Palm Springs, a desert oasis nestled less than two hours from the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, California, beckons with its unique blend of retro glamour and modern allure. This vibrant city, famed for its stylish hotels, verdant golf courses, and rejuvenating hot springs, offers a captivating escape for travelers of all stripes. Once a favored haunt of Hollywood’s elite, Palm Springs boasts a stunning collection of mid-century modern architecture, a testament to its golden age. Palm Canyon Drive, the city’s bustling main thoroughfare, is a treasure trove of vintage boutiques, sophisticated interior design shops, and inviting restaurants, where you can savor delectable meals al fresco while watching the world go by on a balmy evening.
While renowned as a welcoming haven for the LGBT community, Things to Do in Palm Springs extends far beyond any single demographic, offering a diverse array of experiences for everyone. The surrounding Coachella Valley, a dramatic landscape of canyons and mesas, provides endless opportunities for hiking and biking adventures. For a truly breathtaking panorama, ascend the majestic Mount San Jacinto via the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where stunning vistas await.
Let’s delve into the many exciting Things to Do in Palm Springs, ensuring an unforgettable trip:
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Prepare for an exhilarating journey on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, one of the city’s most iconic and popular attractions. This engineering marvel whisks visitors from the desert floor to the summit of Mount San Jacinto in a matter of minutes, transporting them from the arid heat to a cool, alpine environment.
As the tram car ascends, rotating slowly to offer 360-degree views, you’ll witness a dramatic transformation in the landscape. The arid desert gives way to towering pines, granite peaks, and lush mountain meadows. Once at the top, a world of outdoor adventure awaits.
Explore a network of hiking trails that wind through the pristine wilderness, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Pack a picnic and find a scenic spot to enjoy lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery, or opt for a satisfying meal at The Peaks Restaurant, offering stunning views from its perch atop the mountain.
The temperature at the summit can be significantly cooler than in the desert below, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing, especially during the winter months when snow is common. Sunset and nighttime rides are particularly magical, as the city lights twinkle below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. If you plan to dine at The Peaks Restaurant during sunset, reservations are highly recommended.
Explore the San Andreas Fault
Embark on a thrilling geological adventure with Desert Adventures and venture into the heart of the San Andreas Fault, a colossal crack in the Earth’s crust responsible for California’s dramatic landscapes and seismic activity. This unique tour offers the rare opportunity to stand directly on the fault line, an experience few others can claim.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the San Andreas Fault Adventure tour takes you on an off-road journey through the rugged terrain of the Coachella Valley, revealing the powerful forces that have shaped the region over millions of years. You’ll witness firsthand the twisted and jagged landscape of an active earthquake fault system, as your guide explains the geology of the area and the science behind earthquakes.
The tour also includes a visit to a genuine desert oasis, a lush haven of palm trees and vegetation sustained by the fault’s underground water sources. Learn about the unique ecosystem that thrives in this arid environment and the vital role the fault plays in its survival.
Embrace the Art of Relaxation
Sometimes, the best thing to do on vacation is simply… nothing. The Palm Springs tourism bureau playfully acknowledges this sentiment, noting that "nothing" is frequently cited by visitors as a top priority on their list of Things to Do in Palm Springs.
Of course, "nothing" is a relative term. It might mean basking in the warm desert sun by the pool, sipping a refreshing cocktail, and losing yourself in the pages of a good book. It could involve spending quality time with friends and loved ones, sharing stories and laughter in a relaxed and convivial setting. Or perhaps it’s a leisurely round of golf on one of Palm Springs’ many meticulously manicured courses, followed by a satisfying meal at the clubhouse.
Many of the local resorts are designed to encourage a sense of tranquility and relaxation. With luxurious amenities, attentive service, and stunning surroundings, they provide the perfect setting for unwinding and escaping the stresses of everyday life.
Take a Windmill Tour
As you approach Palm Springs from the west, you can’t miss the imposing wind turbines that dominate the landscape along Interstate 10. These towering structures, harnessing the power of the wind to generate electricity, are a testament to California’s commitment to renewable energy.
Curious about these modern marvels? Embark on a fascinating two-hour tour that delves into the inner workings of these wind farms. The informative tour will help you understand how they work, why they’re located in this particular area, and the role they play in our energy future.
The tour takes you behind the fences and onto private land, providing an up-close look at these impressive machines. At tour headquarters, you’ll receive an overview of renewable wind energy and a history of the windmills. The bus tour of the farms ends with a complimentary date shake at the Windmill Market and Cafe, a delicious and refreshing treat made with locally grown dates.
Stroll Down Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Canyon Drive is the vibrant heart and soul of Palm Springs, a bustling thoroughfare that offers a delightful blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. This iconic street is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, soak up the city’s unique atmosphere, and discover its many hidden gems.
Browse the eclectic mix of shops, from vintage boutiques and art galleries to high-end retailers and souvenir stores. Indulge in a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, cafes, and bars that line the street, offering a diverse range of cuisines and atmospheres.
Palm Springs has long been a playground for Hollywood stars, and its Walk of Stars pays tribute to the many celebrities who have called the city home. As you stroll along Palm Canyon Drive, keep an eye out for the stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring famous names like Gene Autry, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra.
If you’re in Palm Springs on a Thursday evening, don’t miss VillageFest, a lively street fair that transforms Palm Canyon Drive into a pedestrian paradise. With food vendors, artisan crafts, live music, and street performers, VillageFest is a vibrant celebration of community and culture.
Tour Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the glamour of the 1960s with a tour of Elvis Presley’s Honeymoon Hideaway, the Palm Springs house where the King of Rock and Roll spent his honeymoon with Priscilla in 1967.
This iconic house, designed by renowned architect William Krisel, is a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture, with its distinctive butterfly roof, spacious interiors, and walls of glass. The tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and style of Elvis Presley, as well as the architectural trends of the era.
Many of the cabinets, tiles, and even some of the furniture are original or restored, providing a sense of authenticity and allowing you to imagine what it was like to be in the King’s footsteps. Feel free to take photos inside and out, and even sit on some of the furniture.
Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum
A must-see attraction for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Palm Springs Air Museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of flyable World War II aircraft. Unlike many museums, the Palm Springs Air Museum encourages visitors to get up close and personal with the planes, allowing them to touch, photograph, and even climb inside these historic machines.
Many of the expert volunteers at the museum served in WWII, Korea, or Vietnam, and they are eager to share their experiences and knowledge with visitors. Learn about the history of the aircraft, how they worked, and the challenges faced by the pilots and crews who flew them.
Hike the Indian Canyons
Escape the heat and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Indian Canyons, a network of stunning canyons located on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. These canyons offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon each offer a unique hiking experience. Discover lush palm oases, cascading waterfalls, ancient rock art, and diverse wildlife, including the possibility of spotting a Big Horned Sheep.
Peruse the Art at the Palm Springs Art Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features an outstanding collection of contemporary and modern art, architecture and design, photography, art glass, and Native American and Western art.
Tour the Architecture
Palm Springs is synonymous with Mid-Century Modern Architecture. You can take a self-guided tour of the city’s stunning collection of mid-century homes and buildings, that will transport you back to a glamorous, yet simple time.
See the Final Resting Place of Frank Sinatra
Pay your respects to the legendary Frank Sinatra at his final resting place in Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City.
See the Funky Artwork of Kenny Irwin Jr.
A fun place to check out in Palm Springs is the outdoor gallery of Artist Kenny Irwin Jr. This artist’s studio is fun and funky.
Go Gambling at Agua Caliente Casino
Test your luck at the Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs, a bustling casino open 24/7 with a music venue, buffet restaurant, deli, and steakhouse.
Things to Do in Palm Springs offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. From soaring heights to geological wonders, artistic expressions to moments of tranquil relaxation, Palm Springs caters to every taste and inclination. Come discover the magic of this desert paradise for yourself!
