The Top 13 Things to Do in Palm Springs

Escape to the enchanting desert oasis of Palm Springs, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Southern California. Palm Springs has a landscape that effortlessly blends retro charm with modern luxury.  Spanning across a sun-soaked desert expanse, it’s a haven of over 95 square miles to explore.

Best Things to do in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a vibrant city and home to some of the best restaurants, mid-century modern homes, and fun activities. Relax by the pool or explore the various vibrant areas of Palm Springs.

Here are our top 13 picks for things to do in Palm Springs!

Tip: Though possible to do with public transportation or bicycle, the best way to experience Palm Springs is by renting a car. California has excellent roads perfect for completing a Palm Springs itinerary with your own vehicle.

We recommend renting a car here with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.

1. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Palm Springs. This museum features a rotating selection of art exhibits, including pieces from both emerging and established artists. There’s also a sculpture garden on site, which is a great place to relax and take in the design and beauty of Palm Springs.

Tip: For FREE admission, go on a Thursday between 5-7PM. Be sure to reserve your tickets online prior to going.

2. Enjoy a day at the pool

Palm Springs resorts are famous for their luxurious pools, so be sure to spend some time relaxing by the pool during your stay. Many resorts also offer poolside drinks and snacks, so you can enjoy a day in the sun without having to leave poolside.

If you’re looking for a luxurious pool experience, be sure to check out the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. This hotel features a 12,000-square-foot pool that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The hotel also offers poolside cabanas and daybeds, as well as food and drinks service.

3. Take a scenic drive

Palm Springs is home to some of the most beautiful desert scenery in California. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, take a scenic drive through the city and enjoy the stunning views with streets lined with towering palm trees.

There’s no better way to experience the beauty of Palm Springs than by taking a scenic drive through the city. You’ll get to see all sorts of amazing sights, including palm trees, mountains, and desert landscapes. Enjoy driving up and down Palm Canyon Drive and taking in the sunset behind the beautiful mountainous backdrop. Photo Tip: The best time to photograph this drive is during sunrise and sunset so you can experiment with the light and shadows in your photos.

4. Take a Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, be sure to visit Joshua Tree National Park. This park is home to some of the most beautiful desert scenery in California, and it’s a great place for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Watch our stargazing adventure in Joshua Tree if you’re into astro photography.

5. Hit up some golf courses

Palm Springs is home to some world-class golf courses, so be sure to tee off during your stay. If you’re not a golf pro, don’t worry – there are plenty of courses that offer lessons and rentals.

6. Visit one of Palm Springs’ many mid-century modern homes

Palm Springs is known for its abundance of mid-century modern homes. These unique homes are a must-see for anyone visiting palm springs, so be sure to do some research ahead of time and plan out which ones you want to visit. We have a dedicated post for the Palm Springs Door Tour 2024 (11 Colorful Doors You Shouldn’t Miss) or get the FREE DOWNLOADABLE Door Tour pdf below.

7. Go Vintage Shopping for those unique finds

There’s no shortage of shopping options in Palm Springs! From trendy boutiques to high-end designer stores, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. And if you need a break from shopping, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby where you can take a break and refuel.

8. Explore Palm Springs’ food scene

Palm Springs is home to some of the best restaurants in California. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste here. Be sure to ask around for recommendations, as there are far too many great restaurants to list here!

Some of our favorite cafes:

• French Miso Cafe
• Frisky Business Palm Springs Cat Cafe
• Azure Palm Cafe

9. Check out Palm Springs’ nightlife

If you’re looking for a fun night out, Palm Springs has plenty to offer. From dance clubs and bars to live music venues, there’s something for everyone in palm springs’ nightlife scene.

Some of the best places to go out in Palm Springs are the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Colony Palms Hotel, and The Arrive.

These hotels all have lively bars and dance clubs that are perfect for a night out on the town. And if you’re looking for something more low-key, Palm Springs has plenty of dive bars and music venues to choose from.

10. Take a hike

The Palm Springs area is home to some beautiful mountain ranges, so be sure to take advantage of them by going on a hiking excursion. Palm Springs has many popular hiking trails, including trails with views, trails with waterfalls, and trails in canyons. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so you can find one that best suits your level of fitness and experience.

If you’re looking for some exercise during your stay, why not take a hike through one of Palm Springs’ many beautiful hiking trails? There’s no better way to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert than by taking a hike through the hills and canyons.

Popular Hikes:

• Cactus to Clouds Trail
• Tahquitz Canyon
• Muray Canyon Trail
• Earl Henderson Trail

Tip: Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as it can get very hot in the desert sun.

11. Visit the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is one of the best ways to experience the desert landscape. This aerial tram takes you from the floor of the canyon up to an observation deck, where you can take in stunning views of Palm Springs and the surrounding area.

The tram ride itself is also very scenic, so be sure to bring your camera! After shopping around, we found the cheapest tickets here.

12. Visit Sunnylands

Sunnylands is a beautiful estate in Palm Slprings that’s open to the public. This historic property is home to some of the most stunning gardens in Palm Springs.

The center offers exhibitions of photography from all around the world, as well as educational programs and workshops. If you’re interested in photography, be sure to visit Sunnylands during your stay in Palm Springs!

13. Indulge in Various Art Installations at The Block

The Block is an outdoor art gallery in Palm Springs that features a rotating selection of art installations. You will find a gigantic Marilyn Monroe, an upside-down car on a liquid pool, and faceless babies climbing the walls. Simultaneously weird and interesting! This is a great place to enjoy the art scene while also getting some culture.

These are just some of the top things to do in Palm Springs. Be sure to add these activities to your list when you’re planning your trip to this desert oasis! Don’t forget to check out the best activities to do in Palm Springs as well.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Palm Springs, whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed getaway in a desert scape. From shopping and dining to hiking and exploring, we love that Palm Springs attracts all types of travelers.

If you’re anything like us, you love photography and will be traveling to Palm Springs to capture all the beautiful photo spots. Check out the mini guide below to help you take better photos in some of the most picturesque areas of Palm Springs and the surrounding areas.

Here are some tips for taking photos in Palm Springs:

• Use natural light: Use natural light whenever possible to make photos look more inviting and natural. If you’re indoors, try to find a spot near a window. If you’re outdoors, look for shady areas or wait for the golden hour.
• Take photos at sunrise or sunset: The light isn’t too harsh and there are less shadows during sunrise or sunset.
• Bring a small and lightweight backpack for your camera gear.
• Rent a bike for a day: Riding a bike can help you see more details and easily stop and get shots that you might miss in a car.
• Weather: Check the weather and scout ahead of time.
• Avoid midday shoots: The harsh light can make everything look flat and your photos won’t look as dynamic.

Here are some places to take photos in Palm Springs:

• Moorten Botanical Garden: Wander through the garden and let your camera focus on the intricate details of spiky cacti and colorful blooms.
• Windmills: The windmills are a Palm Springs icon. They make a great photo spot during sunrise or sunset when the light isn’t too harsh and there are less shadows. Check out the best spot to get the windmill shot here!
• Salvation Mountain: This quirky and unusual place is an hour outside of Palm Springs.
• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The tram will offer plenty of photo ops no matter the season.
• Cabazon Dinosaurs: Palm Springs Dinosaurs Cabazon Dinosaurs has over fifty dinosaurs, a dinosaur dig and fossil panning.  You don’t necessarily need to go inside as there are a few giant dinos right outside next to the parking lot.

Other places to take photos in Palm Springs include:

• Joshua Tree National Park
• Palm Desert
• Palm Canyon Drive
• Thousand Palms Oasis Reserve
• San Jacinto Mountain