Let’s explore the unique best things to do in Palm Springs, California. Palm Springs is a desert paradise. It’s known for its natural beauty and modern luxury. Surrounded by mountains and sunshine, this spot is perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Enjoy vibrant art galleries, world-class spas, and iconic mid-century architecture. Visitors can hike, lounge by pools, and explore unique shops. Palm Springs is an unforgettable escape into style and serenity.
Here are the best things to do in Palm Springs that provide a fascinating look at how Palm Springs evolved from its early days to its transformation into a cultural hub.
Start with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It rises 8,516 feet to Mount San Jacinto. Enjoy hiking, dining, and amazing desert views at the summit.
The tramway offers stunning vistas of the valley and the surrounding landscape.
The next step is to visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. This cultural hub features contemporary and Native American art. Explore sculptures, paintings, and multimedia pieces.
If you’re an art lover, you must see it.
Those who enjoy art and nature will love this next stop. Explore an art venue featuring local and international works.
Then, visit the Morton Botanical Garden. It’s a peaceful spot with diverse desert plants and succulents. Enjoy leisurely walks and photography in this serene environment.
The Palm Springs Historical Society is downtown. They offer exhibits, tours, and events about the city’s rich history.
Learn about Hollywood ties, mid-century architecture, and influential figures. This is a great book for history buffs.
Visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. It specializes in desert ecosystems and wildlife. With over 175 animals, it offers a unique educational experience.
See native animals like bighorn sheep and bobcats. You can also spot exotic ones, such as cheetahs and giraffes. The zoo also has beautiful gardens with various desert plants.
Every Thursday night, experience Palm Springs Village Fest. This lively street fair features local arts, crafts, and food. Enjoy live music and entertainment.
It’s a festive atmosphere perfect for experiencing local culture
In Palm Springs, the San Jacinto Mountains can be reached by way of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Discover alpine meadows, forests, and rocky areas. These spots are ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. There is a lot of peace and quiet here, making it a great getaway for outdoor lovers.
Explore the Palm Springs Air Museum. It showcases a collection of World War II and vintage aircraft. This unique destination is perfect for aviation enthusiasts. Take a tour of historic airplanes and learn about their history.
Joshua Tree National Park is close to Palm Springs. It features unique landscapes, rock formations, and iconic Joshua trees. Hike trails, photograph stunning scenery, and enjoy stargazing. Engage in rock climbing and picnicking while watching diverse wildlife.
Indian Canyons, just outside Palm Springs, is a desert oasis. It features towering palm trees, babbling streams, and unique formations. Hike on trails lined with palms. Learn about the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians. Enjoy spotting wildlife. This peaceful place is great for nature lovers and those who enjoy cultural heritage. Share your favourite Palm Springs activities!
Palm Springs has extreme weather! Winter temperatures can drop to 40 F (4 C) over night, and summer temperatures can reach high 90s and 100s from May to September.
My recommendation would be to visit in March or April, or October or November.
During my visits to Palm Springs, I’ve stayed at different hotels each time.
When I visited last, I chose downtown Palm Springs because I could easily walk to the shops on main street, restaurants, and the Village Fest on Thursday nights. It was a pleasure staying at Kimpton Rowan, and if your budget allows, I highly recommend it! The hotel has a rooftop restaurant and pool as well as a bar. Every afternoon, Kimpton properties hold a free wine hour in the lobby, as do all Kimpton properties.
It is also a wonderful property to stay at, The Willows. Our last stay here was at this boutique hotel next to the Art Museum, a few blocks up the road from the Kimpton.
We stayed at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club if we wanted something a little more fun, family-friendly, or for groups of friends. You’ll need a car because it’s a bit outside of town, but a great option nonetheless. You can enjoy s’mores in some of the garden rooms too!
Wouldn’t these properties make a great weekend getaway with friends? If you’re planning a wedding or a special event, you can rent out the whole place.
Shihab is the ultimate insider, dedicated to exploring and documenting the best-kept secrets of Palm Springs. I moved to the area 13 years ago and has been on a mission ever since to find the most unique design, dining, and stay experiences. Follow along to unlock the exclusive side of this iconic desert escape.
