trail has multiple pinpointed points of interest to look out for, including a hefty sacred rock featuring ancient paintings. 

Looking for more epic hiking destinations in California? Check out our list of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe !

The old-school Purple Room Supper Club is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs, its enchanting ambiance resurrecting the glamor of the Rat Pack era.

Located in the Club Trinidad Hotel, Purple Room Supper Club is the premier supper club in the desert, welcoming guests to hop into the vitality of the swinging 60s.

Famous for its celebrity sightings, stepping into the supper club, guests will sink into an intimate yet inviting atmosphere paired with world-class cuisine, live entertainment, and classic cocktails. 

• Address: 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
• Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 6 pm – 10 pm Fri/Sat, 5 pm – 9 pm Sundays, Closed Mondays

One of three major wind farms in California, the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm is a special place to stop in Palm Springs.

As one of the best things to do in Palm Springs, the notorious sight of thousands of giant windmills effortlessly sifting through the wind, the windmills are settled within a natural wind tunnel in the San Gorgonio Pass, between Southern California’s two highest mountains. 

Opening in 1982, the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm was the first windmill farm in Southern California dedicated to providing clean energy.

Reaching its 40th anniversary, the windmill farm opened a new exhibit devoted to its history as the first in Southern California.

San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm is also the windmill farm in the United States to offer in-depth tours throughout the private wind farm, making it a trendy tourist attraction in Palm Springs. 

Setting the standard for luxury, the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage boasts award-winning casino flour, a five-star spa, and its renowned hotel. It’s one of the top-rated greater Palm Springs resorts!

Relax into luxury at the resort’s multi-award-winning five-star Sunstone Spa, named the sole Forbes Five-Star Spa Casino in California. Whether it be a halotherapy, massage, or facial session, you can bask in sublime rejuvenation enriched with healing energy at the spa. 

Test your luck at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho’s casino featuring high-limit gaming, table games, video poker machines, and the hottest slots for exceptional gaming opportunities.

Afterward, dine at The Steakhouse, an award-winning restaurant delivering mouth-watering culinary creations to splurge on the art of cuisine. 

Where to Stay in Palm Springs, California

Now that you know the best things to do in Palm Springs, let’s check out the best places to stay! From a cheap hostel to a luxurious Palm Springs resort, there are options for every budget.

Offering free private parking and WiFi, Crashpod Hostel is less than ten minutes from the Palm Springs Visitor Center and Escena Golf Club. Guests have access to a shared lounge, bathroom, and kitchen, with the benefits of an a la carte breakfast every morning. 

Providing everything you’ll ever need for an exemplary stay, Travelodge by Wyndham Palm Springs is near all of the top Palm Springs attractions.

Access to the local hiking trails, downtown’s top shopping and dining options, luxurious spas, and world-class golf courses is within easy reach of the hotel. 

Located near downtown Palm Springs, The Paloma Resort offers a superior setting featuring historic mid-century bungalows and stunning mountain backdrops. First, sit down for Spanish-inspired tapas in a historic mission Adobe restaurant, Sol y Sombra .

Then, bask in the vibrant personalities of the resort’s desert-inspired bungalows and suites, capturing the unique essence of Coachella Valley. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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This is a fantastic guide. It lists some of my favorite things to do on the weekend here. This was a great read. Thank you

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11 of the best things to do in and around Palm Springs

Nov 17, 2021 • 7 min read

From following local hiking trails through landscapes, to getting nude at a resort, here are the top things to do in and around Palm Springs © constantgardener / Getty Images

While deserts may be more closely associated with barren, dry characteristics, Palm Springs and the broader Coachella Valley are flush with things to do. In recent years, the region has attracted far more than retirees and Coachella fans.

Whether you’re wanting to slow down and unplug with a rejuvenating sound bath or race something fast, southern California ’s Palm Springs and surrounding cities have got you covered. 

1. Hike through culturally rich desert canyons

Explorers of all levels will find a trail to love in culturally significant Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyons . Indian Canyons has more than 60 miles of walking and hiking trails that include encounters with native plants like honey mesquite and yucca (once used by the Cahuilla Indians— the region’s original inhabitants — for food, medicine, and dyes). Tahquitz Canyon features a strenuous hike to get to a 60ft-tall waterfall. There’s room to picnic, meditate, and ride horses, too.

Daily admission fees range from $7–15, and daily interpretive hikes led by park rangers depart from the visitors' centers.

2. Unplug with a sound bath at the Integratron

Tap into resonant, live sounds of quartz crystal singing bowls while sprawled face up in the acoustically impressive, dome-like structure of the Integratron . The wooden dome was built in Landers in 1958 by George Van Tassel using the joinery technique – without nails or screws – and features views of the desert from its windows. Supposedly, the structure also sits at the center of geomagnetic vortices.

Van Tassel believed in the metaphysical and built Integratron as an attempt to extend human life. These days, the dome is owned by three sisters. Their Sound Bath experience attracts curious and enthusiastic folks chasing relaxation and reflection most Thursdays through Sundays – head here for a brief pause to your frantic daily realities. 

3. Book a Warbird flight at Palm Springs Air Museum

Reserve a seat on WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War–era aircraft at Palm Springs Air Museum . The museum is arranged across four hangars, and many of its docents once flew the planes exhibited there, including the B-17 multi-engine combat plane and C-47 Skytrain used in military transport.

Palm Springs’ aviation history includes Palm Springs International Airport’s former life as an airbase. During WWII it was used for military training and aircraft maintenance before it was sold to the city following the war.

4. Buckle up at the BMW Performance Center

If you prefer your machinery on land, head to BMW Performance Center in Thermal. Its driving experiences range from two hours to full-day group or private instruction and time on the track. The Performance Drive experience gets you behind the wheel of several vehicles, such as the X and M series, to navigate tight corners and zippy straightaways, plus an opportunity for an accelerated lap with an instructor – drifting included.

5. Explore a desert-wide outdoor art exhibition 

Local and international artists use the Coachella Valley’s desert landscape as inspiration to create oftentimes large-scale works as part of the biennial outdoor art experience Desert X  — from billboards to a completely mirrored ranch-style house, plus towering cubes fashioned out of yellow plastic water gallons. These commissioned pieces aim to challenge our past and future possibilities across universal themes like climate change and the interpretation of home.

Most of the dozen or so installations are free, and typically on display between February through May.

6. Cruise up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Ascend 8500ft in a rotating tram car to the top of Mount San Jacinto via Palm Springs Aerial Tramway , which claims to have the world’s largest rotating tramcars. From above, check out expansive desert views and walk or hike more than 50 miles of trails. 

The ride takes 10 minutes, travels 2.5 miles and temps drop nearly 30°F compared to the valley floor. Looking for snow? During winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow camping (permit required) are possible.

7. Stay at a clothing-optional resort 

When it comes to public nudity, American culture skews more conservative than others, which makes clothing-optional hotels and resorts that much more of a novelty. Palm Springs is well-known among the naturist community and is home to a number of clothing-optional boutique hotels and resorts. For example, Desert Sun Resort hosts three swimming pools, a tennis court, a full spa, fire pit areas, and a restaurant. Its original building was constructed in 1943 by actor Errol Flynn. Other options include Tuscany Manor , which opened in 2019, and Desert Paradise Resort for gay men located in Warm Sands neighborhood.

These secluded retreats (both clothed and clothing-optional) became a go-to for the Hollywood crowd in the 1950s, where actors could escape without breaching their studio contracts, which often prohibited travel more than 100 miles from Hollywood without permission. Palm Springs clocks in at 99 miles from Hollywood. 

8. Explore desert tiki culture

America’s tiki (a Maori word for a carved figure) culture dates back to the 19th century. The rise of vaguely Polynesian-themed bars encompasses an exaggerated perspective of Oceania that became an escape for Depression-era Americans following WWII, especially among US soldiers returning home from the South Pacific.

And while the movement isn’t without criticism of cultural appropriation, Palm Springs establishments such as  Bootlegger Tiki , Tonga Hut , and Toucans Tiki Lounge and Cabaret  – that also offers weekly drag shows – celebrate the cultural phenomenon with kitsch and tropical layered-rum drinks (though rum was originally a Caribbean thing).

9. Party at Palm Springs Pride

What began as the LGBTIQ+ community's nationwide organization for social equality and acceptance during the AIDS epidemic during the 1980s and '90s has grown to one of the most widely recognized celebrations around the world. 

Palm Springs’ Pride is no exception. Its initial iterations began as song and dance performances as part of the “Sizzle” event at the Riviera Hotel. Now in the fall revelers can expect a full week packed with a parade, parties, and events from a golf tournament to rainbow art installations, and a children’s garden hosting arts, crafts, and games.

Similarly, Dinah Shore Weekend is arguably the world’s largest lesbian and queer women event. The music festival began in the early '90s and has since hosted a number of famous musical acts like Salt-N-Pepa, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. It’s also held in the fall.

If you’re planning travel in the fall, book accommodations well ahead and expect to make restaurant reservations as well.

10. Feed giraffes at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Feed a towering, gentle giraffe, observe zebras, jaguars and more at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. Its Rhino Savanna habitat is expected to open in 2022, which will include space for two African black rhinos, antelope, and a variety of birds across four acres. Parking is free, and the last admission is at 1pm during summer months, and 4pm all other months.

The zoo’s partnership with KultureCity offers resources for guests with sensory needs such as bags filled with fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and weighted lap pads. “Headphone Zone” and “Quiet Zone” areas are also located throughout. The Zoo requests a two-week notice for guests who require extra accessibility. 

11. Get yourself in hot water at Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza 

When it opens, visitors to Downtown Palm Springs will have more opportunities to experience indigenous history and culture at Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza . Relax at The Spa at Séc-he (meaning boiling water), where geothermally heated water from nearby, magnesium-rich Agua Caliente Hot Spring is pumped in for various treatments. These waters have collected underground for more than 12,000 years and were originally used by the Cahuilla Indians for bathing, healing, and communicating with spirits. 

A 48,000-sq-ft museum will also house cultural artifacts, an art gallery, education center and garden. The Plaza is still under construction and expected to open in 2022.

You might also like: Why winter brings out the best in Palm Springs    The best neighborhoods in Palm Springs for foodies, architecture lovers and shoppers    Explore Southern California on these top 5 day trips from Palm Springs   

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The 12 best things to do in Palm Springs

The best things to do in Palm Springs bring sunshine, serenity and exploration together, with the occasional dinosaur

Easily the most jet-setting desert oasis around,  Palm Springs sprouted into a resort destination in the early 20th century. Ever since, the California city has been beckoning visitors with its arid landscape, golf courses, handsome mid-century vacation homes and increasingly excellent restaurant scene.

While many will devote their entire stay to simply lounging by hotel pools (make no mistake, we encourage doing plenty of that), there are indeed other things to do in Palm Springs. The area also caters to the adventurous and energetic, especially winter and springtime hikers looking for opportunities to get up into the mountains or explore craggy desert rock formations.

Seasonally, it becomes the epicenter of cool during Coachella and hosts highlights like the design-focused Modernism Week. The scorching heat keeps things pretty quiet in the summer, but no matter the time of year you can embark on historic home tours, visit botanical gardens and maybe even see some snow on a one-of-a-kind tram ride.

RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Palm Springs 🏨 The best hotels in Palm Springs 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Palm Springs 🌴 The ultimate guide to California

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What to do in Palm Springs

1.  Take a ride aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Most of Palm Springs’ postcard-worthy views are from poolside, looking up towards the mountains. But if you want the ultimate view? It’s obviously the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway , a huge rotating gondola ride (the largest of its kind in the world) built in 1963 that connects the Coachella Valley with San Jacinto Peak. Jump on the tramway and—after about 10 minutes and a double-digit temeprature drop—stop off for lunch at the top of the mountain, or use it as transport to get you deep into the hills for a magnificent hike. Wait times can easily top out at a few hours during peak season, so secure a reservation in advance.

2.  Hike to a desert waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon

Flowing water in the middle of the desert? Indeed, this two-mile loop leads to a 50-foot waterfall tucked into Tahquitz Canyon . The falls are located within the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation, so you’ll need to pay an admission fee. On the plus side, the cost keeps the trail impeccably maintained, unlike the sometimes-trash-and-graffiti-filled  waterfalls  in nearby Los Angeles. Ranger-led hikes are also available.

3.  Explore art galleries and shops along Palm Canyon Drive

You can barely walk a block along Palm Canyon Drive without stumbling upon an eye-catching gallery, antique or furniture showroom. Palm Springs and mid-century modernism go hand in hand, and you’ll find plenty of galleries (notably a showroom from retro-inspired artist SHAG) and furniture stores dedicated to the jet-setting aesthetic. The northern stretch of the street is a bit more design-forward than the touristy but highly walkable downtown section to the south.

4.  See paintings at the Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum  houses a vast collection of contemporary art—from paintings to glass and sculpture—but often with a desert theme. You’ll find pieces of Native American art and Modernism, plus plenty of others inspired by the American West, laid out in a stone-colored complex on the edge of town. There’s an architecture-focused sister site a few blocks away in the middle of downtown, plus occasional access to the stunning Frey House II .

5.  Take a day trip to Joshua Tree

Craggy peaks, climbable boulders and those beloved yuccas are barely an hour’s car ride away. Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for overnight campers, but you can explore plenty in a single afternoon, from an easygoing hike around Hidden Valley to vistas from 5,000 feet up at Keys View. If you’re coming from Palm Springs, you’ll want to enter from the northwest entrance in Joshua Tree; if you’re staying farther east into the Coachella Valley, you can use the south gate, but it’ll put you—for better or worse—in a more desolate area that’s farther from the park’s main attractions.

6.  Plan your stay at the handsome Palm Springs Visitors Center

Even if you don’t need any information from the official Palm Springs welcome center , this distinctive spot is worth a stop to admire its treasured architecture; the Space Age structure opened in 1965 as a gas station, but when Albert Frey and Robson Chambers’s retro design was slated for the wrecking ball in the ’90s, it was saved and turned into a visitors’ center. If you need some guidance, you can  book a tour of Palm Springs right here .

7.  Fly on a warbird at the Palm Springs Air Museum

This air museum primarily showcases World War II and combat aircraft from the wars in Korea and Vietnam. You’ll find more than 40 flyable and static planes across three warehouses, from the B-17 flying fortress to the F-4 fighter jet, and a couple of aircraft on the tarmac, like the C-47 and PBY Catalina Flying Boat. The museum also offers limited high-priced flights aboard a half-dozen warbirds, including the C-47 Skytrain and P-51 Mustang.

8.  Pick up a plant at the Moorten Botanical Garden

Though only an acre in size, this botanical garden is packed with prickly varieties of cacti and other desert plants. The family-owned park dates back to the 1930s and harbors more than 3,000 specimens of desert plants from around the world, grouped by region. There’s also a nursery if you want to take some plants back home with you—a  lively  souvenir if you ask us.

9.  Feed the giraffes at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

True to its name, this zoo looks just like a living slice of the Sonoran Desert. Located a couple of miles outside Palm Springs, the primarily outdoor locale is broadly split into North American and African environments. Explore the grounds to find an assortment of wild cats and hoofed mammals. You can also feed the giraffes, which is an experience and a half.

10.  Take a stroll around Sunnylands Center & Gardens

Sunnylands (the former winter retreat for the wealthy Annenberg family and a popular summit space for decades of U.S. Presidents) resides on a 200-acre plot of irrigated desert in Rancho Mirage. A nine-hole golf course occupies most of that space, but 12 acres are dedicated to public gardens and a visitor center with a rotating selection of artwork from the Annenberg collection. Tours of the mansion are available but regularly sell out months in advance. Sunnylands is closed between June and September.

11.  Admire the remarkable residential architecture across Palm Springs

Palm Springs is brimming with gorgeous mid-century modern homes. Remember that most of these are private abodes, so you can’t exactly knock on the front door. But cruise around some notable neighborhoods, from Tennis Club to Araby Cove, and you’ll spot plenty of architectural gems along the way. Highlights include the  Del Marcos Hotel and the Edris House.

12.  Pose in front of the Cabazon Dinosaurs

The 100-ton Brontosaurus and T. Rex sculptures once beckoned motorists on their way to Palm Springs to a 24-hour diner. Today, they guard the entrance to a  very   kitsch dino museum  (and a familiar landmark for Pee-wee’s Big Adventure fans). At the very least, pose for a photo with Mr. Rex and walk into the gift shop housed inside Dinny the Brontosaurus’s belly—but maybe consider saving some cash for a delicious date shake at nearby Hadley Fruit Orchards instead.

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40 Best Things To Do In Palm Springs, California

best things to do in Palm Springs, California

First things first: you’ve come to Palm Springs for the heat. You’ve come to feel the warm touch of winter (or fall or spring. Summer in Palm Springs can be a bit much) against your skin as you slowly slide into a hotel pool, feet-first. When your knees hit the cool water and you look up at the blazing sun and ragged peaks and mid-century modern facades, the stress of tight deadlines, strained meetings, and rush hour madness starts to melt away. 

Once you’re at ease (and a little caffeine has entered your system), you start to, little by little, unravel the other reasons why Palm Springs is so captivating. Palm Springs is a place where you can be yourself without judgment. Those insecurities you have? You start to see them as perfect little imperfections. Palm Springs is a place that teaches self-love (and it practices what it preaches). If you live here, you already know that. 

From chic, stylish boutiques to classy museums to flat, futurist houses to stunning hikes to self-guided driving tours, here is Passport To Eden’s guide to the best things to do in Palm Springs, California.

Disclosure:   Heads up, this post contains affiliate links, which means Passport To Eden may get a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make an online purchase. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything. We still love that you’re here, reading our content (side note: we suggest getting a coffee or tea first because our blog posts tend to be long). You can read our full affiliate disclosure here to find out more.

Table of Contents

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

September, 1963. The Rolling Stones kicked off their first concert tour at the New Victoria Theatre in London. The Judy Garland Show premeried on CBS. And Francis Crocker, a stocky, bright-eyed man with a wisp of hair and a head-in-the-clouds dream of building a tramway up to the San Jacinto Mountains, saw his vision become a reality. It took a while, almost thirty years. The tramway was a big, hefty, almost impossible-seeming project. Choppers were involved. So were politicians who paused and started and paused and started progress.

Decades later, the tram cars was modernized – they rotate now! And since its inception, over 20 million people have hopped aboard and looked out the window, admiring the rough, craggy downslope of Chino Canyon.

Given the Aerial Tramway’s sheer volume of visitors, it’s no surprise that gliding up to the cool, brisk air of the San Jacinto Mountains is one of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs. The ride clocks in at just fifteen minutes . It stretches two-and-half miles . It takes you to a pair of restaurants, two small-screen theaters, a sketch of a museum, a gift shop, hiking trails (start with the easy, three-fourth-of-a-mile, scenic loop trail), and a few observation decks.

If you have a fear of heights (don’t worry, you’re not alone. I do too), skip the upper observation decks and slip past the doors of Cascade Cafe instead. Head onto Cascade Patio, a lower-level lookout area , where you can watch the large, looming tramway swing behind cliffs in a blink. There’s a small spit of a trail here too and a slow, trickling waterfall (Johnson Falls). It’s a place where you’ll hear the excited chatter of tourists, patiently waiting for the tram, rise and fall in Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, French, and German.

Travel Tip: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the most popular attractions in Palm Springs. It can easily take a whole day to see (especially if you include the wait time). Go right when it opens (8 AM on weekends, 10 AM on weekdays) for the best experience (the parking lot gets full quick). This way, you can come back down before lunch and hit up one of the restaurants on Palm Canyon Drive.

General Info

ADDRESS: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: $29.95 Per Person

Palm Springs Architecture Tour

Palm Springs is a Mid-Century Modern mecca . It has one of the largest (if not the largest) concentrations of Mid-century modern architecture in the United States. You’ll find aggressively angular , asymmetrical homes dappled in light. These homes are small and flat and low to the ground. They’re minimal and unintrusive. Outside of Mid-Mod neighborhoods, you probably won’t notice their existence.

But in Palm Springs, you do take notice. You have to. Mid-Mod is inescapable . It’s part of Palm Spring’s fabric and framework.

William Krisel, one of the original pioneers of Mid-Century Modern architecture and a man best known for making Mid-Mod more accessible and affordable, said it best: “The people of Palm Springs live the MCM experience – devoid of historic style – a change in the way one lives. They have embraced the innovative integration of progressive design – a new dialog [ source ].”

Each year Palm Springs hosts Modernism Week, an eleven-day architecture festival pumped up with walking tours: home tours, estate tours, subdivision tours. If you’re a design buff, Modernism Week is probably the best time to visit Palm Springs (the number of attractions in Palm Springs swells up to an un-doable amount). It’s fun and intense. And if you can’t make it, that’s okay. You can always take the self-guided approach (casually driving through Racquet Club Estates, Vista Las Palmas, and Indian Canyons ). Here’s a quick lowdown on what to see:

Palm Springs Visitors Center

Former Enco gas station with a hyperbolic paraboloid roof. Designed by Robson C. Chamber and Albert Frey.

Palm Springs City Hall

Brise Soleil aluminum shaded civic building with a palm-spiked, hole-punched portico. Designed in 1952 by Albert Frey.

Saint Theresa Catholic Church

Dramatically curved, light-streaked church designed, down to its pews, by William Francis Cody.

Bank Of America Building

Thick-walled, cartoonishly styled former City Bank designed by Rudy Baumfield of Victor Gruen and Associates. Inspired by Corbusier’s Chapel in France.

Kaufmann House

Desert retreat. Built in 1946 by well-known Austrian-American architect Richard Neutra. Peak SoCal architecture.

Morse House

Set in an area known for its Alexander Construction Company Homes. Upgraded by Harold Levitt into a Hollywood-worthy Mid-Mod entertainment residence.

My Favorite Palm Springs Architecture Travel Guides:

• The Dark Side Of Instagram’s Favorite Door by Alexandra Marvar
• In-Depth Mid-Century Architecture Self-Guided Tour by Randy Garner and Ken Lyon
• The Only Palm Springs Architecture Guide You Will Ever Need by Erin Mitchell

ADDRESS: 2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: FREE

Celebrity Home Tour

Palm Springs is a celebrity magnet. Frank Sinatra commissioned a swish home here in the 1940s. It was supposed to be a Georgian, but that’s a tough ask in the California Desert (so Mid-Mod it was). Later, rumors surfaced that Marilyn Monroe stayed on Rose Avenue in the early 1960s . And it’s been confirmed that on a warm, spring day in 1967, Elvis and Priscilla Presley sunk into their honeymoon house in Palm Springs (just next door to Marilyn’s former residence). Leonardo DiCaprio? He’s here too (sometimes). He’s the one with a cocktail bar, swimming pool, and room for a pony (read in Hyacinth Bucket’s voice).

You can drive by all these homes, but you won’t see much of each of them . They’re hidden behind palms and uphills and gates and walls. So let go of any expectations, relax, and just enjoy the drive, which snakes through Mid-Mod neighborhoods and winds past oddball, Jetsons-like residences.

Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

Funky, spacey-looking structure dubbed “The House Of Tomorrow.” Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent a night here in 1967.

Marilyn Monroe House

Designed by Charles Dubois, who is better known for his A-frame Swiss Miss homes. Luxurious, retro residence where Monroe is said to have stayed between 1960 and 1961.

Dinah Shore House

A secluded private property originally built for actress and singer Dinah Shore by Donald Wexler, a prominent Palm Springs architect famous for his steel structures. Now owned by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Twin Palms Estate

Movie Colony Mid-Mod home designed by E. Stewart Williams, commissioned by Frank Sinatra. Sinatra walked into the office, in May of 1947, ice cream in one hand, and said “I want to build a house and I want it done by Christmas.”

ADDRESS: 1350 Ladera Cir, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Canyon Drive is the face of Palm Springs. It’s a road you’ll find yourself on over and over again, day after day, night after night. It’s a road you’ll slowly memorize as you stop by for everything : quick cups of morning coffee, rushed orders of lunch, monstrously sized date shakes, mid-day art walks, sculpture spotting sessions, upscale shopping sprees, and Thursday evenings out.

The main drag is a beautiful walking area . A few buildings have given into a warmer, Menton-like color scheme: buttery yellows, paled-out salmons, light ciders. But for the most part, Palm Canyon Drive is a bright white, blue-slapped, clay-roofed business-filled lane , sided by sun-dimpled, palm-stippled walkways.

Palm Springs Walk Of Stars

Right on those walkways, you’ll find The Palm Springs Walk Of Stars . This is where most of Palm Springs’ 400-plus Hollywood-style bright pink plaques reside (though a few live on Tahquitz Canyon Way too). You’ll see lots of lesser-known names – names of humanitarians, athletes, and pioneers. You’ll see fewer recognizable names: Truman Capote, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren (you can find a full listing of inductees, with addresses, here ). You’ll see names that are tied and tethered to Palm Springs .

Plaza Theatre

The first word that might spring to mind when you think of Plaza Theatre is charming . The second, quaint . The third, historic . Plaza Theatre is all of those things. It’s one of the most recognizable buildings on Palm Canyon Drive – large, broody, white. There’s a tall, thin, key-shaped THEATRE sign out front, announcing the Plaza’s entrance.

The theatre itself dates back to 1936 . Back then, it was a place to see movie premieres (starting with Greta Garbo’s and Robert Taylor’s Camille). It continued to be that place – that place of openings and showings – for a long time. Then, for over two decades, between the 1990s and 2010s, the theater was given new life by The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies, a vibrant, long-running musical show directed by Riff Markowitz. If I told you most of the cast was in their 70s and 80s (and the young ones were in their 50s), you probably wouldn’t believe me. But it’s true. The cast of The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies was older – they were parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

The Follies left in 2014, signaling the end of an era. Since then, The Plaza Theatre has been trying to find its place in Palm Springs. Today, it’s in the midst of a donor-backed restoration, but I still recommend stopping by and checking the events schedule .

ADDRESS: 128 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Flannery Exchange

I visit Flannery Exchange on a tired Monday. It’s a warm morning; Palm Springs teeters at 80 degrees. I’ve been in a work slump these past few days, too brain-dead to think and too brain-dead to type. But Flannery Exchange proves to be a slow cure for writer’s block.

Flannery Exchange is a mixed-use space in Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District . It’s a former bank, a coworking center, and an event lounge with a rooftop deck (that faces the mountains head-on). There’s a cafe on the lower floor too. It’s small and chic and picture-perfect. The doors that lead in later lead out to a turfed patio shaded by black tarps and a black overhang. Small, night-lit bulbs are woven above umbrellas. They’ll add a soft glow later, but right now, they’re not needed. Light spills everywhere , even through crooked branches and Papel Picado streamers. It spills onto laptops and smartphones fished out of bags. All the school calls and zoom calls and personal calls happening right now melt together into a single static buzz. The voices are loud; the music is louder. Flannery Exchange is one of the best places to work (or simply relax and read a book) in Palm Springs.

ADDRESS: 750 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Palm Springs Coffee Crawl

Flannery Exchange’s Cafe La Jefa isn’t the only coffeehouse in Palm Springs. There are others: Koffi, 4 Paws, Ernest, Gré, Cartel . Coffee in Palm Springs can be strong, so if you’re attempting a coffee crawl, go slow. Take it one day at a time. Having tried and tested every coffee house in Palm Springs (you can read our full Palm Springs coffee guide here ), here are my favorites: Koffi for their organic hot coffees (great-for-the-price and straight-to-the-point) and Cartel for their Coconut Caramel Lattes (CCL).

Travel Tip: If you’re in Indio, head to Everbloom for silky-smooth coffee infused with your choice of house-made syrup!

ADDRESS: 515 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: $$$

Isabelle sits suavely behind the Starbucks Reserve in Palm Springs. She is the vision of Julian Voss-Andreae, a German sculptor and former physicist (who researched Bohr-ish topics like the Wave-Particule Duality Of C 60 Molecules). Voss-Andreae’s works are a sum of parallel sheets, metal reams that shimmer and glimmer in the light. They’re dexterous designs that shift and shift and shift as you walk. Circle Isabelle and at some point, she starts to disappear . She fades like a ghost. She becomes a shadow of the full, bodied sculpture you saw just moments ago. Isabelle is the kind of model that makes you walk in circles, thinking and thinking and thinking how was this done .

ADDRESS:  In A Little Corridor Behind 101 S Palm Canyon Dr COST: FREE

Palm Springs Babies

I can’t look away. I want to, but I can’t. My mouth dries, my fists clench, my throat clamps. I thought I’d be prepared for this ( keep Austin weird , everyone), but I’m not. It’s a disconcerting scene : big, bumpy babies crawling helplessly in a prison-like pit. They have no eyes, no mouth, no ears. A bar code replaces their face. From afar, it looks like hoodies have been tightened around their heads like a noose. They say art is supposed to elicit an emotional reaction. And if that’s the definition, then Babies is art.

“Move along, hon,” a mum hurriedly turns her kid’s attention away from the depression in the ground. “There’s nothing to see here.”

“What the f-,” a man stops in his tracks. He’s just finished wink-winking beneath a 26-foot tall Marilyn Monroe statue and crossed over to see what the fuss is about. The smirk he had when he stood between her legs is erased. He’s repulsed. “What sick animal,” he stops again, spits, and stomps off.

Seeing David Cerny’s artwork is one of the strangest (perhaps, nightmare-ish) things to do in Palm Springs. His works are intentionally obscene . They’re meant to shock, to repulse, to defile. They are usually (if not, always) controversial. In Cerny’s own words, “I just enjoy pissing people off [ source ]”. But there’s more to Babies (which was first installed in Prague’s Žižkov Tower in 2000) than just that. These Babies are symbolic of dehumanization . These babies don’t have wholesome eyes and button noses and sweet smiles. They aren’t distinct. They aren’t individuals, in any sense of the word. Babies is art that makes you talk and art that makes you think. And for that reason alone (creep-factor aside), I’m including it on this list.

ADDRESS:  Museum Wy, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: FREE

Palm Springs Art Museum

Right across from the sand pit of Babies is a blockish, double-staired building: The Palm Springs Art Museum . The Palm Springs Art Museum is where zany, unconventional, experimental ideas find a home . The collection spans over 10000 objects (including Mark Bradford’s layered, collaged abstract Rat Catcher Of Hamelin IV and Zhan Wang’s illusory Artificial Rock ) scattered and spread over three floors . Even in the chaotic throes of Thursday evenings (when the museum cuts admission down to zero), it’s still easy to see each work – the black-and-white photographs, the bulges of color, the glimmering installations – one at a time, uninterrupted.

Travel Tip: If you’re craving more museum experiences in Palm Springs, head to the Palm Springs Architecture And Design Center, an oft-missed satellite branch of the Palm Springs Art Museum. And if you’re traveling to Palm Desert, don’t miss the Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden!

ADDRESS:  101 N Museum Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: $14 Per Adult, Free Thursdays (5PM – 7PM)

Love Letters

We love a good ol’ interactive art piece and Love Letters (designed by Maru Palmersheim) is just that. Squeeze into the space between “PS” and “Heart U” and you become the I. The sentence shifts, “PS I Heart U.” Its message rolls off the tongue nicely: Palm Springs I Love You. Or alternatively, P.S. I Love You (just like those old postcard sign-offs). Remove the I, and it’s still a nice turn of phrase: Palm Springs Loves You (which is true. Palm Springs is the kind of city that if shown love, loves you right back).

ADDRESS:  100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: FREE

The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five

Skip #thatpinkdoor and head to #thatpinkstore instead. It’s a long-halled mini-mall that leads in and out of aesthetic boutiques. Between a wall of hats and a room of rugs (stacked and draped Morroco-style), The Shops At Thirteen Forty Five feels effortlessly cool and chic and fashionable. It’s luxurious yet far from exclusive. Take a good look around and you might find patterned beach towels for under $50. Dive deeper and you might see catci candles for $15.

A Few Of Our Favorite Shops At Thirteen Forty Five:

• Soukie Modern : through its woven rugs and hand-crafted home decor, this collaboration between Kenya Knight and Taib Lotfi allows visitors to connect (just a little) to Marrakech.
• The Backyard PS: cute indoor-outdoor garden shop with garden books, plantings, and ceramic totems
• FOS Palm Springs : full-service interior designers (they also sell really funky white resin monkey lamps)
• Recapitate: very Mojave-style hats made by Todd Fink

ADDRESS:  1345 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: $$-$$$

Shopping In Palm Springs

Thirteen Forty-Five isn’t the only place to shop in Palm Springs. There are other boutiques, with stylish, inviting window displays , sprinkled over town. This is a city where indie stores thrive.

A few of our favorite shops in Palm Springs:

• Brandini Toffee : the free samples will lure you in. Inside, there’s toffee popcorn, toffee ice cream, and toffee milkshakes. Get the toffee brownies (no questions asked. you can thank me later).
• Elizabeth & Prince: a “cool girl” (more Sally Rooney than Gillian Flynn) lifestyle boutique. Splurge on an undeniably sexy, power-move of a jumpsuit by LA-based Overlover.
• Just Fabulous Palm Springs: LGBTQ-friendly gift shop on Palm Canyon Drive (lots of Mid-Mod coffee table books, Golden Girls and Dolly merch, and LGBT titles)
• Mojave Trading Post : I like to call this Palm Springs’ everything store. It has everything – coffee, jewelry, soaps, art prints, clothes, potted plants, brush rocks, salts, pins, etc.
• Revivals : best volunteer-run resale shop in Palm Springs. 100% of the profits support medical and mental healthcare at DAP Health.
• Thick As Thieves: cute concert tees, patterned babywear, and boho prints. It feels more like Joshua Tree than Palm Springs (in a good way).

VillageFest

On Thursday night, I decide to stop by VillageFest , a buzzy, weekly street fair in Palm Springs. It’s late. The sun is crawling down; the crowds are crawling in. The air clings to the scents of smoked meat, lit cigarettes, fresh-out-of-a-box shirts, and vanilla candles. You’ll pass stall after stall after stall . You’ll wonder if every business in Palm Springs is here tonight. It certainly feels that way. Heck, there’s even a Police Safety And Rescue pop-up with merch stacked on a stand. Music plays. Right now, it’s Smooth by Rob Lowe. Turn a corner and you’ll see a street singer confidently belting lyrics. VillageFest is fun. It’s entertaining. It’s a family-friendly event that goes on and on till the lights go out. And it’s one of the best things to do in Palm Springs.

ADDRESS: (NEAR) 130 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: FREE October-May: 6PM – 10PM June-September: 7PM – 10PM

Palm Springs Pride Events

One of my favorite aspects of Palm Springs is its inclusivity. Palm Springs is an LGBTQ welcoming city. Over 40% of Palm Springs residents officially identify as LGBT . In 2016, Palm Springs passed a transgender-supporting bathroom ordinance . In 2018, Palm Springs elected the first all LGBT-identifying city council in the United States. It’s a city that, year after year, celebrates and protects LGBTQ+ identities.

Unsurprisingly, Palm Springs hosts a series of Pride events:

• Dinah Shore Weekend: known locally as “The Dinah”, this annual five-day music festival has evolved into one of the biggest lesbian getaways in the world
• Greater Palm Springs Pride: rainbow floats. rainbow flags. rainbow umbrellas. This colorful, November festival draws big crowds.
• Cinema Diverse: September film showcase highlighting LGBTQ+ movies.

Palm Springs Air Museum

As I walk from hangar to hanger, old planes with long noses, thin noses, flat noses, and painted noses are laid out. We’ve arrived at Palm Springs Air Museum , an impressive and descriptive collection of WWII aircrafts . It’s a place humming with aviation history fans. Most of the exhibits here aren’t roped off, so you can walk around the planes, inch towards their wings, and place your hands right along the slats.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss the research library (located above the main lobby area) with computer flight simulators!

ADDRESS: 745 N Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: $22 Per Adult

Treat Your Self To A Spa Day

Needless to say, there are a lot of things to do in Palm Springs (case in point: we’re not even halfway through this list). If you ever find yourself tired of walking and sightseeing and photographing and hiking and shopping and driving and socializing, know that there are quiet, restful places to rejuvenate.

• The Well Spa: hyper-luxurious spa at Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells. The steam rooms are scented with soothing eucalyptus. Services offered include facials and body scrubs.
• Paradise Thai: high quality spa right on Palm Canyon Drive. Paradise Thai offers hour-plus stretch and massage combos, foot soaks, and couples massages.
• Estrella Spa: popular indoor-outdoor full-service spa known for its exfoliating and firming facials.

Explore The Resorts

“Welcome to the Hotel California. Such a lovely place. Such a lovely face.”

I’m mouthing the lyrics as I walk by Hotel California . It’s not the same hotel as the Eagles song, but it feels appropriate to let my feet fall into a rock rhthym. Palm Springs is a city of resorts. The hotels here are immaculately curated ; they are grand, hedonistic escapes . Each one has a different theme: Korakia Pensione is a Moroccan plunge (the design is so delightfully North African, you’ll easily forget you’re in the continental United States), Sparrows Lodge is reminiscent of trips to the Smokies (you’ll feel right at home in the chic, farmhouse style lodgings), Andalusian Court is a luxurious, Spanish wormhole (it’s old and charming and romantic).

Relax By The Pool

In conjunction with Palm Spring’s resort scene is Palm Springs’ pool scene. Here’s the deal: summer in Palm Springs is hot. I mean, notoriously and deliriously hot, the kind of hot that leaves you dripping in sweat even when the A.C. is cranked up to full blast. So relaxing by the pool fits right into this list of things to do in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs’ pool culture is a means of escaping the heat ( well, mentally more so than physically – it’s practically impossible to skip the heat physically ). The water is nice and cold. In a weird way, it feels good to know that it’s not just you suffering. You’ll be surrounded by other well-meaning tourists atop unicorn and flamingo floaties , day-dreaming about thick, blankets of snow ( maybe the latter part is just me? ).

These are the Palm Springs hotels best known for poolside vacations: ARRIVE , Saguaro , ACE Hotel & Swim Club . Think sunset cocktails, pool parties, and dive-in movies .

Try A Date Shake

Another way to beat the heat is through date shakes, Coachella Valley’s most iconic drinks. If it’s your first time in Palm Springs, add these date-sugared milkshakes to your Palm Springs bucket list. Date Shakes are oh-so California, a sweet representation of The Golden State’s position as one of the biggest date growers in the United States.

I’ve shared all my favorite date shake spots near Palm Springs in this guide , but if you’re looking for a quick rundown of places to try , here they are: Great Shakes for the experience, Nature’s Health Food if you’re vegan, and Windmill Market for the flavor ( seconds, anyone? ).

Wind Turbine Tour

I drive past the wind turbines at sunrise. Under a glow of orange and red and brown, they look alien, like tall, white, thin pushpins jabbed into dead, desolate grounds.

If you’re driving into Palm Springs from LA, chances are you’ve seen the iconic desert wind turbines. There are thousands of them (some estimate 2,700) . For a closer look, opt for a self-guided tour or a guided electric golf cart tour . You’ll dip into a bit of science and a bit of history. The tour touches on renewable energy ( how exactly do wind turbines work and what purpose do they serve? ) and the California Wind Rush ( why are there so many turbines here and how did this area become an energy corridor? ).

ADDRESS: 62950 20th Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92262 COST: $50 Per Person

Tahquitz Canyon

Tahquitz Canyon is one of the most well-known hiking spots in Palm Springs. The trail is moderate (not too tough, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for beginners), unshaded , and facility-less, but the views are worth all the effort . Use the restroom before driving up to the hike, bring a Hydroflask , and slip on a good pair of hiking shoes ( these are the ones I personally use and love. I’ve been wearing them for the past few years). If you can, catch the Ranger-led hike for a more in-depth experience (they’re free with admission and depart at 8 AM).

Travel Tip: The highlight of Tahquitz Canyon is its stunning 60-foot waterfall. Given how hot and dry Palm Springs gets, there’s a definite possibility that there might not be water in the falls. Be sure to check the Tahquitz Canyon website for the alert “No Water In The Falls” (this means that you won’t see the waterfall in full force)!

ADDRESS: 500 W Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264 COST: $15 Per Person

Andreas Canyon Hike

My next few recommendations for things to do in Palm Springs all reside in Indian Canyons , the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band Of Cahuilla Indians. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in the United States . You’ll want to spend a good amount of time here just hiking and breathing in the views.

Start your morning at Andreas Canyon, an easy-ish mile-long loop that traces past thickets of palms, ancient rocks, and a softly-running creek . Andreas Canyon feels like a surreal desert oasis, too majestic for words. It’s a place that stilled me. I felt like stopping in my tracks, staring – mouth-agape, body motionless – at the Pride Rock-like landscape ; at the dark, blue waters; at the towering palms. I mean, I probably would have done that (gotten lost in the magic of Andreas Canyon’s beginning, never quite reaching the end) had it not been for the other friendly, encouraging hikers embracing the fullness and lushness of the entire path.

Travel Tip: Be on the lookout for snakes. Although we didn’t see any while hiking, I have heard that they reside in the area. If you see a snake, just let it go (don’t touch it or hurt it).

ADDRESS: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 COST: $12 Per Person Admission To Indian Canyons

The over two mile drive from Andreas Canyon to Palm Canyon will take you past Split Rock, one of the most underrated sights in Palm Springs. Split Rock appears unexpectedly , a large, sudden presence on a windy road, where jagged dips and craggy curves still appear to be further-off into the distance. It’s a unique, jarring sight that provides a singular slice of darkened shade on a long, sun-drenched stretch. You’ll wonder, for a brief second, if your car will make it through (spoiler alert: it will. The road is wider than it seems, but drive carefully nonetheless). And then you’re off, onto the other side, closer to Palm Canyon.

Palm Canyon

You don’t even have to hike to enjoy the beauty of Palm Canyon. You’ll see a huddle of green , resting below strong slopes of brown, right from the parking lot (next to the Trading Post). If you want, you can trek down, below the canopy, to a forest of thick, fan palm trunks . The hike is a few miles out-and-back (though, you could make it a loop by adding on Victor Trail).

Travel Tip: Visit the Trading Post to see Indian Canyon’s selection of indigenous literature (this is a great place to pick up an indigenous-authored book)!

Parks In Palm Springs

Palm Springs’ parks are best appreciated on cool weather days, early mornings, or late evenings. They’re usually wide, kid-friendly swaths with few ( if any ) spots of shade.

Here are our favorite parks in Palm Springs:

• Palm Desert Civic Center: the best park in Palm Springs (in my biased opinion). This park is really pretty. And it makes a statement. There are baseball fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts. As you walk along the paths, you’ll pass by a duck-topped lake and detailed statues. There’s also a moving Holocaust Memorial.
• Ruth Hardy Park: situated in the Movie Colony district, this nice, well-kept 20-plus acre park is perfect for picnicking
• Victoria Park: a good spot for a light dog walk (note that lots of dog owners tend to leave their dogs off-leash)

ADDRESS: 43900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260 COST: FREE

Backstreet Art District

One of the lesser-known things to do in Palm Springs is the First Wednesday Art Walk at Backstreet Art District , a small strip mall split between studios and galleries. Every month, on the first Wednesday between 5 to 8 PM, you get a chance to chat with artists (some are internationally recognized!) and gain insights into their works.

ADDRESS: 2600 Cherokee Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Garden , a unique, family-run Palm Springs attraction , doesn’t take long to see. This small, packed, one-acre plot is best known for its greenhouse ( The Cactarium), an alien-like hive of cacti . The plants inside are still and silent, but they don’t look motionless. Thick twists of green, tangled-up like balls of snakes, slither across the aisles. More cacti squirm out of small, ceramic pots, their thorny tentacled fingers droop over curved rims. It’s an interesting, one-of-a-kind sight.

ADDRESS: 1701 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264 COST: $5

Mary Pickford Theater

Named after silent movie actress Mary Pickford, Mary Pickford Theater feels like a step back in time. It’s quiet and peaceful . You’ll purchase classic movie foods and settle into comfortable, reclining seats . And when the lights dim, you’ll escape, for an hour or two, into a big screen story.

Travel Tip: Catch a matinee show or go for the Tuesday and Wednesday all-day discounts!

ADDRESS: 36850 Pickfair St, Cathedral City, CA 92234 COST: $13+ Per Person

Palm Springs Cultural Center

Although Mary Pickford Theater is located in Cathedral City, you can still catch a show right in Palm Springs at the Palm Springs Cultural Center . Formerly known as Camelot Theatre, the Palm Springs Cultural Center now plays host to film festivals , lecture series , plays, and jazz performances .

ADDRESS: 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Desert X arrives at Coachella Valley in March and stays for three months a year . It’s a scattering of installations across the California desert. These works – unique in their designs, engineering, and materials – engage with the harsh desert environment. They’re layered and brilliant, sensitive and socially conscious. They call attention to BIPOC voices, feminist ideas, and environmental issues .

If you can’t make it to Desert X in-person, I highly recommend watching this episode (from the Emmy award winning show Artbound) on the event ! You’ll see how talented and brilliant artists (from across the globe) evaluate, connect, and frame their relationship with the desert .

Shields Date Garden

Shields Date Garden is unafraid of kitsch; in fact, it embraces it. The entrance is a brightly lit storefront, cleanly packed with like-it-buy-it assortments of date bags and date breads and date jams and date clusters . Picture a convenience store, add date to the label of everything, and that’s Shields Date Garden in a nutshell.

There’s more to do too. You can enter an intimately-spaced theater and watch the looped film, The Romance And Sex Life Of The Date. The title was quite scandalous when the movie debuted (1951), but know that, by today’s standards, it’s anything but hot and heavy.

The best part of Shields? Its gardens. So block out a good hour to walk. Shields, the store, sits atop a 17-acre palm-flecked landscape . The main path circles past statues stitching together Jesus’ life : His Baptism, His interaction with the woman at the well, the Lord’s Supper. The statues (which are chronologically ordered) don’t redact from, but gently add to the landscape.

ADDRESS: 80-225 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201 COST: FREE

El Paseo Shopping District

El Paseo Shopping District is the kind of place I can easily picture Rachel Green ( from Friends ) in. It’s a large luxury retail complex home to hundreds of name-brands, including Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Kick off your morning with a homestyle breakfast from Wilma & Frieda (one of our favorite places to eat in Palm Desert ) before heading off into Palm Desert’s wondrous world of shops.

ADDRESS: 73-080 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 COST: $$$

Living Desert Zoo And Gardens

I don’t usually recommend zoos on the blog , but I’ll happily make an exception for the Living Desert Zoo And Gardens . There’s a line in Emily Henry’s novel People We Meet On Vacation (one of my favorite travel romance books of all-time) that I really resonated with: “It’s not like we’re zoo people, but this place specializes in animals native to the desert, and they do a lot of rehabilitation with the goal of releasing animals back into the wild. Also, they let you feed giraffes.”

Spanning almost 2000 acres, Living Desert Zoo And Gardens is known for its big, open spaces . It takes two-to-three dedicated hours to walk the length of the zoo. And beyond that, you’ll find a discovery center, family-friendly trails , and Tennity Wildlife Hospital .

P.S. People We Meet On Vacation was a former Eden Travel Book Club Pick! You can see our current travel reading list here !

ADDRESS: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260 COST: $29.95 Per Adult

Sunnylands Gardens

Sunnylands Gardens use plants as a medium, and its grounds as a canvas. The design was inspired by Impressionist art . Neat, uniform, dotted waves of color are painted across nine acres. You’ll see barrell cacti, milkweed, and agave desmettiana calming the space. In many ways, Sunnylands looks and feels like a wellness resort. The landscaping is sleek and therapeutic. You’ll want to wander freely, at your own quiet pace. And if you’re looking for something a little extra, complement your stroll with a free downloadable audio tour ( I’ll link them here ).

ADDRESS: 37977 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 COST: FREE (Historic House Tours Are $55 per Person)

Rancho Mirage Library And Observatory

The Rancho Mirage Library is one of the most unique libraries I’ve ever visited. It’s a building of subtle angles and subtle curves, surrounded by mountain views . Inside, you’ll find the Joe And Gigi Roberson Mineral Collection (a museum-level mineral display) and the Ford Collection (a bookish looking glass into the life and interests of President Ford and his wife). There’s an observatory next door too, manned by city astronomer Eric McLaughlin. And in case you need more convincing, here are seven reasons why you should visit .

ADDRESS: CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 COST: FREE

Palms To Pines Scenic Byway

One of the most beautiful ways to spend a half-day near Palm Springs, Palms To Pines Scenic Byway is a windy, twisty, 67-mile route with striking views. This long, dramatic road can be taken to get to Idyllwild.

Resources I Found Useful While Preparing For This Drive:

• 5 Reasons To Do The Palms To Pines Scenic Byway by Carol Guttery
• Detailed Palms To Pines Scenic Byway Guide by Dhara and Kishore

Day Trip To Idyllwild

Idyllwild is a chance to get away from it all: to detox, to unplug, to restore. This small town tucked into the San Jacinto mountains is heavy in the alpine atmosphere . Golden shafts of light fall past pines. Cedar scents the air. Log and A-frame cabins sit between gaps of trees. If you’re looking for romantic things to do near Palm Springs, glamp here for a weekend .

Day Trip To Joshua Tree

We’re closing off this list with one of my favorite places in California – Joshua Tree . Joshua Tree holds a very special place in my heart. I spent a month here hiking and writing and exploring. It’s a place I want to come back to year-after-year because I will never tire of the landscape. Joshua Tree is less than hour away from Palm Springs , so if you have an extra day or two in the city, head up to the High Desert, to the land of rebellious art and whimsical plants .

P.S. If you’re looking for more things to do near Palm Springs, here are forty things to do in Joshua Tree .

Did you find this list of things to do in Palm Springs useful? What are your favorite things to do in Palm Springs?

Editor-In-Chief

Anshula grew up with a love of stories and places. Thirty-five states and 100 bookstores later, she's made her hobbit home in Middle Tennessee. Her Tookish side still takes over and leaves her chasing window seats, literary destinations, adventure books, sunrise coffee, and indie bookshops. She's appeared as a travel source on HuffPost, Reader's Digest, and MSN.

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61 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Palm Springs, California

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Despite getting mighty toasty in the summer, Palm Springs has been a phenomenally popular vacation destination for decades, frequented not only by California locals but by its A-lister celebrities as well.

Straddling a desert unique in beauty and biodiversity, and right next door to Joshua Tree National Park, there are tons of things to do in Palm Springs for the adventurer.

Whether you’re hiking past surreal, towering plants, trekking up strenuous mountain trails, or watching for wildlife as you roam through gorgeous stretches of forest, the natural world is front and center here – and you’ll have a great time immersing yourself in it!

Of course, for those after something more low-key, there’s plenty of opportunities to spend an afternoon relaxing at your hotel’s pool; strolling through downtown and window shopping, people-watching, or dining on delicious Mexican food; visiting one of the many spa resorts, or golfing at some of the most scenic courses in Southern California.

As you can tell, Palm Springs truly embodies the vacation mentality.

1 – Hike your way through Joshua Tree National Park

Outdoor lovers, rejoice!

Enjoy spectacular wonders of nature as you hike through the blended ecosystems of both the Mojave and Colorado deserts; navigate through the unique rock formations of the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, and behold the famous fifty-foot wide Arch Rock or the seemingly endless mountain vistas of Keys View.

Guided tours offer detailed looks into this area’s unique geological and biological features, including, of course, its beautiful namesake trees.

• Activities in Palm Springs

2 – Takeoff to the Palm Springs Air Museum!

Boasting more than 70 aircraft on display in both 86,000 square feet of hangers and 40,000 square feet of outside tarmac, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike are bound to love this amazing museum dedicated to preserving vintage World War II and Korea/Vietnam era aircraft.

For those wanting to learn not only how to operate a plane, but the history of them too, the Palm Springs Air Museum houses a dedicated research library and education center, as well as several flight simulators to tickle your flight fantasies!

3 – Soar over the cliffs on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Boasting the moniker of the “World’s largest rotating tram car”, the two-and-a-half-mile journey across the cliffs of Chino Canyon is enhanced by Palm Springs Aerial Tramway car’s slow, peaceful rotation, effectively giving you panoramic views of the spectacular valleys below.

The journey ends at Mt. San Jacinto State Park at an elevation of 8,516 feet — once there, you’ll stumble across observation decks, restaurants (with a view), and gift shops, and over 50 miles of hiking trails!

• Aerial Tramway tickets

4 – Visit the San Bernardino National Forest

Encompassing over 800,000 acres of diverse woodlands (watch out for picnic basket-swiping bears though), San Bernardino National Forest offers visitors all the standard adventure activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, sprawled out across seven official unique wilderness areas with a wide range of differing ecosystems.

You’ll marvel at the dazzling array of tree species and animal life such as bighorn sheep, bald eagles, California black bears, and horned lizards. Don’t forget your camera!

5 – Explore the Palm Springs Art Museum

For anyone looking to quench their thirst for culture, why not take in the exquisite collection of over 12,000 works of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design on display at the Palm Springs Art Museum ?

Permanent and rotating exhibits celebrate the unique history and culture of the area in the hopes of creating “transformative experiences that expand our understanding of ourselves and the world.” Sounds intriguing…

Hot tip: Check the website to see if there are any one-off performances taking place at the 433-seat Annenberg Theater during your visit.

6 – Take a jeep tour of the San Andreas Fault

If you’ve ever dreamed of going off-roading in the desert, here’s your chance!

As you hop inside a jeep and tour the famous San Andreas fault in the Palm Desert, you’ll be shown the wonders of the twisted rock mountains and deep canyons, and learn all about how the Native American Cahuilla people thrived in such a harsh environment.

With a friendly guide leading the way, they’ll be happy to answer any questions about the local animals and geology too.

• jeep tours in Palm Springs

7 – Hike through Mount San Jacinto State Park

As the second-highest mountain range in Southern California, Mount San Jacinto takes you almost 11,000 feet above sea level, dishing up breathtaking views of San Jacinto’s majestic granite peaks and surrounding alpine forests in the process.

On top of the array of hiking trails, the bravest of visitors sleep under the stars in one of two drive-in campgrounds.

Keep in mind: Permits are needed to take advantage of most park areas, so be sure and check the website for how to acquire one.

8 – Go rock climbing!

An adrenaline-surging activity for both newbies and seasoned climbers alike, there’s plenty of indoor as well as outdoor climbing spots in Palm Springs.

For kids and beginners, head to somewhere like Boomers (mentioned above). However, for the out-and-out thrill-seekers, it’s worth joining a dedicated outdoor rock climbing tour — a high-octane adventure that takes you into the heart of Joshua Tree National Park where you’ll be scaling the rock face by rope.

• rock climbing in Palm Springs

9 – Walk the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars

For anyone with an obsession with the celebrity world, add this underrated attraction to the top of your list of things to do in Palm Springs.

A Hollywood-style walk of fame infused with a local flair, the Walk of the Stars honors notable entertainers, humanitarians, civic leaders, architects, artists, authors, and athletes who have called wonderful Palm Springs their home over the decades.

Honorees have included big names like Dwight D. Eisenhower, Truman Capote, Arnold Palmer, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe, but also featured are community leaders, local war heroes, and more.

10 – Feed the giraffes at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

For over 50 years, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to wildlife conservation research and habitat protection.

Not only will you gaze in wonder at animals from around the world, but the interactive features are sure to delight and entertain children and adults alike — you can pet and corral the goats, feed the giraffes, sit front row for an engaging wildlife wonder show, and much more!

11 – Ride a bike or a Jeep through the Indian Canyons!

A crowd favorite destination for adventure lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Indian Canyons are home to stunning rock formations and tranquil palm tree oases, dotted across the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

On 3-to-4-hour tours, expect to learn all about the rich history and culture of the Cahuilla people, discover a hidden water cave or two, or grab a souvenir at a tribal trading post.

When the mercury’s sizzling, the boutique ice creamery stop after the main part of the tour is a godsend.

• Indian Canyons tours

12 – Connect with nature at Coachella Valley Preserve

The Coachella Valley Preserve system is nearly 4,000 acres of protected land dedicated to the conservation of some of California’s most sensitive natural ecosystems.

The preserve was originally designed to protect the endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard, a cute little critter you might spot skipping through the glittering white sands on one of several hiking trails!

As you stroll through the humble slice of Mother Nature, you’ll also encounter the Thousand Palms Oasis, which promises to live up to its name.

Directions on Google Maps

13 – Marvel at the spectacles of Tahquitz Canyon

Like the aforementioned nearby Indian Canyon, Tahquitz Canyon is part of the rich cultural history of the Cahuilla Indians, who have a Reservation home here.

On any visit to the picturesque Tahquitz Canyon, you can come across features including a spectacular 60-foot waterfall, ancient Indian irrigation systems, and beautiful rock art, not to mention unique wildlife.

Fun fact: The canyon is named for a legendary shaman whose story can be viewed in a dedicated theater room at the visitor center.

14 – Spend the afternoon at Ruth Hardy Park

Sprawling across 22 acres, the well-kept greenery of Ruth Hardy Park is a great backdrop for relaxing and enjoying the picnic facilities, and soaking in that sweet summer sun (but wear sunscreen and a hat, of course).

Or, if you’d rather blow off some steam, why take advantage of the tennis, volleyball, or basketball courts?

If traveling with kids, it’s also a popular place to let the youngsters run amok on the playgrounds.

15 – Peddle through Palm Springs on a bike tour

Strap on your helmet, hop on your mountain bike, and ride through the incredible, scenic desert landscapes!

Take an amazing downhill ride through the San Andreas fault, cycle through the Indian canyons, or just ride with the breeze while your tour guide supplies historical anecdotes and point out the native wildlife along the way.

With a variety of bike tours suitable for riders of varying ages and abilities, you’ll be sure and find the one that suits your needs.

• bike tours in Palm Springs

16 – Savor the greenery at Moorten Botanical Gardens

A great place to improve your botanical knowledge and snap amazing nature photos, this privately-owned arboretum has been welcoming guests since way back in 1938 (long before Palm Springs was all the rage).

The Moorten Botanical Gardens — which are a self-described “living museum” containing over 3,000 varieties of desert plants, trees, and spikey cacti — sit within the tranquil confines of the Palm Grove Oasis and are surrounded by a handful of impressive nature trails.

17 – Feel the Jurassic vibe of the Cabazon Dinosaurs

A highly postcarded Palm Springs icon, you could easily say that no trip to Palm Springs would be complete without paying a visit to these Jurassic giants at Cabazon Dinosaurs .

The famous outdoor attraction boasts more than 50 life-size dinosaur statues — some now donning fresh colorful skins — and a quirky souvenir gift shop.

If you’re scratching your head thinking, I swear I know that place…, you may recognize it from its appearance in the cult classic film Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure!

19 – Test your stamina at Palm Canyon

A popular bucket list activity for expert hikers, outdoor lovers thrive on this strenuous (albeit beautiful) desert hike that ends at the largest Palm Oasis in North America.

The Palm Canyon trail begins at 4,000 feet and descends a further 3,200 feet along 16 miles of trail.

Hot tip: Be sure to hit the Trading Post to pay the entry fee, don’t forget to pack some water, sunscreen, and snacks, and consider the advice to hike during the winter and spring months.

20 – Enjoy the spectacular RoboLights show

This extraordinary four-acre light display was created by artist Kenny Irwin, designed to make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a parallel dimension featuring illuminated robots and rocket sleds — think sci-fi vibes, lasers, flashing lights, immersive music, and all that jazz.

Boasting displays made from approximately 1000 tons of donated junk, this unique attraction has been featured on Conan O’Brian, The Learning Channel, and the BBC Travel Channel.

With that kind of fame and reputation, you’re sure to be dazzled at RoboLights !

21 – Test your wits in an escape room

A quintessential activity for all the budding Sherlock Holmes out there, some of the largest and most popular escape room games in Southern California await your problem-solving expertise!

With six escape adventures to choose from, Escape Palm Springs offers challenging, family-friendly, team-building fun for all: You and friends or family might pull off the bank heist of the century, flee the doomed Titanic, save a wizarding school from an evil spell, or help Scotland Yard capture Jack the Ripper!

• escape rooms in Palm Springs

22 – Watch and play at Indian Wells Tennis Garden

After raising a racket at the clubs, you can spend your morning raising a racquet of a different sort! At Indian Wells Tennis Garden , you can hone your skills on the same courts that celebrities and champion athletes use – not a bad pedigree!

Or take the spectator’s seat and watch some spectacular sporting events, including the BNP Paribas Open. You can even get some lessons from their excellent instructors, and sharpen your game for when you get back home!

23 – Spot celebrities on the Legends & Icons Tour!

A must for the pop culture fanatics, the Legends & Icons Tour gives visitors the chance to climb aboard the coach and spend ninety minutes exploring what the locals call “Little Hollywood.”

You’ll not only get to see the homes once occupied by Golden Age Legends like Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and Frank Sinatra, but also those of big-ticket stars currently shining on the silver screen.

As a little bonus, the tour also drives by several other Palm Springs landmarks like the Plaza Theatre and the Art and Air Museum.

• Legends & Icons tours

24 – Be Amazed at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

This extraordinary museum is housed in a large, authentic Hopi-style pueblo structure built by Cabot Yerxa, an early pioneer of the Colorado Desert.

Inside Cabot’s Pueblo Museum you’ll find artworks and artifacts from American Indian and Alaska Native cultures as well as memorabilia of early desert homesteader life.

With 5,000 square feet spread out over four stories and 35 rooms to explore, a couple of hours can fly by.

25 – Throw down a picnic rug at DeMuth Park

DeMuth Park holds the current bragging rights as the city’s largest at 61 acres.

Within the sprawling open green spaces are tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and 12 courts for playing the increasingly popular game of Pickleball.

Still not convinced? There’s also a fitness facility where you can dance, practice yoga, or take a karate class; playgrounds and picnic areas, and even a community garden plot where locals learn how to cultivate their own vegetables.

26 – Visit the International Banana Museum!

Devotees of one of nature’s most “a-peeling” fruits will have a “bunch” of reasons to love the Banana Museum , home to an incredible 25,000 banana-related items.

Guests are encouraged to literally “go bananas,’ as they take in the eye-catching displays. You’ll even get the chance to dress up in full banana costumes for photos in front of a giant banana statue.

Consider stopping at the museum, near the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, before you “split” Palm Springs!

(there goes out pun quota for the day… but seriously, it’s one of the most unique things to do in Palm Springs, and a wonderful activity for anyone looking to get out of the sun for an hour or two.)

27 – Bring fido to the Palm Springs Dog Park

An eco-friendly park that offers picnic tables and benches made from recycled materials, plus plenty of shade, your canine friends will rejoice as they run around 1.6 acres of fenced-in rolling grass!

In case your little fur baby is too intimidated by the likes of Great Danes and Rottweilers, there’s a separate play area for small dogs.

28 – Put on the chef’s hat for a (French) cooking class

Haut French cuisine might not be the first thing that leaps to mind in Palm Springs, however, thanks to French ex-pats who’ve made the journey over to sunny California, visitors can learn to whip up a mouthwatering Parisienne feast!

Led by a friendly local (and taking place in their local home kitchen too), you’ll learn how to put together your own three-course meal, including dessert, so you can have your cake and eat it too!

While the menus change depending on seasonality, dishes like Ratatouille or Poulet au romarin are typical starters, Gratin de Chou-Fleur a common main, and Tarte Bourdaloue a typical sweet treat to cap off the day!

• cooking classes in Palm Springs

29 – Spend the day at Castle Park!

Palm Springs’ own Castle Park in Riverside is a combination of an amusement park and a family-friendly resort, with waterslides for those toasty summer days to boot.

With up to 35 rides including bumper cars, roller coasters, carousels, and not one, not two, but four 18-hole Miniature Golf courses – plus an arcade for kids who’d rather skip out on all that fresh air – there’s plenty here for thrill-seeking youngsters.

If you happen to be visiting around Halloween, grab a special ticket for the spook-tackular event!

30 – Have a fun family time at Boomers Palm Springs

A surefire hit for anyone traveling with squirmy youngsters, this popular amusement park boasts a host of attractions for kids and adults alike, including go-karts, bumper cars, bumper boats, a rock-climbing wall, a handful of thrill rides, and the added bonus of batting cages.

Set inside a cheesy castle exterior, Boomers Palm Springs it’s extra fun for anyone into their knight and princesses.

31 – Jump around at Get Air Trampoline Park

Always wanted to learn how to backflip? Now’s your chance.

While much more tiring than it looks in the pictures, trampolining is always a great time for kids and adults alike; with a foam pit, freestyle area, dodgeball zone, kiddy play area, on-site cafe, slackline, slamball, and ninja activities, Get Air Trampoline Park is the place to go for those who are sick of sitting on their butts all day!

32 – Take a tour of the Sunnylands Center and Gardens

Occupying a former estate and home of the late Walter Annenberg, Sunnylands Center & Gardens is a must-see for history buffs and nature lovers alike, acting as a tranquil retreat for anyone in need of some fresh air.

While primarily now a meeting place for international leaders looking to solve some of the world’s more pressing issues, it also offers tours of its beautifully manicured gardens as well as art exhibitions, films, and educational programs.

33 – Practice meditation… in a cave!

Speaking of a tranquil oasis, why not take an hour or two out of your day to meditate in the cool darkness of a naturally formed cave, hidden among the mountains and deserts of Joshua Tree outside Palm Springs?

The experience is sure to be both spiritually refreshing as well as physically rejuvenating, so come prepared with snacks for afterward!

• meditation in Palm Springs

34 – Check out the Baby On The Move sculptures

A peculiar homage to the famous crawling babies statues designed by David Černý on display in Prague, these enormous sculptures are a quick must-see for anyone wandering around downtown.

Remarkable, each baby is a whopping 11 feet long, 9 feet high and weighs somewhere between 200 and 300 pounds, made to look like they’re crawling around a giant sandpit. Quirky, hey!

Directions in Google Maps

35 – Pop into the World Famous Crochet Museum

Far from a typical museum, and certainly falling short of ‘world-famous’, this bizarre yet cute attraction in Joshua Tree, about 45 minutes drive from Palm Springs, sits in a converted photo booth, housing a colorful selection of fun and beautifully made animals, dolls, and other curious trinkets.

Since it’s so small, it doesn’t take long to see everything and the World Famous Crochet Museum can easily be quickly added to any day trip to nearby Joshua Tree National Prak.

36 – Have a BBQ at the Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area

As well as being a noteworthy fishing spot teeming with marine life, Lake Cahuilla is, more generally, a wonderful day out for anyone looking to get some fresh air and stretch their legs.

The picture-perfect 710-acre park boasts hiking and horseback riding trails, nearly 100 different campsites, boat rentals, and a handful of shady picnic tables and BBQ spots.

37 – Unleash your inner kid at Big Bear Snow Play

You may not think of winter sports when you picture the desert… but hey, California is full of surprises!

Just an hour and 45 minutes from the city, Big Bear Snow Play is the perfect place for some family-friendly winter fun! Hop aboard a snow tube and enjoy a thrilling race down the slopes – no previous experience is required!

Even in warmer weather, there’s plenty of fun to be had; tackle the ropes courses, zoom around on the go-kart track, or just kick back at the lodge and enjoy the beauty of nature.

38 – Check out the giant Spider Volkswagen sculpture

Now there’s something you don’t see every day! Looking like something stripped straight out of a sci-fi movie, the totally bizarre sculpture of a VW beetle-turned giant spider plays gatekeeper to now-abandoned Hole in the Wall Welding shop.

While not something you’d go out of your way to visit, it’s a comic photo op for anyone driving past… so long as you’re not arachnophobic.

39 – Join a scavenger hunt

Think you’re a bit of a detective in the making? Now’s your chance to prove it — put on your detective hat and join one of several local Palm Springs scavenger hunt adventures!

As you use your sleuthhound senses to help you tour historic places and other notable points of interest, you’ll need to solve creative challenges and out-of-the-box riddles, as the smartphone-led games send you searching for clues in and around the Hidden Valley.

For couples or small groups who prefer to avoid the typical walking tours, there’s guaranteed fun to be had!

• scavenger games in Palm Springs

40 – Check out the Lucille Ball Statue

A frequently stumbled-upon surprise in downtown, the Lucille Ball Statue is a life-size bronze statue of the actress and comedienne, famed for her roles in classic TV series I Love Lucy.

Whilst you’re strolling the downtown area, why not grab an ice-cream or pop into one of the nearby bars to enjoy some much-needed shade!

41 – Step inside the famous Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

The King of Rock n’ Roll himself stayed in this magnificent Palm Springs home with his wife Priscilla after their wedding back in May 1967 — just one of many examples of incredible mid-century modern architecture in the local area.

The original master bedroom remains largely untouched, with plenty of unique artifacts on show, not to mention the 64-foot wrap-around couch.

42 – Admire the folk art at the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum

Located about a 45-minute drive outside of Palm Springs in the town of Joshua Tree, this unique desert art museum serves up dozens upon dozens of beautiful outdoor sculptures and installations.

Created by late artist and sculptor Noah Purifoy, all of the works at the Outdoor Desert Art Museum are made from mostly recycled materials he found while dumpster diving.

Some stand alone in the landscape, others have been strategically placed to create imaginary geometrical shapes that stretch far over your head. It’s a totally surreal experience you’re unlikely to forget, and best of all, it’s free of charge!

43 – Pay respects at the Desert Holocaust Memorial

A moving, highly emotive memorial, this site is dedicated to the victims of one of history’s darkest and most heinous events — that being, the Holocaust.

While the plaques and the stories and names which are carved into them are undoubtedly tear-jerking, it’s the memorial’s centerpiece that has the most powerful effect: seven larger-than-life bronze figures, which represent the diverse people who were impacted — often sent to camps — during WWII.

44 – Snap a pic at the Sonny Bono Statue

Located right in the heart of downtown, this quirky little statue has become a bit of a local favorite over the years, honoring the official Representative who helped put Palm Springs on the tourism map in the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Sonny Bono served the area for almost 20 years, before tragically dying in a skiing accident in 1998. Now, visitors flock to this little statue from all over the world — and it’s become an unofficial spot where tourists like to take photos of each other.

45 – Do something different: take a windmill tour

On a unique, self-guided Windmill Tour through the Coachella Valley, you’ll get to see some of the best-preserved windmills in all of California.

These wonderful structures are scattered throughout the desert landscape surrounding this picturesque but quirky town — and each one has its own part to play in the state’s move toward renewable energy.

The highlight? You can get up close and take pictures of the turbines, which are MUCH bigger than most people realize.

• windmill tours in Palm Springs

46 – Grab a wacky souvenir at the Antique Galleries of Palm Springs

This place is almost like a museum of furniture and design — but it’s not owned by the state or city, so everything here is for sale.

Basically, what you’ll find at the Antique Galleries of Palm Springs are dozens upon dozens of antique vendors all crammed into one two-story building, selling everything from barware to one-of-a-kind lamps, jewelry, knick=knack, and everything in between.

47 – Visit Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

A little bit of the past, this museum dives into details of Palm Springs’ historic inhabitants, with five different exhibit areas dedicated to telling different chapters in the story of the Agua Caliente people.

From exhibits detailing their history in California to beautiful Native-made art, books, jewelry, and clothing, you’ll get a real sense of how these people lived in years gone by.

Located within the Agua Caliente Plaza, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is also footsteps away from The Spa at Séc-he (a noteworthy hot spring).

48 – Take a walking tour with the Palm Springs Historical Society

Easily one of the unmissable things to do in Palm Springs for history buffs, the non-profit Historical Society operates under the mantra of preserving and showing the city’s brilliant and decorated past.

Offering five different walking tours: Golden Era, Heart of the City, Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood, Biking, and Modernism Week specialties, there’s something for everyone.

49 – Play a round of golf!

A city known for its great golf courses, Palm Springs has more than a dozen different public and private tracks to choose from — all of which are open year-round.

Can’t decide? We’ll help you out:

The Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort & Club , nested between towering cliffs, is one of the most visually spectacular courses in California; the Escena Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus-designed green that provides great band for your buck, and the SilverRock Resort is blessed with rare shade in the shadows of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

50 – Let the youngsters loose at the Children’s Discovery Museum

A quintessential activity as far as things to do in Palm Springs with kids is concerned (especially when they’re bored of lazing by the pool), the Children’s Discovery Museum offers a host of interactive exhibits (like Build Your Own Race Car) that encourage learning through play.

With a focus on science, technology, engineering and math, there’s something to keep everyone entertained at this educational hotspot!

51 – Catch a show at McCallum Theatre

Since 1988, McCallum Theatre has been one of the best places in town to enjoy the performing arts… live and in person!

This chic stucco establishment is known for its impressive lineup of diverse shows – everything from globally renowned musicians and tribute acts to plays and public lectures.

It’s a world-class venue with tons of entertainment, and a beloved fixture of the local arts community; so check the calendar before you go and see what treasures are in store!

• McCallum Theatre tickets

52 – Dip in the pool at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Starting at the top, Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a great hotel with an unbeatable rooftop pool (one of two) that boasts great vibes all day long, perfect for taking in views of Palm Springs and its surrounding mountain peaks.

Inside you’ll find rooms that embrace mid-century design (think pops of color and lots of curves), as well as amenities like air conditioning, spa treatments, gourmet restaurant & bar, and much more.

It’s also just a few-minute walk from the Moorten Botanical Garden, if you’re looking for a change of scenery.

53 – Browse through the Breweries in Palm Springs

If you want a more beer-focused experience, never fear; there are tons of great breweries in town where you can get your hops fix!

Try the fabulous selections whilst nibbling on food truck treats at Desert Beer Company , or try the varied ales and seasonal offerings at La Quinta Brewing Co .

Don’t miss the fruity flavors at Coachella Valley Brewing Co. , or soak up the sun as you try different beers and wines at Las Palmas . Raise a glass (or two) to the local craft scene!

54 – Grab dinner and a drink at the best restaurants

Foodies, listen up.

A mid-century style bar decked out with retro fittings and a neon-lit exterior, this hip eatery is all about chic vibes, Pacific Rim flavors, and tasty bites.

Offering a diverse menu, you’ll find lots of ceviche and skewers to enjoy, plus gorgonzola-crusted filet mignon and lip-smacking Kailua Barbecued Pork Chops. At night, The Tropicale Restaurant & Lounge turns into one of Palm Springs’ hottest party spots, with handcraft cocktails flowing in all directions.

One of the most popular restaurants for brunch, lunch, and dinner in Palm Springs, this renowned eatery is situated smack-bang in the middle of downtown, offering Insta-worthy views of the mountains from its outdoor tables.

Featuring Mexican-inspired cuisine and an extensive drinks menu (try something like their famous margarita), plus frequent live mariachi music, Las Casuelas Terraza is the perfect place to turn dinner into drinks!

55 – Soak in the vibrant air at Village Fest

A favorite Palm Springs tradition, Village Fest is a weekly celebration of the city’s heritage and culture that takes place every Thursday evening from April to October.

With live music, dancing (including West Coast Swing), street performers, over 100 different vendors, and plenty more, it’s an upbeat end to your day in this desert paradise.

56 – Pamper or play at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage

A good place to try your luck, if you’re looking for things to do in Palm Springs with some high-stakes games, Agua Caliente Casino Spa Resort offers a huge range of Vegas-style machines and tables, as well as no shortage of live entertainment, restaurants, and bars.

Besides the typical casino amenities, Agua Caliente (hot water) also boasts an outdoor hot spring and a plethora of relaxation sessions (massage, facials, and spas, just to name a few).

And they even offer live performances! From side-splitting comedy acts to epic musical concerts, there’s nearly always some sort of exciting event to check out; so take a break from the slots and enjoy one of the premier entertainment venues in town!

• Agua Caliente Casino tickets

57 – Sip a few at the town’s best bars

In a town as classy as this one, it’s little surprise that the local watering holes are filled with flair! Bootlegger Tiki offers a classically kitschy experience, with nautical fixtures and wildly creative cocktails.

Or try traditional standards like Cosmos and Manhattans amidst the East Coast-style glamor of Paul Bar/Food . And don’t miss a drink or two at Tailor Shop , famous for its unique concoctions dreamed up by the staff.

58 – Have breakfast at Elmer’s

A beloved breakfast eaterie that’s been serving up comfort food and diner classics since the 70s, Elmer’s is a Palm Springs staple that you’ll often see movie stars taking their snaps at (with poster-size photos of celebrities around the dining room, perhaps the secret to its success?).

From hearty breakfast all day long to traditional American fare like burgers piled high with gooey cheese slices, fried chicken wings dipped in ranch dressing, and their famous peanut butter pancakes, there’s plenty to choose from for both sweet and savory palates.

59 – Sit down for dinner and a show at The Purple Room Supper Club

A sophisticated night out, The Purple Room Supper Club features an upscale dining experience in a swanky setting.

With live music and talented performers regularly performing jazz tunes or comedy shows just for your entertainment (and with strong, colorful drinks flowing all evening long), it’s the perfect place to grab dinner, get tipsy, and dance into the early hours.

60 – Get buzzed on a ‘pedal pub’!

One for the partygoers and travelers looking to unleash their wild side, the pedal pub is the perfect social lubricant for anyone wanting to meet fellow thirsty tourists.

With a group of friends or even solo (if you’re feeling brave), hop on the back of one of these multi-person bikes and pedal (or don’t) your way around town while drinking whatever beverage takes your fancy! With plenty of icebreaker games run by the host, there’s never a dull moment.

Social Cycle Palm Springs offers a great experience for larger groups, with 16 seats for maximum fun! If you have a large enough group, you can even create a personalized tour, cruising past the stops that most interest you… and sipping some great brews along the way!

61 – Get a little wild at the best nightclubs

With lively surroundings and great vibes, clubbing is definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Palm Springs!

Play a little foosball before dancing at the Village Pub , or jam out to world-class DJs and enjoy the saucy-themed evenings at Zelda’s.

And don’t miss the fun at Toucan’s Tiki Lounge , where the jungle aesthetic and rotating party nights keep the fun going every day of the week. With all of these great options, you may want to sleep in the next day!

How to get to Palm Springs?

Want to save the hassle? Have you arranged airport transfers ? You’re on vacation, after all, so why deal with the hassle of a taxi driver, public transport, or rental car company?

In true VIP style, with a pre-booked airport shuttle service, a chauffeur will pick you up at the airport and whisk you off to your luxurious Palm Springs hotel.

If traveling as a family, a pre-arranged airport transfer is often the cheapest option too.

Where to stay in Palm Springs?

If you’re seeking some adults-only fun, La Maison Hotel is the perfect place to stay, with bike rentals, swimming, and classy rooms perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Or head to A Place In The Sun , a charming mid-century abode that offers everything from lovely gardens to mini-golf, plus easy access to hiking trails and the city sights.

Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs provides the full glitzy experience, from a salon and excellent shops to a world-class spa featuring treatments from all over the world.

For mid-century charm with all of the modern conveniences, check out Caliente Tropics , which features gorgeously landscaped grounds and a top-notch tiki bar to wind down the evening.

And if you want a real getaway experience, check out Days Inn by Wyndham Palm Springs , where gorgeous mountain views and four acres of landscaped gardens will let you feel like you’re in a paradise all your own.

• best hotels in Palm Springs

Where to go next?

While there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Palm Springs, the rest of the state is not too shabby either!

California has long been one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, and for good reason; whether you’re drawn to the cosmopolitan charms of its many cities, or the countless deserts, forests, mountains, and beaches waiting to be explored, it’s the sort of place that dazzles from day one – and will have you craving return trips!

But if you’re hoping to narrow down your itinerary, there are two dynamic, iconic cities within a couple of hours of Palm Springs!

Of course, Los Angeles is best known as the center of the movie industry; but with world-class museums, gorgeous gardens, funky neighborhoods, and thrill-packed amusement parks, there’s so much more to this city than just the streets of Hollywood!

And just down the coast, San Diego blends laidback beach vibes with top-notch cultural institutions, beautiful hiking trails, oodles of outdoor activities, and some amazing places to eat, drink, and be merry. Don’t miss Temecula on the way, and make sure to try their delicious wine.

Final thoughts

If you want a vacation that offers plenty of adventures alongside a thriving artistic culture and a laid-back, classy charm, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to do in Palm Springs!

The combination of urban elegance and desert charm makes for a getaway that feels almost dreamlike… and after a few days, you may not want to wake up from this fantasy!

Happy travels.

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How to Spend a Long Weekend in Sunny Palm Springs, California

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

The dreamy little retro oasis known as Palm Springs is nestled alongside the San Jose Mountains in Southern California. A one-time home away from home spot for old Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Liberace, this desert town is a fabulous vacation destination.

My husband and I love this city so much that we’re heading back this summer for another quick getaway. From incredible midcentury architecture, a fantastic food scene, majestic natural beauty, and a hopping nightlife, there are copious sights and experiences to enjoy. It’s also a great place to relax, unwind, and have a cocktail or three by the hotel pool.

Here is my firsthand account of how to spend a long weekend in sunny Palm Springs, California.

Where to Stay: Holiday House

200 W Arenas Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262

We booked our romantic anniversary stay at the Holiday House . This blue and white-painted adults-only boutique hotel is in the heart of Palm Springs and is absolute perfection for those who love artistry, luxury, and quiet. From the warm smiles of the staff and the fabulous pool and grounds to the exceptional rooms with the highest quality bedding, furniture, and amenities, this is where you want to stay. 

Each day, we started with the most delicious, healthy breakfast served a la carte from the bar/lounge area. Guests can choose from fresh fruit, yogurt and chia pudding, bagels and lox, cereals, toasts, hard-boiled eggs, and so much more. Their lunch and dinner menus comprised a more focused selection of nutritious yet fun choices, such as a bucket of veggies, grilled artichokes, and lobster rolls.

Guests can rent bicycles to explore the town, play bocce ball, or soak up the sun while lounging around the newly remodeled pool area. Remember to cool off with some ice cream from the retro cart that is available, too. 

Other Hotels We Loved: Parker Palm Springs

4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

The upscale Parker Resort and Spa encompasses quintessential mid-century elegance and glam from the grandiose breezeway block wall in front of the hotel entrance to the opulently lush gardens featuring a cheeky Jonathan Adler “Banana” sculpture. Although we did not stay at this posh hotel, we visited multiple times during our trip to enjoy a spa day and the restaurants on the grounds. 

We took advantage of the couple’s massage services at their Yacht Club Spa and were greeted with a cucumber-infused Vodka shot to set the mood. The spa’s delightful, high-end, nautical ambiance relaxed and refreshed us. Afterward, we enjoyed a light lunch at their main restaurant, Norma’s.

Fleur Noire Hotel

1555 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

After seeing an Instagram reel highlighting “La Boisson,” the rose wine bar at Fluer Noire Hotel , I had to stop by this sweet little place. And let me tell you, I’m so glad we did! With its colorful floral walls painted by artist Ellie Cashman, the enchanting courtyard was a pleasing spot to visit just as the sun was setting. 

They offered a great selection of rose wines, and the friendly bartender walked us around the grounds to take our pictures in all the right spots.

Where to Eat: Workshop Kitchen & Bar

800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The industrial architecture of clean, modern lines made of concrete and iron is an excellent backdrop for an incredible culinary experience at Workshop . In 2012, the chefs and owners partnered to renovate this 1926 historic El Paseo building in Palm Springs Design District and have been creating James Beard award-winning dishes ever since. 

Most of the restaurant’s produce is grown in Chef Michael’s home garden in Rancho Mirage and lends to the seasonal menu changes. We started our meal with a chilled asparagus soup, followed by duck fried rice and the English pea risotto paired with a Stolpman white wine.  

6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this hidden little gem, set back from downtown’s central plaza, is quite magical. Upon entering, guests feel like they are stepping into a secret garden filled with bougainvillea-lined walls, twinkling fairy lights, and the heavenly scents of delicious food pulling them in. 

We joined them for dinner, with a set seasonal menu of three entrees, three sides, and three desserts to choose from. While we savored our meals, a performer serenaded us with loungey hits and took requests from the patrons. It was such an engaging evening that made this meal memorable.

1555 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Bar Cecil is such a hot spot that we were unable to get reservations before we arrived in Palm Springs, but on our last night in town, I asked the Holiday House hotel manager if he could see about getting us a table at the last minute and he came through for us! This French bistro boasts an excellent menu selection and finely curated cocktails. 

We dined on appetizers of deviled eggs topped with Regiis Ova Royal Caviar (for an additional charge), girl and dug farm salad, grilled broccolini, the Beaton burger, and the bucatini with peas and black truffles, pairing the meal with a crisp Anselmo Mendes Vinho Verde.

This sister restaurant to the one in New York City, also named Norma’s, is a brightly colored, open-air terrace restaurant located on the grounds of the Parker Palm Springs. We lunched here after spending time in their Yacht Club Spa; it was the perfect way to continue unwinding and relaxing. 

Serving breakfast all day and all night, guests can enjoy delectable dishes like very berry brioche French toast and a variety of egg benedicts. If you’re feeling fancy, you can splurge on the “ Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata “—super-sized with 10 oz of white sturgeon reserve for $1,000. We passed on that choice. 

Art Galleries & Shops

I’ll preface this by saying that most art galleries, museums, and shops have limited business hours during the summer months. The busy tourist season ends in May, so when we visited a couple of weeks later, many places were unfortunately not open, which gave us even more time to lounge by the pool.

The Shag Store

745 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA, 92262

Shag is a lifestyle brand featuring the work of artist Josh Agle aka Shag. Their exclusive limited edition prints and merchandising consist of whimsical takes of cartoon-like characters in various scenes. Whether it be “goth night” at a local club or “the incognitos” at a pool party at Richard Neutra Kauffman’s desert house, patrons can pick up beach towels, mugs, and coasters as souvenirs from their Palm Springs trip. 

Christopher Anthony Ltd

803 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

I loved this store! It was hands down one of the best-curated vintage home furnishings and fine art galleries I’ve ever been in. They had incredible barware and decanter sets, fabulous furniture, and exceptional art.

Christopher Anthony is a premier spot for all mid-century lovers. If I’m honest, I had to be dragged out of there.

J. Kenneth Fine Art

668 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Everywhere we visit, we must explore at least a couple of art galleries, and I was thrilled that this gallery was open when visiting Palm Springs.

Representing a well-curated group of artists and estates, J. Kenneth remains committed to promoting and showcasing the best of the very best, like abstract expressionist painter Taro Yamamoto and contemporary artist Lynne Drexler.

Things to Do: Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree is not just an iconic U2 album but also the magical place where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet in southern California. Just an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, this natural wonder hosts a plethora of fascinating wildlife, superb star-gazing, and fabulous hiking and camping adventures. 

Visitors can buy their day passes online or use their National Parks Pass if they already have one. We spent the day exploring this age-old ecosystem created by strong winds and wind torrents.

Mid-Century Architecture Home Tour

You must take advantage of the home tour with Palm Springs Mod Squad . Explore the mid-century grandeur of butterfly rooflines, colorful front doors, and A-frame facades in the Mod Squad van and learn the history of this desert oasis and the celebrities who made it their vacation getaway. 

Visitors can choose from three different options: the Essential Palm Springs Tour focuses on six specific architects of this minimalist design, the Interior Tour takes you into three mid-century Palm Springs houses, or the Martini & MCM Architecture Tour and see the former homes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Dean Martin, ending with a classic martini (and if you’re lucky you’ll get to sit in Old Blue Eye’s booth)!

Aerial Tramway Adventure

The world’s largest rotating tram car, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway travels over two and one-half miles along the awe-inspiring cliffs of Chino Canyon, delivering riders to the pristine grounds of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The trams rotate slowly during this approximate 10-minute ride, offering guests picturesque views to capture those perfect memories. 

Once you reach the Mountain Station, you are greeted with two restaurants, a natural history museum, observation decks, gift shops, and over 50 miles of hiking trails to test your endurance. Tickets can be bought online beforehand.  

Honorable Mentions

The bar at the Ace Hotel delivers some fine-crafted cocktails, including an excellent Hemingway Daiquiri and one of the most delicious Pina Coladas I’ve ever tasted.

Sherman’s Deli

This mid-century-designed deli has served some of the best matzoh ball soup, pastrami and corn-beef sandwiches, and chicken salad. It is an excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot.

Chicken Ranch

This al fresco dining spot serves sandwiches, salads, and half and whole rotisserie chicken made fresh daily. Locals and tourists alike love it. 

Bootleggers Tiki Bar

For some delicious tiki drinks and a cool vibe, check out Bootleggers Tiki Bar. This unique joint was bustling for a Sunday night.

• 11 Simple Money Habits to Learn From Minimalists to Streamline Finances for a Richer Life

In today’s fast-paced consumer society, the art of minimalist living offers more than just a decluttered home – it presents a pathway to financial serenity and empowerment.

Minimalism, at its core, is about stripping away the non-essential to make room for what truly adds value to our lives. This philosophy extends powerfully into the realm of personal finance, where minimalist habits can lead to a healthier, more mindful approach to money.

By adopting certain financial practices championed by minimalists, anyone can experience the profound sense of freedom and control that comes with financial simplicity.

From prioritizing experiences over possessions to embracing the discipline of budgeting, the money habits of minimalists are not just strategies for saving; they’re transformative steps towards a more purposeful and enriched life. Here are some minimalist money habits that anyone can benefit from.

• Minimalism vs Simple Living: Understanding the Key Differences

Minimalism and simple living are two popular lifestyle choices that have gained much attention recently. Both lifestyles focus on living with less and finding contentment in what you have rather than constantly seeking more. While there are similarities between minimalism and simple living, there are also some key differences that set them apart.

Minimalism is a lifestyle that involves intentionally simplifying your life by eliminating excess possessions and focusing on what truly matters. It is about finding joy in the things that matter most rather than being bogged down by clutter and material possessions. Minimalism can be a great way to reduce stress and increase your overall sense of well-being.

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