Wondering what makes Palm Springs the ultimate getaway from city life? Imagine relaxing under the warm desert sun while surrounded by stunning Mountain Views. Or imagine going on a hike to explore local trails or the nearby incredible Joshua Tree National Park. Or imagine just spending the day exploring the town of Palm Springs while enjoying the company of friends. Palm Springs has a variety of activities that are perfect for different types of visitors. It is a relaxing oasis, a vibrant town, and a natural wonder, all rolled up into one magic place. There are a variety of accommodations that range from luxury resorts to boutique hotels. There are many incredible things to do in Palm Springs, as it is a diverse town with many offerings. You will not be disappointed when visiting this incredible town.
Palm Springs, The Perfect Getaway
To help you plan your perfect getaway, we have compiled the best activities to do to make your experience unforgettable. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or a history buff, here are 25 amazing things to do in Palm Springs, California.
Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the most popular attractions in Palm Springs. It is a rotating tram that travels over two and a half miles along the Chino Canyon Cliffs until it reaches the Mountain Station at Mt. San Jacinto State Park. As the tram goes up the mountain, it rotates slowly, giving you beautiful 360-degree views of Chino Canyon during your trip.
The ride to Mt. San Jacinto State Park takes about ten minutes, and you will enjoy beautiful scenic views along the way. You can enjoy the beautiful wilderness once you arrive at Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Taking a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Palm Springs. And once you reach the top you will find that there are a variety of things to do at Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
Go Hiking at Mt. San Jacinto State Park
Once you arrive at Mt. San Jacinto State Park, you can exit the Mountain Station and go down the paved path to Long Valley, which is not far from the Mountain Station. When you arrive at Long Valley, you will see a large sign with hiking information. You will also be near the Long Valley Ranger Station.
Get A Free Day-Use Hiking Permit
You will need a free day-use hiking permit if you intend to go hiking. You can get your permit at the ranger station. It is very easy to do. The permits are available on the porch right outside the door. You fill out the information and leave a copy in the box. When you return from your hike, you leave your copy in the box. This way, the rangers know if anyone is still on the mountain. There are restroom facilities available at the ranger station. There are also picnic tables where you can enjoy a quick bite before or after your hike.
At Long Valley, you will find the trailheads for several hiking trails. The trails range from easy and relatively short to moderate and strenuous.
Long Valley Discovery Trail
The Long Valley Discovery Trail is a ¾ mile (1.2 Km) loop. If you are looking for a leisurely hike, this is the perfect trail as it is the easiest one. It is a leisurely nature hike where you will enjoy great views of the surrounding natural area. During your hike, you will cross several bridges and have beautiful scenic views of the area.
Desert View Trail
The Desert View Trail is a 1.5 mile (2 Km) loop where you will not only enjoy the views of the natural area, you will also enjoy a few scenic overlooks. This trail is considered moderate as it has a little bit of elevation.
Dining at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway doesn’t just offer a short trip with fantastic views. You can also make a date out of visiting the tramway and enjoy a wonderful dinner on the mountain.
There are three places where you can enjoy a bite to eat while visiting the Aerial Tramway.
Cascade Cafe
If you don’t want to ride the tramway but want to see the trams in action, you can visit Cascade Cafe. Cascade Cafe is located at The Valley Station. This is the station at the bottom. It is a snack bar-type eatery that offers small bites such as sandwiches, pizza, chips, coffee, and other options.
At Cascade Cafe, you can eat on the patio and enjoy the view of the tram cars in action. You can also enjoy a nice view of Johnson Falls while on the patio. You can also enjoy Cascade Cafe after your tram ride if you decide not to eat at either restaurant at the Mountain Station.
Pines Cafe
Pines Cafe is located at the Mountain Station, at the top. It is a casual-style eatery with a variety of options. If you are interested in having dinner at the top of the mountain, Pines Cafe is a great option. When purchasing tickets for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, there is an option to include dinner with your adventure. This option includes dinner at Pines Cafe.
The dinner package is for afternoon rides at 4:00 PM, with dinner service starting at 4:30 PM. The cost for the package is very reasonable, at $41.00 for adults and $27.50 for children ages three to ten.
Peaks Restaurant
Peaks Restaurant is the more upscale option for dining at the top of the mountain. The views are spectacular! Peaks Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with the last dinner seating at 8:00 PM. Peaks Restaurant is an excellent option if you would like to enjoy sunset views during dinner. Because of its terrific location and incredible views, Peaks Restaurant is a popular option for many visitors. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Lookout Lounge
If you want to enjoy the view while having something to drink and enjoying a small bite, then the Lookout Lounge is the choice for you. The Lookout Lounge is a full cocktail bar where you can enjoy appetizers and a great view of the surrounding valley.
Stop By The Palm Springs Visitors Center
If this is your first time in town, consider stopping by the Palm Springs Visitors Center. At the visitors center, you can get information about the surrounding area, local attractions, events, hotel accommodations, and dining options in town. The staff at the Palm Springs Visitors Center is very knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to help you make the best of your visit.
The Visitor Center also sells souvenirs and unique gift items with the Palm Springs logo, so you can take home a memento of your visit. It is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Take a Walk in Downtown Palm Springs
There are many things to see in downtown Palm Springs. There are a variety of boutiques, galleries, and vintage shops lining Palm Canyon Drive. You can grab a coffee at a local cafe or try one of the great restaurants in the downtown area. There are also a variety of breweries with excellent craft beer and appetizers to choose from.
There are many options to fill your day in downtown. Along with great restaurants and cafes, there are a variety of tourist attractions that are worth visiting while visiting downtown.
Visit The Palm Springs Historical Society
The Palm Springs Historical Society has four museums and a research center on site. These include the McCallum Adobe, the Cornelia White House, Rudy’s General Store, and The Oasis, which hosts the Trini Lopez Exhibit.
The Palm Springs Historical Society is a great place to visit, especially if you are interested in the history of Palm Springs. Each museum delves into the history of the area and has memorabilia on exhibit. Rudy’s General Store was our favorite museum as it was a replica of a general store from the early 1900s and was filled with lots of memorabilia.
The Palm Springs Historical Society also offers a variety of tours to choose from, which include walking tours, bike tours, and vehicle tours. The historical society is open from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and is closed on Tuesday. Admission to the Museums is free.
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Enjoy the Palm Springs Art Scene
Palm Springs is synonymous with art. If you love art, you will find that there is lots of art to enjoy during your visit. If you aren’t so keen on art, you will still get to enjoy the Palm Springs art scene, as it is very present throughout town.
Palm Springs’s outdoor art scene includes the 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe, Graffiti Yard, many colorful benches found throughout town, and a variety of art sculptures found in many places. The outdoor art scene is so integrated within the town of Palm Springs that you might not even realize that you have been enjoying art sculptures and paintings as you walk throughout the downtown area.
Along with the outdoor art scene in town, there are a variety of galleries that you can enjoy. Many art galleries are located along Palm Canyon Road, in or near the heart of downtown.
Visit The Palm Springs Art Museum
If you love art, then a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum should be on your itinerary. The Palm Springs Art Museum has a great collection of modern and contemporary art as part of its ongoing exhibit. The museum also features a variety of different exhibits throughout the year.
The Palm Springs Art Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday through Monday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Stop for a Picture at Forever Marilyn
Forever Marilyn is a large statue of Marilyn Monroe that is located near the Palm Springs Art Museum at Belardo Road and Museum Way. Forever Marilyn is a 26-foot sculpture of Marilyn Monroe that was created by Seward Johnson. The sculpture was inspired by a photograph of Marilyn Monroe while filming the movie “The Seven Year Itch.” In the photograph, Marilyn’s dress flies up as a subway train passes underground while she stands on a grate.
The sculpture is a beautiful likeness of Marilyn and is worth a visit. It is a very popular and Instagrammable spot to stop for a photograph.
Check Out Graffiti Yard
One thing you will notice about Palm Springs is the variety of art that is found around the city. Not only can you enjoy art exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Museum, but you can also enjoy art displays throughout town. Graffiti Yard is a great example of this. Graffiti Yard is an outdoor art exhibit that is constantly changing. It showcases a variety of street art that is ever-evolving. Every visit to Graffiti Yard will be different as the art display changes all the time.
Graffiti Yard is located at East Andreas Road and Belardo Road, right off Palm Canyon Drive.
Enjoy the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
As you stroll down Palm Canyon Drive in downtown, you will come to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. There are over 470 stars along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which honors artists, entertainers, authors, architects, and many other notable people with ties to the city.
If you would like to explore the Walk of the Stars and learn more about the honorees, an app is available. The Palm Springs Walk of The Stars app by MediaMine is available for IOS on the Apple Store.
The App has information on all the stars on the walk with detailed information about the honorees. As a bonus, coupons and discounts are available on the app, which can be used at various vendors along the walk.
Stop By Villagefest on Thursday Nights
If you are trying to figure out what to do on a Thursday night, consider attending Villagefest. Villagefest is an evening street fair with a vibrant community atmosphere that features arts, crafts, food, entertainment, and shopping. At Villagefest, you can enjoy live music and find many unique local crafts. There are over 170 vendors that attend Villagefest, so it is a great opportunity to experience local culture, pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and try a variety of cuisines, snacks, and artisan foods.
We thoroughly enjoyed Villagefest and highly recommend attending. We enjoyed seeing all that there was to see, and the evening street fair vibe was incredible. There were many delicious foods to try, including local favorites, international cuisines, bakery goods, and delicious artisan coffees. There was a variety of outdoor entertainment. It was great to see such talented performers throughout the street fair. Villagefest spans several long blocks, so it is a good idea to wear comfortable shoes as you will be getting in some steps.
Villagefest is held every Thursday night in downtown on South Palm Canyon Drive between Amado and Baristo. From June to September, Villagefest hours are from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. From October to May, Villagefest hours are from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Palm Springs Certified Farmer’s Market
The Palm Springs Certified Farmer’s Market is the perfect place for a Saturday morning stroll. You will find a variety of fresh produce, artisan breads and products, and snacks available for purchase. The Farmer’s Market is a great place to purchase a few snacks to enjoy later in the day or throughout your stay.
During the months of October through May, the Palm Springs Farmer’s Market is held outdoors at the Cultural Center parking lot at 2300 East Baristo Way.
During the months of June through September, the Farmer’s Market is held indoors in the air-conditioned Palm Springs Pavilion at 401 S. Pavilion Way.
The market is held on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Stroll Through Moorten Botanical Garden
Moorten Botanical Garden is a privately owned, unique botanical garden that features a large variety of cacti and desert plants from around the world. The plants range in size from very small to very large and include agave plants, aloe plants, and several fossils. The desert plants are displayed within regions that include Baja California, the Mojave Desert, South Africa, and Mexico-Gran Desierto de Altar.
The Moorten Botanical Garden has a cactarium, a greenhouse with rare cacti, perfect for photography enthusiasts. There is also a nursery where you can purchase a variety of desert plants to take home. A visit to this botanical garden is ideal for nature, plant lovers, and kids. Visiting Moorten Botanical Garden is one of the best family friendly things to do in Palm Springs.
During the months of October through May, Moorten Botanical Garden is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursday through Tuesday and closed on Wednesdays. During the months of June through September, Moorten Botanical Garden is open Friday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Explore The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center
The Palm Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center is part of the Palm Springs Art Museum family. Its focus is to explore architecture and design. It hosts exhibits related to both the architecture and design of many regions including artists that have influenced the architecture of Palm Springs.
The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center is open Thursday through Sunday and closed Monday through Wednesday. The museum is located at 300 S. Palm Canyon Drive.
Visit The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is a large museum that showcases the culture and history of the Cahuilla Nation. There are five permanent exhibits that display the history and culture of the Cahuilla Nation, including their home and migration and current history. The exhibits include photography, movies, and exhibits that include artifacts that were excavated during the construction of the Cultural Plaza.
The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Mondays. It is located at 140 North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
Enjoy An Evening At The Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs
The Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs is known for its vibrant nightlife offerings. You can enjoy playing in the casino, enjoying live entertainment in the Cascade Lounge, dining at The Steakhouse, or enjoying a drink with friends at one of the bars.
The Agua Caliente Casino is open 24 hours and is located near downtown. It is a great venue to visit and enjoy an evening out with a variety of options to choose from.
The Agua Caliente Casino is located at 401 East Amado Road, not too far from the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.
Visit The Palm Springs Air Museum
If you like history and airplanes, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a place you should visit. The museum showcases exhibits and airplanes from World War Two, the Korean War, The Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror. The non-profit museum aims to showcase the importance aviation has played in preserving American liberties throughout America’s history.
The airplanes on display are in excellent condition. Several of its airplanes are still able to fly. In addition to the airplanes, the museum has permanent and changing exhibits with artifacts and artwork.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a must-do, especially if you enjoy learning about history. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is located at 745 Gene Autry Trail, on the backside of the Palm Springs International Airport.
Go Hiking in Palm Springs
If you are an avid hiker or just want to get out and enjoy the surrounding landscape and nature, you should go on a hike. There are over 100 miles of hiking trails in Palm Springs. With so many trails to choose from, you will find trails for experienced hikers and hiking trails suitable for families. Hiking is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Palm Springs.
The local hiking trails are part of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park and the Aguas Caliente Indian Reservation. Many of the trailheads can be found near downtown.
Indian Canyon is a popular hiking destination, it is found on the Aguas Caliente Indian Reservation. There are three canyons on the Aguas Caliente Indian Reservation that are within Indian Canyon: Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Andreas Canyon. These canyons offer a variety of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Here are a few of our favorite hikes.
Andreas Canyon Hike
The Andreas Canyon Hike is an easy one-mile hike with 173 feet of elevation. This is a popular trail with great views of the surrounding area.
Palm Canyon Hike
The Palm Canyon Hike is an easy two-mile hike with about 300 feet of elevation. This hiking trail has many fan palms that offer lots of shade. There is a picnic area with tables near the creek. This is a beautiful hike that is worth going on. You will see beautiful rock formations, and the palm trees add to the beauty of this hike.
Tahquitz Canyon Loop
Tahquitz Canyon Loop is a popular hike. It is located on the Aguas Caliente Indian Reservation. The trailhead is located at the end of Mesquite Avenue. Its popularity is due to the waterfall that is found along the hike. This is an easy 1.7-mile hike with about 300 feet of elevation. There is a fee to access this trail.
The Museum Trail
The Museum Trail is easily found near downtown. The trail is located behind the Art Museum. It is a half-mile trail with about 350 feet of elevation. The trail is considered moderate due to the elevation, although we found it easy due to the short distance.
Murray Canyon
If you are looking for more challenging hikes, then Murray Canyon is a better choice. There are a variety of hikes available, with distances ranging from two to six miles.
If you do decide to go hiking, remember to take snacks, sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of water. It can get hot while on your hike. Due to the hot summer temperatures, I do not recommend hiking during the hot summer months.
Horseback Riding Tour of the Canyons
If you would like to go horseback riding, you can book a trail ride through the scenic desert landscape with Smoke Tree Stables. Your ride will take you through the beautiful Indian Canyons, which offer incredible mountain views.
A horseback riding tour is an excellent activity for beginners or experienced riders who are looking to experience the desert from a different perspective. The tours are guided tours that take into consideration the skill level of the least experienced rider.
Reservations for guided riding tours are required and can be made on the Smoke Tree Stables website.
Go on a Tour of the Palm Springs Windmill Farm
The Palm Springs Windmill Farm is the perfect place to learn about wind energy and the Palm Springs windmills. There are a variety of tours available, which include self-driving tours and guided tours. On your tour, you will start at the Tour Center, where you will watch a 15-minute video and see a few exhibits on wind energy. You will then start your self-driving tour or your guided tour through the windmill farm.
The self-driving tour has ten stops and takes about one hour and a half. On the guided tour, you will be driven through the windmill farm with a knowledgeable tour guide. There are two options for guided tours: a regular guided tour and a VIP guided tour. The guided tours range from one and a half hours to two hours long.
You can book your windmill tour on the Palm Springs Windmill Tours website.
Golf at One of Palm Springs’ Famous Courses
Book a tee time at one of Palm Springs’ many golf courses, such as the Escena Golf Club, Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, and Indian Canyons Golf Resort. You can enjoy scenic views of mountains and palm trees as a backdrop during your round of golf.
If you are new to golf, The Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort has programs available for beginners that include group and private lessons. There are also lessons available for couples as well. Palm Springs is the perfect place to play a round of golf or to learn how to play a round of golf.
Relax at a Luxurious Palm Springs Spa
I can’t think of a better way to enjoy a Desert getaway than spending time at a relaxing spa. There are several spas to choose from in Palm Springs and at resorts in the surrounding area. Many spas offer similar treatments that include massages and desert clay body wraps. For an incredible experience, consider spending the day at the Spa at Sec-he.
Spend a Day at The Spa at Sec-he
The Spa at Sec-he is located at the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza. It is located on the Tribe’s hot mineral springs, which is a sacred site. This luxurious spa offers many treatments, including healing hot mineral spring waters.
Services at the spa include massages, facials, body scrubs, wraps, and a variety of wellness packages. The spa offers a Taking of the Waters day pass that offers access to many spa treatments, including a private Taking of the Waters mineral bath experience.
Sec-he spa also has an outdoor swimming pool where you can relax after your spa experience. This is a very relaxing spa and definitely worth a visit.
Visit the Surrounding Area Near Palm Springs
Palm Springs is an incredible town with many sights to visit. Not surprisingly, the surrounding area is just as impressive. There are so many sights and towns to visit in the greater Palm Springs area that taking a day trip or two is a great idea. Among popular towns to visit are Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, and Indio. There are local Mineral Springs at Desert Hot Springs, the popular Date Shake from Indio, Joshua Tree National Park, and the Coachella Valley Preserve.
Each town has its own unique charm and stunning desert landscapes. Joshua Tree National Park and the Coachella Valley Preserve have incredible landscapes and are worth a visit. There is so much to experience that a day trip to one of the surrounding areas is well worth the drive.
Where is Palm Springs Located?
Palm Springs is a desert town located in Southern California in Riverside County. It is a two-hour drive and about 100 miles (161 Km) from Los Angeles. It is about a two-hour and 20-minute drive and 140 miles (225 Km) from San Diego.
How do you get to Palm Springs?
There are three ways to get to Palm Springs. You can fly, drive, or take the Amtrak train.
Flying into Palm Springs
You can fly to Palm Springs as it has an international airport. Palm Springs International Airport is smaller in comparison to Los Angeles International Airport. However, it is serviced by 13 airlines with nonstop flights to 30 airports, allowing for hundreds of connecting flights.
Flying directly into Palm Springs eliminates the additional commute of driving 67 miles from Ontario International Airport or 100 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. Car rental companies are available at the airport, making transportation easy during your visit.
Driving to Palm Springs
If you are local, staying near the area, or on a road trip, then driving to Palm Springs is the easiest way to get to Palm Springs. You don’t have to worry about renting a car and getting around town. And the best thing is that you can easily explore the surrounding area.
Taking the Amtrak to Palm Springs
There is an Amtrak Station in town, making it easy to take the train to Palm Springs. There are two routes that stop at the Palm Springs Station, the Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to several frequently asked questions about visiting Palm Springs. We hope the answers will help you as you plan your visit to Palm Springs.
Palm Springs is very hot during the summer months, from June through September. The temperature generally hovers around 100 degrees Fahrenheit and can get higher than 100 degrees during this time. The weather is milder the rest of the year and hovers around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visiting Palm Springs in the summer can be challenging due to high temperatures. Many hotels offer discounts, and there are indoor attractions and night-time activities that are enjoyable.
The best time to visit Palm Springs is during the months of October through April. The weather is milder during this time, making it perfect for outdoor activities. If you are looking for a quieter stay, there are fewer crowds between October and November, making these ideal months to visit.
For a trip to Palm Springs, packing should include lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for exploring.
To fully explore Palm Springs, you need around three to four days to experience the highlights, including the main attractions. If you plan to visit the surrounding areas, I suggest a minimum of four to five days, depending on the sites you would like to visit.
While having a car is convenient for getting around town, the downtown area is very walkable, and rideshare services are available for short trips. However, for day trips or exploring the surrounding area, I highly recommend a car.
You can find affordable accommodations in Palm Springs by looking for boutique hotels, using vacation rental platforms, or booking during the off-season when rates are much lower.
Yes, Palm Springs is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for all ages, such as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Living Desert Zoo, and hiking. Most resorts and hotels have pool facilities that kids can enjoy.
Is Visiting Palm Springs Worth It?
Yes! Visiting Palm Springs is absolutely worth it! Palm Springs has sunny weather and lots of outdoor activities. Palm Springs is a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and adventure that caters to various traveler types. Making it a great getaway for those seeking to relax or those seeking to enjoy nature. From desert hikes to luxurious spas, this city has something for everyone, making it an ideal weekend getaway or longer vacation destination.
You can plan your activities based on your interests—whether that means relaxing poolside, exploring the outdoors, or enjoying Palm Springs’ rich cultural offerings. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, there’s plenty to see, do, and enjoy in Palm Springs!
Have you visited Palm Springs? What was your favorite spot or the activity that made your trip special? Share your experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
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