30 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs: The Best Attractions and Activities
If you’re looking for a fun getaway from San Francisco, look no further than Palm Springs! This vibrant city has something for everyone, from incredible attractions and activities to top-notch restaurants and nightlife.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the 30 best things to do in Palm Springs. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or a romantic date night spot, you’ll find it here! So pack your bags and let’s explore everything that Palm Springs has to offer!
30 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs: The Best Attractions and Activities
1. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway! This attraction takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through the mountains, from the desert floor to the top of Mount San Jacinto with an elevation of over 8000 feet. You’ll get stunning views of Palm Springs as well as the Coachella valley below.
2. Visit the Palm Springs Museum of Art
The Palm Springs Museum of Art is a top attraction in the city, and for good reason! This museum features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, classical and archaeological works, as well as rotating exhibitions that are sure to impress. It’s a great way to learn about the history of art, and it’s definitely worth a visit!
3. Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum
If you’re a history lover, the Palm Springs Air Museum is definitely worth a visit! This museum is home to an impressive collection of aircrafts, from World War II bombers to modern fighter jets. You’ll get to see some of the most iconic planes in history, and how aviation has evolved over the years, and it’s a great way to learn about military history!
4. Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
If you’re looking for an animal lover’s paradise, look no further than the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens! This zoo is home to over 500 animals from lions and tigers to camels and zebras representing 150 species. You’ll get to see some of the most exotic animals in the world, and it’s a great way to learn about their habitats!
5. Take a walk amongst the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
If you’re a fan of Hollywood, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Walk of Stars! This attraction features the hand and footprints of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, and Lucille Ball. It’s a fun way to get a glimpse into Hollywood history.
6. Explore the Indian Canyons (our favorite)
The Indian Canyons are an incredible natural attraction in Palm Springs. These canyons are home to some of the most unique plant life in the world, as well as impressive rock formations and waterfalls. You can either hike or bike through the canyons and go at your own pace.
7. Visit the Coachella Valley Preserve – Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
The Coachella Valley Preserve is a top spot for nature lovers. This park is home to an impressive collection of cacti and other desert plants, as well as beautiful gardens and ponds. It’s the perfect place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle.
8. Check out the Palm Springs VillageFest
If you’re looking for a fun night out, be sure to check out the Palm Springs VillageFest! This weekly event features live music, food vendors, and local artisans. You’ll get to experience all that Palm Springs has to offer, and it’s a great way to meet locals and learn about the city’s culture.
9. Check out the Palm Springs Follies
For a night of entertainment, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Follies! This show is a tribute to classic Hollywood, and it features some of the top performers in the area. You’ll get to see everything from singing and dancing to comedy and magic, and it’s a great way to spend an evening!
10. Check out or take part in the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival
If you’re a fan of short films, be sure to check out the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival! This event is one of the top short film festivals in the world, and it features screenings of some of the most innovative new shorts. This is a unique film festival worth checking out.
11. Splash around at the Palm Springs Oasis Water Resort
For a fun day in the sun, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Oasis Water Resort! This waterpark is home to a variety of slides and pools, and it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. You’ll have a blast swimming and sliding your way through the day!
12. Take a walk through the Moorten Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a nature escape in the heart of Palm Springs, look no further than Moorten Botanical Garden. The Moorten Botanical Garden is a living museum of desert folklore, and it features sparkling crystals, vibrant rocks, ancient fossils, and pioneer and gold mining relics for everyone.
Over 3000 species of plants from all over the world have been planted in carefully arranged environments along a nature walk. You will come across a unique showcase of unusual plants in the world’s first Cactarium (a name coined by the Moortens).
Tip: Admission is 5 USD and they are open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm June 1 – Sept 30
13. Take a day trip to the Cabazon Dinosaurs
If you’re traveling with kids, a stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs is a must. These massive concrete dinosaurs are located just off of I-15 and make for a great photo op. The gift shop on site is also worth checking out for some unique souvenirs. Check out more stories on our Instagram @wewanderlustco
14. Walk amongst the Palm Springs Windmills
Palm Springs is home to a number of windmills, and they make for a great photo op. You can do a self-guided tour right off the side of the road or go on the Palm Springs Windmill Tour. This is a great way to learn about the history of renewable energy in California. These massive windmills are located just outside of downtown, and you can even go inside some of them!
15. Enjoy a customized drink or two at the Starbucks Reserve on Palm Canyon Drive
This is not your average Starbucks – it’s a coffee roastery and tasting room, where you can learn about the art of coffee-making and sample some rare and limited-edition coffees.
The Starbucks Reserve is a collection of the rarest, most remarkable coffees available at Starbucks. It’s where they push their creative limits, creating a unique roast for each lot before experimenting with coffee as an art form—brewing, aging, infusing, and mixing it into fantastic new concoctions for you!
16. See an amazing show at the McCallum Theatre
The McCallum Theatre is a top spot for entertainment in Palm Springs. This theatre features an impressive lineup of diverse shows, from Broadway musicals to comedians and more. The theatre puts on shows that both entertain and educate the public on the diversity, interests, and tastes of the Palm Springs and Greater Palm Desert communities.
17. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Mid-Century Modern Architecture
If you’re a fan of architecture, be sure to take a tour of all the amazing Palm Springs’ Mid-Century Modern buildings! This style of architecture is unique and iconic, and it’s definitely worth seeing in person. You can also rent bikes to do the tour.
Tip: It’s better to rent bikes during cooler months because it is extremely hot during the late Spring and Summer months. The scorching sun is unforgiving and we were so glad we did our self-guided tour in our car.
🌴Download the Palm Springs Door Tour Map below🌴
18. Take a dip in one of Palm Springs’ many swimming pools
With so much sunshine, it’s no wonder that Palm Springs is home to some of the best pool scenes in California. There are numerous day clubs and hotel pools to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style. Whether you’re looking to relax or party, there’s a pool in Palm Springs that’s perfect for you!
A couple of the favorites among travelers are the Ace Hotel and Swim Club and The Saguaro Palm Springs.
19. Enjoy a Spa Day
Palm Springs is home to some of the best spas in California, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs whether you’re looking for a relaxing day spa or a more luxurious experience, there’s something for everyone in palm springs.
One of the popular spas is The Spa at Rancho Las Palmas Resort. If you’re looking for a day of pampering, the Spa at Rancho Las Palmas Resort is a great option. This spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
20. Hike up to the San Jacinto Peak
Climb the rugged mountains of Mount San Jacinto. These mountains are located just north of palm springs and offer some great hiking trails and views.
Mt San Jacinto Peak is one of the most difficult and beautiful hikes in Southern California, with a trek to the peak on the Deer Springs Trail that is both tough and gorgeous. On your way up to San Jacinto Peak, you’ll climb over 5,000 feet through ancient pine forests until you reach the top.
21. Explore the Fan Palms at Palm Canyon
The Fan Palm Oasis in Palm Canyon is the largest concentration of naturally occurring fan palms in the world. The oasis contains over 500 palm trees that are over 200 years old. The best time to visit is in Spring when the palms are in full bloom.
22. Golf at one of Palm Springs’s championship golf courses
Palm Springs has some of the best golf courses in California, and many of them are located in beautiful desert settings. With more than 100 courses in the area, you’ll be spoiled for choice. But if you want to experience one of the most iconic golf courses in Palm Springs, then head to the Indian Canyons Golf Resort. Located on 150 acres of land that was once part of a Native American reservation, this course has been attracting top golfers since 1961.
23. Visit the Shields Date Garden
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, the Shields Date Garden is a must-visit. This restaurant is located in an old date orchard and offers a variety of date-themed dishes. You can also purchase fresh dates from the on-site store. You can also take a self-guided tour of the garden where it chronicles the life of Jesus Christ as you walk through the date garden.
24. Visit the Coachella Valley History Museum
The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Coachella Valley’s past. If you love museums, you’ll enjoy visiting this history museum where you can learn about the people who have lived in the area for centuries.
25. Shop and Dine in Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a California desert town with a flourishing shopping environment and a variety of retail alternatives, from bargain outlet malls to bohemian old shops to high-end designer boutiques.
Shop for vintage finds at one of Palm Springs’ many thrift stores. There are plenty of places to choose from, but Desert Vintage is a particular favorite. It’s packed with hidden treasures, from mid-century modern furniture to kitschy homeware to disco clothes. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or just browsing, this is the place to do it. This is one of Shafeen’s best things to do in Palm Springs.
26. Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
This huge park is home to the iconic Joshua Tree, as well as a variety of other desert plants and animals. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and if you’re lucky you might even see some bighorn sheep or desert tortoises.
27. See a concert or show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Palm Springs Cultural Center fosters, produces, and encourages the arts and cultural activities of its residents in order to utilize the power of inspiration to bring people together.
Film festivals, farmers’ markets, live shows, art installations, and lecture series are just a few of the activities you can enjoy while visiting.
28. Explore Old Town La Quinta
Old Town La Quinta’s beautiful Main Street is filled with restaurants, boutiques, businesses, and premium services. Old Town holds a monthly organic farmers’ market as well as outdoor music concerts, art exhibits, seasonal activities, and a weekly organic farmers’ market.
29. Take a Jeep Tour
These tours offer visitors a chance to explore the beautiful desert landscape of San Gorgonio Wind Farm and Joshua Tree National Park.
30. Go Horseback Riding
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the desert, be sure to go horseback riding! This is a great activity for families or groups of friends, and it’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful parts of Palm Springs.
There are many different companies that offer horseback riding tours, so be sure to do some research and find one that’s right for you!
Best Time To Visit Palm Springs
There’s no wrong time to visit Palm Springs – the city enjoys nearly perfect weather year-round. However, if you’re looking for the best deals on hotels and flights, try visiting in the off-season (typically October through May).
That said, Spring and Summer are great times to visit if you want to enjoy all that Palm Springs has to offer, including its many swimming pools and spas.
Must-See Place in Palm Springs
There’s no one “must-see” place in Palm Springs – the city has something to offer everyone. However, if you want to experience the natural beauty of Palm Springs, a visit to the Palm Canyon Oasis is a great option. This nature reserve is home to a variety of fan palms, as well as some spectacular views. If there’s one thing you can’t miss, it’s this!
Best Restaurant in Palm Springs
There are many great restaurants in Palm Springs, so it’s hard to choose just one. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, the Oasis Date Garden is a must-visit. This restaurant is located in an old date orchard and offers a variety of date-themed dishes.
Palm Springs is a desert oasis that offers something for everyone. From shopping and dining to outdoor activities and cultural events, there’s always something to do in this vibrant city. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for a month, be sure to check out our Top 30 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs! You won’t be disappointed.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the top things to do in Palm Springs. If you have any other suggestions, be sure to let us know on our Instagram @wewanderlustco
30 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs: The Best Attractions and Activities
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
- Visit the Palm Springs Museum of Art
- Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum
- Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
- Take a walk amongst the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
- Explore the Indian Canyons (our favorite)
- Visit the Coachella Valley Preserve – Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
- Check out the Palm Springs VillageFest
- Check out the Palm Springs Follies
- Check out or take part in the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival
- Splash around at the Palm Springs Oasis Water Resort
- Take a walk through the Moorten Botanical Garden
- Take a day trip to the Cabazon Dinosaurs
- Walk amongst the Palm Springs Windmills
- Enjoy a customized drink or two at the Starbucks Reserve on Palm Canyon Drive
- See an amazing show at the McCallum Theatre
- Take a Self-Guided Tour of Mid-Century Modern Architecture
- Take a dip in one of Palm Springs’ many swimming pools
- Enjoy a Spa Day
- Hike up to the San Jacinto Peak
- Explore the Fan Palms at Palm Canyon
- Golf at one of Palm Springs’s championship golf courses
- Visit the Shields Date Garden
- Visit the Coachella Valley History Museum
- Shop and Dine in Downtown Palm Springs
- Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
- See a concert or show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
- Explore Old Town La Quinta
- Take a Jeep Tour
- Go Horseback Riding
Remember, Wherever You Go, Don’t Forget to Wander :). Happy Exploring!
