Things To Do

There are several places to get great views in this city, but if you want the ultimate view? It’s Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a huge gondola ride built in 1963 which connects Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Peak, and the largest of its kind worldwide. Jump on the tramway and stop off for lunch at the top of the mountain, or use it as transport to get you deep into the hills for a magnificent hike.

Palm Springs Art Museum is a vast collection of contemporary art, from paintings to glass and sculpture, but with a desert theme, a beautiful museum inside and out. Think Native American art, Modernism, and the American West, laid out in a 10,000-square-foot auditorium featuring everyone from Edward Curtis to Henry Moore. There are also two sister locations, one downtown and one in Palm Desert.

Craggy peaks, climbable boulders, and those beloved yuccas are barely an hour’s car ride away. Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for overnight campers, but you can explore plenty in a single afternoon, from an easygoing hike around Hidden Valley to vistas from 5,000 feet up at Keys View. If you’re coming from Palm Springs, you’ll want to enter from the northwest entrance in Joshua Tree; if you’re staying farther east into the Coachella Valley, you can use the south gate, but it’ll put you—for better or worse—in a more desolate area that’s farther from the park’s main attractions.

Even if you don’t need any information from the official Palm Springs welcome center, this distinctive spot is worth a stop to admire its treasured architecture; the Space Age structure opened in 1965 as a gas station, but when the Albert Frey and Robson Chambers’s retro design was slated for the wrecking ball in the ’90s, it was saved and turned into a visitors’ center.

This air museum primarily showcases World War II and combat aircraft from the wars in Korea and Vietnam. You’ll find more than 40 flyable and static planes across three warehouses, from the B-17 flying fortress to the F-4 fighter jet, and a couple of aircraft on the tarmac, like the C-47 and PBY Catalina Flying Boat. The museum also offers limited high-priced flights aboard the C-47 Skytrain and P-51 Mustang.

True to its name, this zoo looks just like a living slice of the Sonoran Desert. Located a couple of miles outside Palm Springs, the primarily outdoor locale is broadly split into North American and African environments. Explore the grounds to find an assortment of wild cats and hoofed mammals. You can also feed the giraffes, which is an experience and a half.

Experience a few quiet hours of “getting away from it all” with on over 150 miles of convenient riding trails that provide both solitude and breathtaking beauty. Located in Palm Springs, Smoke Tree Stables offers guided horseback rides by the hour or for the entire day.   The stable also offers a complete boarding facility with direct access to hundreds of miles of riding trails.

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Palm Springs lies the captivating Tahquitz Canyon – a place that effortlessly blends natural splendor with rich Native American history. The canyon is not only a popular hiking destination but also holds immense cultural significance as the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Looking for an exciting and immersive experience that combines puzzle-solving, teamwork, and adrenaline-pumping fun? Look no further than Escape Room Palm Springs. Located in the heart of this vibrant city, Escape Room Palm Springs offers a captivating and thrilling adventure that will put your problem-solving skills to the test.

As you step into VillageFest, prepare to be greeted by a sensory overload. The air is laced with tantalizing aromas from the diverse food vendors lining the streets. From gourmet food trucks to international delicacies, there is something to tempt every palate. Savor mouthwatering BBQ, indulge in tasty desserts, or sample exotic cuisines from around the world.

If you’re seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of Palm Springs, look no further than Off Road Rentals. Nestled off Highway 111 in north Palm Springs, this thrilling activity offers the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Brace yourself for a heart-pounding experience as you explore the rugged terrains and picturesque trails that await. So strap on your helmet, hop onto your trusty ATV, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through canyons, valleys, and dunes.