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Nestled in the heart of the desert, Palm Springs is a haven for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. With its rich history as a playground for Hollywood’s elite, this stylish oasis offers a unique blend of retro charm and modern luxury.
You can unwind at one of the many upscale villas and spas, or explore the surrounding landscape, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountain backdrop. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply a chance to relax, Palm Springs has something for everyone.
From its iconic attractions to its vibrant downtown scene, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the top things to do in this beloved desert destination, helping you plan an unforgettable getaway.
Discovering Palm Springs: Desert Oasis and Hollywood Playground
Palm Springs, a desert oasis nestled in the heart of California, has been a haven for celebrities and travelers alike for decades. With its close proximity to LA’s movie studios, the area has long been a hotspot for celebrities. Since the 1920s, Hollywood’s ‘two-hour rule’ meant actors under contract must be no more than two hours away from the studio – which put the area on the map as the perfect getaway!
The History and Allure of Palm Springs
Palm Springs began its transformation from a desert outpost to a glamorous retreat in the early 20th century when Hollywood stars discovered its secluded charm and proximity to Los Angeles. Famous residents like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley helped establish Palm Springs’ reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s identity. The mid-century modern architectural movement flourished in Palm Springs during the 1950s and 60s, creating a distinctive aesthetic that continues to define the city’s visual character.
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs
Palm Springs experiences over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a year-round destination. The best time to visit is between January and April when temperatures are most pleasant. Summer months bring intense desert heat, but also lower hotel rates and less crowded attractions.
| Season | Weather | Hotel Rates | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Jan-Apr) | Mild | Higher | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Sep) | Hot | Lower | Less crowded |
The city experiences a renaissance during winter and spring months when seasonal residents flock to the desert to escape colder climates. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Palm Springs has something to offer in every season.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Soaring Above the Desert
Experience the thrill of ascending to new heights with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a marvel of engineering that takes you from the desert floor to the alpine wilderness in minutes. As the world’s largest rotating tramcar, it offers a 360-degree view during the 10-minute journey, allowing you to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Chino Canyon and the Coachella Valley below.
What to Expect on the World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar
As you board the rotating car, you’ll travel 2.5 miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon. The slow rotation of the cars during the ascent provides picturesque vistas of the pristine Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The dramatic change in temperature, often 30-40 degrees cooler at the top, creates a refreshing escape from the desert heat and immerses you in a completely different ecosystem.
Hiking and Dining at Mountain Station
At Mountain Station, elevation 8,516 feet, you can explore over 50 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging wilderness treks, including the trail to San Jacinto Peak (10,834 feet). Enjoy dining at one of the two restaurants: Peaks Restaurant offers fine dining with panoramic vistas, while Pines Café provides casual fare perfect for hikers and families. The Mountain Station also features observation decks with telescopes, a natural history museum, documentary theaters, and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs of your aerial adventure.
Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
As you venture out of Palm Springs, the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park awaits. Located just an hour’s drive away, this unique park is where the Mojave and Colorado Deserts converge, creating a surreal landscape.
Must-See Attractions in Joshua Tree
The park is home to several must-see attractions, including Skull Rock and Arch Rock, which are iconic formations that have become synonymous with the park. You can also visit Keys View for panoramic vistas of the Coachella Valley or explore the Cholla Cactus Garden, where the dense collection of “teddy bear” chollas appears to glow in the golden hour light.
The park’s namesake Joshua trees create an otherworldly atmosphere, especially during sunrise and sunset when their twisted silhouettes are set against the desert backdrop.
Guided Tours and Stargazing Experiences
For an in-depth exploration of Joshua Tree National Park, consider taking a guided Jeep or Hummer tour. These tours provide insights into the park’s geology, wildlife, and human history, including Native American heritage and gold mining operations.
The park is renowned for its stargazing opportunities due to its minimal light pollution, earning it an International Dark Sky Park designation. Join a ranger-led night sky program to observe the Milky Way and celestial events with exceptional clarity.
Palm Springs, California: Best Things to Do for Architecture Enthusiasts
Palm Springs is a paradise for architecture enthusiasts, boasting one of the world’s largest collections of mid-century modern architecture. The city’s architectural landscape is characterized by clean lines, large windows, and indoor-outdoor living spaces, creating a unique blend of style and functionality.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tours
Palm Springs offers various guided tours that showcase its iconic mid-century modern architecture. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the city’s architectural history and its significance in the world of design. Visitors can explore famous neighborhoods like Vista Las Palmas and Twin Palms, where many homes embody the principles of mid-century modern design.
The Kaufmann Desert House, designed by Richard Neutra in 1946, is a prime example of mid-century modern architecture. This iconic residence is considered one of the most photographed and influential residential buildings in America, epitomizing the desert modernism aesthetic.
Celebrity Homes and Movie Colony Neighborhood
Palm Springs is also famous for its celebrity homes, many of which are available for tours or overnight stays. Frank Sinatra’s “Twin Palms” estate, with its piano-shaped swimming pool, is a popular destination. Elvis Presley’s “Honeymoon Hideaway” is another notable example, where the couple spent time after their wedding. These homes not only showcase mid-century modern design but also offer a glimpse into the lives of Hollywood’s elite.
By staying at one of these historic homes, such as Frank Sinatra’s former residence, visitors can experience the luxury and style of mid-century modern architecture firsthand. The Palm Springs Visitor Center, originally the Tramway Gas Station designed by Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, is another must-see, exemplifying the futuristic vision of mid-century architects.
Outdoor Adventures in the Desert Landscape
Palm Springs is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities amidst its breathtaking desert landscape. The area is surrounded by dramatic canyons, palm oases, and rugged mountain terrain, creating a stunning backdrop for exploration.
Tahquitz Canyon and Indian Canyon Trails
The Indian Canyons, ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, contain over 60 miles of hiking trails through Palm Canyon, Andreas Canyon, and Murray Canyon. These trails range from easy walks suitable for toddlers to more challenging treks for adults, offering spectacular vistas, rock art, and local wildlife. You can expect to see a beautiful 60-foot waterfall in Tahquitz Canyon, a surprising desert treasure that’s especially vibrant after winter rains.
Palm Canyon, the world’s largest native California fan palm oasis, offers a dramatic contrast between the desert terrain and the verdant canyon floor. The hiking trails here reveal indigenous rock art and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Desert Jeep Tours and San Andreas Fault Explorations
For those seeking a guided experience, desert Jeep tours provide thrilling off-road adventures to otherwise inaccessible areas. These tours include excursions along the San Andreas Fault, where guides explain the fascinating geology that shaped the Coachella Valley. You can walk through slot canyons, observe unique geological formations, and learn about the powerful tectonic forces that continue to shape California’s landscape.
The diverse desert ecosystem supports a surprising variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, roadrunners, and numerous reptile species that have adapted to the harsh conditions. Exploring these areas provides a unique insight into the natural beauty and complexity of the desert environment.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Beyond its natural beauty, Palm Springs boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums and gardens to explore. You can experience the city’s vibrant culture by visiting some of its iconic attractions.
Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum stands as the cultural centerpiece of the city, housing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, Native American artifacts, and Western American art across its 28 galleries and sculpture gardens. With rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection featuring works by renowned artists such as Dale Chihuly, Helen Frankenthaler, and Robert Motherwell, the art museum offers visitors a refreshing cultural experience in the heart of the desert.
Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum ranks among the world’s top aviation museums, showcasing one of the largest collections of flyable WWII aircraft in the world across multiple climate-controlled hangars. Many of the docents are actual veterans who share firsthand accounts of the aircraft and their historical significance, bringing aviation history to life for visitors. You’ll see an assortment of flyable and static planes, including the C-47 Skytrain used in the D-Day invasion and the T-33 Shooting Star Jet.
Moorten Botanical Garden
Moorten Botanical Garden, established in 1938, offers visitors a chance to explore over 3,000 varieties of desert plants from around the world. The garden’s “Cactarium” greenhouse showcases rare and exotic cacti and succulents in a carefully curated environment, while the outdoor trails wind through different geographical sections featuring plants from various desert regions globally.
Unique Palm Springs Experiences
From wildlife sanctuaries to dinosaur museums, Palm Springs has something for everyone. The city’s unique attractions offer a mix of entertainment, education, and adventure.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a must-visit attraction in Palm Springs, featuring over 500 animals representing 150 species native to desert environments across North America and Africa. Unlike traditional zoos, The Living Desert focuses on conservation and education about desert plants and animals, with naturalistic habitats that allow visitors to observe species like giraffes, cheetahs, and bighorn sheep in environments similar to their native homes.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are an iconic roadside attraction near Palm Springs, featuring two massive steel-and-concrete dinosaur sculptures: a 150-foot-long Apatosaurus and a 65-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus rex. Visitors can climb inside the T-rex’s mouth for unique photo opportunities, explore the dinosaur museum with over 50 lifelike dinosaur sculptures, and dig for fossils in the interactive paleontology area.
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
The Palm Springs Windmill Tours provide insight into renewable energy through self-guided driving tours of one of the oldest and largest wind farms in the country. With over 2,000 turbines harnessing the powerful desert winds that funnel through the San Gorgonio Pass, visitors can learn about the importance of wind energy and its impact on the environment.
These unique experiences showcase the diversity and richness of Palm Springs’ attractions, making it an ideal destination for families, adventure seekers, and those interested in learning about the natural world.
Shopping and Entertainment in Palm Springs
Palm Springs combines mid-century modern charm with contemporary chic, making it a fascinating place to shop. You’ll find an array of local stores and boutiques in the popular shopping district of downtown Palm Springs and at El Paseo in Palm Desert.
Downtown Palm Springs and Palm Canyon Drive
Downtown Palm Springs centers around Palm Canyon Drive, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and entertainment venues. The downtown area features the Palm Springs Walk of Stars and hosts VillageFest on Thursday nights, a popular street fair with over 180 vendors.
El Paseo and Desert Hills Premium Outlets
For a luxury shopping experience, head to El Paseo in nearby Palm Desert, often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” It features over 300 upscale retailers and art galleries. Alternatively, visit the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon for 180+ designer outlet stores, including Gucci, Prada, and Burberry.
Whether you’re looking for mid-century modern furniture, vintage clothing, or contemporary interpretations of the Palm Springs aesthetic, the Uptown Design District along North Palm Canyon Drive is a hub for design-focused boutiques.
Palm Springs Dining Scene: Local Favorites
The desert city of Palm Springs is home to a vibrant dining scene that’s worth exploring. With its rich history and cultural diversity, Palm Springs offers a unique culinary experience that ranges from classic steakhouses to innovative farm-to-table restaurants.
Iconic Restaurants and Cafes
Palm Springs’ dining scene has something for everyone. You can enjoy breakfast at Cheeky’s, known for its creative morning fare and famous bacon flight. For a taste of old Palm Springs, visit Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn, which serves classic continental cuisine in an elegant setting. Workshop Kitchen + Bar represents the new wave of Palm Springs dining with its farm-to-table menu featuring local ingredients.
Famous Date Shakes and Desert Delicacies
No visit to Palm Springs is complete without trying a date shake, the area’s signature sweet treat. You can find these delicious shakes at Hadley Fruit Orchards or Shields Date Garden in Indio, both of which serve some of the best date shakes in the world. Made with locally grown dates from the Coachella Valley, these shakes are the perfect antidote to the desert heat.
The local food scene is also influenced by the area’s proximity to Mexico, with outstanding Mexican restaurants like Las Casuelas Terraza, a Palm Springs institution since 1958. Whether you’re looking for a classic dining experience or something new and exciting, Palm Springs’ dining scene has something to offer.
Festivals and Events in Palm Springs
Palm Springs hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, making it an exciting destination to visit. From music festivals to cultural celebrations, there’s always something happening in this desert oasis.
Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is one of the most famous events in Palm Springs, attracting over 250,000 attendees each April. This music festival features legendary headline sets from top musicians across multiple genres. Following Coachella, the Stagecoach Festival takes over the same grounds for a weekend dedicated to country music.
The Coachella Valley has become synonymous with music festivals, offering an experience that extends beyond the traditional concert format. With massive art installations, celebrity sightings, and fashion trends, Coachella is a bucket-list event for music lovers worldwide.
Modernism Week and Other Annual Events
Modernism Week is an internationally acclaimed 11-day celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, and culture. With over 350 events, including home tours, lectures, films, parties, and the Modernism Show & Sale, it’s a must-attend for architecture enthusiasts. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is another notable event, screening over 200 films from 60+ countries each January.
In addition to these events, the Coachella Valley hosts unique festivals like the Palm Springs Vintage Market, the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival, and the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells. These events showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the region’s cultural scene.
Relaxation and Wellness: Spas and Pools
In Palm Springs, you can unwind in style at one of the many exceptional spas and pools that dot the desert landscape. The region is famous for its luxurious wellness offerings, ranging from intensive cleansing programs to body and soul reboots.
Iconic Palm Springs Pool Scene
Palm Springs has cultivated a legendary pool culture that dates back to its Hollywood heyday. Many boutique hotels center their aesthetic around stylish swimming pools that serve as social hubs and Instagram-worthy backdrops. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club transformed a former Howard Johnson motel into a hipster haven with two pools that host weekend DJ parties. The Saguaro’s rainbow-colored poolside has become one of the most photographed spots in Palm Springs.
The Parker Palm Springs offers a secluded adults-only pool surrounded by privacy hedges, as well as a family-friendly option with games and amenities, both showcasing the property’s distinctive Jonathan Adler design aesthetic.
Desert Hot Springs and Mineral Spas
Just north of Palm Springs, the aptly named Desert Hot Springs sits atop a natural hot mineral water aquifer. Dozens of boutique spa hotels tap into the therapeutic waters known for their healing properties and lack of sulfur odor. The mineral-rich waters are naturally heated by the geothermal activity along the San Andreas Fault, creating pools with temperatures ranging from 90-180°F.
Two Waters Spa at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort draws on the indigenous Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ connection to the natural hot springs. The Spring Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs consistently ranks among the top mineral spring resorts in Southern California, offering day passes to enjoy their three mineral pools with panoramic mountain views.
Planning Your Perfect Palm Springs Getaway
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Palm Springs is the perfect destination for your next trip. To make the most of your getaway, consider the time of year and how it impacts your experience.
Winter and spring (November through April) offer ideal temperatures for outdoor activities, but come with higher prices and larger crowds. In contrast, summer visits (June through September) bring scorching temperatures, but reward travelers with discounted accommodation rates and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Palm Springs offers diverse accommodation options, from historic boutique hotels to luxury resorts and mid-century modern vacation rentals. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a mid-century modern home, which allows you to live like a local while enjoying private pools and authentic architectural details.
To experience the best of Palm Springs, balance active morning adventures with relaxing afternoon pool sessions, and save shopping and dining experiences for the evening. With its unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and entertainment, Palm Springs is a destination that has something for everyone.
The above is subject to change.
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