Looking to lounge by a pool, soak in a thermal hot spring or spa, or take the car to one of the iconic nearby national parks and attractions? This is the list for you.
Whether you’re visiting in the temperate peak season of December to February, or you’ve decided to really soak in the sun by the pool during the hot summer months, we’ve got loads of things to do in Palm Springs to keep you and the whole family busy.
Spend the night with us at our lovely vacation home in Palm Springs, whose ambiance beats any regional hotel. The property is professionally styled and located right in the thick of Palm Springs, so you can stay close to the action.
Discover our favorite things to do in Palm Springs, like exploring nature trails, visiting museums, enjoying unique dining, and experiencing vibrant nightlife. Whatever you’re interested in, we’ve got an experience for you.
1. Explore Downtown Palm Springs
Photo Credit: mcrvlife
Downtown Palm Springs is a vibrant fusion of mid-century charm, desert allure, and Hollywood nostalgia. Walking through the downtown area, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a variety of boutiques offering unique fashion items and gifts, many of which emphasize local craftsmanship.
Shops like Peepa’s cater to those with a taste for quirky and contemporary in-house designs. Known for its colorful, mid-century aesthetic, it offers a curated selection of unique gifts and local art. Ibiss Boutique showcases vibrant styles and clothing reflective of the Palm Springs lifestyle.
Destination PSP specializes in custom swimwear and retro home decor in vibrant colors. The shop also supports local nonprofits and events, making it a hub for community engagement.
Don’t miss out on VillageFest, a weekly street fair on Thursday nights that transforms downtown into a lively hub of food vendors, live entertainment, and crafts. This open-air evening street market with over 180 vendors is popular with locals and first-timers alike.
As you explore, take a moment to admire the public art installations, including the iconic Forever Marilyn statue and vibrant murals that add to the area’s charm. For a touch of Hollywood history, walk along the downtown Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which honors over 400 celebrities.
2. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
A trip to Palm Springs wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum. This downtown cultural landmark is renowned for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art that reflects local culture and beyond.
The mid‑century modern building is a piece of design history itself, featuring both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, ensuring a diverse and unique experience every time you visit. Check their website for special exhibits or lectures that might align with your visit.
Before you leave, stop by the museum gift shop for a unique selection of art-related souvenirs. The museum is open Thursday from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
3. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Experience the breathtaking Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tram car. The ten-minute journey takes you up to Chino Canyon, offering stunning views as the landscape transitions from desert to alpine forest.
At the Mountain Station, situated at an elevation of 8,516 feet, visitors can enjoy cooler temperatures to explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, or engage in winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, depending on the season.
The Mountain Station also features observation decks, a natural history museum, and two restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a cocktail while taking in the panoramic views. Trek, dine, or simply enjoy the scenery.
It’s good to reserve your tramway tickets in advance if you plan to visit on a weekend.
4. Take a Windmill Tour
Photo Credit: Moyano Photography
Embark on a windmill tour to get up close to the impressive wind farms dotting Palm Springs. These excursions are the only ones in the U.S. that provide an in-depth look at a private wind farm, making them a unique and educational experience.
Operated by Palm Springs Windmill Tours, these excursions grant visitors access to a private wind farm, allowing them to witness the evolution of wind energy technology firsthand. The journeys are led by knowledgeable guides who share the story of the “Wind Rush” era of the 1980s and the advancements leading to today’s sleek turbine designs.
Guests can choose between guided golf cart tours or self-driving tours using a curated audio app. The tours include stops at historical exhibits, operational turbines, and solar energy facilities, offering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable energy practices.
With options suitable for individuals, families, and groups, a Palm Springs Windmill Tour is a fantastic way to spend a fun summer afternoon. You’ll be glad to have witnessed Palm Springs’ innovative spirit.
5. Relax at Agua Caliente Casino and Spa
Unwind at Agua Caliente Casino and Spa, where relaxation and excitement blend perfectly. The casino offers a variety of gaming options, including giant-screen slot machines, table games, and a high-limit poker room, as well as excellent dining choices that complement the gaming experience.
Adjacent to the casino is The Spa at Séc-he, named after the area’s ancient hot mineral spring. The spa offers hydrotherapy treatments, including mineral baths and water cupping massages. Its design creates a serene atmosphere for guests seeking rejuvenation. Spas of America also ranked it the number one spa in the USA in 2024.
The Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente is also ranked among the top spas in California. It offers a serene environment with holistic treatments and an array of amenities designed to rejuvenate your mind and body.
From advanced facilities like grounding chairs and far infrared treatment tables to a range of treatments including massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, Sunstone Spa ensures a luxurious and pampering experience.
Agua Caliente is an easy drive from Palm Springs and popular with travelers, not just for the casino and spa, but also for the thermal natural hot springs that Agua Caliente is named for.
6. Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
A day trip to Joshua Tree National Park is a must for any Palm Springs guest. Just an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, this iconic park offers a mesmerizing blend of surreal landscapes, unique flora, and outdoor adventures.
Open 24/7, Joshua Tree National Park is ideal for early morning walks and stargazing. It features iconic Joshua trees, unique rock formations like Skull Rock and Arch Rock, and scenic viewpoints such as Keys View overlooking the Coachella Valley.
If you’re looking for a memorable hike, the Lost Palms Oasis Trail guides you through a desert canyon to a secluded palm oasis.
The best times to visit if you’re looking for outdoor activities in Palm Springs are spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. During the summer, the heat can be intense, with temperatures often soaring into the triple digits, making spring and fall much more comfortable for outdoor activities.
7. Enjoy Desert Beauty at Moorten Botanical Garden
Photo Credit: Rei Atomei
Plant enthusiasts will find Moorten Botanical Garden fascinating.
This garden features over 3,000 varieties of desert plants and showcases the incredible diversity of desert flora. One of the garden’s highlights is the world’s first “Cactarium,” which displays rare plants not found elsewhere.
The garden also features the Moorten family’s Mediterranean-style home, affectionately known as “Cactus Castle,” nestled in a tranquil Palm Grove Oasis.
As you wander through the garden, you encounter unique collections of desert plants, crystals, and fossils in a serene setting. This peaceful oasis deepens your appreciation of the desert’s natural beauty as an idyllic retreat and a glimpse into the rich botanical heritage of the Coachella Valley.
8. Hike in the Pristine Wilderness of Coachella’s Canyons
Palm Springs offers pristine wilderness areas perfect for those who love to get out on the trails.
Indian Canyons is a standout, featuring stunning trails that include scenic palm oases and diverse plant life. Palm Canyon, in particular, features the world’s largest California fan palm oasis and offers a moderate trek that descends into a canyon filled with palm trees, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
Tahquitz Canyon is another popular trail. Located closer to downtown Palm Springs, it features a 2-mile loop trail that leads to a stunning 60-foot seasonal waterfall. The trail is moderately strenuous, with rocky terrain and little shade, but it rewards hikers with dramatic desert views and ancient rock art.
For a challenging hike, head to Murray Canyon. The trail leads to the picturesque Seven Falls and offers chances to encounter local wildlife, including the endangered Peninsular Big Horn Sheep.
Each of these hikes offers a unique adventure and stunning natural beauty. Be sure to bring along plenty of water and sunscreen because most trails offer little shade and are exposed to the desert sun. It’s always recommended to start early in the morning before temperatures get too high.
9. Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Photo Credit: Simone Hogan
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers a unique opportunity to observe desert wildlife around the globe, from Africa to North America.
Contrary to prior belief, the desert is not a barren wasteland but teeming with life, and it’s showcased no better place than here. The Living Desert Zoo features interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and private safari tours, as well as free-roaming wallabies in the Australia exhibit, making for an immersive, up-close zoo experience like no other.
Guests of all ages can enjoy educational programs and nature trails that showcase diverse ecosystems, making it a perfect destination for families and animal lovers alike.
The zoo also features multiple nature trails, allowing guests to explore different ecosystems and enjoy the desert landscape. Guests can also hike through actual desert canyons with bighorn sheep watching from the cliffs.
Special events and educational programs, such as Keeper Connections, enhance engagement and promote conservation efforts to protect desert wildlife and their habitats.
10. Indulge in the Local Dining Scene
Palm Springs is a culinary mecca, a confluence of fusion, tradition, and innovation. It offers a variety of cuisines, from casual to fine dining.
Farm restaurant is a local favorite brunch spot, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and popular dishes like eggs Benedict. For a taste of modern Mexican cuisine in a beautifully decorated setting, head to Tac/Quila, where you can enjoy traditional Mexican dishes cooked to perfection and hand-crafted margaritas.
Palm Springs may be a desert, but it’s no food desert. Restaurant options are abundant, with many offering outdoor seating and happy hour specials, such as discounted drinks and appetizers. This is a great way to experience the local dining culture and take in the vast desert landscapes.
When planning your culinary adventures, it’s advisable to make reservations to secure your spot in the perfect place, especially during peak times and seasons, as patios and tables can fill up fast.
11. Attend an Iconic Festival or Event
Palm Springs is home to a variety of vibrant festivals and events that celebrate its unique culture and heritage. Always check to see if your visit coincides with one of them.
Modernism Week is a standout. It showcases mid-century modern architecture and design through open house tours and special events, providing a rare opportunity to explore Palm Springs’ architectural heritage.
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a legendary, two-weekend celebration of music and desert culture that draws fans from around the world to Indio, California. As a first-timer, expect nonstop performances from top global artists across genres—pop, rock, EDM, hip-hop—set against a backdrop of surreal desert sunsets and massive, mind-bending art installations.
12. Hit the Links on Pro-level Golf Courses
In Palm Springs, golf isn’t just a pastime—it’s practically a religion.
The desert golf courses here don’t mess around; they challenge you with rugged terrain, jaw-dropping mountain backdrops, and a blazing sun that seems to carve everything sharper.
The year-round sunshine means you can tee off anytime, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and impeccably maintained greens. After a day on the course, the town’s relaxed vibe and great foodie spots make it easy to unwind and swap stories about that perfect drive or elusive birdie.
Escena Golf Club in Palm Springs offers a premier golfing experience with its 18-hole Nicklaus Design championship course, stretching nearly 7,200 yards. But there is no shortage of Palm Springs golf courses to try during your stay.
13. Head Out On Horseback Riding Adventures
Embark on a horseback riding adventure to explore the scenic canyons of Palm Springs.
Smoke Tree Stables, a family-owned establishment since 1927, offers guided tours that cater to riders of all levels. Laid‑back guided rides meander through the stunning Indian Canyons and along Murray Canyon’s whispering streams, on well‑mannered horses matched to your comfort and pace.
Their instructors are patient and safety‑focused. Before heading out, they take the time to adjust stirrups and guide beginners. The ride usually lasts about 90 minutes.
Children as young as seven can participate, making it a family-friendly activity. Riding through the picturesque canyons, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Palm Springs’ natural beauty and history.
Keep in mind this attraction in Palm Springs is not available (for your and the horse’s safety) during the hottest months of the year.
Your Sunny Palm Springs Escape Awaits You
With plenty of things to do in Palm Springs, this desert destination rivals Southern California’s other tourism hot spots, San Diego and Los Angeles.
As you plan your trip, remember to indulge in the local eats, enjoy live music and vibrant evening nightlife, and take the time to check if there are any festivals or annual events worth attending.
Whether you’re arriving via the Palm Springs International Airport or taking a drive through Coachella Valley to admire the desert beauty before landing in the oasis that is Downtown Palm Springs, our vacation homes are ready to welcome you.
